What does it mean to be Hot, Cold or Luke Warm?

"Six miles to the north lay Hiriepolis, famed for it's hot springs, ten miles to the east lay Colosse, known for it's cold, pure drinking water supply. As Hemer (1986: 187-91) points out, Hierapolis streams were so well known for their healing qualities that the city became a major health center, while the cold, life giving water of Colosse, the only place in the region it was available, may account for it;s original settlement. Laodicea had no water supply of it's own. It was founded at the junction of trade routes not for it's natural but for it's commercial and military advantages. When it piped in it's water from the hot springs of Denizli, the water did not have enough time to cool in the aqueducts but arrived "Lukewarm" (χλιαρός chliaros). Even today, people n the area place the water in jars to cool. Porter (1987: 144-46) shows that passages from Herodotus and Xenophon indicate that it was the temperature as well as the minerals (see below) that made the water undrinkable. In this sense it is their barren works rather than spirituality that is the focus, which fits the opening "I know your works." Of course, there is no radical difference between the two, for it's deeds showed it's spiritual barrenness... the water flowing over the cliffs of Hierapolis left spectacular deposits that were visible from Laodicea. Hemer (1986: 187) describes the scenic wonders well: "Hot sparkling waters rise from deep pools on the city plateau... The cliff ... is come 300 feet high and extends nearly a mile. It's ever changing reflections of light and color are unspeakably beautiful, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the snowy peak of Cadmus. Yet all this beauty also reminded Laudicea that their water was undrinkable. As such, it provided a perfect metaphor for the shallowness of that church: beautiful outwardly and sickening inwardly!"  "

- Grant R Osborne, Baker's exegetical commentary on the New Testament for Revelations, page 205, 206 on the Letters to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor.


"The basis (casual ,ὅτι, Hori, because)" of their lukewarm spirituality and GOd's imminent judgement is not given. The Laodiceans were immediately wealthy, and this led to self sufficiency and complacency, a deadly combination for the Christian. Their problem was, (λέγεις ὅτι Πλούσιος εἰμι, legeis hoti plousios eimi, you say, "I am rich"). Because they were materially "rich", they assumed that they were also spiritually "rich". Hemer(1986: 191-195) describes the wealth of the Laodicea in great detail. The entire region was rich, and Laodicea was often chosen as the major example of this wealth. A man from there depict cornucopias, a symbol of wealth and affluence. A man named Hiero bequeathed two thousand talents (several million dollars in today's terms) to the city, and the Zenonid family was so wealthy and powerful that several of their members achieved the status of royalty (Polemos was even named "King") under the Romans. The problem, however, was not wealth per se but the smug self satisfaction it engendered. They also said, (πλούσιος καί οὐδείς χρεία ἔχω, peplouteka, kai ouden chreian echo, I have wealth and need nothing). In AD 60 a devastating earthquake leveled their city, but they result it without the help from Rome. Moreover, the buildings that resulted from the reconstruction were remarkable; a gymnasium, a stadium with semicircular track nine hundred feet long, a triple gate and towers, and several beautiful buildings. In other words, the town was perhaps even more beautiful after the reconstruction. The church was like the city, believing that i'ts material wealth connoted spiritual wealth."

- Grant R Osborne, Baker's exegetical commentary on the New Testament for Revelations, page 206, 207 on the Letters to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor.

Does Rev 3:10 refers to pre-tribulation rapture?

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. - Rev 3:10

Proponents for Pre-tribulation rapture often cite this verse to justify their belief. While the hour of trial refers to God's judgement, likely to refer to the Trumpet and Bowl judgement, they believe the term "keep you from" gives a hint to the taking away of the church which will happen before God pours his wrath on earth.

There are a few things to consider:

1. The hour of trial DOES refer to end time. This is different from Rev 2:10 where God will keep the church of Smyrna in a 10 day trial. In this case, the hour of trial is to be released upon the whole world. The beast only persecuted Christians, only God can release such wrath through the trumpets bowls.

2 The term "to keep you from" even in the Greek does not neccesarily renders a removal from calamity. It can also mean "to protect one from" danger, instead of removal from it.

3. Rev 9:4, the demonic Locusts that came from the abyss as a result of the blowing of the 5th Trumpet could only harm those who does not have the seal of God. It means, that those with the seal of God are present on earth, they are not removed from danger but are instead protected from it.

4. Rev 12:14, the woman clothed with sun moon and stars was given 2 wings to "fly to the wilderness". If this refers to the rapture, we can hardly refer heaven as "wilderness". Hence it is also obvious in this case, that the woman who is representative of the Church is protected from danger, but not removed from the earth.

5. Rev 12:17, if the church is not present during the great tribulation, then the rest of her offspring which is the church should not be present that the serpent waged war against.

While it is not neccesary to deny the doctrine of Pre-Tribulation rapture, Rev 3:10 does not support it either. But what is DOES say is, if we are faithful like the Philedelphia church, that in the midst of persecution from the wrath of the beast upon the Church, God will protect the Church from his wrath upon the beast.

What is the Key of David?

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
- Rev 3:7-8

There are many different interpretations as to what is the Key of David. Some believes it points to open doors for the gospel to be preached, especially the church age of the missionaries of the 1800s which historicists believe the letter to the Philadelphia refers to. Some who tend more to the prosperity gospel heresy will link this to God opening doors for blessings, and closing it from curses. Without a biblically sound system of understanding, we can easily fall into misintepretations that could be esoteric or mystical. Perhaps we should allow the word of God to interpret itself. What does the bible says about the Key of David?

In Isaiah 22:15, it talks about Shebna, who is the treasurer over the household of Hezekiah (or a comptroller or governor over the Palace). In v16, it says that he had "cut out here a tomb for yourself" and "a dwelling for yourself in the rock". It shows that at the time of trouble, this governor had put himself in a place of priority and honor over the one whom he served, be it the King in earthly sense or God in a spiritual sense.

Therefore in Isaiah 22:19, he promised to "thrust you from your office," and replace him with Eliakim the son of Hilkiah (v20). In v22, he was promised, "And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.". Hence in this case, the Key of David is given as an authority to Eliakim as the governor over the King's Palace to open or shut any door. The reference to David obviously relates to the lineage of Kings that led to Hezekiah, and will lead to Jesus and his Church later on.

In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees (representative of the Jews) tested Jesus asking for a sign. It was obvious that despite of the miracles that Jesus performed in public, they should have seen and believed that he was the Son of God, but they didn't. Hence Jesus responded in v4 that, "but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.", which means a sign of warning and judgement like Jonah to Nineveh.

In v15, Jesus asked if they knew who he was, and Peter answered that "“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”". It was Peter's answer, that Jesus again quoted the Key of David, stating in v19 that "19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[d]in heaven.”"

In this case, the term "Key of David" is replaced with the "Keys to the Kingdom of heaven". But the effect is the same, it opens (loose) and closes (binds) whatever that it has authority to do so.

In both cases as with Isaiah 22 and Matthew 16, the similarity in context of both passages lies in the rejection of one and acceptance of another. In Isaiah 22, Shebna was rejected due to his selfishness and hence Eliakim was selected to replace his office. In Matt 16, the Pharisees (Jews) were rejected for rejecting Christ, and the Apostles were accepted for accepting Christ.

Hence the term "Key of David" as in Rev 3:7-8 is the same. Rev 3:9 says "Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.". Who are those of the Synagogue of Satan? Similar to Matthew 16, it refers to the Pharisees, who were really false Jews who had rejected the very Messiah that was promised to them.

Rom 2:29 states that "9 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.". Hence a "true Jew" in God's perspective, is the one who accepts him, in contrast to "False Jews" who are Jews by lineage but ended up rejecting Jesus Christ.

The Philadelphia Church was accepted by God while their persecutors who are false Jews claiming that they were true, were rejected. And hence just like Eliakim (Isaiah 22) and the Apostles (Matthew 16), they were given the Key of David which represents their acceptance and authority to proclaim Christ like Peter did and hence open the door to those who accept it, and close the door to those who rejects it.

What is the "Jezebel Spirit"?

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. - Rev 2:20

"While 2:14-15 considered the Nicolaitans movement as a whole at Pergamum, here the comments single out the leader of the group at Thyatira, denoted by the code name "Jezebel". The reason for this is obvious, Jezebel was the Phoenician wife of Ahab who programmatically led the northern kingdom into Baal worship and sorcery (1 Kings 16:31; 21:25-26; 2 Kings 9:22). While immorality is not mentioned in the OT text (the "Harlotry" of 2 Kings 9:22 is probably meant spiritually of idolatry rather than literally, Baal worship normally was quite licentious, so the parallels are close. This leader was a "woman" (γυναῖκά, gynaika) who "called herself a prophet". In other words, she claimed that her teaching was a direct message from God. It is possible that this means her teaching was not systematic or formal but took the form of oracles and pronouncements. The gift of prophecy was essential to the early church and prophets were numbered among the leaders (Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12:28). Women were allowed to prophesy (1 Cor 11:5) and were counted among the prophets (Acts 21:9). At the same time, there were many false prophets in the OT (Jezebel) herself had approximately nine hundred (1 Kings 18:19)";

- Grant R Osborne, Baker's exegetical commentary on the New Testament for Revelations, page 155-156, on the Letters to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor.

Thyatira is an example of a church who had done well in terms of "works, love, service, faith, and patience" (v19). They have done so well that God commended them that "as for your works, the last are more than the first."; presumably better than the Ephesians in this area.

But unlike the Ephesians, Thyatira have tolerated and some even embraced false teachings of the Nicholaitans associated with Jezebel, which the Ephesians rejected (2:6) and Pergamum tolerated and described as teachings of Balaam (2:14-15 CF Num 25).

The term "Jezebel" here is not so much of the so called "Jezebel Spirit" or "controlling spirit" that modern Charismatics like to term, and has no biblical basis at all. One of the main aspects of this teaching is false prophecy, in which either these are true practitioners of sorcery in which their source of power came from real demons, or they are self made prophets that created prophecies out of their own imagination.

Christianity today is plagued with such false practice. In the bible, prophecies were never human induced and was never common. They were rare and only few were selected to use that gift. God's instructions were primarily relayed on his Logos (written word).

Whatever Rhema (Spoken word) that Jesus and the Apostles officiated became canonized into written form (Logos) for us to read. And hence there is little basis for the word of God to be articulated (Rhema) into personal instructions (2 Peter 1:20) today.

Some of these practices encourages believers to close their eyes to "meditate" and "tap into the spirit" by uttering whatever words or "visions" that comes to their mind. Such practice might seemed harmless, but in reality is nothing short of a Jezebel False Prophecy disguised in modern new age paganism.  And it is clear in the bible that we ought to stay clear of these "deep teaching of Satan (2:24) committed by those who accepts her teaching (Adulterers, v22) and her followers (Children, 2:23) "

Good works vs First Love

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4‭-‬5 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37‭-‬40 NKJV

"Throughout the NT love for God / Christ is emphasized (Rom 8:28, 1 Cor 2:9, 8:3, Eph 6:24) as is love for our fellow believers (John 13:24, 15:12, 1 Thess 4:9, 1 Pet 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 14). Indeed, the one demands the other, for one cannot love God without loving his children and vice versa (1 John 2:9-10; 4:16, 20-21). In a striking parallel to this passage, love in 1 John was a test for orthodoxy (see 2:7-17; 3:10-24; 4:7-5:3). It is clear that the Ephesians loved truth more than they loved God or one another. This does not mean that they were not believers or that they had no love at all, for the commendations of verses 2-3 would be impossible in that case. Rather, their early love had grown cold and been replaced with a harsh zeal for orthodoxy."

"These are not just "good works" but "acts of love" toward God and one another that characterized that early years of their church. Their battle against heretics could certainly be construed as "good works", but because it was not accompanied by love (see 1 Cor 13:1-2), it was insufficient. In short, orthodoxy without orthopraxy is a false religion."

- Grant R Osborne, Baker's exegetical commentary on the New Testament for Revelations, page 116, 117 on the Letters to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor.

Therefore the term "good works", is not restricted to mercy works only, but includes our services to God in the church, towards one another, which in the case of the Ephesians, is defense against heresy. The failure of the Ephesians at that time, is when they had done all these not out of the Love that the first Generation Ephesian believers did in Acts 19.

Hence returning to first love, does not merely mean going back to good deeds (which the Ephesians already did), but to do it with love.

Some tools for book survey

Before we study the word in details, it is important Hermeneutical practice to understand the general theme and message of the "book as whole", or even "bible as whole" so that we don't go out of context. This is usually done using what we call a "book survey". Some of the tools that we can employ while we survey a book are to observe patterns like,

- Repetitions
- Contrasts
- Causation and Substantiation
- Particularization (groups of passages that elaborates a summary statement)
- Generalizations (summary statement for a group of passages)
- Inclusios (Similar statement that book marks starts and end of passages)
- Chaism - An ABB'A' or ABCC'B'A', etc structure that is a feature of Jewish writings.

One example of CHIASM is Matt 6:24,

A No one can serve two masters;

B for either he will hate the one

C and love the other,

C′ or he will be devoted to one

B′ and despise the other.

A′ You cannot serve God and wealth.

Another CHIASTIC example in Psalms 67

A May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.

B Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

C Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

B' Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

A' The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!

We can also find GENERALIZATION or Summary statements like Acts 2:42 that states the result of the preaching of the gospel, and Act 4:33 acts as an INCLUSIO and also a summary statement that summarizes the faithfulness and growth of the early church as the result of the preaching of the gospel. Hence the content between Acts 2:42 and 4:33 are PARTICULARIZATION of the 2 summary statements.

Another INCLUSIO can be found in Rev 1:8 and Rev 22:13 where Jesus mentioned that he is the Alpha and Omega, a title that makes Jesus equivalent to God (Isaiah 44:6), that he is the one who controls history from the beginning to the end.

Luke also places the generosity of Barnabas (Acts 4:36) next to the Sin of Ananias and Sapphire in Chapter 5. This would act as a CONTRAST for students to observe what God honors and hates.

Hebrews 1:1-14 is a CAUSE that SUBSTANTIATES 2:1-13. Colossians 3:1-4 can also be a CAUSATION in which 3:5-17 SUBSTANTIATES the cause.

In this way, we can systematically understand the context and message the author is trying to convey, and not inject any presumptions, opinions or even mystical ideas where the text does not say.

We have to remember that the bible is not a code book that we decipher esoteric messages. The bible is not written uncontrollably by men "possessed by a spirit" like a pagan mediums. Rather, it is composed of genres like poetry, narratives, epistles, prophecies, etc inspired and written by human hands with the style of the human authors still in tact. And hence it's message has to be clearly understood by it's genre.

Different schools of Revelations

There are several schools of interpretation for the Christian Eschatology.

FUTURIST

Many of us follow what we would call the Futurist view whereby eschatological events and symbols are seen as literal, and looks forward to a 1000 year Millennium Kingdom of Christ (Pre-Millennial view). Futurists will read Daniel 9:27 as a delayed 70th week to be fulfilled at the end, something the other schools of intepretations will not agree.

But the Futurist view is not without weakness. Firstly, it develops a perspective that would remove its applicability to 1st century Christians who were far from the end times. And by adopting an exclusive anticipation to the end, it also separates itself from the immediate context in the circumstances when John wrote the book, in which students of  Preterist views would be stronger in.

HISTORICIST

Historicist approach views the events of revelations as unfolding throughout Church history. Therefore instead of viewing the Anti-Christ as the ultimate political figure only to appear at the end, they saw major political figures like Nero, Napolean, Hitler, etc as Anti-Christs. Historicists also sees the letter to 7 Churches as 7 periods of church History, with Ephesus being the hardworking early church, Philadelphia being the Faithful 1800 missionaries, Laodicea being the age of apostatized modern Churches age.

While it has it's merits to see prophecy as history, it also advocates a "Newpaper approach" in which believers in that view will be always on the lookout for the Mark of the Beast and see an Anti-Christ in every Pope or Presidents of the United States. It can become a doomsday mentality without one realizing it.

PRETERIST

Preterists takes into account the persecution of the church during the time of John. Hence the beasts in Rev 12 are seen to be the Roman Empire executing 10 waves (Rev 13:1) of Christian persecution by Roman Emperors with Nero being the 5th and Domitian being the current one (Rev 17:10) . The Armageddon is the destruction of the temple in AD 70, and hence the Millennial Rule is figurative where Christ rules the Church during the church age. Preterists tends to be A-Millennial or Post Millennial as it holds that the Millennial Rule is figurative that it's either already over, or is happening now during what we call the Church age.

Preterism is strong in it's context of Roman persecution and it is definitely very relevant to the early churches of Asia Minor in which the letter is written to. Hence if you were a believer in that setting, the book of Revelations would have been a great encouragement. However, this does not address the 2nd coming of Christ in Matthew 24:30 which did not literally occur in AD70 and loses it's relevance to modern Christians.

IDEALIST

Idealists take everything as spiritual. The Anti-Christ is really anyone who rebels against Christ. The beast is a spiritual being that instigates Christian persecution that can happen anywhere from your workplace to your family, there is no time frame for that.  The battle between Satan and God, the trumpet and bowl judgement are all figurative impressions of the spiritual world, whereby God will prevail in the end. Idealists are Post Millennial because the church age itself if figuratively the Millennial Rule.

Idealism has the advantage of being relevant to Christians of all ages. No matter where or when we are born, there is always a struggle between good and evil. We are constantly tempted by spiritual forces that beckons us to turn away from God. But at the end, God will prevail and those who belongs to God will be vindicated and evil will be punished. However, Idealists cannot explain many symbols in both OT and NT prophecies which had led to fulfillment of prophecies like the 1st coming of Jesus, and same applies to an end time that is still future to us.

PARTIAL VS TOTAL FULFILLMENT

The first coming of Jesus was a partial fulfillment of OT prophecies. In the 2nd Chapter of Isaiah, he wrote about an ideal state in which Israel will be in. The Futurists will see it as the Millennial Rule of Christ, the Idealists will see it as the new heaven and new earth. However, this cannot be fulfilled unless the Messiah fulfills his mission to die to redeem our sins, and this is written in Isaiah 53.

Hence we can say that the 1st coming of Jesus was a partial fulfillment of prophecy. Just as Isaiah's prophecy to King Ahaz (Isa 7:14) was partially fulfilled in Hezekiah's deliverance (Isa 37), Jesus was the true fulfillment of that prophecy. Hence Jesus 2nd coming is the Ultimate fulfillment of eschatology.

PUTTING IT ALTOGETHER

The Anti Christ, being Nero or Domitian, that came with Roman persecution (Preterist) can be seen as a preview of the anti-Christs that had came with world history (Historicist) and the spirit of anti-Christ around us (Idealist), then these does not negate the ultimate Anti Christ that will rule the world during the Great Tribulation (Futurist).

The fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 in 1 Macabbees, when King Antiochus burnt pigs in the temple, is also an example of an Anti-Christ that partially fulfilled OT prophecy. And this was also partially fulfilled in AD 70 during the destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem.

Hence with that in mind, we do not have to disregard other schools of interpretation while adopting a Futurist view of interpretation. What matters after all, is to heed the words of Christ to the 7 churches, to persevere and overcome.

Divorce and Remarry? (What is the whole point of 1 Cor 7?)

A) THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE: TOLERANCE FOR SIN CAUSED BY ARROGANCE IN WORLDLY WISDOM

There is a problem within the Corinthian community that some had taken Paul's words in his previous letter into another extreme; they forbid sex within marriage. Some Corinthians sought to abstain from sex even within marriage as they thought that their spiritual status as Christians are affected by that. That is the main motivation behind 1 Cor 7 as they wrote to Paul regarding Sexual abstinence:

"Now concerning the matters about WHICH YOU WROTE: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”" - 1 Cor 7:1

Paul had previously warned about sexual immorality (i.e, 6:9), which resulted in a response from the Corinthians to him in a previous letter. Some of the Corinthians with over realized eschatology, thought that they were already in their glorified bodies (4:8), and hence they abstained from Sex even within Marriage (7:1). Paul spent Chapters 1 to 4 to explain to the Corinthians how they were arrogant (4:6-7) with worldly wisdom (3:18-23), and their false spirituality had caused them to condone Sin in their community (5:6-8, 6:8). That is why Paul had to explain in 7:4-5, asking them "Do not deprive one another", because that has resulted in sexual immorality among them (7:2).

B) DIVORCE WITHOUT VALID GROUNDS: DUE TO ABSTINENCE FROM SEX

Therefore Paul's charge towards the Corinthians, is that they are not allowed to divorce based on the wrong believe that "Christians should abstain from Sex, even within marriage". This might have caused some husbands to initiate a divorce due to their wives refusing to have sex with them. That is why Paul went on to say that our bodies belong to each other (7:4), we are not to deprive each other of sex (7:5), a believer couple are to remain married (7:10). And if a wife leaves her husband for invalid grounds as above, she is to remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband (7:11)

"To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." - 1 Cor 7:10-11

Paul's preferred model is for Christian marriage (Eph 5:22-33), which agrees with Peter (1 Pet 3:1-7) is for the couple to stay together and not divorce each other; Christians are to strive for reconciliation, forgiveness and love, to stay together in marriage by all reasonable means just as Christ loves the Church regardless of her imperfections. So the spouse who had wrongfully walked away from the marriage without valid grounds must "remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband".

C) DIVORCE WITHOUT VALID GROUNDS: DUE TO  FEAR OF DEFILEMENT FROM UNBELIEVING SPOUSE

Paul as he says in 7:12, that "To the rest I say (I, not the Lord).... ". In these verses, Paul is saying that a believer should stay with an unbelieving spouse, and not leave him. This is due to a misunderstanding that they are forbidden to "yoke with unbelievers" (2 Cor 6:14), so when a pagan turned to a believer, some of them sought to divorce for fear of being defiled by their non-believing spouse. But Paul states the opposite, in that the believing spouse should stick to their marriage so that there is a chance that the unbelieving spouse and children can be saved (7:14).

Christians are to remain in their current status during the time they were called and not seek for a change (7:20). But if an unbelieving spouse initiates a divorce, the believing spouse is not obligated to stop it, and is released from that marriage.

"But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you[b] to peace. "- 1 Cor 7:15

D) PAUL'S MAIN POINT: DO NOT SEEK A CHANGE IN EARTHLY STATUS

But Paul's main point for this entire section is actually found in 1 Cor 7:17-23. By using Marriage as an example, he further illustrates his main point using Circumcision (v19) and Slavery (v22). His main point is this, let each man seek NOT to change their social status at the time they were called.

"Only let each person lead the life[c] that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." - 1 Cor 7:17

This is consistent with his view in Col 3:2, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth". Since Slaves are considered freeman in Christ, and freemen are considered Slaves to Christ (Rom 6:17), Paul is saying regardless whether one is married or single (7:1-14), circumcised or uncircumcised (7:15-19), Slave or Free (7:20-24), all are the same in Christ, and one's social status does not affect one's spiritual status.

Therefore this is the whole point of the entire section: "Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called " - 1 Cor 7:20

E) APPLICATION: COMMAND VS CONCESSION

Hence to appropriate this to Christian Marriage, Paul commands Christians to stay together and not to seek alternatives and use Divorce and Remarriage as an excuse to legalize their unsatisfied lusts. However, no where in these passages does Paul addresses specific circumstances whereby abandonment, abuse and adultery are involved (Matt 5:32, 19:9). Many Christians had unnecessarily applied a blanket rule that forces believers to continue in hurtful abusive relationships and remain single when the bible states no such command.

Therefore the Sin relating to Divorce and Remarry, is not in the act by itself, but stems from an unwholesome motivation behind such decisions. At the end of the day, it is God who knows our every thoughts and motives (Psalms 139:1-4). This is not a command for all Christians to have to remain status quo, but for each believer not to actively set their mind to seek for a change in their social status in the world, but to stay faithful to their calling in Christ (7:17), wherever God has placed them (7:18).

But in circumstances whereby one does not have a gift of celibacy, or there is abuse and abandonment involved, there is concession. But the believer spouse must have exhausted all means to salvage the relationship, because God had never meant for the Christian marriage to come apart (Matt 19:3-8), but for believers to stand firm to the end (Eph 5:25).

Knowledge is not everything

The Christian faith is not just based on knowledge, but life on life. Faith that is dependent on nothing but information defeats the whole purpose of that faith one is studying.

Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. - 1 Cor 4:16-17

What it means to be "Puffed Up"

Being "Puffed Up" is not about reading too much of the bible. It is more on reliance on one's pride in one's one knowledge (which could be knowledge of the word or worldly wisdom) and not seeking true council from the word of God. And how can one understand the word of God without making conscious effort to study it?

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “DO NOT GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN.” Then you will not be PUFFED UP in being a follower of one of us over against the other.
1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

It's not OK to produce "Wood Hay and Stubble"

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. - 1 Cor 3:15

The sense of the Greek in here is not to say that it is "OK" not to be based one's work's on the firm foundation of Christ and produce "Wood, Hay and Stubble". But to one who built the foundation of one's faith upon worldly wisdom is threading at risk of going to Hell, equivalent to the English term, " to be saved at the skin of his teeth".

He continues to warn that if they persists on with their dependence on worldly wisdom, especially those who instigated others to do so, (Context from Chap 1 and 2), they will be at risk of losing their Salvation.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. - 1 Cor 3:16-17

Determination vs Hardship

Determination for success and self improvement is not the same as endurance for hardship.

Determination is a form of self will to achieve a higher social standing like striving to enhance one's physical attributes or academic accolades. It is a form of striving in anticipation of a better life.

Endurance for hardship, on the contrary, enables one to come to terms with his or her circumstances and move on with Grace, and in the Christian perspective, knowing that "God is good, be it for the better or worse".

Determination for success does not develop endurance for hardship. In fact, constant striving for material well being undermines the appreciation of the humility one can learn from difficult times.

As Paul says,

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:14‭-‬15 NASB

And we can only do this by holding eternal values, and not fleshly earthly ones. If we always view life with an expectation of a pot of gold over the rainbow we have created, our motives will no longer be gospel centric, but of the idol that we created for ourselves.

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2 NASB

Is there a difference between Internal vs External sins?

Passages like Eph 2:8-9, tell us that our Salvation in Jesus Christ has nothing to do with our merits and abilities to abstain from Sin. In fact Rom 8:3 tells us that the Law was powerless to save us from our sins, but could only reveal to us our hopelessly sinful state (Rom 7:7-8). Yet it is also clear in 1 John 3:4, that a believer does not make a practice of Sin. Throughout the Old and New Testament, the bible frequently warns us against Sin.

So what is the deal here? Are Christians allowed to Sin? Since we know that when Christians sin, we have an advocate that is in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). So shall we Sin so that Grace may abound (Rom 6:1). How much Sin is considered acceptable, and how much is not? Let's explore:

Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), that if one hates a brother, he has committed murder in his heart (Matt 5:21-26). And if one lusts over a woman in his heart, he has already committed adultery in his mind (Matt 5:27-30). Which means that, all of us are guilty of  Internal Sins that are committed in our hearts and mind, as well External Sins committed by us a acting upon our natural fleshly tenancies. There is none righteous (Rom 3:9-20), and one of the purpose of the Law, is to show us that no man can be justified by his ability to obey (v19-20).

So knowing that Grace is a concept as a gift by Faith and not works (Rom 4:4-5), we know that Salvation is never something that can be earned neither by our good works nor abstinence from Sin, simply because, we cannot do it. But does it mean that since there is nothing we can do for our justification (Rom 5:1-2), and Salvation is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ (Rom 5:17), are Christians are free to Sin since we are to do nothing about our Salvation?

1 John 2:4-6 gives as a very good idea of what a believer is supposed to do, "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments". And this is the key to what we have explored so far:

WE CANNOT BE SAVED BY KEEPING THE LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE, TRUE BELIEVERS WILL DESIRE TO KEEP THE LAW.

Which means, that if one is a true believer, it does not mean that he is saved by his ability to keep the Law. But rather he will keep the Law because he is under Grace (Rom 6:14), he is no longer slave to Sin, but to Righteousness (Rom 6:15-19). Then again, since believers don't work for their Salvation, and yet those who are saved will desire to do the works, then how much work or how much Sin can one commit before we can say one is truly saved or not? So based on our understanding of Grace vs Works as above, let's continue to explore the title post of the difference between Internal vs External sins...

INTERNAL SINS, which is our inclination or tendency towards Sin is sufficient to condemn us to Hell (Matt 5:21-30). It means that no one is righteous enough to earn his way to Salvation for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. As written above, we know we have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ as there is no way anyone on the face of this earth, but yet no one can avoid having an evil thought throughout their lifetime. But we also saw that in Romans 6, those who are saved are Slaves to Righteousness and not to Sin, and so the truly saved should have a diminishing and not growing tendency towards Sin.

In Romans 7:13-20, Paul gives an account of a believer's struggle with Sin. We are constantly torn between what we ought to do in the Spirit and what we desire to destroy with our Flesh. It is clear in v24, that this hypothetical example of a man who yearns to please God finds that there is no way he can do it. And in v25, he thank God that he can do it through Jesus Christ so that "I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.". A Christian will always struggle with Sin till the day he dies.

EXTERNAL SINS, are what we actually do when we act upon our fleshly desires. So one can lust for a woman in his heart, but it is only when he actually makes his advances towards the woman and commits adultery with her that he has acted upon his desires. For example:

- Someone having a Same Sex Attraction towards a person (internal), but chooses not to pursue it (external).

- A married person may fall into infatuation (internal) with another person but chooses not to act upon these desires (external).

- A salesperson stumbled upon an opportunity to cheat his client for a huge profit (internal) but chose to walk away from that deal (external)

- A colleague at work that one actually hates (internal) makes a mistake at the mercy of your knowledge, but you chose not to back stab nor gossip (external) about this person.

These examples shows us that anyone can have a desire to sin in our heart and minds. But we can also choose not to act upon it as it brings harm against another. Acting upon our Sins also causes other bystanders who witness the act, gets stumbled or even follow it (Matt 18:6). But what if one occasionally falls into temptation and acts upon his sinful inclinations? Is there Grace for such a person? Is there Grace for David who acted upon his lust for Bathsheba (which is external), killed Uriah and committed adultery with her?

The key thing to this question, is repentance. 1 John 1:9 gives us an idea of who are walking in the Light and who are walking in Darkness. Those who walk in darkness does not acknowledge their sins (1 John 1:8), whereas those who acknowledge their sinful nature walks in the Light (1 John 1:9). We can naturally say that those who does not acknowledge their Sins (walk in darkness) also does not understand their total deprivation, and hence does not seek to please God. They may have some form of righteousness, but they have no concept of pleasing God (Rom 8:7-8), but only seek to please their own conscience. Those who walk in the Light confesses their sins and Jesus is righteous to forgive them.

1 John 3:4-9, tells us that those who walk in the Light practices Righteousness, and those who walk in Darkness practices Sin. He does not say that those who walk in the Light are perfectly Righteous. Which means, a believer may Sin, and he is covered by the blood of Christ (1 John 2:1-2), but he does not actively pursue a life of Sin (Rom 8:5-6). So we can safely say:

WALK IN THE LIGHT = REPENT, PLEASE GOD, TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS.
WALK IN DARKNESS = DOES NOT REPENT, DOES NOT PLEASE GOD , SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

So how much Sin can we continue to commit  before we are considered as actively practicing or willfully sinning (Hebrews 10:26-27)?

Well, one can always disguise his willful sinning by saying things like "I really cannot help it..."... "This temptation is too overwhelming". Pornography for example, although private, is a result of acting upon lust. It promotes promiscuity and infidelity which are against the principals of the bible. Pornography also supports an industry whereby women and sometimes Children are often abused in order to produce those materials. As Christians, we do not want to support such industries. Yet men often have tendencies to fall into sexual sins. Hence although we have Grace over the Sins that we inadvertently fall into, we can also disguise our rebellious sinning by giving excuses for it. Other Sins can also be Jealousy, Back Stabbing, Gossip, Reviling, Covetousness, Fraud, etc.

So even though one who is a professing believer, if he actively practices a Sin, to him that is a willful Sin, and it proves that he is actually an unbeliever (1 John 3:4-9, Rom 8:7-8). Which means this person disregards the Laws of God and does not care about whether one's actions are displeasing to Him; he is an unbeliever.

But if compared to one who is struggling with his sinful inclinations but yet loses the battle once in a while and fell into it, then Romans 7:25 applies and he is covered by Jesus blood. It is not possible for a sincere student who diligently studies for his exams to fail all the time. Hence a true believer who wants to live a Holy life will not end up losing the battle all the time.

A true believer also actively seeks to help those who are in need (Matt 25:38-40), for "everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him" (1 John 5:1). Hence if we Love God, and Love our Neighbors, we can fulfill the Law through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Gal 5:14)

The Love of the Father

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the LOVE OF THE FATHER is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who DOES THE WILL OF GOD abides forever.
I John 2:15‭-‬17 NKJV

BY THIS WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to LAY DOWN OUR LIVES for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD abide in him?
I John 3:16‭-‬17 NKJV

Christians are characterized by their love for each other. And such love cannot be accomplished by sheer will power and determination. John gave a very clear view,

1. If we love anyone or anything more than the father, the Love of the Father is not in us (2:15).

2. He who does the will of the father abides forever (truly saved).

3. If anyone does not love their brethrens, the love of the father is not in them (3:17).

Many of times in our troubles, we tend to shift our object of happiness on fallible things like our love for material things or on a person. When that object or person fails, there is always a  danger that we seek comfort in another person, jump into the wrong relationships and fall into Sin. And John is also clear that true believers will not live in Sin (1 John 3:4-9).

The Love of the Father helps us to centralize him as the object of our Love. And with the right perception on the object of our faith, we are able to live Holy lives, and most importantly, to fulfill his will for us by Loving our brethrens.

Skillful Excellence vs True Obedience

Worship is an expression of our Faith towards a higher entity. In Christianity, that is none other than God alone. And so how do we worship God? Many of times, we take worship as singing congregational songs with our emotions. And as a musician myself, it often translates to musical excellence which I often attempt to present in order to establish good order for our services.

Well, all these "Practical Aspects" which perhaps I will term it as "Ritualistic Expressions" of worship (just to tie in with the OT), definitely has it's place, and a true worshiper of God will always seek to give his best to God, be it serving as an usher, helper or musician. So what does the bible tells us about "Ritualistic Excellence", is that True Obedience according to the word of God? Why did Malachi wrote that God will smear DUNG on their faces? Let's explore.

I will give this presentation based on 2 Prophets that has influenced by thinking in this area, namely; Malachi and Isaiah.

Malachi recorded his prophecy around 400 BCE, roughly 100 years after the 2nd temple was built. We can imagine, after a great revival in Nehemiah 8:9 when the people of Israel wept as they heard Ezra reading the Law in the re-built temple for the first time, they quickly fell back to spiritual bankruptcy nearly a century later.

In the 1st chapter of Malachi, he recorded prophecy from God against Israel, citing of their sub-standard sacrifices that was offered to him:

"When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts." - Malachi 1:8 (ESV)

It was so bad that he threatened to smear dung on their faces:

"3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring,[a] and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it." - Malachi 2:3 (ESV)

That truly sounds serious enough, and we definitely know clearly from the text, not to give sub-standard service to God. Hence even when we serve, be it organizing an event or helping to arrange tables, we should be mindful that we should not fall into a complacent attitude of just going through the motion and getting things done haphazardly. And definitely as a musician myself, to ensure that all arrangements are well thought through and rehearsed so as to minimize distractions.

But is that all? Are there more aspects to the word "Obedience" than these practical activities that we render for a church service? Let's back track even further to 400 years earlier when Isaiah started writing his collection of Prophecies for Israel.

Isaiah started writing at about 800 BCE, few generations before the invasion of Israel by the Assyrians about 722 BCE. In his opening Chapter, Isaiah gave us an insight on the state of Israel. Let's have a look:

“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats." - Isaiah 1:11 (ESV)

It is clear in this case, that Israel during the time of Isaiah, did not offer substandard lambs that were lame nor sick. In fact, they sacrificed the "fat of well-fed beasts". In fact, there is reason to believe that Israel did what they thought was excellent as they followed the procedures under the Levitical Sacrifices. But it is also clear, that this was not enough, and in fact their "many prayers" became a burden to God. Why?

"Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood." - Isaiah 1:14-15 (ESV)

Imagine a Christian, who is excellent in providing Graphic Design and Animations for the Church. He might be competent in his craft and often prided himself in his perfection. But in the pursuit for excellence, he neglects and is often out of touch with the community. There is no outflow of love coming out from his life and hence there is no opportunity for him to Love his Neighbor, let alone the very community that he set out to serve. Is he being obedient? Hardly.

That was the problem with Israel:

"Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." - Isaiah 1:16-17

Israel was too engrossed with "Ritualistic Excellence" that they neglected "Moral Excellence" which is an important aspect of the God's requirement for his people. In fact, they made use of "Ritualistic Excellence" as a justification for their lack of Morals, thinking that perfecting the Rituals is sufficient for their Sins to be atoned for anyway.

Roman 6:15-19 tells us that true believers of Christ are Slaves to Righteousness; which means Christians ought to be transformed towards bearing the Character of their master, God. 1 Peter 1:16 tells us “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”.

In fact, Malachi said the same thing:

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. - Malachi 3:5

Malachi's and Isaiah's message were plain and simple. There is no point offering "Ritualistic Excellence" when there is an absence of Moral Excellence. In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus rebuked the pharisees for putting their emphasis on their man made Rituals, thinking that they can please God by implementing their own standards of perfection through these Rituals. But in reality, they forsook the Commandments of God which Jesus summarized as Love your God (Ritual Excellence) and Love your neighbor (Moral Excellence). Jesus quoted form Isaiah 29:13 clearly shows that Israel did not learn from their predecessors written 800 years before their time.

Conclusion:

There is a place for "Ritualistic Excellence". True believers who wants to please God will surely seek to serve God wholeheartedly with their gifts, be it through public service, a specific skill set or administration. But to be a truly obedient believer, that is clearly not enough. While we seek to perfect our crafts through public service, let's not forget the whole point of obedience, which has to do with pursuing Christ-likeness in the community of believers.

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel." - Malachi 4:4

Malachi is clear, God is not looking for mere outward sacrifice. He is not looking for an outward appearance of Holiness. He is looking for real fruits of righteousness that stems from the Grace which he has provided through the death of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul said:

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Phil 2:3-4

Are we genuinely obedient to God? Or are we putting on an outward performance to impress others? Do we seek to add value to ourselves or to others? Are we sacrificing our time to love others while we pursue excellence and self aggrandizement? I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal this to our hearts and mind that we may truly bear genuine fruits of love.

How relevant is music in the bible?

Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
I Chronicles 15:16 NKJV

David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.
1 Chronicles 15:16 NIV

God permited David to command musicians to use musicial instruments to make a "Joyful Sound", or in the NKJV, "by raising the voice with resounding joy".

Emotional manipulation can create an artificial experience, which potentially leads the congregation into mental idolatory (violating the 2nd commandment). But while we attempt to avoid the "golden Calf" of mordern worship, we mustn't forget that music and singing is a major part of worship recorded in the very words of God.

In Exodus 15, Moses with Israel sang a song commemodating the Lord's victory over the Egyptian army at the red sea. In Judges 5, Deborah and her commander Barak sang of how God delivered then from Jabin King of Canaan. In 1 Chro 16, David appointed Asaph to lead in a song after the Arc was brought back to Jeruselam. God delicated an entire book of Psalms as a model of music and singspiration as a form of "worth-ship" to proclaim that God is worthy above all.

In 1 Chro 25, the writers dedicated an entire chapter to list the musicians who are to minister to God in the temple. Out of which Asaph, along with his "Worship team", also "Prophesied" under the King's supervision (v1-3)

Rom 12 speaks of worship as a lifestyle of obedience. Yet music, according to a big part of scripture references, remains as an important aspect of open declaration of reverence towards a Holy God.

Music and singing was never meant to be reserved and conservative. It is meant to be a joyful response to our convictions about the God of the bible, especially to those who truly understands and believe in what they read from the bible.

Worship, with music and singing, will be a principal activity for the saints in heaven. Our expression that is birthed out of the conviction of the richness of his glory recorded in the bible, does not only begin in heaven, but here on earth.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and WORSHIPPED.
Revelation 5:11‭-‬14 NIV

Why does a true Christian attends a Church?

Don't give up on the Church... for whatever reasons.

A true born again believer will want to be with a community of believers. There is no excuse for a believer not to attend a local church. 

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him."
1 John 5:1

The bible encourages us to meet together and spur one another up. And warns of those who Sin deliberately after recieving the knowledge of the truth. The "meet together" is called a Church. Those who "Sin deliberately" is not part of the Church.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:24‭-‬27 ESV

Paul's letters are always directed towards the Church. Being "knit together in love", "to reach all the fullness of full assurance of understanding" of Christ. If one is not united with a community of believers, how can one be part of what Paul describes as "Knit together in love" and reach the full understanding of Christ?

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,
Colossians 2:2 ESV

It is through the Church, which Paul describes as having "Unity of the Spirit", that we ought to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling". It is also through the church, that out gifts are given and exercised through his Grace according to the measure of Christ given to us. How can one "Walk worthy of the calling" when one is not part of that "Unity of the Spirit"?

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬7 ESV

A true born again believer will want to be part of a local Church so that he remains useful and united with "those who are born again". One can say, "I am not attending any church, but I meet fellow believers up on my own, and that is Church to me".

However, that is hardly the case. The Ekklesia that the Apostles refers to does not refer to a individual believers who collectively meets to catch up. Although deep individual fellowship has its place among our Kingdom friendships, the idea of the early church is hardly individualistic.

So if you are a believer, you ought to search for a local church where you can actively serve and is relevant to your spiritual needs. One that you can learn more about God through interacting with fellow students of the word, and where you can similarly encourage another through your knowledge of the word.

What does the Figtree tells us about False Religion?

Matthew 21 [True vs False Religion]

V1 to V11 : Jesus entered Jerusalem in the same manner that fulfilled (Zech 9:9), proving his authority as God and King, the Messiah.

V12 to V13 : Jesus overturned the Jewish temple, quoting from Isaiah 56:7 and Jer 7:11. He exposed the hypocrisy of the Jewish religion that looks grandeur on the outside, but corrupted on the inside. Being the Messiah, He has the authority to judge.

V14 to V17 : Ps 8:2 was cited to prove that the Children was praising none other than the God most high, not mere human which the Chief Priests and Scribes assumed. And they are likely to be unhappy with Jesus overturning the tables at the temple in V12-13.

V18 to V19 : Jesus cursed the Figtree because it seemingly showed that it had fruits (by the season of the leaves), but in actual fact was without fruit. Reflection of the Jewish religion in V12-13, that fulfilled all external piousness to show to man, but void of true Holiness that God demanded.

V20 to V22 : If we align ourselves to the same faith that cursed the Figtree (True Holiness, not false pretense), we can ask for a mountain to be removed and it shall be done. That is because if we have true Faith, our desires will be aligned to the True Vine (John 15:7); whose desire is that we may be spiritually reconciled and live Holy lives.

V23 to V27 : Scribes question Jesus authority (refer to V12-13 when he overturned the tables). Jesus used example of John the Baptist to prove that his authority is of God.

V28 to V32 : Contrast between a son who verbally rejected God, but ended up in obedience vs a son who verbally said he will obey but ended up in disobedience. This is true reflection of the Jewish religion that Jesus overturned in V12-13 and like the Figtree that pretended to bear fruit in V18-22.

V33 to V46 : The wicked Vinedressors are a reflection of rebellious Israel (ref Isaiah 5:1-8) who had a form of religion (Isaiah 1:12-15), but did not have true repentance. Instead, they killed the servants (represents the prophets) and finally the Son (represents Christ) of the Owner (represents God). The Vineyard will eventually be taken away from the Figtree of False religion, and given to true believers who will produce real fruits of the spirit.

Matthew 23, Jesus continues with a full condemnation of the False religious system of his time.

Will the Wealth of the Gentiles flow into your pocket?

Will the Wealth of the Gentiles flow into your pocket?

"The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you." - Isaiah 60:5b
Many believers like to claim this verse for their situation. May it be hoping for a financial breakthrough, or simply believing God for a breakthrough in their careers and businesses. While it is true that believers are entitled to pray (Phil 4:6-7), we are also told to submit by abiding in his will (John 15:7).

So what is Isaiah 60 and 61 all about? Did Isaiah wrote those words so that Christians today can lay claim to it? Are the prosperity preacher right to simply claim on "all the wealth of the Gentiles" just because we are spiritual Israel (Gal 3:28)? Let's explore.

In Chapter 40 to 48, Isaiah foresees Israel in a state of confusion after the devastating blow of the Assyrian and Babylonian invasion (Chapter 1 to 39); they then realized that they lost their land because of their sin, and they thought that God had abandoned them because of that. These chapters are God's answer to the distressed Israelites who are serving as Slaves to their foreign masters; that He is greater than the foreign pagan gods that destroyed their nation (actually it was God who allowed them to do so), and that God will not abandon them.

Chapter 49-54 talks about the Servant, which climaxes at Chapter 53:5 with the "piercing for our transgressions". This whole section is about God sending his "right arm" (Isaiah 41:10) to deliver Israel from their oppressors. Israel could well mistaken this "Right Arm" as a military power to overthrow the foreign powers. But God essentially reveal his Right Arm to be a Spiritual Restoration brought about by Jesus' death on the Cross.

Chapter 55-59 is about the response. After God had sent his Servant (Isaiah 42:1-9) to restore Israel, will Israel remain the same just for God to once again judge them for their Sins? No. God will bring "His Righteousness" to Israel (Isaiah 46:13, 51:5), Israel is to forsake their wicked ways (Isaiah 55:7, 56, 58:6-14) with God helping them with his right hand (Isaiah 59:16-17).

Isaiah 60:1 - By understanding the context from Chapters 1 to 59, we can now understand why should Israel "Arise, shine; For your light has come!" It is important to understand that the significance of the word "Light". In Isaiah 58:7-8, God's Light will shine through Israel when they honour his commandments (Sabbaths) by helping the poor. In Isaiah 2:5, Light was used to describe the "Ideal Israel" before going back to condemn their current state at that time. Isaiah 42:6, the Servant will bring Light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 60 is the fulfillment of the promise.

Isaiah 60:2 - What does darkness mean? Does that mean the world will be full of poverty and sickness? If we compare and contrast between verses 1 and 2, we can see clearly that the Deep Darkness is just a comparison to the Light. Now the Light dwells in Israel, the world is Dark as compared to the everlasting Light.

Isaiah 60:2-18 - It is because of the Light, nations will gather to Israel just like how Chapter 42 describes. Their sons and daughters will come from afar, the multitudes of Camels (Merchants), Flocks of Kedar, Ships of Tarshish will bring silver and gold to pay tribute to the Light. The gates will not shut because of the continuous trade and activity (v11), no nations will be spared for not coming to the Light (v12), the descendents of Israel's enemies will now seek the Light as they give forth His Law (42:4).

Isaiah 60:19-22 - Did the nations come because Israel was great? Did the Light dwell in Israel because Israel is good? Neither. God chose Israel to be a servant, they are responsible to show forth the Light to the world. They are custodians of righteousness which God had planted, a work of his hands (60:21). Israel had to first acknowledge that they are Sinful and there is no way they are able to become Righteous (Isaiah 59:9-15), and God will deliver them from continuously living in sin (Isaiah 59:16-21).

Isaiah 61:1-3 - Jesus quoted this verse in Luke 4:18. He pointed himself (or that event of reading it), as the fulfillment of these verses. Evidently, Jesus is the one who will bring good tidings to the meek, poor and afflicted, to bring spiritual restoration to these hell-bound souls. All these are done so that Israel can become "Oaks of Righteousness" (v3), distinguished for uprightness and justice among the nations. He is the Light that this entire book is talking about. He is the Light that the Jews and Pharisees missed, and only those whose eyes are opened can see through this very same book that the Jews are still reading today.

Isaiah 61:4-5 - Again describes how Israel will lead Gentiles to the Light.

Isaiah 61:6-9 - This is the prove text for Israel's responsibility. It is not Israel who are special nor privileged. It is the God whom they serve that nations are coming for. They are called to be the priests that ministers to the world; not merely chosen to enjoy the tributes. Blessings are given to them because they are to use it for God's purposes. All will come to recognize the glory of God who dwells in Israel.

Isaiah 61:10-11 - This is Israel thanking God who made them to be ""Oaks of Righteousness" (v3). The garland and Jewels are personification with the robe of Righteousness which they will don. He will "will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations" (v11).

So if you think that now because you are a Christian, and "The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.", by understanding the context of these Chapters, you have badly mistaken and have taken the very essence and message away from the text.

What is clear in the bible about the gift of tongues?

Some clear teachings in the bible that you may wish to consider when it comes to handling inquiries regarding the gift of tongues.

1. Diversity of Gifts :
Different Spiritual gifts are given to different individuals, NOT ALL will receive the same gifts. Hence it is not biblical for Charismatic leaders to expect ALL their congregation to ask for the gift of tongues. Read 1 Cor 12. Why do people not ask for a gift of teaching, helps or administration, but have to ask for a gift of tongues. Referring to the occurrence in Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6, did the recipients of tongues asked for the gift, or it was Holy Spirit initiated? Can the eye say to the feet "I don't need you"?

2. Ingenuity of the Gifts :
How do we know "shi ke ra la ba ke ri la ka" is the same tongues as the Corinthians spoke. Are we sure that it is not a result of imitating other believers instead of true inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Another consideration, the history of this tongue speaking we know today, is not much deeper than 1906 at Azuza Street revival and 1960s during the New Apostolic movement. Are we sure it is authentic of the early church to speak the way we do today?

3. Purpose of the Gifts :
In 1 Cor 14:11-12, Paul quoted Isaiah 28:11-12. The early Church (in Acts 2) spoke in tongues speaking of the "Wonderful works of God. The "Rest" that Isaiah was talking about is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which would be what the Jews heard in Acts 2 as a witness to them. It is a sign to the Jews that God spoke to them but they were unable to hear. Can we fulfill the purpose of Paul's quote in Isaiah 28, that tongues are meant primarily as a sign for unrepentant Jews? 1 Cor 14:22-23.

4. Priority of the Gifts :
1 Cor 12:4-6, the variety of gifts are given by one Spirit, same God (Eph 4:4-6). 1 Cor 12:15, no one can say that any gift are better than the other.  1 Cor 12:31-13:7, the more excellent way which Paul was referring to, is Love. We are to seek Love for one another as a priority. Gifts are not meant to be attained, but discovered as one puts his hand into the plow. If one does not have a ministry, one will not need the gifts either. If there is no outpouring of Love that is relevant to ministry needs, then one's gift will only be nothing more than a noisy gong or clanging cymbal (1 Cor 13:1-3).

5. Clarity of the Gifts:
In 1 Cor 14:1-25, it is clear that Paul preferred Prophecy (Sound Teaching) in a real language rather than speaking in unknown tongues. One just have to be diligent to read the entire passage as a whole, to understand Paul's argument, instead of nitpicking verses like 1 Cor 14:2 to justify why tongues are meant to edify oneself.

6. Relevance of the Gifts :
When we pray in tongues in church, do we follow the guideline of having an interpreter? If no interpreter, one ought to speak privately so that it does not confuse the others with irrelevant intelligible messages that one claims to be angelic? 1 Cor 14:13-16

7. Authority of the Gifts :
V18 may show that Paul had the gift and spoke more than any of the Corinthians. But one has to just zoom out a little, think and realize that, we are not Apostle Paul. Jesus and the Apostles could heal on command, that does not mean all believers can replicate the same miracles by imitating them. That was what happened to the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16.

What does healing miracles in the gospel really about?

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
Mark 5:34 NKJV

If we isolate verses like these, it does sound like we need to "exercise faith" in order to get healing. And then we extrapolate that principal to believe for financial breakthroughs... you get the prosperity gospel.

But if we zoom out a little and try to understand how the gospel writer crafted the narritives and the message he is trying to convey, we get a better understanding...

Let's look at Mark 2, the beginning of the series of Miracles Jesus performed, what is Mark trying to say?

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘ Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” —He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Mark 2:9‭-‬11 NKJV

The question that Jesus asks implies a few things.

1. He uses Miracles to illustrate his power to forgive sins.

2. What do you thing was his priority, restoration of eternal life, or restoraton of physical life which will fade away again?

3. The first thing Jesus answered the Paralytic was not "I will heal you now", its "your sins are forgiven".

4. Miracles proved that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins.

The healing miracles are meant to show Jesus authority to forgive sins. They are here to illustrate his power, the focus is in spiritual restoration, not physical. Mark is trying to prove to the Jews that the Messiah they are waiting for has arrived, he proves himself by performing miracles and therefore has the authority to spiritually restore Israel to God.

Is Paul telling us to wage war against demonic oppression?

Put on the armour of God (Eph 6:10-20).

Many modern Christians apply this passage to spiritual warfare, often citing it as a way to wage war against demonic oppression or bad situations that one might accredit to the Devil. Is that really the case? Let's examine the context.

In Chap 1 and 2 of Ephesians, Paul established God's master plan of Salvation for the Christians, essentially establishing their inclusion into the Church of Jesus Christ, which was originally meant only for the Jews (Eph 2:19-22).

The inclusion of the Gentile church was termed in Chap 3 as the "Mystery" which was hidden in the ages and now revealed in Jesus Christ that the Gentiles should share of this eternal inheritance, fellow partakers of this wonderful promise through Jesus Christ.

Paul then spent Eph 4:1-6:9 to expound on how these truly converted Christians should live "Worthy of their calling", at which he addressed the following issues:

1. 4:1-6 - Unity of the Spirit
2. 4:7-16 - Exercising the gifts through the unity of the Spirit
3. 4:17-24 - Regeneration through the unity of the Spirit
4. 4:25 - Lying vs Truth
5. 4:26 - Anger vs Sin
6. 4:28 - Stealing vs Giving
7. 4:29 - Unwholesome vs Edifying words
8. 4-30-32 - Consequence of unwholesome words which grieve the Spirit. Believers to be Kind.
9. 5:1-7 - Walk in Purity
10. 5:15-21 - Walk in Wisdom
11. 5:22-6:4 - Responsibility in Family
12. 6:5-9 - Responsibility at Work

With this in mind, one would wonder, what has the whole passage of the Armour of God has to do with Paul's admonishment from 4:1 to 6:6? Why would Paul deviate from admonishing the Ephesians on moral living to "how to fight demonic oppression"? The answer is, he is not.

1. The term "Heavenly places" in 6:12 was also found in 1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10. These references refers to the realm in which Christ, rulers and Principalities, and demons operate in. A picture of what happens in the spiritual realm is also found in Daniel 10 where the "Prince of Persia" is referred as a territorial ruler from the Kingdom of darkness. What aspect of "Spiritual warfare" was Paul trying to address? Are we to apply the Armour of God against Demonic oppression?

2. The spiritual issues in which Paul tried to address in this epistle are i) false teaching (4:14) and ii) Sin (5:11) induced by the Kingdom of darkness.

Therefore the aspect of spiritual warfare in which Paul is referring to (6:11) refers to fighting against dark spiritual influences that introduces false teaching and Sin. By putting on the Armour of God, we are called to be equipped with the of the Word which produces the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Boots of Peace, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit. All these are found from all that Paul expounded from 1:1 to 6:9, citing from Justification, Inclusion of Gentiles to the Church, Sanctification... being filled with the Spirit, we pray in the Spirit and obey his word to walk in faith.

Hence as we consider all that Paul taught in this epistle, let us consider how we can continue to walk out the Belt of Truth with our lives, putting on His Breastplate of Righteousness, that we can wear the Boots of the gospel of Peace that is found in His Helmet of Salvation, as we pray in the Spirit to enable us to live a life that is worthy of our calling.