TRUMPETER'S CALL

Heavenly Father I come before you as a humble servant placing before your throne those who are seeking your truth. I plead Lord you will fill them with courage that they may be strong when the enemy brings before them his subtleties, temptations, admonitions, brutalities. These will come in the form of rebuttals, criticism, rejections, and most of all distractions. I ask Father for your intercession and strengthening that they may go through these future days with courage knowledge discernment and understanding of your promise that not one hair on our head will be harmed if we walk in His Laws. This I pray in the name of Yeshua Amen. 

OPENING COMMENTARY by Robert.

This article has been the most difficult to date to prepare and post, which I know is going to become stronger as we get deeper into our walks, not because I do not have the words. However, because of the events which keep occurring. Here chronologically is what occurred over the past three and a half days. First, just as I was sitting down to begin writing, a glass of ice water spilled on my keyboard (fried). Then once I replaced the keyboard the following day installed it (wireless key board and mouse). My computers Windows 10  firewall blocked me from the internet, (resolved). Then, I was unable to get my monitor to come out of sleep mode, (resolved). Just tonight I was unable to get my shortcuts to work, again (resolved). So I believe the enemy doesn’t want this message to be published or circulated because of what is about to be revealed. I realize these issues are technical in nature, however, none of the issues occurred until after I installed the keyboard and mouse. But like a Microsoft technician explained one issue happens quite frequently after downloads and is resolvable, but to have a series of issues one right after the other day after day is in her words “kind of weird and spooky”.  Here is where we gain knowledge of why we should be walking in Gods Laws.
The knowledge gained will reveal how Satan uses distractions to capture the unaware and distracted. As I received more and more information from the Holy Spirit it became obvious how many were falling short of keeping even the simplest of Gods Laws. The majority are conveniently side tracked in other words DISTRACTED, caught up in works or doing projects in the name of humanity or researching what appears to be a truth of the world i.e., How were the Pyramids built, into chasing worldly myths that Aliens influenced our earlier populations. becoming involved in the Climate Change movement to save the world, These endeavors are distractions from what we really need to be focusing on and placing our energy on, developing a knowledgeable relationship with Yeshua drawing ourselves closer really getting to know Him on a personal level as the Entity He is the Son of God and how His powers operated through Yahweh on a personal level between them. So as we draw closer to Yeshua we might recognize the true depth of His promises to us the real meaning of their purpose as treasures for us. I must premise my belief here so a greater understanding prevails as I go forward. Our very nature is made up of three parts the Flesh (God describes as our Temple) the Spirit (which gives us life in the image of God) the Soul ( our mind will and emotions giving us purpose reason and desire and most of all a treasury known as memory of  our personal relationship with Yeshua which is going to serve us well in Eternity).  You see my vision of hell is not the same as most who believe it’s only fire and brimstone which certainly it is for those who are non-believers or have chosen the wrong path. The hell I envision is far more painful and undesirable having knowledge of Yeshua becoming DISTRACTED and taking Him for granted and not developing a personal relationship then passing into Eternity and like in Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? v23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  

Recognizing Yeshua, having Him not know me and not being able to reach out to Him not being able to connect with Him constantly seeing Him. To me, that would be the true HELL. I think John Gill (23 Nov. 1697 – 14 Oct. 1771) sheds some light on those who in his era were distracted and how. Which I believe applies as well to today’s fallen. Not everyone that calls Christ his Lord and Master, professes subjection to him, or that calls upon his name or is called by his name; or make use of it in his public ministrations. There are many who desire to be called and accounted Christians, and who make mention of the name of Christ in their sermons, only to take away their reproach, to cover themselves, and gain credit with, and get into the affections and goodwill of the people; but have no hearty love to Christ, nor true faith in him; nor is it their concern to preach his Gospel, advance his glory, and promote his kingdom and interest; their chief view is to please men, aggrandize themselves, and set up the power of human nature in opposition of the grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ. Now not every one of these, no, not any of them. shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew Henry (Oct 18, 1662 – June 22, 1774) I believe sums the distraction part as best as I have read Worldly-mindedness is as common and as fatal a symptom of hypocrisy as any other, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold on the soul, under the cloak of a visible and passable profession of religion, than by this and therefore Christ, having warned us against coveting the praise of men, proceeds next to warn us against coveting the wealth of the world in this also we must take heed, lest we as the hypocrites are, and do as they do: the fundamental error that they are guilty of is, that they choose the world for their reward we must, therefore, take heed of hypocrisy and worldly-mindedness, in the choice we make of our treasure, our end, and our masters. 

I see this part of our walk as the greatest opportunity to learn these truths the depth of them and what they hold for us as treasures and store them in our mind [which is a part of the soul along with the will and emotions] as treasures which we are guided to do in Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.  v20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: v21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

If it hasn’t become obvious the messages which are out there reveal all are going to be in eternity once we pass from this life and finding ourselves at the throne of God for final judgment.  It is here that all should be concerned whether you were distracted or how deep did you build your personal relationship with Yahweh and Yeshua. Did you draw God’s laws into your lives as a foundation and use them to deepen and build your relationship with Yahweh and Yeshua placing up treasures and Crowns which you might place before the throne. 

During a weekend of transporting celebrities to a local pagan festival. Through conversation with some of the celebrities, I became aware of the following. Our Lord has stated broad is the way and many will follow it. The path to truth is narrow and few there will go. These statements have puzzled me for a long time. “Oh” it’s obvious the meaning my question was who are those who follow the broad path? Then I realized who is following this broad path in the belief they are seeking truth and eventual entry into heaven. These celebrities believed that all religious beliefs or paths would lead them to heaven.  The Holy Spirit showed me an answer (“give men a bit of wisdom and they become fools” Romans 1:22) to the many questions they brought forward to discredit Gods word. This answer was not judgemental nor threatening to either of them. They understood but didn’t want to accept what they believed in, were distractions which brought them to the broad way and would eventually lead them to destruction. 

The following verse was given to us by Yeshua in Matt.7:13 Enter ye at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. v14: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be to find it.

Our journey has brought us several pieces of information, understanding, and awareness of our Lord Yeshua. We know it is our responsibility to be constantly seeking after God within His laws not believing He is our 7/11 God of convenience. Some followers think God should be there when we need His intervention in times of peril or sickness. However, our Lord clearly asks us to be with Him always and revealing if we heed His call, there would be blessings of health, long life and knowledge. This is not to say we should not be constantly praying while being with Him always, what I am saying is if you’re not with Him always and hit a bump in your life’s journey recognize you may pray be heard and not like the answer returned. 

Again I ask you to use your imagination as in this section we are receiving teachings from Moses through Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord. Then goes on to admonish us just as though we were the Israelites and in v5 reveals what we must do constantly not when we feel it’s convenient, v5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

CLOSING STATEMENT by Robert

So it appears the message Moses was delivering then, applies to our walk today as well.  However, it seems we somehow believe that God is available when we conveniently require His intervention. Possibly many have fallen into thinking what is in their mind is right which is a dangerous position to be as God considers that position idolatry. But we have learned that fact already and I believe I cannot reiterate how important this teaching is to our following in Yeshua’s footsteps. I found the following from Isaiah in 35:8 which I like as a summation of this writing And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not Passover it, but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools shall not err therein.  

Remember these writings are from a humble servant obeying the LORD and sending out His messages that you may seek even further truth and be in the warmth of God’s folded wings wrapped around you for protection comfort and the knowledge as you are with him doing as Mose taught us thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  Then you know He is with you at all times.  

Heavenly Father, I thank you, Lord, for all that You have revealed taught and placed before us as food for our souls. This I pray in your name Yeshua Amen and Amen

Robert

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. v.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.“

PRE-AMBLE by Robert.

In the last Article “GOD SAID WHAT IS THIS THOU HAST DONE?” It showed the importance of working out our Salvation and reconnecting with God. In this article we find the Holy Spirit teaching the importance of continued personal growth in our Salvation but points out, for it to show any value in God’s eyes, it must be shared. We must not let our flesh tempt us to become slack or overconfident in our walk. The previous article revealed the importance of reconnecting and obtaining God’s light as “Modern Day Disciples.” and reflecting it into the darkness of the world.

Adam Clarke (1760 – 1832) comments on the work God puts into our soul to demonstrate our obedience to His calling which sets the tone for this article. “Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh – If the Spirit of God dwells in and rules your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.”

Matthew Henry’s (1662 -1774) comments advocate Adam Clarke’s comments on Galatians 5 and reveal’s the depth and what must never go missing for us to function in the Spirit demonstrating our obedience to God’s calling. “Grace includes God’s good-will towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the Father, as the Fountain, through Yeshua. But observe, first grace, and then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Yeshua gave himself for our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this, he freely submitted.“

OPENING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father I want to thank you for showing us the real depth of our faith. I petition you, Father, for wisdom to be upon all those reading this article deepen their discernment and understanding. Bring unto them a spirit of calm that any decision they are about to make in respect to a spiritual walk with you Lord would be an informed one void of emotions and worldly desires. I ask Lord that you would guardedly open their minds to receive all information the Holy Spirit will reveal as the foundation for their future decisions. Father bring them the knowledge of the gifts of Heaven. And how to obtain the fruits of everlasting life. I pray this in your name in the name of Yeshua AMEN and AMEN.

OPENING STATEMENT by Robert

If we care to act under the guidance and power of the blessed Spirit, though we may not be freed from the stirrings and oppositions of the corrupt nature which remains in us, it shall not have dominion over us. Believers are engaged in a conflict, in which they earnestly desire that grace may obtain full and speedy victory. And those who want this to give themselves up to be led by the Holy Spirit, are not under the law as a covenant of works, nor exposed to its awful curse. Their hatred of sin, and desires after holiness show that they have a part in the salvation of the gospel. The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet, what numbers, calling themselves believers, live in these, and say they hope for heaven!

The fruits of the Spirit, or of the renewed nature, which we are to do, are named. And as the apostle had chiefly called works of the flesh, not only hurtful to men themselves, but tend to make them so to one another, so here he primarily notices the fruits of the Spirit, which are typical to make believers agreeable one to another, as well as to make them happy. The fruits of the Spirit plainly show that such are led by the Spirit. By describing the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit, we are told what to avoid and oppose, and what we are to cherish and cultivate; and this is the sincere care and endeavour of all real Believers walking as Modern Day Disciples. Matthew Henry (1662 -1774) relates to Modern Day Disciples who it is we are going to confront and what appears to them as an appealing walk through life.

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. Imposing upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world, we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Yeshua, and abound in Believer’s graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire on duty, particularly in doing good. We should carefully watch and guard against it. Only perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an appeal to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our lifetime, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on Galatians 5:19 -21 describes what we as Modern Day Disciples will face when encountering Satan’s prisoners. As well, we must ascertain, just how quickly we could fall victim to the temptations, Matthew Henry eluded to if we let our guard down. The Holy Spirit is going to lead us to these prisoners so we might demonstrate through our actions and examples within our walk how God’s love and compassion will open the door to eternal life with Him.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest. By flesh, we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul. No longer under the guidance of God’s Spirit and right reason. But under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin. So that man is in a worse state than the brute. And so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men to all kinds of crimes. And among them the following, which are manifest – known to all, and most prevalent; and, though your law most solemnly forbids these, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them.

Adultery – Μοιχεια· Illicit connection with a married person. This word is wanting in this place in the best MSS., versions, and fathers; the next term often comprehending both.

Fornication – Πορνεια· Illicit connection between single or unmarried persons; yet often signifying adultery also.

Uncleanness – Ακαθαπσια· Whatever is opposite to purity; probably meaning here, as in Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21, unnatural practices; sodomy, bestiality.

Lasciviousness – Ασελγεια· Whatever is contrary to chastity; all lewdness. Verse 20 Idolatry – Worshipping of idols; frequenting idol festivals; all the rites of Bacchus, Venus, Priapus, etc., which were common among the Gentiles.

Witchcraft – Φαρμακεια, from φαρμακον a drug or poison; because in all spells and enchantments, whether true or false, drugs were employed. As a drug, φαρμακον, might either be the means of removing evil, or inflicting one, etymologists have derived it from φερον ακος, bringing ease, or φερον αχος, producing pain. So spells and incantations were sometimes used for the restoration of the health; at others, for the destruction of an enemy. Sometimes, these φαρμακα were used to procure love; at other times, to produce hatred.

Hatred – Εχθραι· Aversions and antipathies, when opposed to brotherly love and kindness.Variance – Ερεις· Contentions, where the principle of hate proceeds to open acts; hence contests, altercations, lawsuits, and disputes in general.Emulations – Ζηλοι· Envies or emulations; that is strife to excel at the expense of another; lowering others to set up one’s self; unholy zeal, fervently adopting a wrong cause, or supporting a good one by cruel means. Inquisitions, pretending to help true religion by torturing and burning alive those who both profess and practice it.

Wrath – Θυμοι· Turbulent passions, disturbing the harmony of the mind, and producing domestic and civil broils and disquietudes.

Strife – Επιθειαι· Disputations, janglings, logomachics, or strife about words. Seditions – Διχοστασιαι· Divisions into separate factions; parties, whether in the Church or state. Heresies – Αἱρεσεις· Factions; parties in the Church separating from communion with each other, and setting up altar against altar. The word, which is harmless in itself, is here used in a wicked sense. Instead of αἱρεσεις, the Slavonic has σκανδαλα, scandals, offences or stumbling-blocks.

Verse 21

Envyings – Φθονοι· “Pain felt, and malignity conceived, at the sight of excellence or happiness.” A passion the most base and the least curable of all that disgrace or degrade the fallen soul. See on Romans 13:13.

Murders – Φονοι· Similarity of sound to the preceding seems to have suggested the word in this association; it wants in several MSS. Murder signifies the destruction of human life; and as he who hates his brother in his heart is ready to take away his life, so he is called a murderer. After all the casuistry of man, it does not appear that the right of taking away a human life on any pretense, except for the crime of murder belongs to any but the Maker and Judge of all men.

Drunkenness – Μεθαι· Taking more wine or any inebriating liquor than is necessary for health; whatever unfit for public, domestic, or spiritual duties; even the cares of the world, when they intoxicate the mind. See on Romans 13:13. Revellings – Κωμοι· Lascivious feastings, with obscene songs, music, etc. See on Romans 13:13.

And such like – Και τα ὁμοια τουτοις· All that proceeds from the evil passions of a fallen spirit, besides those above specified; and all that the law of God specifies and condemns. Of the which I tell you before – When I first preached the Gospel to you. As I had also told you in time past – When I paid my second visit to you; for the apostle did visit them twice. See Acts 16:6; Acts 18:23.Shall not inherit – They are not children of God, and therefore cannot inherit the kingdom which belongs only to the children of the Divine family. Now that we have knowledge of what it is we are actually confronting.

Adam Clarke describes the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the overall effect they will have in our lives as Modern Day Disciples when used as part of our demonstrated walk.

But the fruit of the Spirit – Both flesh – the sinful dispositions of the human heart and spirit – the changed or purified state of the soul, by the grace and Spirit of God, are represented by the apostle as trees, one yielding good the other bad fruit; the productions of each being according to the nature of the tree, as the tree is according to the nature of the seed from which it sprung. The bad seed produced a bad tree, yielding all manner of evil fruit; the excellent seed produced a good tree, bringing forth fruits of the most outstanding kind. The tree of the flesh, with all its evil fruits, we have already seen; the tree of the Spirit, with its excellent fruits, we shall now see.

Love – Αγαπη· An intense desire to please God, and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Galatians 5:6.

Joy – Χαρα· The exultation that arises from a sense of God’s mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:2..Peace – Ειρηνη· The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel till the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:1.

Long-suffering – Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to every dispensation of God’s providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence.

Gentleness – Χρηστοτης· Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. Good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect.

Goodness – Αγαθωσυνη· The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart – a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree is made good, the fruit must be good also.

Faith – Πιστις, here used for fidelity – punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend nor disappointing the confidence of our employer.

Verse 23

Meekness – Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, a patient suffering from injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the complete opposite to anger.

Temperance – Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally concerning sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word εγκρατεια, continence or moderation, immediately preceding.

Against such there is no law – Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the preceding fruits.

The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it.

Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) explains “The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. If believers, who should help one another, and rejoice one another, quarrel, what can be expected but that the God of love should deny his grace, that the Spirit of love should depart, and the evil spirit, who seeks their destruction, should prevail? Happy would it be, if Believers, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live and worship?

Believers are not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise unbelievers, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living with believers, were not to withhold due respect and reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious privileges but were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of their faith in Yeshua, and as partakers of his free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Yeshua; to these, we must give unfeigned consent.

Matthew Henry (1662- 1774) continues “Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage.”

Thus we’re shown who and what we are being presented and in that knowledge recognize the Holy Spirit is with us and to use demonstrations and examples as the Spirit is not there for them, to decipher spoken truths.

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father, hear our cries for your instruction and heavenly gifts to prepare us to be compelling examples of your love and compassion. Bring unto us a clear mind and vision to see the seeds of temptations standing before these prisoners of Satan. That we will use your sword of truth to sever all the bindings from them. Give us the strength and knowledge to demonstrate your truth as a light for them to find your path to eternal life and peace. We pray this in your name Yeshua. Amen and Amen.

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert Isn’t our Lord a fantastic leader who brings us all we need to recognize who and what we are about to be confronted with and how to deal with it effectively. As I ponder how Yeshua took the time from the multitudes to deal with just one person I begin to recognize the significance of grace. We have been shown how our enemy has and is stealing Grace from the worldly churches. I am closing with Matthew Henry’s (1662- 1774) comments “Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content.“

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. v.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.“

PRE-AMBLE by Robert.

In the last Article “GOD SAID WHAT IS THIS THOU HAST DONE?” It showed the importance of working out our Salvation and reconnecting with God. In this article we find the Holy Spirit teaching the importance of continued personal growth in our Salvation but points out, for it to show any value in God’s eyes, it must be shared. We must not let our flesh tempt us to become slack or overconfident in our walk. The previous article revealed the importance of reconnecting and obtaining God’s light as “Modern Day Disciples.” and reflecting it into the darkness of the world.

Adam Clarke (1760 – 1832) comments on the work God puts into our soul to demonstrate our obedience to His calling which sets the tone for this article. “Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh – If the Spirit of God dwells in and rules your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.”

Matthew Henry’s (1662 -1774) comments advocate Adam Clarke’s comments on Galatians 5 and reveal’s the depth and what must never go missing for us to function in the Spirit demonstrating our obedience to God’s calling. “Grace includes God’s good-will towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the Father, as the Fountain, through Yeshua. But observe, first grace, and then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Yeshua gave himself for our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this, he freely submitted.“

OPENING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father I want to thank you for showing us the real depth of our faith. I petition you, Father, for wisdom to be upon all those reading this article deepen their discernment and understanding. Bring unto them a spirit of calm that any decision they are about to make in respect to a spiritual walk with you Lord would be an informed one void of emotions and worldly desires. I ask Lord that you would guardedly open their minds to receive all information the Holy Spirit will reveal as the foundation for their future decisions. Father bring them the knowledge of the gifts of Heaven. And how to obtain the fruits of everlasting life. I pray this in your name in the name of Yeshua AMEN and AMEN.

OPENING STATEMENT by Robert

If we care to act under the guidance and power of the blessed Spirit, though we may not be freed from the stirrings and oppositions of the corrupt nature which remains in us, it shall not have dominion over us. Believers are engaged in a conflict, in which they earnestly desire that grace may obtain full and speedy victory. And those who want this to give themselves up to be led by the Holy Spirit, are not under the law as a covenant of works, nor exposed to its awful curse. Their hatred of sin, and desires after holiness show that they have a part in the salvation of the gospel. The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet, what numbers, calling themselves believers, live in these, and say they hope for heaven!

The fruits of the Spirit, or of the renewed nature, which we are to do, are named. And as the apostle had chiefly called works of the flesh, not only hurtful to men themselves, but tend to make them so to one another, so here he primarily notices the fruits of the Spirit, which are typical to make believers agreeable one to another, as well as to make them happy. The fruits of the Spirit plainly show that such are led by the Spirit. By describing the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit, we are told what to avoid and oppose, and what we are to cherish and cultivate; and this is the sincere care and endeavour of all real Believers walking as Modern Day Disciples. Matthew Henry (1662 -1774) relates to Modern Day Disciples who it is we are going to confront and what appears to them as an appealing walk through life.

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. Imposing upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world, we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Yeshua, and abound in Believer’s graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire on duty, particularly in doing good. We should carefully watch and guard against it. Only perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an appeal to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our lifetime, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on Galatians 5:19 -21 describes what we as Modern Day Disciples will face when encountering Satan’s prisoners. As well, we must ascertain, just how quickly we could fall victim to the temptations, Matthew Henry eluded to if we let our guard down. The Holy Spirit is going to lead us to these prisoners so we might demonstrate through our actions and examples within our walk how God’s love and compassion will open the door to eternal life with Him.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest. By flesh, we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul. No longer under the guidance of God’s Spirit and right reason. But under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin. So that man is in a worse state than the brute. And so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men to all kinds of crimes. And among them the following, which are manifest – known to all, and most prevalent; and, though your law most solemnly forbids these, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them.

Adultery – Μοιχεια· Illicit connection with a married person. This word is wanting in this place in the best MSS., versions, and fathers; the next term often comprehending both.

Fornication – Πορνεια· Illicit connection between single or unmarried persons; yet often signifying adultery also.

Uncleanness – Ακαθαπσια· Whatever is opposite to purity; probably meaning here, as in Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21, unnatural practices; sodomy, bestiality.

Lasciviousness – Ασελγεια· Whatever is contrary to chastity; all lewdness. Verse 20 Idolatry – Worshipping of idols; frequenting idol festivals; all the rites of Bacchus, Venus, Priapus, etc., which were common among the Gentiles.

Witchcraft – Φαρμακεια, from φαρμακον a drug or poison; because in all spells and enchantments, whether true or false, drugs were employed. As a drug, φαρμακον, might either be the means of removing evil, or inflicting one, etymologists have derived it from φερον ακος, bringing ease, or φερον αχος, producing pain. So spells and incantations were sometimes used for the restoration of the health; at others, for the destruction of an enemy. Sometimes, these φαρμακα were used to procure love; at other times, to produce hatred.

Hatred – Εχθραι· Aversions and antipathies, when opposed to brotherly love and kindness.Variance – Ερεις· Contentions, where the principle of hate proceeds to open acts; hence contests, altercations, lawsuits, and disputes in general.Emulations – Ζηλοι· Envies or emulations; that is strife to excel at the expense of another; lowering others to set up one’s self; unholy zeal, fervently adopting a wrong cause, or supporting a good one by cruel means. Inquisitions, pretending to help true religion by torturing and burning alive those who both profess and practice it.

Wrath – Θυμοι· Turbulent passions, disturbing the harmony of the mind, and producing domestic and civil broils and disquietudes.

Strife – Επιθειαι· Disputations, janglings, logomachics, or strife about words. Seditions – Διχοστασιαι· Divisions into separate factions; parties, whether in the Church or state. Heresies – Αἱρεσεις· Factions; parties in the Church separating from communion with each other, and setting up altar against altar. The word, which is harmless in itself, is here used in a wicked sense. Instead of αἱρεσεις, the Slavonic has σκανδαλα, scandals, offences or stumbling-blocks.

Verse 21

Envyings – Φθονοι· “Pain felt, and malignity conceived, at the sight of excellence or happiness.” A passion the most base and the least curable of all that disgrace or degrade the fallen soul. See on Romans 13:13.

Murders – Φονοι· Similarity of sound to the preceding seems to have suggested the word in this association; it wants in several MSS. Murder signifies the destruction of human life; and as he who hates his brother in his heart is ready to take away his life, so he is called a murderer. After all the casuistry of man, it does not appear that the right of taking away a human life on any pretense, except for the crime of murder belongs to any but the Maker and Judge of all men.

Drunkenness – Μεθαι· Taking more wine or any inebriating liquor than is necessary for health; whatever unfit for public, domestic, or spiritual duties; even the cares of the world, when they intoxicate the mind. See on Romans 13:13. Revellings – Κωμοι· Lascivious feastings, with obscene songs, music, etc. See on Romans 13:13.

And such like – Και τα ὁμοια τουτοις· All that proceeds from the evil passions of a fallen spirit, besides those above specified; and all that the law of God specifies and condemns. Of the which I tell you before – When I first preached the Gospel to you. As I had also told you in time past – When I paid my second visit to you; for the apostle did visit them twice. See Acts 16:6; Acts 18:23.Shall not inherit – They are not children of God, and therefore cannot inherit the kingdom which belongs only to the children of the Divine family. Now that we have knowledge of what it is we are actually confronting.

Adam Clarke describes the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the overall effect they will have in our lives as Modern Day Disciples when used as part of our demonstrated walk.

But the fruit of the Spirit – Both flesh – the sinful dispositions of the human heart and spirit – the changed or purified state of the soul, by the grace and Spirit of God, are represented by the apostle as trees, one yielding good the other bad fruit; the productions of each being according to the nature of the tree, as the tree is according to the nature of the seed from which it sprung. The bad seed produced a bad tree, yielding all manner of evil fruit; the excellent seed produced a good tree, bringing forth fruits of the most outstanding kind. The tree of the flesh, with all its evil fruits, we have already seen; the tree of the Spirit, with its excellent fruits, we shall now see.

Love – Αγαπη· An intense desire to please God, and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Galatians 5:6.

Joy – Χαρα· The exultation that arises from a sense of God’s mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:2..Peace – Ειρηνη· The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel till the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:1.

Long-suffering – Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to every dispensation of God’s providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence.

Gentleness – Χρηστοτης· Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. Good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect.

Goodness – Αγαθωσυνη· The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart – a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree is made good, the fruit must be good also.

Faith – Πιστις, here used for fidelity – punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend nor disappointing the confidence of our employer.

Verse 23

Meekness – Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, a patient suffering from injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the complete opposite to anger.

Temperance – Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally concerning sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word εγκρατεια, continence or moderation, immediately preceding.

Against such there is no law – Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the preceding fruits.

The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it.

Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) explains “The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. If believers, who should help one another, and rejoice one another, quarrel, what can be expected but that the God of love should deny his grace, that the Spirit of love should depart, and the evil spirit, who seeks their destruction, should prevail? Happy would it be, if Believers, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live and worship?

Believers are not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise unbelievers, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living with believers, were not to withhold due respect and reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious privileges but were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of their faith in Yeshua, and as partakers of his free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Yeshua; to these, we must give unfeigned consent.

Matthew Henry (1662- 1774) continues “Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage.”

Thus we’re shown who and what we are being presented and in that knowledge recognize the Holy Spirit is with us and to use demonstrations and examples as the Spirit is not there for them, to decipher spoken truths.

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father, hear our cries for your instruction and heavenly gifts to prepare us to be compelling examples of your love and compassion. Bring unto us a clear mind and vision to see the seeds of temptations standing before these prisoners of Satan. That we will use your sword of truth to sever all the bindings from them. Give us the strength and knowledge to demonstrate your truth as a light for them to find your path to eternal life and peace. We pray this in your name Yeshua. Amen and Amen.

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert Isn’t our Lord a fantastic leader who brings us all we need to recognize who and what we are about to be confronted with and how to deal with it effectively. As I ponder how Yeshua took the time from the multitudes to deal with just one person I begin to recognize the significance of grace. We have been shown how our enemy has and is stealing Grace from the worldly churches. I am closing with Matthew Henry’s (1662- 1774) comments “Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content.“

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. v.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.“

PRE-AMBLE by Robert.

In the last Article “GOD SAID WHAT IS THIS THOU HAST DONE?” It showed the importance of working out our Salvation and reconnecting with God. In this article we find the Holy Spirit teaching the importance of continued personal growth in our Salvation but points out, for it to show any value in God’s eyes, it must be shared. We must not let our flesh tempt us to become slack or overconfident in our walk. The previous article revealed the importance of reconnecting and obtaining God’s light as “Modern Day Disciples.” and reflecting it into the darkness of the world.

Adam Clarke (1760 – 1832) comments on the work God puts into our soul to demonstrate our obedience to His calling which sets the tone for this article. “Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh – If the Spirit of God dwells in and rules your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.”

Matthew Henry’s (1662 -1774) comments advocate Adam Clarke’s comments on Galatians 5 and reveal’s the depth and what must never go missing for us to function in the Spirit demonstrating our obedience to God’s calling. “Grace includes God’s good-will towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the Father, as the Fountain, through Yeshua. But observe, first grace, and then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Yeshua gave himself for our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this, he freely submitted.“

OPENING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father I want to thank you for showing us the real depth of our faith. I petition you, Father, for wisdom to be upon all those reading this article deepen their discernment and understanding. Bring unto them a spirit of calm that any decision they are about to make in respect to a spiritual walk with you Lord would be an informed one void of emotions and worldly desires. I ask Lord that you would guardedly open their minds to receive all information the Holy Spirit will reveal as the foundation for their future decisions. Father bring them the knowledge of the gifts of Heaven. And how to obtain the fruits of everlasting life. I pray this in your name in the name of Yeshua AMEN and AMEN.

OPENING STATEMENT by Robert

If we care to act under the guidance and power of the blessed Spirit, though we may not be freed from the stirrings and oppositions of the corrupt nature which remains in us, it shall not have dominion over us. Believers are engaged in a conflict, in which they earnestly desire that grace may obtain full and speedy victory. And those who want this to give themselves up to be led by the Holy Spirit, are not under the law as a covenant of works, nor exposed to its awful curse. Their hatred of sin, and desires after holiness show that they have a part in the salvation of the gospel. The works of the flesh are many and manifest. And these sins will shut men out of heaven. Yet, what numbers, calling themselves believers, live in these, and say they hope for heaven!

The fruits of the Spirit, or of the renewed nature, which we are to do, are named. And as the apostle had chiefly called works of the flesh, not only hurtful to men themselves, but tend to make them so to one another, so here he primarily notices the fruits of the Spirit, which are typical to make believers agreeable one to another, as well as to make them happy. The fruits of the Spirit plainly show that such are led by the Spirit. By describing the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit, we are told what to avoid and oppose, and what we are to cherish and cultivate; and this is the sincere care and endeavour of all real Believers walking as Modern Day Disciples. Matthew Henry (1662 -1774) relates to Modern Day Disciples who it is we are going to confront and what appears to them as an appealing walk through life.

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. Imposing upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world, we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Yeshua, and abound in Believer’s graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire on duty, particularly in doing good. We should carefully watch and guard against it. Only perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an appeal to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our lifetime, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary on Galatians 5:19 -21 describes what we as Modern Day Disciples will face when encountering Satan’s prisoners. As well, we must ascertain, just how quickly we could fall victim to the temptations, Matthew Henry eluded to if we let our guard down. The Holy Spirit is going to lead us to these prisoners so we might demonstrate through our actions and examples within our walk how God’s love and compassion will open the door to eternal life with Him.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest. By flesh, we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul. No longer under the guidance of God’s Spirit and right reason. But under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin. So that man is in a worse state than the brute. And so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men to all kinds of crimes. And among them the following, which are manifest – known to all, and most prevalent; and, though your law most solemnly forbids these, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them.

Adultery – Μοιχεια· Illicit connection with a married person. This word is wanting in this place in the best MSS., versions, and fathers; the next term often comprehending both.

Fornication – Πορνεια· Illicit connection between single or unmarried persons; yet often signifying adultery also.

Uncleanness – Ακαθαπσια· Whatever is opposite to purity; probably meaning here, as in Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21, unnatural practices; sodomy, bestiality.

Lasciviousness – Ασελγεια· Whatever is contrary to chastity; all lewdness. Verse 20 Idolatry – Worshipping of idols; frequenting idol festivals; all the rites of Bacchus, Venus, Priapus, etc., which were common among the Gentiles.

Witchcraft – Φαρμακεια, from φαρμακον a drug or poison; because in all spells and enchantments, whether true or false, drugs were employed. As a drug, φαρμακον, might either be the means of removing evil, or inflicting one, etymologists have derived it from φερον ακος, bringing ease, or φερον αχος, producing pain. So spells and incantations were sometimes used for the restoration of the health; at others, for the destruction of an enemy. Sometimes, these φαρμακα were used to procure love; at other times, to produce hatred.

Hatred – Εχθραι· Aversions and antipathies, when opposed to brotherly love and kindness.Variance – Ερεις· Contentions, where the principle of hate proceeds to open acts; hence contests, altercations, lawsuits, and disputes in general.Emulations – Ζηλοι· Envies or emulations; that is strife to excel at the expense of another; lowering others to set up one’s self; unholy zeal, fervently adopting a wrong cause, or supporting a good one by cruel means. Inquisitions, pretending to help true religion by torturing and burning alive those who both profess and practice it.

Wrath – Θυμοι· Turbulent passions, disturbing the harmony of the mind, and producing domestic and civil broils and disquietudes.

Strife – Επιθειαι· Disputations, janglings, logomachics, or strife about words. Seditions – Διχοστασιαι· Divisions into separate factions; parties, whether in the Church or state. Heresies – Αἱρεσεις· Factions; parties in the Church separating from communion with each other, and setting up altar against altar. The word, which is harmless in itself, is here used in a wicked sense. Instead of αἱρεσεις, the Slavonic has σκανδαλα, scandals, offences or stumbling-blocks.

Verse 21

Envyings – Φθονοι· “Pain felt, and malignity conceived, at the sight of excellence or happiness.” A passion the most base and the least curable of all that disgrace or degrade the fallen soul. See on Romans 13:13.

Murders – Φονοι· Similarity of sound to the preceding seems to have suggested the word in this association; it wants in several MSS. Murder signifies the destruction of human life; and as he who hates his brother in his heart is ready to take away his life, so he is called a murderer. After all the casuistry of man, it does not appear that the right of taking away a human life on any pretense, except for the crime of murder belongs to any but the Maker and Judge of all men.

Drunkenness – Μεθαι· Taking more wine or any inebriating liquor than is necessary for health; whatever unfit for public, domestic, or spiritual duties; even the cares of the world, when they intoxicate the mind. See on Romans 13:13. Revellings – Κωμοι· Lascivious feastings, with obscene songs, music, etc. See on Romans 13:13.

And such like – Και τα ὁμοια τουτοις· All that proceeds from the evil passions of a fallen spirit, besides those above specified; and all that the law of God specifies and condemns. Of the which I tell you before – When I first preached the Gospel to you. As I had also told you in time past – When I paid my second visit to you; for the apostle did visit them twice. See Acts 16:6; Acts 18:23.Shall not inherit – They are not children of God, and therefore cannot inherit the kingdom which belongs only to the children of the Divine family. Now that we have knowledge of what it is we are actually confronting.

Adam Clarke describes the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the overall effect they will have in our lives as Modern Day Disciples when used as part of our demonstrated walk.

But the fruit of the Spirit – Both flesh – the sinful dispositions of the human heart and spirit – the changed or purified state of the soul, by the grace and Spirit of God, are represented by the apostle as trees, one yielding good the other bad fruit; the productions of each being according to the nature of the tree, as the tree is according to the nature of the seed from which it sprung. The bad seed produced a bad tree, yielding all manner of evil fruit; the excellent seed produced a good tree, bringing forth fruits of the most outstanding kind. The tree of the flesh, with all its evil fruits, we have already seen; the tree of the Spirit, with its excellent fruits, we shall now see.

Love – Αγαπη· An intense desire to please God, and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Galatians 5:6.

Joy – Χαρα· The exultation that arises from a sense of God’s mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:2..Peace – Ειρηνη· The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel till the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the forgiveness of sin. See Romans 5:1.

Long-suffering – Μακροθυμια· Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that, if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to every dispensation of God’s providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence.

Gentleness – Χρηστοτης· Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. Good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect.

Goodness – Αγαθωσυνη· The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart – a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree is made good, the fruit must be good also.

Faith – Πιστις, here used for fidelity – punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend nor disappointing the confidence of our employer.

Verse 23

Meekness – Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, a patient suffering from injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the complete opposite to anger.

Temperance – Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally concerning sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word εγκρατεια, continence or moderation, immediately preceding.

Against such there is no law – Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the preceding fruits.

The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it.

Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) explains “The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. If believers, who should help one another, and rejoice one another, quarrel, what can be expected but that the God of love should deny his grace, that the Spirit of love should depart, and the evil spirit, who seeks their destruction, should prevail? Happy would it be, if Believers, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live and worship?

Believers are not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise unbelievers, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living with believers, were not to withhold due respect and reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious privileges but were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of their faith in Yeshua, and as partakers of his free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Yeshua; to these, we must give unfeigned consent.

Matthew Henry (1662- 1774) continues “Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage.”

Thus we’re shown who and what we are being presented and in that knowledge recognize the Holy Spirit is with us and to use demonstrations and examples as the Spirit is not there for them, to decipher spoken truths.

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert

Heavenly Father, hear our cries for your instruction and heavenly gifts to prepare us to be compelling examples of your love and compassion. Bring unto us a clear mind and vision to see the seeds of temptations standing before these prisoners of Satan. That we will use your sword of truth to sever all the bindings from them. Give us the strength and knowledge to demonstrate your truth as a light for them to find your path to eternal life and peace. We pray this in your name Yeshua. Amen and Amen.

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert Isn’t our Lord a fantastic leader who brings us all we need to recognize who and what we are about to be confronted with and how to deal with it effectively. As I ponder how Yeshua took the time from the multitudes to deal with just one person I begin to recognize the significance of grace. We have been shown how our enemy has and is stealing Grace from the worldly churches. I am closing with Matthew Henry’s (1662- 1774) comments “Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content.“

Hear me O Lord, hear me, that these people may know thou art the Lord God, and thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water which was in the trench. And when the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, The Lord, he is the God, the Lord, he is the God. (1King 18:37 – 39.)

PRE-AMBLE by Robert 

The Lord through the Holy Spirit brought me to The Book 1Kings in the Old Testament to reveal the similarities of how far from God the modern churches worshipping their worldly god of love, have fallen and in similar actions how far from God the Israelites under King Ahab had fallen away from God.

Like Elijah, we as “Modern Day Disciples” are being lead to revealing who Yeshua is and why God placed Him among us. “Yes,”  we recognize the original saying, and it is true Yeshua came to save our, souls, and “Yeshua” did. However, do we fully comprehend and understand what really took place that, day? Remember we have been shown Adam and Eves’s sins separated our spirit from God. We were given a fleshly body which perishes, however, as well an opportunity in this lifetime to spiritually reconnect with God. In the July article “ADOPTION” published July 10, 2018, we were shown the true meaning of that adoption.

Now when we look at the event, Elijah put on display it is easy to see what his final goal was, Elijah’s sacrifice displayed God’s existence and glorious power (1King 18:38). After this event the people declared “The LORD, he is the God; The LORD, he is the God. (1Kings 18:39.) 

To premise this event we see Elijah saying onto the prophets of Baal. Choose you one Bulloch for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many, and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. Those who followed Baal as prophets took the Bullock who was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.  

Midday passed Elijah mocked them and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awakened. 

We no longer perform animal sacrifices to God, and I am going to bring forward what is being revealed through the Holy Spirit, the sacrifices we perform to demonstrate “Yeshua is the Son of God,” and His sacrifice is proof God is the Father of all mankind. It becomes apparent an understanding of our acceptance of Yeshua is not in question. But what it truly means on a spiritual level and what sacrifices we demonstrate so others will see and recognize and accept Him as the Son of God.

OPENING PRAYER by Robert

Father in heaven, we are calling out Lord to the multitudes to know your love, compassion, and forgiveness. We ask Father for your wisdom and discernment to demonstrate your greatness that they would know you as God. Fill us with the strength to endure all the attacks of the enemy. Polish us Lord that we might shine brightly before their eyes as we demonstrate your love for us so the multitudes would know it is you who is lifting us above the evil in this world. It is you who has freed us from the snares and trappings of Satan. Demonstrate through us Lord your greatness that they would see your sacrifice and know you are the Son of God. This we pray in your name Yeshua Amen and Amen.  

OPENING STATEMENT by Robert          

I want to delve into this article as quickly as possible as there is a considerable amount of information to absorb and discern. From (1Kings) the Holy Spirit lead me to (Romans 12), where we find the Apostle Paul in his writings explaining the prime fundamental doctrines of being a follower and believer in Yeshua the Son of God.

“We mistake our belief in Yeshua if we look upon it only as a system of notions and a guide to speculation. It is a reasonable belief, that tends to the right ordering of conversation. It is designed not only to inform our judgments but to reform our hearts and lives. From the method of the apostle’s writing in this, as in some other of the epistles, the stewards of the mysteries of God may take direction how to divide the word of truth. Not to press duty abstracted from privilege, nor privilege abstracted from duty but let both go together, with a complicated design, they will greatly promote and befriend each other,”

Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) relates the following, “The foundation of believers assembling must be laid in spiritual knowledge and faith. We must first understand how we receive Yeshua our Lord, and then we shall know the better how to walk in him. The exhortations are short and pithy, briefly summing up what is good, and what the Lord our God in Yeshua requires of us. It is an abridgment of the Assemblies directory, an excellent collection of rules for the right ordering of the conversation, as becomes the gospel. It is joined to the preceding discourse by the word “therefore.” It is the practical application of doctrinal truths that is the life of preaching. Therefore what God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Paul had been discoursing at large of the justification by faith, and of the riches of free grace, and the pledges and assurances we have. The particular exhortations of this chapter are reducible to the three principal heads of Assembly duty: our duty to God, to ourselves, and to our brother. The grace of God teaches us in general, to live “godly, soberly, and righteously” and to deny all that which is contrary hereunto. 

We will grow to understand what godliness, sobriety, and righteousness, are though somewhat intermixed. Paul entreated the Romans, like his brethren in Yeshua, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and after all, what return is it for such very rich receiving? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewings of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work until it is perfected in glory.

The Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-21 lays out the scheme mentioned earlier what is godliness Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) interprets it for us: It is to surrender ourselves to God, and so to lay a good foundation. We must first give our own selves unto the Lord, (2Corinthians 8:5). This is here pressed as the spring of all duty and obedience, (Romans 12:1,2). Man consists of body and soul, (Genisis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7). The duty pressed–to present our bodies a living sacrifice, alluding to the sacrifices under the law, which were presented or set before God at the altar, ready to be offered to him. Your bodies — your whole selves so expressed because under the law the bodies of beasts were offered in sacrifice, (1Cor. 6:2). Our bodies and spirits are intended. The offering was sacrificed by the priest, but offered by the offerer, who transferred to God all his right, title, and interest in it, by laying his hand on the head of it, Sacrifice is here taken for whatsoever is by Gods own appointment dedicated to himself (1Peter 2:5).

We are a temple, priest, and sacrifice, as Yeshua was in his peculiar sacrificing. There were sacrifices of atonement and sacrifices of acknowledgment. Yeshua, who was once offered to bear the sins of many, is the only sacrifice of atonement but our persons and performances, tendered to God through Yeshua, our priest, are as sacrifices of acknowledgment to the honor of God. Presenting them denotes a voluntary act, done by virtue of the absolute despotic power which the will has over the body and all the members of it, It must be a free-will offering. Your bodies, not your beasts. The presenting of the body to God implies not only the avoiding of the sins that are committed with or against the body but the using of the body as a servant of the soul in the service of God. 

So to sum this up To be religious is to serve God. How? 1). We must make a business of it, and not be slothful in that business. 2). We must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. God must be served with the spirit (Romans 1:9; John 4:24), under the influences of the Holy Spirit. Whatever we do in spirituality it is pleasing to God no further than it is done with our spirits wrought upon the Spirit of God. 3). Rejoicing in hope God is worshipped and honored by our hope and trust in Him, especially when we rejoice in that hope, take a complacency in that confidence, which argues a great assurance of the reality and a great esteem of the excellency of the good hoped for. 4). Patient, in tribulation. Thus also God is served, not only by working for him when he calls us to work but by sitting still quietly when he calls us to suffer. Patience for God’s sake, and with an eye to his will and glory, is true piety. 5). Continuing instant in prayer, Prayer is a friend to hope and patience, and we do in it serve the Lord. It signifies both fervency and perseverance in prayer. We should not be cold in the duty, nor soon weary of it, (1Thess,v17; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4: 2). This is our duty which immediately respects God.

Next, Paul offered an explanation of sobriety which Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) again interprets: A sober opinion of ourselves, (Romans 12:3). It is ushered in with a solemn preface: I say through the grace given unto me: the grace of wisdom, by which Paul understood the necessity and excellency of this duty the grace of apostleship, by which Paul had the authority to press and enjoin it. We must not be self-conceited, nor esteem too much our own wisdom and other attainments, not think ourselves to be something (Gal.6:3).  There is a highly thought of ourselves which we may and must have to imagine ourselves too good to be slaves of sin and drudges to this world. On the other hand, we think soberly, that is,  we must have a low and modest opinion of ourselves and to what we have received from God our own abilities, our gifts and graces, according to what we have received from God. 

Moving forward we are now looking for an understanding and description of righteousness under faith. However to fully comprehend what we have in righteousness through faith a look at righteousness which is of the law I believe is needed first. Paul in [Romans 10] desired for the Jews to come out from under the law to be truly saved from the wrath to come, eternal wrath, which was hanging over their heads. With his rendition, Paul believed they could be convinced and converted but knew he could not pray in faith so they might be saved in their unbelief.  Paul was merciful, as God is, who is not willing that any should perish (2Peter 3:9), desires not the death of sinners. Paul in this chapter set the tone: it is our duty as “modern-day disciples” honestly and earnestly to desire the salvation of our own. To complete what has been set before us. I believe we need the following information to identify which righteousness those we are about meet are walking in. 

Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) offers an in-depth look at both walks in righteousness the first being the righteousness of the law. “This Paul shows in (Romans 10:5). The tenor of it is, Do, and live. Though it directs us to a better and more effectual righteousness in Yeshua, yet in itself, considered as a law abstracted from its respect to Yeshua and the gospel (for so the unbelieving Jews embraced and retained it), it owneth nothing as a righteousness sufficient to justify a man but that of perfect obedience. For this, he quotes that scripture (Leviticus 18:5), You shall, therefore, keep my statutes and my judgments, which if a man does, he shall live in them. To this, he refers to (Galatians 3:12), The man that doeth them, shall live in them. Live that is, be happy, not only in the land of Canaan but in heaven, of which Canaan was a type and figure. The doing supposed must be perfect and sinless, without the least breach or violation. Now, was it not extreme folly in the Jews to adhere so strictly to this way of justification and salvation, which was in itself so hard, and by the corruption of nature now become impossible, when there was a new and a living way opened?

Now we turn to the definition of righteousness which is of faith. Described by Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) Paul describes in the words of Moses, in Deuteronomy, in the second law (so Deuteronomy signifies), where there was a much clearer revelation of Yeshua and the gospel than there was in the first giving of the law: he quotes it from (Deuteronomy 30:11-14), and shows: 1). That it is not at all hard or complicated. The way of justification and salvation has in it no such depths or knots as may discourage us, no insuperable difficulties attending it but, as was foretold, it is a highway, (Isaiah 35:8). We are not put to climb for it, it is not in heaven we are not set to dive for it, it is not in the deep. First, we need not go to heaven, to search the records or to inquire into the secrets of the divine counsel. It is true Yeshua is in heaven, but we may be justified and saved without going thither, to fetch him thence, or sending a special messenger to him. Secondly, we need not go to the deep, to carry Yeshua out of the grave, or from the state of the dead: into the deep to bring up Yeshua from the dead. This plainly shows that Yeshua’s descent into the deep, or into Hades was no more than his going into the state of the dead, in allusion to Jonah. It is true Yeshua was in the grave, and it is as accurate he is now in heaven. But we need not perplex and puzzle ourselves with fancied difficulties, nor must we create to ourselves such gross and carnal ideas of these things as if the method of salvation was impracticable, and the design of the revelation was only to amuse us. No, salvation is not put at so vast a distance from us. 2). But it is very understandable and manageable. “The word is nigh thee.” When we speak of looking upon Yeshua, and receiving Yeshua, and feeding upon Yeshua, it is not Yeshua in heaven, nor Christ in the deep that we mean but Yeshua in the promise, Christ exhibited to us, and offered, in the word. Yeshua is nigh thee, for the word is nigh thee: nigh thee indeed: it is in thy mouth and in thy heart, there is no difficulty in understanding, believing, and owning it. The work thou hast to do lies within thee; the kingdom of God is in you, (Luke 17:21). 

So now we have these definitions to work with, which give us a solid foundation. Where like Peter we stand on the Rock Yeshua is building His Assembly upon Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) explains Matthew 16:18 “The grant is put into Peter’s hand [I say it to thee.] The Old Testament promises relating to the Assembly were given immediately to particular persons, eminent for faith and holiness, as to Abraham and David which yet gave no supremacy to them, much less to any of their successors, so the New Testament charter is here delivered to Peter as an agent, but to the use and behoof of the Assembly in all ages, according to the purposes therein specified and contained. Now it is here promised.

That Yeshua would build his Assembly upon a rock. This body politic is incorporated by the style and title of Yeshua’s Assembly. It is a number of the children of men called out of the world, and set apart from it, and dedicated to Yeshua. It is not thy Assembly, but mine. Peter remembered this when he cautioned ministers not to lord it over God’s heritage. The Assembly is Yeshua’s peculiar, appropriated to him. The world is God’s, and they that dwell therein but the Assembly is a chosen remnant, that stands in relation to God through Yeshua as Mediator. It bears his image and superscription. The Builder and Maker of the Assembly are Yeshua himself [I will build it]. The Assembly is a temple which Yeshua is the Builder of (Zechariah 6:11-12.)

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert

So now knowing what our sacrifices represent as “Modern Day Disciples,” it becomes clear, our Assembly is built upon a rock a firm, strong, and lasting foundation, which time will not waste, nor will it sink under the weight of the building. Yeshua would not build his Assembly upon the sand, for he knew that storms would arise. So the call goes out to us as disciples like it did to Peter we must show strength and stability are with us. We must show that we are not shaken by the waves of men’s fluctuating opinions concerning us, but be established in the present truth (2Peter 1:12). The Holy Spirit brought me to Hebrews 12:7-8 to recognize the position of the modern day Churches offering a god who only loves you and does not chasten. Those who follow this walk need to know without the sacrifice of being Chastened you will be seen being outside of the Assembly and seen as bastards and not sons.

The captain of our salvation Yeshua does not call his people out to the hardest trials at first, but wisely trains them up with fewer sufferings to be prepared for greater. As “Modern Day Disciples” we must demonstrate the gentleness of Yeshua in accommodating their trial to their strength. We must demonstrate how not to magnify our afflictions, but as disciples, identify the mercies which are mixed with the hardships.

In closing, I want to share this message from God as he has directed his people how we should behave towards all our afflictions they must avoid the extremes that many will run into: 

1. We must not despise the chastening of the Lord we must not make light of afflictions and be stupid and insensible under them, for they are the hand and rod of God and His rebukes for sin. Those who make light of affliction make light of God and make light of sin. 
2. They must not faint when they are rebuked they must not despond and sink under their trial, nor fret and repine, but bear up with faith and patience. 
3. If they run into either of these extremes, it is a sign they have forgotten their heavenly Father’s advice and exhortation, which he has given them in pure and tender affection.  

CLOSING PRAYER by Robert

Father in heaven hear our petitions for your knowledge strength and discernment to demonstrate your love and compassion. Bring us your understanding and wisdom that when we please you, Father, you will bring peace into our lives even from our enemies. Show us the way to walk in your light that we might reflect our sacrifices so those in the darkness will see your glory and gentleness towards us as we go through our journey to everlasting life and peace. Give us the fervor to be living examples of how your blessings bring us through all turmoil silently but showing courage and endurance in your name. Allow us to share the knowledge of your presence calming and uplifting us through our turmoils as lessons lifting us to more significant achievements in your name. Allow our walk and demonstrations to prove your deity as the Son of God. This we pray in your name Yeshua, Amen and Amen.

Remember these articles are messages given to a humble, dedicated servant of Yeshua going forward as His Watchman sounding the Trumpet of trials and tribulations coming upon the Assembly and the believers within it. 

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty if I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. (2Kings 1:10) 

May our Father send His blessings to you lifting all curses and infirmities smoothing your path as you go forward in His name as “Modern Day Disciples.”

Robert