Post by Steven C. Owensby on May 27, 2011 14:45:56 GMT -5
JUSTIFIED:
(continued -2 of)
“Wisdom is 'justified' [of] her children”
(Matthew 11:19)
Allow me to start off by saying that this is the very first verse in the New Testament scriptures that uses the word:”Justified.” As we continue our study on this subject, we will be going through each of the appropriate verses to see how it is applied. Both in it's actual application as well to our own personal lives.
Let me also say that 'wisdom', as it is written here; is not related to that which can be attributed to man. What is being referred to here, in regards to 'wisdom' being justified, is God's Sovereign knowledge and understanding as revealed to man, through man, from God. It is referred to as “The inspired word of God.”
Having said that, let me continue by saying that God calls me to not follow the wisdom (or ways) of this world, but rather to follow Him; acknowledging Him in all of my ways. Trusting that His ways are higher than mine; that, as The Creator of the universe, He just may know a little bit more than I do; that He just may also have been around a little bit longer than I have. Therefore having just a bit more experience and insight as to how things really work here in this world. Okay, a whole lot more. He is The Sovereign One. (Smile)
However, it is not easy to do. I have to communicate with people every single day that do not hold to my way of thinking about 'life' and I don't always know how to relate to them in a way that would have the impact that I would personally desire.
Like, for example; leaving them with a 'word' that would just bless their spiritual socks off; or leave them with 'some thing' that would give them serious thought to their relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. I always want to have some kind of influence that would ultimately lead them closer to Him. But there have been times when they have had the opposite effect on me, and I walk away frustrated for not having said or done anything; or for even having said or done some thing that I should not have.
Again, I am faced with many different challenges on a daily basis that are new to me, and have me wondering as to which way I should go. During these instantaneous moments in life, I would hope that the choices I prayerfully make would honor God. Or at the very least, not shame His Wonderful Name. But it does not always happen that way. It took Him decades to bring me to where I am at, and it will take Him a while to bring me to where I need to be. It took Him several days to complete the world and all that went into it, so why would I assume it would take any less to get me up to speed; so to speak? So, any way; I understand that I will fail. I know that I'm human, and to err is indeed human.
Knowing that I will fail to do the right thing all the time makes me hesitant at times. Maybe not every time; perhaps not even most of the time. But I will. It's inevitable. But does this mean that I give up and do not attempt to do that which is right in the sight of God? If I am going to suffer, at least I should do so with the knowledge that every thing is going to work out for the good; that there is a reward at the end. At least I will being getting some thing out of it. Instead of just shame.
My Bible teaches me that The Lord is long suffering; not willing that any should perish. That His goodness leads to repentance. And He encourages me to “learn how [to] do good”, He understands that I am but dust. He is indeed: “The Father of mercies, and God of all comfort”.
Nevertheless, it is still a battle that I must fight everyday. And everyday I must make the choice to honor The Lord with my life. And in honoring Him with such, I find that I must do things His way; and for Him alone. It is written: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” For “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”
Knowing this however, does not make it not easy to do; but rather easier to “press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ.” Practice makes perfect. And Part of the reward for daily humbling myself before The Living God, and offering myself as a living sacrifice unto Him is knowing that I am accomplishing some thing that has eternal value. It is not in vain. Which is of great reward in itself for me, as I now have a purpose. And I can see it. The Bible says that: ..without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Therefore I count it a privilege and an honor to to trust in The Lord and His word, with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding; but rather acknowledging Him in all of my ways by obeying His word, and applying His wisdom to the life which He has given to me.
In so doing, what I am doing in essence; is living my witness before all of mankind. And my witness should always be that of Jesus. Whether I am preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ with my mouth, or living it by my actions; He is, or should be; being preached. And in doing this, what I am doing is testifying to the world that His wisdom is in fact Infallible. His ways are indeed NOT our ways. Nor are His thoughts our thoughts.
In today' society, however; where it appears to them that I am weak minded and foolish for my faith; it is all the more crucial that I understand just why I am doing what I am commanded of The Lord to do.
As I said, it is not solely for personal reasons that I must choose to live by God's word on a daily basis. Allowing His word to direct my every thought and choice in life. As much as it also for those in my immediate life that see me.
I am not merely testifying or witnessing to the world around me, that I choose to honor the Sovereignty and wisdom of God. I am telling them who are without hope, and without God in this world; that God, their very Creator, is indeed telling the world 'what to do'; if indeed they want abundant life in this life time, and the one to come.
Because He is showing the world that if they would just humble themselves and repent of their sinful ways, and live by His knowledge and understanding, they too can have peace with Him; as well as His tremendous, amazing, and incomprehensible blessings in this present life. Not to mention the one to come. And He is showing the world that they are wrong and He is right everyday, by moving in my life in ways that he is not moving in theirs.
But why would He do this? He is, after all, God. And He does need to explain any thing to anybody, for any reason. Yet He does. And He will continue to do so as long as He see's fit!
Well, I don't have all the answers; nor would I dare assume that I do. But in my limited experience of studying the Bible and having lived with God in my life since 1988, I would say that He chooses to do this for 3 reasons:
A. To bring glory and Honor to His Son Jesus Christ. Whom did say that the reason why He came was to give us life, and life more abundant. So why would God The Father NOT bless those who believe in Jesus?
B. Because He loves us and wants the very best for us. His plans for us are for good, not evil.
C. When the day of judgment comes, we will know in our heart of hearts that we knew for a certainty that He is justified in committing them to the choice we made...to suffer eternity in hell. The lake of fire and brimstone.
Think I'm cruel or insensitive in saying that? Well, how cruel would it be for The Creator to allow us to lead our lives here on earth without ever having witnessed the truth of His love. Yet condemn us to eternal damnation just because of what Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden? Would that not be cruel, in every sense of the word?
Well, we have a lot of witnesses both here and gone that will convict the unbelieving souls that willfully chose to reject God's Son; The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Born sinless in a sin depraved world; of a virgin through the power of The Holy Spirit, in a little town called Bethlehem. And they cannot cry foul, because He did give them a true witness. Jesus Himself and myself. And you, as a believing reader as well. Therefore, they will inexcusably condemn themselves for their unbelief. And thereby God's wisdom will be justified of Her children~known in this world as Saints.
STUDY:
The scriptures following are the only ones that I can find in the New Testament that have the word “justified” associated with them. Look over each of them, and see if you can find the ones that can be accurately applied to this particular scripture.
There are several different scriptures that have different applications. As we will be going through in due course. After having done so, please return and share your findings. And please, if you are able, support your opinion with scripture. If you cannot, then ask some one in here.
You can also go to www.esword.com and download a free, electronic version of the Strong's Concordance for your personal use.
FINAL NOTE:
It is my personal understanding, that this application of “Justified” is being applied in the sense of S.C.N.T.#1349. However, I suggest that you do not take my word for it. But rather, study the scriptures for yourself. Get your own opinion as God would lead you to show yourself approved unto Him, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
May The Lord God of Israel open your eyes as you enter into His presence through the reading of His word, praying:
”Open thou mine eyes O Lord, that I may behold wonderful truths out of Your law.”
Matthew 11:19; 12:37; Luke 7:29,35; 18:14; Acts 13:39 (1&2); Romans 2:13; 3:4,20,24,28; 4:2; 5:1,9; 8:30 (1&2); 1Corinthians 4:4; 6:11; Galatians 2:16 (1&2&3),17; 3:11,24; 5:4; 1Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:7; James 2:21,24,25.
In Christ's love-
By God's grace;
Steven C. Owensby (May 2011)
(Psalms 40:2-3)
(Supporting References: Mt.11:19b; 2Tim.3:16; 1Cor.1:19-21; Pr.3:5-7; Jn.4:23; 6:27a, 37; Rom.8:28; Rom.2:4; 2Cor.1:3; Is.1:16-19; Jn.3:30; Gal.2:20; Phil.3:14; Heb.6:11; Pr.4:18; Deut.28:1-14; Rom.3:4; 2Tim.2:15; Ps.119:18)
WORD TO THE READER, AND REMINDER TO THIS WRITER: WE WILL ALSO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR LACK OF FAITH AS WELL. FOR AS WE NEGLECT TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE GRACE GIVEN UNTO US, WE ARE SAYING TO THE WORLD THAT GOD IS A LIAR. AND TO THAT LET ME SAY: “LET GOD BE TRUE, AND EVERY MAN A LIAR!” MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL!!!
(continued -2 of)
“Wisdom is 'justified' [of] her children”
(Matthew 11:19)
Allow me to start off by saying that this is the very first verse in the New Testament scriptures that uses the word:”Justified.” As we continue our study on this subject, we will be going through each of the appropriate verses to see how it is applied. Both in it's actual application as well to our own personal lives.
Let me also say that 'wisdom', as it is written here; is not related to that which can be attributed to man. What is being referred to here, in regards to 'wisdom' being justified, is God's Sovereign knowledge and understanding as revealed to man, through man, from God. It is referred to as “The inspired word of God.”
Having said that, let me continue by saying that God calls me to not follow the wisdom (or ways) of this world, but rather to follow Him; acknowledging Him in all of my ways. Trusting that His ways are higher than mine; that, as The Creator of the universe, He just may know a little bit more than I do; that He just may also have been around a little bit longer than I have. Therefore having just a bit more experience and insight as to how things really work here in this world. Okay, a whole lot more. He is The Sovereign One. (Smile)
However, it is not easy to do. I have to communicate with people every single day that do not hold to my way of thinking about 'life' and I don't always know how to relate to them in a way that would have the impact that I would personally desire.
Like, for example; leaving them with a 'word' that would just bless their spiritual socks off; or leave them with 'some thing' that would give them serious thought to their relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. I always want to have some kind of influence that would ultimately lead them closer to Him. But there have been times when they have had the opposite effect on me, and I walk away frustrated for not having said or done anything; or for even having said or done some thing that I should not have.
Again, I am faced with many different challenges on a daily basis that are new to me, and have me wondering as to which way I should go. During these instantaneous moments in life, I would hope that the choices I prayerfully make would honor God. Or at the very least, not shame His Wonderful Name. But it does not always happen that way. It took Him decades to bring me to where I am at, and it will take Him a while to bring me to where I need to be. It took Him several days to complete the world and all that went into it, so why would I assume it would take any less to get me up to speed; so to speak? So, any way; I understand that I will fail. I know that I'm human, and to err is indeed human.
Knowing that I will fail to do the right thing all the time makes me hesitant at times. Maybe not every time; perhaps not even most of the time. But I will. It's inevitable. But does this mean that I give up and do not attempt to do that which is right in the sight of God? If I am going to suffer, at least I should do so with the knowledge that every thing is going to work out for the good; that there is a reward at the end. At least I will being getting some thing out of it. Instead of just shame.
My Bible teaches me that The Lord is long suffering; not willing that any should perish. That His goodness leads to repentance. And He encourages me to “learn how [to] do good”, He understands that I am but dust. He is indeed: “The Father of mercies, and God of all comfort”.
Nevertheless, it is still a battle that I must fight everyday. And everyday I must make the choice to honor The Lord with my life. And in honoring Him with such, I find that I must do things His way; and for Him alone. It is written: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” For “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”
Knowing this however, does not make it not easy to do; but rather easier to “press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ.” Practice makes perfect. And Part of the reward for daily humbling myself before The Living God, and offering myself as a living sacrifice unto Him is knowing that I am accomplishing some thing that has eternal value. It is not in vain. Which is of great reward in itself for me, as I now have a purpose. And I can see it. The Bible says that: ..without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Therefore I count it a privilege and an honor to to trust in The Lord and His word, with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding; but rather acknowledging Him in all of my ways by obeying His word, and applying His wisdom to the life which He has given to me.
In so doing, what I am doing in essence; is living my witness before all of mankind. And my witness should always be that of Jesus. Whether I am preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ with my mouth, or living it by my actions; He is, or should be; being preached. And in doing this, what I am doing is testifying to the world that His wisdom is in fact Infallible. His ways are indeed NOT our ways. Nor are His thoughts our thoughts.
In today' society, however; where it appears to them that I am weak minded and foolish for my faith; it is all the more crucial that I understand just why I am doing what I am commanded of The Lord to do.
As I said, it is not solely for personal reasons that I must choose to live by God's word on a daily basis. Allowing His word to direct my every thought and choice in life. As much as it also for those in my immediate life that see me.
I am not merely testifying or witnessing to the world around me, that I choose to honor the Sovereignty and wisdom of God. I am telling them who are without hope, and without God in this world; that God, their very Creator, is indeed telling the world 'what to do'; if indeed they want abundant life in this life time, and the one to come.
Because He is showing the world that if they would just humble themselves and repent of their sinful ways, and live by His knowledge and understanding, they too can have peace with Him; as well as His tremendous, amazing, and incomprehensible blessings in this present life. Not to mention the one to come. And He is showing the world that they are wrong and He is right everyday, by moving in my life in ways that he is not moving in theirs.
But why would He do this? He is, after all, God. And He does need to explain any thing to anybody, for any reason. Yet He does. And He will continue to do so as long as He see's fit!
Well, I don't have all the answers; nor would I dare assume that I do. But in my limited experience of studying the Bible and having lived with God in my life since 1988, I would say that He chooses to do this for 3 reasons:
A. To bring glory and Honor to His Son Jesus Christ. Whom did say that the reason why He came was to give us life, and life more abundant. So why would God The Father NOT bless those who believe in Jesus?
B. Because He loves us and wants the very best for us. His plans for us are for good, not evil.
C. When the day of judgment comes, we will know in our heart of hearts that we knew for a certainty that He is justified in committing them to the choice we made...to suffer eternity in hell. The lake of fire and brimstone.
Think I'm cruel or insensitive in saying that? Well, how cruel would it be for The Creator to allow us to lead our lives here on earth without ever having witnessed the truth of His love. Yet condemn us to eternal damnation just because of what Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden? Would that not be cruel, in every sense of the word?
Well, we have a lot of witnesses both here and gone that will convict the unbelieving souls that willfully chose to reject God's Son; The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Born sinless in a sin depraved world; of a virgin through the power of The Holy Spirit, in a little town called Bethlehem. And they cannot cry foul, because He did give them a true witness. Jesus Himself and myself. And you, as a believing reader as well. Therefore, they will inexcusably condemn themselves for their unbelief. And thereby God's wisdom will be justified of Her children~known in this world as Saints.
STUDY:
The scriptures following are the only ones that I can find in the New Testament that have the word “justified” associated with them. Look over each of them, and see if you can find the ones that can be accurately applied to this particular scripture.
There are several different scriptures that have different applications. As we will be going through in due course. After having done so, please return and share your findings. And please, if you are able, support your opinion with scripture. If you cannot, then ask some one in here.
You can also go to www.esword.com and download a free, electronic version of the Strong's Concordance for your personal use.
FINAL NOTE:
It is my personal understanding, that this application of “Justified” is being applied in the sense of S.C.N.T.#1349. However, I suggest that you do not take my word for it. But rather, study the scriptures for yourself. Get your own opinion as God would lead you to show yourself approved unto Him, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
May The Lord God of Israel open your eyes as you enter into His presence through the reading of His word, praying:
”Open thou mine eyes O Lord, that I may behold wonderful truths out of Your law.”
Matthew 11:19; 12:37; Luke 7:29,35; 18:14; Acts 13:39 (1&2); Romans 2:13; 3:4,20,24,28; 4:2; 5:1,9; 8:30 (1&2); 1Corinthians 4:4; 6:11; Galatians 2:16 (1&2&3),17; 3:11,24; 5:4; 1Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:7; James 2:21,24,25.
In Christ's love-
By God's grace;
Steven C. Owensby (May 2011)
(Psalms 40:2-3)
(Supporting References: Mt.11:19b; 2Tim.3:16; 1Cor.1:19-21; Pr.3:5-7; Jn.4:23; 6:27a, 37; Rom.8:28; Rom.2:4; 2Cor.1:3; Is.1:16-19; Jn.3:30; Gal.2:20; Phil.3:14; Heb.6:11; Pr.4:18; Deut.28:1-14; Rom.3:4; 2Tim.2:15; Ps.119:18)
WORD TO THE READER, AND REMINDER TO THIS WRITER: WE WILL ALSO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR LACK OF FAITH AS WELL. FOR AS WE NEGLECT TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE GRACE GIVEN UNTO US, WE ARE SAYING TO THE WORLD THAT GOD IS A LIAR. AND TO THAT LET ME SAY: “LET GOD BE TRUE, AND EVERY MAN A LIAR!” MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL!!!