Special Study 05/01/2015

TITLE: CHRIST’S SUPREME LOVE AND TIMELY WARNING

TEXT: Matthew 7:15

“Beware of false prophets.” Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the good Shepherd and His warning is to make His sheep to be watchful. He does not want to lose any of His own to “ravening wolves.” “Beware” – be watchful, be on your guard, take warning. In sounding this alarm and giving this warning, Christ was motivated by perfect love on the basis of His perfect knowledge. There would be no warning if there were no danger. Knowing the presence of false prophets even at His own time and foreseeing the rise of teachers of damnable error in our time, He gave this warning over and over. The Apostles have also given us the same warning. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders. Behold, I have told you before. After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Therefore watch. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways. Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (Matthew 7:15; 16:6; 24:11,24,25; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:1,2; 3:17).

“Beware of false prophets.” If it was a necessary warning at the time of Christ and the Apostles, it is a much-needed warning today. Satan, the world and the flesh are not the only dangers in the way of the believer; there is another great danger: false prophets – wolves in sheep’s clothing. Beware, watch and be on your guard.

1. CHRIST’S WARNING CONCERNING FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15; 16:6-12; 24:4,5,11-13,24,25; Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21-32; Deuteronomy 13:1-11; 2 Corinthians 11:2-4,11-13; Galatians 1:6-10; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 4,12-19; Revelation 22:16-19.

Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the great King and true Prophet, the faithful Teacher Who came from God, had just described the narrow way of life and righteousness that leads to heaven and the broad way of sin and self that leads to perdition. Then, He immediately gave the warning and sounded the alarm: “Beware of false prophets.” The chief aim of false prophets is to deceive us and point us to the wrong way, thereby leading us astray. They call good evil and paint evil as good. They encourage people to walk in the broad way that leads to hell and discourage them from walking in the narrow way that leads to heaven. The warning was necessary for sinners who were already accustomed to the broad way, sinners who were thoughtless about spiritual matters, sinners who took religious deceivers as their final authority, sinners who entrusted the eternal destiny of their souls into the hands of ignorant leaders in religion. This warning is needed by awakened sinners on the verge of decision, sinners who are concerned about their spiritual welfare, who are asking what to do in order to have eternal life. Which way should they turn – to the right or to the left; to the narrow way or to the broad way? Which people should they identify with – the multitude on the broad way or the few on the narrow way? The warning must be taken to heart by new converts who have just repented and believed in Christ, by believers who are suffering persecution, by christians who are under pressure to reconsider their commitment to Christ, by disciples who are feeling the weight of the cross they bear, by preachers of the gospel who are not popular with the world and whose lone voice is almost being drowned by multitudes of world-acclaimed preachers. “Beware of false prophets.” For the sake of souls, take heed.

2. CRAFTY WOLVES CLOTHED AS FAITHFUL PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15; Ezekiel 22:25-27; Acts 20:28-31;1 Kings 13:11-24; 2 Chronicles 18:4-11,28-34; Isaiah 9:13-16; 44:20; Jeremiah 28:10-15;2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 2:17,18; Revelation 2:14-16; 20:10-15.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Appearance can be very deceptive. Gifts without grace, charisma without character, love without light, tenderness without truth, hospitality without holiness, worship without the Word, eloquence without enlightenment, fellowship without food for the soul, faith without faithfulness, prosperity without purity, success without salvation, revelation without righteousness, can be very deceptive in religion. Beware of ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing, destructive adversaries clothed with dazzling affection, dangerous friends (foes) clothed as delightful friends, poisonous serpents clothed as peaceful saints, cruel tormentors clothed as compassionate teachers, wicked murderers clothed as winsome messengers, determined destroyers clothed as devoted defenders. Beware, wolves are still wolves inwardly, whatever be the outward pretence or polish. Even when they pretend and pose as shepherds, they are looking for sheep to devour, not to defend, protect or feed. Jesus said, beware.

3. CONCEALED WICKEDNESS OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15; 23:13-15; Luke 11:44; Job 20:12-14; Psalm 10:8-10; Jeremiah 23:11-14; Acts 8:9-11,18-23; 13:6-12; 2 Peter 2:17-20; Revelation 2:20-26; Proverbs 19:27; Romans 16:17,18.

False prophets come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Be wise and be watchful. Look beyond their outward appearance, deep beneath the outward, pleasing personality. Watch and listen to the witness of the Holy Spirit, examine the fruit of their lives and evaluate the fruit of their labour. Beware, lest you throw your soul into the claws and jaws of a ravening wolf because of an untested assumption that you are entrusting your soul to a good and faithful shepherd. Deception, eternally dangerous deception is the trade of Satan and his servants and false prophets – at their best, really, at their worst. False prophets so conceal and hide their wickedness and cleverly proclaim error as truth that even elites and educated people in different areas of life and discipline are easily deceived. Scientists and philosophers, the mighty and the wealthy, the intelligent and the wise, the educated and the civilized, the religious and the zealot, the secular mind and even the spiritual man have been deceived by false prophets in the past, in all generations and in this generation. If we are to escape the false prophets’ deception and the damnation it brings, we must diligently watch. We must be constantly guided by the Holy Spirit and the Scripture. Beware, watch, take heed.

Special Study 12/01/2015

TITLE: RECOGNIZING FALSE PROPHETS BY THEIR FRUITS

TEXT: Matthew 7:16-18

“Beware of false prophets. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” To take heed and to avoid being destroyed and devoured by ravening wolves, we must be able to discern and recognize the wolves even when they are clothed in sheep’s clothing. If bottles of wholesome medicine and deadly poison are placed on the table without any label on the bottles or wrong labels on the bottles, lives could be lost because of our inability to recognize the proper bottles. Imagine a convicted sinner standing before the gates (one wide, the other, strait and narrow) wondering which one to enter in hope of receiving salvation and eternal life. The false prophet, with a comforting, reassuring voice points him to the wide gate and the broad way. If the awakened, convicted sinner takes the false prophet for a truthful, faithful prophet he could seal his doom forever.

“By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20,16). Trees will be identified by their fruits. At a distance trees may look alike, but a close inspection of their fruits will enable us to distinguish between trees with good, wholesome fruits and trees with evil, corrupt fruits. Concerning the false prophets, the fruits refer to their creed, their character, and their converts; their doctrine, their deeds and their disciples; their beliefs, their behaviour, and their brethren. The threefold fruit of life and labour, message and ministry, family, fellowship and followers will reveal much about who a teacher-preacher is - whether he is a faithful prophet or a false prophet.

1. THE INWARD CORRUPTION OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15-17; 23:25-28; Luke 11:39; Psalm 5:9; Hosea 9:7-9; Matthew 12:33-35;
2 Peter 2:1,12-14; 2 Timothy 3:5-8; Titus 1:16; 2 Peter 2:17-19.

“Inwardly they are ravening wolves. He knew what was in man. Your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Within they are full of extortion and excess. Ye indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of all uncleanness. Ye outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” These are statements from Christ concerning false prophets exposed by Him so that true seekers after God will take heed and beware of them. “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Men are always evaluating prophets or preachers by their outward projects, programs, performance and popularity. As long as we focus on the outward prosperity of false prophets and do not consider what they are inwardly, we shall never be able to recognize or refuse those false prophets. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: WHO CAN KNOW IT? I the LORD search the heart” (Jeremiah 17:9,10). The man of God from Judah could not recognize the old prophet in Bethel as a false prophet (1 Kings 13:11-24). Jehoshaphat could not recognize the inward corruption and deception of Ahab and his false prophets (1 Kings 22:4-8,17,18,29-37). Even the disciples of Christ could not recognize the inward corruption and secret plan of the false prophet in their midst (John 13:21-29). The kings and all the people on earth will not be able to recognize the future false prophet and the Antichrist and they will deceive the whole world (Revelation 16:13,14). Christ knows all things and all people. What we cannot know or discern by our natural intellect, He reveals to us in the Scripture by His Spirit (Luke 24:45; John 16:13). “Be not wise in thine own eyes”. Listen to the good Shepherd. Trust your Lord and Saviour more than your feeble intellect; “beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but INWARDLY they are revening wolves”.

2. THE INSATIABLE COVETOUSNESS OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; Isaiah 56:10,11; Micah 3:11; Jeremiah 6:13-15; Ezekiel 22:23-27;
1 Timothy 6:5-10; Titus 1:10,11; 2 Peter 2:3; Jude 10-13; 2 Peter 3:10-14.

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” If we cannot always search into the inner or inward corruption of the false prophets, we can at least see their insatiable covetousness. How many preachers and christian ministers will remain in the ministry if it became necessary and compulsory for all christian preachers to be as poor as Christ and the Apostles in the early Church? How many of us will remain in full-time ministry if prosperity and popularity were not attached to the ministry? Covetousness is one of the identifying marks of false prophets. “They are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his GAIN, from his quarter.” “Everyone is given to covetousness; from the prophet even unto the priest.” “The priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for MONEY”. “Men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, supposing that GAIN is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. For the love of money is the root of all evil.” “There are many deceivers teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake” (‘for the purpose of getting disreputable gain’). “There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies. And through COVETOUSNESS shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

The faithful prophet, like the shepherd, cares for the flock more than he cares for his life; the false prophet, like the ravening wolf, cares for nothing but to satisfy his own gluttony, and his own greed. The false prophet is in the business of religion for what profit he can get for himself. His basic motivation is self-interest; like an hireling, he labours and ministers for material gain. Instead of ministering and teaching for the purpose of opening blinded minds to saving and sanctifying truths of the gospel, he is in the ministry for the pay it offers.

3. THE IGNOMINIOUS CHARACTER OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; Ephesians 5:12; Jeremiah 2:8,26; Jeremiah 23:11-14; Ezekiel 13:22;
Revelation 2:20-23; Romans 2:19-24; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 4:1,5,6; Matthew 7:21-23.

False prophets and their followers hate exposure. They often accuse those who remove their masks or their garb of deception, their sheep’s clothing, of being narrow-minded preachers who lack love for all. The minister of health who exposes quack doctors is not lacking in love; the father who warns his daughters of the ‘snake in the grass’ is not narrow-minded or devoid of love; the shepherd who unmasks wolves in sheep’s clothing so as to protect the flock of Christ cannot be accused of having no love. Love is faithful and truthful. It was love for sinners and saints, love for “other sheep which are not of this fold” and for the “little flock” already saved which moved Christ, the good Shepherd, to tear off the disguise of the false prophets. Love compels faithful shepherds to expose deadly enemies of the flock and reveal them in their real character. Christ did not hesitate to brand these subtle deceivers as “ravening wolves” because that is who they are.

“Ravening wolves”! The wolf, like the fox, is tricky and treacherous, subtle and sly. See an example of the subtilty of “that fox” (Luke 13:31,32; Matthew 2:7,8,12-16 - note: these are two different Herods, foxes, wolves, but they had the same nature - murderous subtilty). False prophets “lie in wait to deceive” and they employ “cunning craftiness” to entice souls into their trap. As wolves are cruel and merciless, so are these deceivers of souls. They profess much love but they are full of hatred toward those who expose them. They are greedy, avaricious and hungry for applause and the praise of men. “Their prophets are light and treacherous” (Zephaniah 3:4), frivolous, not sober. Their character matches their conviction and their choice. They recommend the wide gate instead of the strait gate; they walk in the broad way instead of the narrow way. As their creed does not accept the narrow gate and the narrow way, their character or conduct does not reflect self-denial, cross-bearing, crucifixion of the self-life and the mortification of “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; 14:25-27; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 2:15-17).

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 19/01/2015

Study 04: PATTERN OF THE LIFE OF FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:8-12

Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). To please God, each of us must live by faith in Christ. Abel, Enoch, Noah had faith in God and He testified of them that they pleased Him. In Abel, we learn the commencement of the life of faith; Enoch teaches us the characteristics of the continuity of the life of faith; Noah’s life and action instruct us on the conviction and courage of the life of faith. The Scripture challenges us to let “Christ dwell in [our] hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:17), to “live by faith” (Galatians 2:20), to pray in faith (James 1:6), to resist our adversary, the devil, by faith (1 Peter 5:8,9), to overcome the world by faith (1 John 5:4), to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

To please God and to walk with Him, we are to “walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised” (Romans 4:12). Abraham’s life of faith provides a pattern for our faith. His life was nothing else, but a continual practice of faith. The first evidence of faith in his life is his obedience to God, when He called him out of his country. From then on, his life furnishes fuller details concerning the life of faith.

1. THE PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:8; Genesis 12:1-4; Joshua 24:2,3; Acts 7:2-4; Isaiah 51:2; Romans 1:5; Luke 5:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Acts 13:2; 2 Peter 1:10.

“By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out... obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8 ). “The Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1). What a challenge to his faith this was! He was called to go out of idolatry, not out of the family of God (Joshua 24:2,3; Isaiah 51:1,2). What a testing of faith this was – to be converted at 75! Abraham was already seventy-five years of age (Genesis 12:4) and long journeys and break-up of old associations are not easily undertaken by elderly people. To forsake the old life, to leave loved ones and family idolatry behind, to abandon present certainty for a future uncertainty, to go forth, not knowing where, must have seemed unreasonable to the flesh and carnal reasoning; only faith could do such a thing in answer to God’s call.

A practical separation from the world is demanded of us, for “the friendship of the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4 ). As it was contrary to nature for Abraham to leave family and idolatry, so it is equally contrary to nature for the Christian to separate from the world and crucify the flesh. Abraham “obeyed; and he went out”. He obeyed not only in word, but in deed. “By faith, Abraham... obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8 ). Faith and obedience can never be separated just as the sun and light or fire and heat can never be separated.

“He went out, not knowing whither he went”. At the time God called him, He did not specify which land he was to journey to, nor where it was located. It was by faith, real faith in the Living God, and not by sight, that he moved forward. Many so-called Christians only obey God after considering their own personal interests. God requires unqualified obedience from us. The path of obedience must be trod, if ever you are to reach heaven. No disobedient soul who is wrapped up in self will enter heaven.

2. THE PROOF AND PATIENCE OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:9,10; Genesis 13:12,14-18; 17:8; 26:2-5; Acts 7:5; Hebrews 11:10; 12:28; 13:14; John 14:2.

“By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country...” (Hebrews 11:9). This verse brings before us the second proof of Abraham’s faith. In the previous verse, we are told of the place he left; here we are told of the place to which he was called. We learn from him the necessity of patience and constancy of faith in waiting for the fulfillment of the promise. As it was by faith that Abraham went out of Chaldaea, so it was by faith he remained out of his native idolatrous country. We come out of the world to come into Christ’s Kingdom by faith and remain separated from the world through faith.

Unless a supernatural work of grace had been wrought in Abraham’s heart, subduing his natural reasoning, he would not have remained in Canaan. He stayed there, “as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles”, patiently waiting for the inheritance. The Christian also has been begotten “to an inheritance” (1 Peter 1:4), but he does not fully enter into it (into heaven) the moment he is called “from death unto life”. He, too, waits patiently for that “inheritance reserved in heaven”.

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Walking by faith, not by sight, he set his heart and eyes upon things above and not upon things below. Faith lifts the heart above and beyond earthly things to desire spiritual and heavenly things.

3. THE POWER OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:11,12; Romans 4:19-21; Hebrews 10:23; Genesis 22:17; Deuteronomy 1:10; Nehemiah 9:23; Acts 10:43; 26:18; Hebrews 10:35-37.

Having spoken of Abraham’s faith, the apostle now makes mention of Sarah’s faith. What a great blessing it is when a husband and wife are both partners and partakers of living, dynamic faith – both moving in the same direction in faith. The believing husband and the believing wife are “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). Sarah’s faith shows the marvelous power of a God-given faith exercised in the presence of the most discouraging circumstances. Her faith was intensely practical, relying upon the faithfulness of God, absolutely and completely resting upon His promise. Her faith survived every trial to which it was exposed.

“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed” (Hebrews 11:11). It is through FAITH that we receive Christ (John 1:12), “gladly receive the Word” (Acts 2:41; 8:14), “receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43), “receive the Word of God, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13), “receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” (Romans 5:17), “receive inheritance among them which are sanctified” (Acts 26:18), “receive answers to prayer” (Mark 11:24), “receive the power and gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 1:8; 2:38,39), “receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36), “receive of His fullness” (John 1:16).

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Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 26/01/2015

Study 05: THE PERSEVERANCE OF FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:13-16

“We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard” (Hebrews 2:1). More especially do we need to pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is teaching us today in this passage on the subject of faith. Many preachers and teachers are confused and they misinterpret this passage: “These all died in faith, NOT HAVING RECEIVED the promises” (Hebrews 11:13). They fail to rightly divide the Word of truth and so weaken the faith of many. This chapter uses the word “receive” a number of times: “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed”. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises” “...and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son”, “Women received their dead raised to life again”, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise” (Hebrews 11:11,13,17,35,39). Scriptural interpretation (fully treated in the third section of this study) will remove all confusions.

The faith of Bible believers was (and is) incorruptible and could not be conquered by adverse circumstances. The eye of their hearts saw clearly the blessings God had promised and they were persuaded that they would be theirs in due season. The Scriptures commend the perseverance of the Old Testament believers. Despite all the assaults of temptations and trials around them, they persisted in clinging to God and His Word. They lived by faith and died in faith.

1. THE CONSTANCY OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:13,14; Genesis 25:5,8; 48:21; 49:28-31; 50:24; 1 Kings 8:56; Numbers 24:17,19; Job 19:25-27; Isaiah 9:6; John 8:56.

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises...” Each one of the Old Testament characters died in the firm expectation of the promised Messiah, believing and beholding the heavenly glory afar off. Their eyes of faith were strong, they were endowed with long-distant spiritual vision. With the telescope of faith, they saw them afar off, were fully persuaded and embraced them (Hebrews 11:13). Faith sees the invisible clearly, brings strong persuasion in the heart and makes us to embrace God’s promises.

“These all died in faith”. To die in faith is to have an assured confidence in God till and at the point of death. They had a firm belief in the reality and existence of life and fellowship with God after death. They entrusted their departing souls into the care of a loving and faithful God. They had strong faith believing in the final, blessed rest in the heavenly country prepared for them by God. Their chief aim and supreme desire was to lay aside all hindrances, live like “strangers and pilgrims on the earth”, “[seeking] those things which are above... [setting their] affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2).

Do you have such faith that sees the promises afar off; being fully persuaded, do you fully and firmly embrace those promises? Are God’s promises really precious to us? Do our hearts cling to them with love and delight? Do we plead those promises before the Throne of Grace? Does our daily walk show that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, that we are “partakers of the heavenly calling”?

2. THE COMMITMENT OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:15,16; Genesis 24:6-8; Job 17:9; Psalm 112:7; Proverbs 24:21; Galatians 2:18; Psalms 27:4; 73:25.

The patriarchs remained in the land where God placed them because they surrendered to the total control of God. If they had desired to return to the idolatrous land from which they were called, the opportunities were many, instead of going back, they perservered in the path which God appointed for them. Despite all discouragements, trials and difficulties, they committed themselves to following that course marked out for them by God. So firm was Abraham’s conviction and commitment that he would not go back to his native land nor allow Isaac, his son, to go there to take a wife. We, too, should manifest such commitment of faith. Though enticements abound on every hand tempting us to go back to the world and its vanities, we must keep on looking unto Jesus, fixing our hearts on heaven and its glories.

The heavenly country was ever on the hearts of the Patriarchs as: (1) Abraham “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). (2) They “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). (3) “They seek a country” (Hebrews 11:14). (4) “They desire a better country, that is, an heavenly” (Hebrews 11:16), (5) They “declare plainly that they seek a country” (Hebrews 11:14). Are we so desirous of that better country - the heavenly country? Then earthly things will not hold our hearts captive.

3. THE CATALOGUE OF BENEFITS THROUGH FAITH
Hebrews 11:11,13,17,35,39; Psalm 103:1-5; 1 Kings 8:56; Isaiah 38:1-5,17; Psalm 51:12; 68:19; James 5:11,16-18.

This chapter reveals that the Old Testament believers received the fulfilment of many promises. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and many others received the promises (Hebrews 11:11,17,35; Genesis 12:2; 13:2; 26:12,13; 45:9-13; Deuteronomy 1:10). Also, many individuals in Israel received many blessings by faith. They received salvation (Psalms 51:12; 32:1,2), healing (Exodus 15:26; Psalms 103:3; 107:20), deliverance (Psalm 34:4,19), sanctification (Leviticus 20:8; Isaiah 6:5-7), protection and preservation (Isaiah 43:2; Daniel 3:20-25; 6:19-22), and answers to prayers (Psalms 66:19,20; 68:19).

Yet, “these all died in faith, not having received the promises” (Hebrews 11:13,39). What promises were they not able to receive? Israel became a great nation after Abraham’s death (Genesis 12:2). All the families of the earth being blessed through Abraham was fulfilled with the coming of Christ (Genesis 12:3). Prophecies concerning the Messiah and the fulness of the Holy Spirit were later fulfilled but not during the lifetime of the Old Testament saints. God is faithful. Now, we can receive all He has promised us.

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 02/02/2015

Study 06: SUPREME EXPRESSION OF FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:17-19

Among all the expressions of Abraham’s faith, nothing was more remarkable than the offering up of his son, Isaac. It is the most wonderful submission in faith, the most illustrious of all examples of faith. It shows the power of faith that helps a man to perform a very difficult duty so as to obtain a very important blessing.

What a great faith! The depth and great value of Abraham’s faith are revealed in his willingness to give back to God everything he had received by faith, including the son of promise. God’s demand was a test of Abraham’s faith. It was a test of his submission to God, his loyalty to God, his love and affections for God. Who did he really love more: God or Isaac? God’s promises to Abraham concerning his “seed” centred on Isaac. Ishmael had been cast out and Isaac’s posterity alone was to be reckoned to Abraham. Isaac had been given to Abraham after he had waited for a long time. There was no likelihood of his having any more sons through Sarah. Isaac himself had not got any child – not yet married. To offer him up to God looked like cutting off all his hopes. Yet, he was willing to obey God. He knew that God would do whatever was necessary, including raising Isaac from the dead, to keep His covenant. He believed in resurrection from the dead even before God revealed the doctrine.

1. THE TEST OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:17,18; Genesis 21:10-12; 22:1-4,9,10; James 2:21-23; 1 Peter 1:7; John 6:5,6; Deuteronomy 8:2; 13:1-4; 1 Kings 19:19-21.

This was test, a great test. God had declared unto Abraham that He would establish an everlasting covenant with Isaac and with his seed after him (Genesis 17:9). It was through him that all nations should be blessed (Genesis 17:7) and therefore it must be through him that Christ, according to the flesh, would proceed. Now the accomplishment of those promises depended upon the preservation of Isaac’s life. This Isaac, Abraham was called upon to sacrifice unto God. Abraham was to slay, not all his bullocks and herds, not one of his servants, not even Ishmael, but his loving, beloved, faithful son! Abraham was bidden, not to send him away from home but to cut him off out of the land of the living! To obey God and sacrifice Isaac appeared to render all His promises to Abraham null and void, making their fulfilment impossible. A severe trial – a serious trial of faith.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac”. He had faith in the wisdom, power and faithfulness of God. He closed his eyes to all difficulties, trusting in the power of Him who cannot lie. He consulted not with flesh and blood, not even with Sarah. There was no delay or disputing with God, questioning the apparent discrepancy between the present command and the previous promises. Great faith in a great God passed a great test and obtained great blessings.

2. THE TESTIMONY OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:19a; Genesis 22:5-8,13,14; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Romans 4:20,21; Job 19:25-27; Psalm 23:4; Matthew 16:21.

It is faith that causes us to yield to God, to respond to His claims, to answer His call, to obey Him joyfully. Faith carries its possessor through the greatest of trials, singing and testifying of God’s goodness and greatness while going through. There is a cheerful submission and joyful obedience to the will of God when we really and fully believe Him. Faith has a mighty influence to support and sustain the soul in time of trial. He who walks by faith, in the light of God’s eternal Word, goes on calmly and happily through the mists and fogs of time.

What a testimony Abraham had in the midst of his trial of faith! “And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” (Genesis 22:5). He believed and testified that after the sacrifice, God would raise Isaac up and they would both “come again”. What a faith, what a testimony! He was so “strong in faith” that he believed God would raise him from the dead. “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Yes, our God is able. That is the testimony of faith (Hebrews 7:25; 2:18; Romans 11:23; 14:4; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 3:9; 2 Chronicles 25:9; Daniel 3:17; Romans 4:21; 2 Timothy 1:12; Ephesians 3:20; Jude 24; Philippians 3:21).

3. THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:19b; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Genesis 22:11,12,15-18; Daniel 3:16,17,24-28; 6:19-23; Mark 14:27,28; 16:4-7.

Abraham received what he believed; he obtained what he confessed. “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8 ). And did God provide? “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram... and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:13). The outcome of the whole test of faith was a wonderful triumph of faith. No regrets, no disappointment. There was divine intervention in the nick of time - promptly. Trusting firmly in the Lord brought God’s all-sufficient power to act on his behalf. He got his beloved Isaac back again. God returns again to us what we offer to Him. Hannah gave up Samuel to the Lord, and she had many more children in return (1 Samuel 2:20,21). Abraham also obtained a fuller revelation of God’s name: he now knew Him as “Jehovah-Jireh” (Genesis 22: 14 ) And God confirmed His covenant with him again (Genesis 22:16,17). The quickest road to triumph and full assurance is complete obedience in total trust in God

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 09/02/2015

Study 07: THE PROPHETIC LANGUAGE OF FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:20-22

Today’s text refers to the faith of three men: Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. These three men are frequently and favourably mentioned in Scripture. Their faith, especially at the hour of death, is presented to us as a model. They had believed God, the God of Abraham, from childhood, they walked with God, through many tests, troubles and trials by faith and they all exhibited strong faith in God at the end of their earthly pilgrimage. At the end of the life of each of them, the greatest thing each one passed on to the children was the promise of God, not material things.

The record in Genesis reveals much on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Of these four men, Isaac lived the longest. Yet, less is recorded about him than any of the others. Chapters 12 to 25 are devoted to the life of Abraham, chapters 25-27 devoted to the life of Isaac, chapters 28-35 devoted to the life of Jacob while chapters 37-50 are devoted to the biography of Joseph. 13½ chapters for Abraham, 2½ for Isaac, 8 for Jacob and 14 for Joseph. Yet, one common thing with them is their faith in God – faith at the beginning, faith during their long fruitful lives, faith at the end of their lives, permitting them to enter into eternal fellowship with their God.

The presence of God was real with each of the men whose faith we are studying today. To Isaac, God said, “I will be with thee, and will bless thee” (Genesis 26:3,4). To Jacob, God said, “Behold, I am with thee... I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15). Concerning Joseph, we read, “And the LORD was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). Their faith held on firmly to the Word and promise of God.

1. DOMINION THROUGH FAITH
Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 25:20,21,28; 27:21,22,26-29,
30-40; 28:1,3,4,13-15; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 33:10-15; Jeremiah 18:9,10.

Jacob the younger was blessed above Esau the elder. Jacob had dominion through faith. Isaac actually thought of pronouncing the blessing of Abraham on Esau. When he learnt of what Jacob had done, how he had received the blessing instead of Esau. “Isaac trembled very exceedingly” (Genesis 27:33). Then he said, “I have blessed him, yea, and he shall be blessed” (Genesis 27:33). The spirit had dominion over the flesh. Isaac allowed God’s will (Genesis 25:22,23) to have dominion over his natural desires and affection for Esau. Isaac had dominion through faith.

The Lord had spoken to Rebekah and she believed. However, when she learnt that “the blessing” was to be mistakenly given to Esau, she planned a scheme of deception to accomplish God’s purpose! God does not need our deception to fulfil His purpose. He could easily have put the right word in Isaac’s mouth (Exodus 4:12; Numbers 22:28; Deuteronomy 23:5; John 11:49-52; Acts 5:34-39). Their sin and deception did not go unpunished, but God intervened to confirm the birthright on Jacob. Isaac said, “I have blessed him, yea, and he shall be blessed”. That was the language of faith overcoming his natural partiality for Esau. Though “there are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Even the tears of Esau could not move or change the mind of Isaac. Now that Isaac remembered the Word and the plan of God, he was as firm as a rock. The blessing of Abraham was given to Jacob. God was to be known as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:15; Matthew 22:32).

2. DECREE OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 48:5,13-21; Proverbs 16:9,10; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalm 75:6,7; Job 22:27,28; Lamentations 3:37.

While the three verses, (Hebrews 11:20,21,22) have faith, dynamic faith, in common, the case of Isaac shows dying faith triumphing over the affections of the flesh; that of Jacob teaches dying faith overcoming the interference of man; while that of Joseph reveals dying faith exalting the promised land above Egypt and the world. “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying...” (Hebrews 11:21). To manifest faith at the point of death, we must have been exercising faith continually, while we are still alive. The leading feature of the faith of dying Jacob is seen in the blessing of Joseph’s two sons. When Joseph brought his two sons before Jacob to receive his final blessing, he placed Manasseh the elder, to his right hand, and Ephraim the younger to his left. His reason was that Manasseh would receive the greater blessing. Crossing his hands, he gave the greater blessing to Ephraim the younger. When Joseph desired a change, Jacob maintained what he had done. “And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it” (Genesis 48:19). By faith, he refused the desire or demand of a loved one. What a great lesson for us. There are times that our faith has to cross or refuse the wish and will of a loved one. The final word concerning Jacob in Scripture shows him full of faith and dedicated in worship. “By faith Jacob... blessed... and worshipped” (Hebrews 11:21). What a happy ending on earth!

3. DEPARTING IN FAITH
Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24,25; 15:13,14,16; 39:2-4,9,23; Psalm 105:17-22; Genesis 50:19-25; Habakkuk 2:3; Psalm 16:8.

At the early age of seventeen, Joseph was sold in a foreign country into a heathen land. For many years, he was surrounded by idol-worshippers. There was no contact with a single true believer. There was no fellowship for spiritual encouragement. Yet, he kept the faith! He believed the Word from the Lord which he had received as a teenager. He was faithful to God, he resisted temptation, he was patient under affliction, he witnessed to others concerning the love and power of God, he overcame evil with good – all because of his faith in God. The initial loneliness in Egypt, the prosperity in Potiphar’s house, the exalted position in the prison, the honour from Pharaoh did not destroy his faith. His heart was fixed on higher things than the perishing babbles of Egypt.

Joseph was looking forward to the time when God would visit Israel and take the nation to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:24). There was no doubt in his heart. He was fully assured that God cannot lie and that He would surely fulfil His Word. Canaan, not Egypt, was on Joseph’s heart while dying. True faith in his heart was engaged, not only with the safety of his soul, but with the future happiness of God’s people. Faith not only believes the promises which God has given to His children individually, but also lays hold of those given to the church collectively.

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 16/02/2015

Study 08: THE DECISION OF FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:23-26

Decisions determine destiny! Our decisions have far-reaching effects on us and many others. The decisions of the parents of Moses had effect, not only on the family but on the whole nation of Israel. And the decision of Moses! We would not have heard anything about him but for his choice, his decision. Because of his decision, Israel was delivered from bondage, God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled, God’s power was made known to Egypt and the world, divine revelation in written form has become available to the whole world, etc. Our decisions reveal who we are and also determine how useful or useless we would be in life. Our decisions determine where we shall spend eternity.

Some seemingly simple and unimportant decisions have great consequences. When decisions are taken in fear, unbelief, or because of negative reaction, revenge and frustration, we may unknowingly be committing spiritual suicide. Every decision would be taken in faith. There will be no regrets when we take all our decisions with God. Take no decision without God.

The parents of Moses were married at a difficult time in Egypt. And Moses was born when there was an edict to destroy all male infants. The parents hid the child for three months. When it became impossible to continue hiding the child, they took another decision – a decision of faith. Moses was preserved, Israel was delivered, the world was blessed!

1. PROTECTION RECEIVED BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:23; Exodus 1:16,22; 2:1-10; Acts 7:18-21; Hebrews 13:6; Psalms 56:4; 118:6; Isaiah 51:7,13,15,16; Psalm 91:1-5.

Our decisions either bring God on our side or make Him to be against us. Decisions of faith shield and protect us from Satan while decisions of unbelief expose us to Satan and his agents.

“Another king arose, which knew not Joseph” (Acts 7:18). This new evil king made a law that the male infants born to Israelites should be killed. “They cast out their young children, to the end they might not live” (Acts 7:19). It was at this time Moses was born (Acts 7:20). Why didn’t the parents act in fear and surrender their child, Moses, to be killed under the cruel edict? “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents... And they were not afraid of the king’s commandment” (Hebrews 11:23).

The parents of Moses received divine protection for the child because they acted in faith. The strong, spiritual, supernatural faith they had in God strengthened and sustained their hearts in the crisis. Their faith in God overcame the fear of man. Faith enables us to look away from human terrors, and to put our trust in the unseen, invisible God (Psalm 27:1). In times of persecution, the promises of God are our great protection. If we believe in God, all the laws which men make against the promises that God has given to His Church are doomed to certain failure. “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).

2. PRESTIGE REJECTED BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:24; Exodus 2:10; Acts 7:21-23; Philippians 3:4-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:6,7; Psalm 84:10.

There are some bold decisions that can only be taken in faith by those who see the great spiritual heights that God is calling them to. To reject such privilege and prestige as Moses rejected demands real faith in God. Carnal reasoning could have said, ‘Why not accept to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and use the position to reform Egypt? Why not use this royal privilege to lessen the oppression of the Hebrews? Why not accept the prestige of being called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter so as to escape much affliction and suffering?’ Only bold faith in God can make us reject Satan’s scholarship to greatness.

A man is known by his choice – by his decision. You cannot know a man fully until you know what he accepts or rejects by faith and his conviction in God. Our spiritual life, faith, maturity can be measured by our daily decision. Faith views eternity to come and rejects the privileges and prestige of this passing world that will soon fade away. Moses knew that God preserved him to deliver Israel from Egypt. To remain in Egypt’s palace when God wanted him to lead Israel out of Egypt will be unbelief and disobedience to God. Some people find it difficult to make the sacrifices (self-denial and separation from the world) that Christ requires because they have no faith. Believe as Moses believed, and you will find it easy to decide and choose as Moses did.

3. PLEASURE REFUSED BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:25,26; Acts 7:23,24; Ruth 1:11-18; 2:11,12; 2 Samuel 15:19-23; Acts 20:23,24; Romans 16:3,4.

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). There is faith that conquers the flesh, faith that conquers the world. The decision to refuse the pleasure of the flesh in Egypt, relinquish a high position in the palace, renounce power in the greatest empire at that time, resist the pride of life and reject prosperity that could have made him blind to God’s call upon his life, was a decision of faith. Living faith in God makes us to forsake all the things the world holds dear. Moses weighed what Egypt had to offer against what God offered. He considered God’s offer in the light of eternity and saw that it was infinitely superior in every way.

There is both a negative and a positive side of the decision of faith of Moses. First, a “refusing”, then a “choosing” (Hebrews 11:24,25), and that order is unchanging. It is our refusal of the things of the world and our choosing the things of the Lord which identifies us as true children of God. And this is all by faith. Living by faith, we faithfully keep the things of eternal value in view.

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 23/02/2015

Study 09: FAITH THAT CONQUERS

TEXT: Hebrews 11:27-29
Our study today reveals faith in action. This is faith that conquers! There is faith that conquers Satan and all his agents; faith that conquers sin and all its consequences; faith that overcomes the world and the flesh; faith that conquers sickness and death; faith that conquers Pharaoh and his army; Egypt and all her magicians; faith that opens a way through the Red Sea; faith that brings permanent deliverance. This is the faith that arrests our attention today.

Faith conquers. The faith of Abel conquered sin and he received pardon and witness that he was righteous. The faith of Enoch conquered death and he was translated into the presence of God in heaven. The faith of Noah conquered unbelief and worldliness and he escaped judgment – saved from the flood. The faith of Abraham conquered human reasoning and he passed the greatest test of his life. The faith of Sarah conquered bodily weakness and she received strength to conceive. The faith of Isaac conquered parental partiality and he submitted to God’s ultimate plan. The faith of Jacob conquered human preference and tradition and he acted under divine guidance. The faith of Joseph conquered attachment to Egypt and he fixed his eyes on Canaan. The faith of Moses’ parents conquered the fear of a cruel edict and they preserved the future deliverer. The faith of Moses conquered Egypt and its pleasure and he shook Egypt to its very foundations. Faith conquers!

1. PREVAILING OVER FEAR BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:27; Exodus 10:28,29; Proverbs 19:12; 16:14; Exodus 11:4-8; Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 27:3; Isaiah 35:4; 41:10,11; Luke 12:4-7,32; Isaiah 51:12,13; Psalms 112:7; 56:3,4,11; Isaiah 12:2.

Faith strengthens the heart and delivers us from the fear of man. Faith and fear are opposites, where one is dominant the other is dormant. The fear of man is a negative force, a tool of Satan that weakens and paralyses man. Fear makes a man to tremble before a fellow man and to melt away when faced with duty or divinely appointed responsibility. Faith enables a man to shun the smiles or frowns of men. A man with God-given faith refuses to be discouraged by the greatest problems. Faith survives the fires of satanic assault and flourishes under the dews of the Spirit. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king” (Hebrews 11:27). When Moses demanded of Pharaoh to let God’s people go, he was not terrified by thoughts of what the enraged king might do. With no army behind him, with no powerful officer in Egypt’s court to support his request, he made his demand to leave Egypt with all the children of Israel. “Not fearing the wrath of the king”. He did not fear man; he did not fear the greatest of men, a king; he did not fear the wrath of the king. His faith in God expelled all forms of fear of all kinds of men. “For he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). He fixed his eyes on God. By faith he looked constantly at the Invisible One and all visible things lost their terror. “Seeing Him who is invisible” encourages and strengthens our faith.

2. PASSED OVER AND PROTECTED BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:28; Exodus 12:1-7,12,13,21-23,27,28; Psalm 78:49-53; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:2,18,19,5; Psalms 94:4-8; 125:3; Zechariah 2:8,9.

“Through faith he kept the passover” (Hebrews 11:28). The “passover” was an ordinance, the first ordinance, given to Israel by God. It was called the passover because God passed over the Israelites on the night when all the firstborn of Egypt died under God’s judgment. “It is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt... And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:1l-13). That first observance of the Passover was an act of faith. Moses and Israel acted by faith. All the firstborn of the children of Israel were delivered from the Angel of Death because they were sheltered beneath the blood of the lamb. Today, we find pardon and salvation through the Blood of the Lamb, we have purity and sanctification in the Blood of the Lamb as well as protection and security under the Blood of the Lamb.

“Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them”. “The sprinkling of blood” has reference to personal application of the blood of the Lamb, by faith. Believe in Christ and His atoning Blood, then will you enjoy the fulfilment of the promise: “When I see the Blood, I will pass over you”.

3. PASSAGE THROUGH THE SEA BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:29; Exodus 14:13-16,21-31; 1 Corinthians 10:1; Isaiah 43:2-4; Malachi 3:6; 2 Chronicles 20:17; Jeremiah 32:27,17; Luke 1:37; Mark 9:23.

This is faith, living faith, mighty faith, faith that overcomes the devil and escapes evil. ‘O for a faith that will not shrink, Though pressed by many a foe, That will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe! Lord, give us such a faith as this, And then, whatever may come, we’ll taste, even here, the hallowed bliss of an eternal home’ (The Broadman Hymnal #277).

What an obstacle, what a difficulty, what a problem Israel had before the Red Sea. Hedged in on all sides, the Sea in front, a blood-thirsty army behind, the nation of Israel found herself in an impossible situation. By faith they passed through. They could not fight – they had no strength nor weapons; they could not fly – there was no natural way of escape. Yet, they passed through. When all natural means fail, there is a supernatural means – faith – that provides a way of escape.

Observe Moses’ language of faith: (1) “Fear ye not”. (2) “Stand still”. (3) “See the salvation of the LORD, which He will show you today”. What was the result of having implicit faith in God? God “led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious Arm, dividing the water before them” (Isaiah 63:11-13). By faith we can pass through any Red Sea before us. Fear not; stand still and consider what God can do; see the salvation of the Lord by faith; then “go forward” in obedience to His commands. He has opened the Red Sea. He never fails those who fully trust and unreservedly obey Him.

* * * * * * *

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 02/03/2015

Study 10: PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS BY FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:30,31

Forty years separate the events of verses 29 and 30; that is, the crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the walls of Jericho. The miracle of crossing the Red Sea marked the beginning of the wilderness journey under Moses while the miracle of the walls of Jericho falling down marked the beginning of conquering Canaan under Joshua. During the period of those forty years, many mighty acts of faith were recorded: bitter water made sweet (Exodus 15:22-25); manna and quails supernaturally provided (Exodus 16:4-18); water from the rock (Exodus 17:1-7); defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13); the crossing of river Jordan (Joshua 3:9-17) and others.

For many of the miracles in the ministry of Moses, the Israelites did not wholly believe God as Moses and some faithful remnants believed. However, at the time of Joshua, Israel believed God as much as Joshua did. Jericho was a great obstacle before Israel. It was a stronghold. Its location was strategic, its walls were high and thick, and its soldiers were well-trained and well-armed. Faith brought victory over Jericho. The obedience of faith brought victory. Rahab also demonstrated faith and was protected and preserved while the unbelieving people in Jericho were destroyed. The faith that pulls down strongholds also saves the vilest of sinners and brings despised aliens into the commonwealth of Israel – into the household of faith.

1. CONQUERING BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:30; Joshua 6:3-5,12-16,20; Deuteronomy 1:
28-30; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; 2 Kings 5:1,9,10,14;
1 Kings 18:41-45.

Before coming to Jericho, a powerful fortress barring them from entering the promised land, the Israelites had crossed river Jordan by faith. To enjoy the benefit of the previous act of faith, we must overcome the present obstacle by faith. Israel was faced with formidable difficulties and powerful oppositions. To unbelievers, Jericho and the other cities seemed impregnable, but faith laughs at impossibilities. Satan’s strongholds cannot stand before godly people of faith who rely fully on God and obey His Word implicitly.

God’s instructions to Israel were very simple. Those instructions might have seemed childish or ridiculous. God promised to deliver Jericho into their hands if they would only believe and obey. And divine power overthrew Jericho’s walls when Israel manifested the obedience of faith. At the command of the Lord, they were to be silent; and at the command of the Lord, they were to shout. Implicit obedience to God’s word is absolutely essential if we are to have His blessings.

These accounts in the Scriptures show us the wondrous power of real faith to bring to pass that which is beyond nature. Walls of Jericho between us and the promised blessings, barriers between us and holiness give way and fall when we truly believe God.

2. CONFESSION OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 2:1,8-12,18-21; 6:22-25; Matthew 1:1-5; Romans 10:8-10; 2 Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:31,32,37-39.

Rahab was a Canaanite, a stranger – “an alien from the commonwealth of Israel”, “a stranger from the covenants of promise”, yet “by faith she perished not with them that believed not”. Rahab had heard of the God of Israel and His mighty acts done on behalf of Israel. She had heard of God’s plan to give the land of Canaan to Israel. Others heard and believed not; they rebelled in their unbelief. But she heard and believed. And she confessed in faith. “And she said,... I know that the LORD hath given you the land,... For we have heard how the LORD dried the water of the Red Sea for you... For the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and in earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11).

Others in Jericho heard the same things that Rahab heard. What they heard brought fear in their hearts but she had faith. Rahab’s confession was full and sure. She accepted the testimonies as true. She exalted God because of His wondrous works. She acknowledged Him as the God of heaven and earth. She was sure that God had given the land of Canaan to His people. With an expectant faith, she asked for mercy and salvation, not only for herself but also for her household. Her faith perceived something of the infinite mercy of God that she believed He would be willing to show mercy and grant grace to her as well as her family. Her confession and demand revealed her faith. Our confession is absolutely inseparable from our faith.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:30,31; Mark 11:24; Romans 4:19-21; Hebrews 4:3,10; Luke 5:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Isaiah 28:16; 2 Chronicles 20:20-22; John 11:40.

The historical account connected with these two verses (Hebrews 11:30,31) reveals some striking characteristics of faith. There is faith that receives, when we come empty-handed to Christ for salvation. There is faith that reckons, that counts on God to undertake for us. There is faith that risks, that moves out on God’s word, daring to do the impossible. There is faith that rests, that when facing persecution, we remain confident that God will deliver. Unbelief is hesitant but bold faith is confident and courageous. Reading Joshua chapter 6, we observe (1) the obedience of faith. After receiving God’s instruction and promise to deliver Jericho into their hands, Joshua and Israel obeyed without modifying God’s word. There was also (2) the discipline of faith. Everyone among those millions of Israelites manifested faith and knew that there is “a time to keep silence and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). (3) Their patience of faith was remarkable. The walls of Jericho did not fall on the first day when Israel marched around them. It was not until the thirteenth time, on the seventh day, that the power of God was displayed to make the walls fall down. We must not overlook (4) the expectation of faith. The people shouted before the walls fell down – their faith expected victory and was rejoicing before the victory came. (5) The ground (basis) of faith for Joshua, Israel or Rahab was the word of God. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The word of God is a surer foundation for our faith than feeling. We have already spoken about (6) the confession of faith. There are those who remain silent or quiet in confusion, fear and unbelief. Others like the ten spies utter negative words that doubt the promises of God. Faith confesses with assurance and says what God has said in His promises. (7) The effect and reward of faith is always the same. For an individual (Joshua), or a family (Rahab and her household), or a nation (Israel), faith always pulls down the enemy’s strongholds and delivers us from temporal and eternal perdition.

Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 09/03/2015

Study 11: WINNING IN WARFARE BY FAITH

TEXT: Hebrews 11:32

The verse begins with the question: “And what shall I more say?” Having spoken of the challenging examples and extraordinary exploits of faith, the Apostle now gives a summary of actions of faith, grouping some men of faith together. He does not mention all men or women that could have been mentioned. He passes over individuals such as Caleb, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Job and some others. Rather the Holy Spirit presents before us Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. The order in which they are mentioned is not that of time, for Barak lived before Gideon, Jephthah before Samson, and Samuel before David. God reckons according to His evaluation of the fruits of our faith, not according to age. With true faith in them, they fought the Lord’s battles with courage and conviction and brought deliverance, truth and revival to God’s people.

1. GIDEON: WINNING WITH THE COURAGEOUS FEW
Hebrews 11:32; Judges 6:11-16; 7:1-8; 8:4,22,23; 1 Samuel 14:6; 2 Chronicles 14:11,12; Luke 12:32.

Gideon was called to deliver and judge the nation of Israel when they were under the fierce oppression of the Midianites and the Amalekites (Judges 6:1-4). The Israelites were poor and fearful. When God called Gideon, he felt inadequate and wondered how he could defeat the oppressors and deliver the oppressed (Judges 6:11-16). With such a great challenge before him, he needed assurance from the Lord. Given some initial assurance (Judges 6:19-24), his faith was strong enough to destroy the idolatrous altar of his father (Judges 6:25-27). “The Spirit of the LORD” soon came upon him so he could begin the great work God had called him to. His faith was growing; he did not immediately or instantly come into strong, unshakable, extraordinary faith. With divine responses that cleared all his doubts (Judges 6:36-40; 7:13-15), his faith became firm and his victory certain.

“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). What words ministered faith to him? “Surely 1 will be with thee and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Though the enemies were many - “without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude” (Judges 7:12), Gideon defeated them with only 300 men in his army (Judges 7:7). Few with faith can defeat many with might.

2 . BARAK: WEAPON AGAINST CRUEL FOES
Hebrews 11:32; Judges 4:4-9,14-24; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Mark 9:23.

The period of the judges was an era of repeated backsliding for Israel. “The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 2:11,17, 19; 3:7,12; 4:1). Their backsliding brought “the anger of the LORD” upon them (Judges 2:14,20; 3:. Sin, disobedience and rebellion had brought Israel under powerful enemies. In God’s mercy, He raised up Barak to deliver Israel from 20 years of servitude. Barak believed God’s promise given through Deborah. The fact that he wanted Deborah, the Lord’s special representative at that time, to go with him to battle meant that his trust was in the Lord, not in his wisdom or ability. God’s presence was of more value to him than his 10,000 men. Faith for victory over cruel foes came by hearing the Word: “I will deliver him into thine hand” (Judges 4:6,7).

3. SAMSON: WEAKNESS OVERCOME BY CONQUERING FAITH
Hebrews 11:32; Judges 13:1-5,24,25; 14:5,6; 15:14-16; 16:4,5,15-20,21-30; Isaiah 40:28-31.

Samson was a judge in Israel and his special task was that of fighting against the Philistines. He is remembered most for his moral weakness, backsliding and loss of God’s power. Yet, his last exploit of faith shows that he overcame weakness by conquering faith. Throughout his life, he fought and defeated thousands of Philistines single-handedly. Many mighty deeds are recorded of him – rending a lion to pieces, slaying the nation’s enemies with the jawbone of an ass, carrying the gates of Gaza on his shoulders, breaking the strongest cords when bound by his enemies, pulling down the great temple containing thousands of the Philistines. The instantaneous answer to his final prayer concludes his mighty acts by faith and by the Spirit.

4. JEPHTHAH: WILLINGNESS WITH CONSECRATED FAITHFULNESS
Hebrews 11:32; Judges 11:4-6,11-15,27-33,35; Psalm 50:14,15; Revelation 3:8-10.

Jephthah’s calling and involvement was not only because of his faith but because of God’s grace. His birth was dishonourable (Judges 11:1,2). The Mosaic law excluded such from the congregation of the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:2) but grace brought him in not just as a member but even a deliverer and a judge. He feared the Lord and was willing to deliver God’s people and serve them. He believed God with a strong faith. He ascribed Israel’s victories to the Lord (Judges 11:12,14,21-23). He made an extraordinary vow before the Lord and faithfully kept it by keeping his daughter in continual virginity. After the victory, he faithfully maintained his consecration.

5. DAVID: WARRIOR WITH COURAGEOUS FAITH
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 17:32-37,45-50; Psalms 71:7,17,18; 18:32-35; 27:3; 1 Timothy 6:12.

David stands out as a great man of faith in the Bible. From his youth, he trusted in the Lord. When he was still young, he killed a lion and a bear while taking care of his father’s sheep. He fought and had victory over Goliath. He had faith in God and spoke words of faith: “Thou comest to me with a sword... but I come to thee in the name of the LORD. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand... for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David overcame in many battles of life by faith. The battles were many and varied, in his family and from the king of the nation, friends and foes; yet, he always fought with courageous faith. The Psalms are full of expressions and confessions of his faith (Psalms 3:6; 4:8; 9:9,10; 18:2,17,19; 23:4; 27:1,3; 32:7; 44:5-8; 56:3-5,11; etc.).

6. SAMUEL AND THE PROPHETS: WITNESSES OF OUR COVENANT-KEEPING FATHER
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 3:10,19; 7:7-10;12:16-19; Psalm 99:6.

Only Samuel is named among “the prophets”. The prophets were all men of faith and they bore witness to the unfailing, unchanging nature of the Word of our covenant-keeping God. The prophets reminded God’s people of the trustworthiness of the promises of God. These prophets also fought valiantly against idolatry and immorality in the nation. Samuel was an outstanding prophet of God. From his youth, he had the presence of God and the prophetic Word. God’s power was demonstrated in his life (1 Samuel 12:16-18). Through the prophets, Israel was taught to maintain faith in God – “for I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

 Systematic Expository Study of God’s Word 16/03/2015

Study 12: GOD-HONOURING FAITH OF THE PROPHETS


TEXT: Hebrews 11:32

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae...” (Hebrews 11:32). We are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. Whatever our conditions or circumstances, there have been men or women of faith who went through similar situations by faith. These examples of men and women of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven encourage us to trust in God. The study of the lives of godly people who have lived and fought the Lord’s battles victoriously is always helpful to our faith. Gideon with the courageous few, Barak, fighting against cruel foes, Samson restored to conquering faith and Jephthah challenging us with uncommon consecration and faithfulness all teach us profitable lessons as we fight the battles of the Lord.

The second half of Hebrews 11:32 mentions David, Samuel and the prophets. Samuel was a prophet (Acts 3:24). Although David was a king (Acts 13:22), he was also used of God as a prophet (Acts 2:25,26,30). This latter half of Hebrews 11:32 then speaks of the faith of the prophets that brings honour and glory to God. Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah were judges and warriors in Israel; Samuel was a prophet; only David is mentioned among all the kings of Israel in this chapter of heroes of faith. Faith gives us a place among God’s people, while unbelief removes our names from God’s book of remembrance.

1. DAVID: WARRIOR WITH COURAGEOUS FAITH
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 17:32-37,45-50;
Psalms 71:7,17,18; 18:32-35; 27:3; 1 Timothy 6:12.

David stands out as a great man of faith in the Bible. From his youth, he trusted in the Lord. When he was still young, he killed a lion and a bear while taking care of his father’s sheep. He fought and had victory over Goliath. He had faith in God and spoke words of faith: “Thou comest to me with a sword... but I come to thee in the name of the LORD. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand... for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David overcame in many battles of life by faith. The battles were many and varied, in his family and from the king of the nation, friends and foes; yet, he always fought with courageous faith. The Psalms are full of expressions and confessions of his faith (Psalms 3:6; 4:8; 9:9,10; 18:2,17,19; 23:4; 27:1,3; 32:7; 44:5-8; 56:3-5,11; etc.).

2. SAMUEL: WITNESS OF OUR COVENANT-KEEPING FATHER
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 3:10,19; 7:7-10; 12:16-19; Psalm 99:6; Acts 13:20; 3:24-26.

Samuel knew the Lord from his childhood. He was born through the prayer and faith of Hannah, his mother. Conceived and born through the prayer of faith, prayer and faith in God carried him through life. The lives of Eli’s sons, sinful, wicked children indeed, did not destroy his faith and loyalty to God. The sinful examples of backsliders and apostates cannot destroy true faith in those who really have it.

Samuel was an outstanding prophet of God who bore witness to the faithfulness of God. The power of God was evident in his life and the prophetic ministry was kept pure throughout his life. Israel honoured and feared him because of the demonstration of God’s power through him. His messages brought strong conviction on their hearts.

3. THE PROPHETS: WATCHMEN OVER COMPROMISING FLOCKS
Hebrews 11:32; Jeremiah 6:17-19; Isaiah 52:6-8,10; Ezekiel 33:7-9,30-33; 2:3-7; Jeremiah 1:17-19; Hosea 12:10,13; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; 1 Kings 18:21,30-39.

The Lord sent His Word to His people in the Old Testament through the prophets. Moses was a great and unique prophet with whom the Lord spoke “mouth to mouth” (Numbers 12:7,. His function as God’s prophet was to teach and preach God’s Word with signs to confirm the message. All the true prophets always spoke forth the divine message. Biblical prophecy was based upon and was a development out of the law of God (Isaiah 8:20; Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Every revelation or prophecy is to be judged by the written Word of God (Revelation 22:18,19; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Romans 16:17).

The prophets were watchmen over Israel who boldly declared God’s Word to the nation. They reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. They had great faith in God and spoke with strong conviction even when the nation was backslidden and hardened. They always spoke with authority and conviction to impress the demand of God’s Word on the consciences of their hearers. And God’s power was present with them to confirm His Word

Special Study 23/03/2015

KNOWING FALSE PROPHETS THROUGH THEIR FRUITS (FOLLOWERS)

TEXT: Matthew 7:16-18,20

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Most sheep can easily be deceived into accepting any hireling wearing sheep’s clothing. Most believers, even experienced Samuels, may be impressed by the outward qualities and characteristics of false prophets and false teachers if they look no farther than external manifestations. “Inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Our process of admitting workers, leaders and preachers into the ministry must go beyond the evaluation of “sheep’s clothing” which human skill can make and wear. What the prospective workers and preachers are “inwardly” is more important than all impressive outward qualities. But what if we have difficulty discerning a prophet’s inward desire, ambition and motivation? How else can we identify false prophets? “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Men do not limit themselves to the leaves, barks or flowers of trees to evaluate and identify them. The flowers of a tree may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage may be thick and green, the appearance may be great and gorgeous, but the fruit is what determines its identity and usefulness. The outward appearance, public image, physical environment, external worship and visible resources of a prophet-preacher may be impressive and attractive but we must ask: what is the quality of the fruits being produced?

If the man in sheep’s clothing has the nature of a wolf and produces corrupt fruit, his apparent meekness, gentleness, devotion, zeal, affability, and good humour are all meant to deceive and destroy the sheep. When Satan transforms himself to an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14); the tormentors may put on the faces of men and wear crowns like gold (Revelation 9:5-; the beast may have “two horns like a lamb” and “do great wonders” (Revelation 13:11-13), the people of God must not be deceived. We must examine the fruits of the prophets, then shall we know whether they are of God or not.

1. CORRUPT FRUITS OF FAULTY PREACHING
Matthew 7:16-18; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Galatians 1:6-10; Isaiah 5:20-23; Acts 20:26-31; 1 John 2:18,19,26; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 6:20,21; 2 Timothy 2:17,18;
2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

Whatever fruit any preacher produces, it is through preaching. Fruits of life and labour, fruits of character and converts, fruits of belief and behaviour, fruits of doctrine and disciples, fruits in families and followers are produced by the seed we sow, by the messages we preach. The greatest power for deception and destruction which the false prophet has is his faulty preaching. He corrupts the Word of God, not only by misquoting it but by misinterpreting it. He makes his hearers believe a lie, not by denying the strait gate and the narrow way but by never speaking on them. He may not deny the necessity of repentance, the absolute condition of saving faith, the importance of holiness, self-denial, separation from the world with all its lusts and pride, but he never mentions them. He may preach very comforting and reassuring messages on the love of God but he is forever silent on the holiness of God, the justice of God, the righteousness of God, the wrath of God. The false prophet may not openly deny God’s revelation on the final judgment and the eternal destiny of the lost but he never warns his hearers of the wrath to come. Paul had opportunity to preach to “the most excellent governor Felix”. “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled” (Acts 23:26; 24:24-26). This, the false prophets will not do.

The false prophet may not deny the Lordship of Christ but he does not exphasize our submission to Him as Lord (Luke 6:46). False prophets who deny the clear teaching of God’s Word, who oppose Christ’s way to eternal life, who openly disbelieve the existence of eternal punishment for sinners are dangerous. But the false prophets who cleverly and studiously keep quiet on these salient truths while emphasizing half-truths are doubly dangerous. They make us to think “peace and safety” when “sudden destruction” is very near (1 Thessalonians 5:3). That is always the effect of the messages of false prophets. “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). Faulty preaching makes the “people to trust in a lie” (Jeremiah 28:15; 29:31), and produces corrupt fruits. “Beware of false prophets. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”

2. CARNAL FOLLOWERS OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; 23:15; Hosea 4:6-9; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:1-8;
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:1,2,14,19-22; Hebrews 12:15-17; Matthew 24:4,5,11-13,23-25,33.

The followers of false prophets are the fruits of their ministry. The effect of the message of false prophets will be seen in the lives of their followers. We cannot judge a preacher by the life of a few of his congregation; there was an Achan in Joshua’s team and a Judas among Christ’s disciples. But when the general effect of a preacher’s message on his followers is corruption, carnality, deception, immorality, covetousness, unrighteousness and hypocrisy, it is a sure sign that we must watch and beware of false prophets.

False prophets “make” their followers “vain” (Jeremiah 23:16) “cause (the) people to err by their lies” (Jeremiah 23:32), “strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness” (Jeremiah 23:14; Ezekiel 13:22) “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18) “beguile you with enticing words” (Colossians 2:4). False prophets make sinners and backsliders hardened in their sins. “For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:15).

Corrupt trees produce evil fruits (Matthew 5:16-18). False prophets raise carnal followers. To be carnal is to be “sold under sin”, to be given to sinful propensities, to be under the influence of fleshly and worldly desires (Romans 7:14). “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Such followers of false prophets become so resistant to saving truth; they hate the law of God while they profess to love God and desire blessings from Him. Under the “strong delusion” of false prophets, religious people “believe a lie”, “believe not the truth” and have “pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

3. COURAGEOUS FIRMNESS AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; Deuteronomy 13:1-8; Proverbs 23:23; 24:21,22; Romans 16:17,18;
1 Timothy 4:15,16; 2 Timothy 3:12-17; 4:1-5; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3,4;
Revelation 2:2,6; 3:10-13.

It takes courage to stand up for the truth in the midst of false prophets. It takes courage to defend the truth when those who propagate error are many and mighty. It requires courage in these last days when multitudes are on the broad way and you know that the few unpopular believers on the narrow way are right and approved of God. It takes courage to cast in your lot with the few and lose the favour, help and approval of relatives and family members who are on the broad way.

There is physical courage and there is moral courage. Physical courage is bravery, that virtue that enables a person to put fear under control in the face of danger, pain or misfortune. David had this kind of courage to confront and conquer Goliath. Moral courage is greater than physical courage. David did not have the moral courage to stand for truth and righteousness when Absalom sinned against God by killing Amnon. The lack of moral courage causes more problems than the absence of physical courage. Absalom caused David more pain, sorrow and heartache than Goliath and all the giants among the Philistines. Solomon was a greater thorn in the flesh to Israel than all the Philistines put together. The courage to stand up against error and unrighteousness, the courage to resist and withstand false prophets even when they are our kinsmen according to the flesh, the courage to defend and protect the truth with conviction and unrelenting commitment, that is what we need at this hour.

Beware of false prophets. Be aware and be warned of false prophets. Be watchful and be a warrior against false prophets. Warn God’s people and watch over them. Beware and watch over your own soul, too.