SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION!

1 John 2:15 KJV
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

OBSERVATION!

It is important to establish a definition of how we personally define a friend. I will assert my definition it is simple; an individual being morally and spiritually attached and one I can trust will do no harm to me. I apply this definition both carnally and spiritually.

I am sure we all have a definition of who a friend is, and I am certain that definition applies as well when we are considering a spiritual friend.

The importance of that definition will be revealed as we go deeper into this posting. In my case they would be persons  showing obedience, not to men, but to Yahewa and Yeshua.

Paul set the tone of how we should see our spiritual friends. They would be friends because we did not attempt to alter the doctrine of Christ, either to gain their favour or to avoid their fury. In so important a matter we must not fear the frowns of men, nor seek their favour, by using the words of men’s wisdom. Our friends would not be led to Christianity, as many are, merely by education.

COMMENTARY!

We should  entreat our friends, as our brethren in Christ, by the mercies of God, in the same light as we do,  being willing to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Yeshua.

OBSERVATION!

The great enemy to our renewal in the spirit is conformity to this world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away.

We and our friends must not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh and mind earthly things.

COMMENTARY!

The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.

OBSERVATION!

Wordly and fleshly lusts are distempers, which will not allow content or satisfaction. Sinful desires and affections stop prayer, and the working of our desires toward God.

Here is a decided warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world. Worldly-mindedness is enmity to God. An enemy may be reconciled, but “enmity” never can be reconciled. A man may have a large portion in things of this life, and yet be kept in the love of God; but he who sets his heart upon the world, who will conform to it rather than lose its friendship, is an enemy to God.

So that anyone who resolves at all events to be upon friendly terms with the world must be the enemy of God.

COMMENTARY!

Natural corruption shows itself by envying. The spirit of the world teaches us to lay up, or lay out for ourselves, according to our own fancies; God the Holy Spirit teaches us to be willing to do good to all about us, as our hearts are conditioned to perform as our ability allows.

The grace of God will correct and cure the spirit by nature in us; and where he gives grace, he gives another spirit than that of the world. The proud resist God: in their understanding they resist the truths of God; in their will they resist the laws of God; in their passions they resist the providence of God; therefore, no wonder that God resists the proud.

FINAL OBSERVATION!

As I ponder my definition of a friend, my thoughts go back to the 800 thousand Israelites who left Egypt believing in their minds the way they were worshipping Yahewa was righteousness. My observation of those who have commercialized charity and solicit the world for funding most likely like the Israelites Yahewa will deal with them in a like manner where only two entered the promised land.

The importance of fully understanding how you set your definition of a friend reveals who we are friends with which  includes the world and its wisdoms.

Matthew 24:24 KJV
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Robert a humble obedient servant to Yeshua and his Father in heaven Yahewa. And all of God’s children say Amen and Amen.