Be ye doers of the Word...

[Insight]

'But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only"

If the Scriptures are not essential for salvation as some here teach; how would we fulfil this verse without them?

Is it not the Word of God ( the very scriptures entrusted to us which will judge at that appointed time?)

John 12:48? (Notice how Jesus separates himself from the Word?)

We know the implanting of the Scriptures (Word) are absolutely essential to salvation, for they must be manifested in action: (Even Prentis must admit this by putting to oneside his pride)

This is imperative and let anyone here who states otherwise be accursed.

The Lord, in his parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12-26) described the folly of the servant who neglected to trade with the money left him for that purpose by his Lord. He had carefully saved up his pound in a sweat-cloth, but had neglected to labour.

He was condemned, and that which had been given into his care was taken from him. In a more direct parable, the Lord depicted those who claimed to have laboured, but had not done so in the way he desired.

They had heard the word, had taught it, but had neglected to apply it personally.

They were rejected whilst commendation was proclaimed upon those who had

"heard these sayings, and performed" what was required (Matt. 7:24).

The purpose of Yahweh in proclaiming the Gospel is to take out of the Gentiles "a people for His name" (Acts 15:14), that is, a people for His glory (see Isa. 43:7).

We are called upon to be Light-bearers not merely in word, but in action:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt.5:16). Peter taught that believers have been purchased "to shew forth the virtues of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvellous light" (1 Pet. 2:9).

But where does the Light come from?

The Implanted Word (Scriptures of Truth)

Many hear may find it pleasurable to hear the Word and many may stop short at that point. They are prepared to rejoice in the teaching of Yahweh, to talk about the wonder of His revelation, without personally responding to its teaching.

You only need to see the scathing criticism of the Spirit to Ezekiel in regard to those who were hearers of the word but not doers thereof (Ezek. 33:30,31,32).

Therefore the Spirit is in agreance with the Word as the Word/Spirit gives life to those who a doers of the Word and not hearers only.

So Jesus leaves us with this warning concerning the Inspired Record:

The one who rejects me (Jesus) and does not "receive" my words has a judge; the word (of God) that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. Joh 12:49

For I (Jesus) have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father (Yahweh) who sent me has himself (Seperate Person) given me a commandment--what to say and what to speak. Joh 12:50

And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me." Joh 12:51

Prentis - The commandment, which is the recorded Word of God through Jesus Christ is found in the Holy Scriptures and nowhere else; and its that commandment (The spoken Word where the power of Eternal Life is found).

Not my words Prentis...maybe take it up with Christ?

But by all means keep searching

 

[Insight]

Sorry,

I forgot to mention that important point which James finishes on.

"Deceiving your own selves" James 1:22

In case you are deceived into thinking the Holy Scriptures are not able to save you by “faith” in Jesus Christ.

You may like to see these supporting references: James 4:17; Matt. 12:50; 28:20; Luke 6:46-48; 11:28; 12:47-48; John 13:17; Rom. 2:13; 1 John 2:3; 3:7; 3 John 11; Rev. 22:7.

On self-deception: James 1:26; Isa. 44:20; 1 Cor. 3:18; 6:9; 15:33; Gal. 6:3,7; 2 Tim. 3:13; Tit. 3:3; 2 Pet. 2:13.

 

[Insight]

"For if any be a hearer of the word"

Faith comes by hearing the spoken or written word (See Rom 10:17KJV), so as we have established; study of the word is essential to progress spiritually unto salvation.

"And not a doer" — The word must be translated into action.

"He is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass"

The word "beholding" is from the Greek katanoeo, a strengthened form of noeo, "to perceive", and denotes "to behold attentively".

Again context is essential is we are to gain a correct understanding.

I like it here how James does not openly condemn his readers as being guilty of a mere careless hearing of the Word, for they had been properly instructed, but he makes references to the incongruity of one carefully listening to its instruction, and yet neglecting to carry into practice what was heard. Some Jewish believers were notorious for this and today some Christians have followed in thier footsteps.

We know from the Scriptures their long winded talks on Scripture is partly why Christ condemned the Pharisees (Matt 23:3,4).

It was important for James to bring their attention to the Word and its power to move them into action and not merely great orators. We know later, many of the priests and Pharisees believed and formed part of the congragation (See Acts 6:7; 15:5). Some evidently, were mere academic Christians only.

James here is warning his readers against being found among such believers.

He used the analogy of a person gazing at himself in a mirror.

A careful scrutiny of one's face may reveal many blemishes, but if nothing is done about correcting them the examination is in vain. He might forget that they are there but others observe them, and his folly is revealed to all.

The Word of God comprises the mirror (See 2 Cor 3:18), and an earnest consideration of its teaching in the light of our conduct may reveal many blemishes in us.

The responsibility then is ours to rectify them. See James 2:14-26; Ezek. 33:31-32. For only the Word of God working in us can illuminate the blemishes of our character and provide the constant correction for change.

"For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was"

Having failed to attend to the blemishes revealed by the mirror (Scriptures), he ignores them, and finally forgets them.

This man is a fool - one for not valuing the Word of God and its ability to change the character but also for not applying some urgency to address those blemishes.

The Word of God is quick and powerful and sharp enough to remove our blemishes if allowed.

 

[Insight]

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty"

Coming soon

Feel obliged to add your comments in defining this perfect law (Word) of liberty.

 

[Insight]

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty"

To Look (G3879) is the verb from the Greek parakupto, it means to stoop down and to look into a thing;

It implies to us we must look very carefully.

It’s also used in 1 Pet. 1:12.

The key to unlocking this verse is all in the looking!

For instance there are two viewers of the Word being presented here in James

1. Looks in the Word but goes away and does nothing about what he sees. Actually if you see James 1:24 the tense implies they only one action of looking!

1. The other viewer looks at himself in the mirror long and hard, stooping sideways (as the word implies) to get the best view, and so seeking for blemishes that he may correct.

Which are you?

How confronting is it to behold the reflective power of Gods Word to reveal our blemishes and character flaws? I would like to think we encourage each another to keep looking into that Perfect Law of Liberty, not once, but daily.

Insight

 

[Prentis]

To obey the word requires to follow the Spirit, since we are told to do so, and to seek the Father's will. :)

It is not a rule written in a book, but as a map, one needs a compass, and one needs to follow that compass and get somewhere, not just know something!

We are to become spiritually mature in Christ, and grow in his likeness. This transformation happens by the work of the Spirit.

 

[Vengle]

To obey the word requires to follow the Spirit, since we are told to do so, and to seek the Father's will. :)

It is not a rule written in a book, but as a map, one needs a compass, and one needs to follow that compass and get somewhere, not just know something!

We are to become spiritually mature in Christ, and grow in his likeness. This transformation happens by the work of the Spirit.

Is it that the transformation happens by the work of the spirit or that the work of the spirit happens by the transformation? Some do have that backward and think that they can transform their mind by the practice of obedience so that they then are able to do the work of the spirit.

That is a subtle presumptuousness, isn't it. That is when the law as it is inflexibly written becomes the most important thing. They cannot see that they are trying to do the work of the spirit in their own power.

It is a difficult thing for us to understand as we are so used to doing it all ourselves lest it does not get done.

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

However, we must recognize that God's spirit does not recognize that wisdom totally for us, rather it equips us to recognize that wisdom. It teaches us to be spiritual. That is the transformation.

So it is the partnership between the written word and the spirit of God that first teaches us to be spiritual and it is then that we are equipped to manage obedience.

We see this following verse all of the time and sometimes get caught up in it our self, don't we? 1 Corinthians 3:3 "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

That is not obedience. It is the opposite of obedience. But we find that we grow out of it a bit at a time.

If you have ever had to deal with losing weight or building muscles there is a thing called "hitting a wall" where we suddenly stop losing that weight so fast or where we suddenly stop increasing in muscle so fast. But oh when we find that right combination to break through that wall. Then it is often amazing the sudden change in the matter.

I have found that growing in the spirit and learning to be spiritually minded works much the same way.

 

[Insight]

To obey the word requires to follow the Spirit, since we are told to do so, and to seek the Father's will. :)

Sadly your delusion continues.

I am trying to teach you were the power is stored and you keep going back to the Spirit! And I am explaining the Spirit is the Very Word!

[sup]63[/sup] The Spirit (Gen 1; John 1) gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Obey the Word of Scriptuires is to follow the Spirit!

This is where your argument will always be flawed by saying the Scriptures (Living and abiding Word of God) cannot save.

Beacuse in them is given the light that shines in darkness.

[sup]20[/sup] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.


[sup]21[/sup] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

This is the whole Point Peter is making - You can rely on following the Word of Prophecy becuase they are from the Holy Spirit!

The Word entered these mens minds and carried them along with an irresistible force (cp Act 27:15,17). Also see Jeremiahs example

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his Word (Scriptures) was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

And again at Pentecost

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [sup]4[/sup] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Prentis, once you understand the Word of God as recorded in your Bible is the very Words of Life which came from God to do what?

To provide you a message of Salvation.

And by the way John thought the Scriptures we essential for savlation:

[sup]10[/sup] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.

And what of God speaking of His Son from Heaven.

[sup]17[/sup] He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

What pleased God?

Jesus obeyed everyword that proceeded from the mouth of God (i.e He obeyed and follow that Word / Spirit) Matt 4:4

Your plight to seperate the Word of God from the Spirit is in vain Prentis.

In vain.

 

[Insight]

I have found that growing in the spirit and learning to be spiritually minded works much the same way.

Vengle

You follow the Word as taught you in the Bible? Are you not following the Spirit?

Is not that Word (Scriptures) working in you to bring about eternal life?

The Scriptures command you to love your brother and so you do! Now the command could not come without the Word to do so.

Is that same Word growing in you, and will eventually bring life, spiritual mindedness, life and peace, teaching and giving you wisdom of salvation.

And when salvation is granted you, will the Word of God give utterance through Christ bestowing on you immortality?

This is the Work of the Spirit Word of God in its various forms, all ONE WORD, ONE WORK!

Even the angelic host are working through that same Word – by which even they themselves desire to look into the Scriptures (1 Peter 1:12) because even they do not know everything written in the Scriptures!

But they desire to know them – Why?

I think it was a mistake to separate the Scripture from God, because in the Scriptures is the knowledge of the power of salvation and the power is hidden in them to save.

If and when Prentis you and I stand before our Judge – it will be the implanted Word that will judge us worthy (or not) of salvation, which as Gypsy has stated is always through the New Covenant (Word) found in his blood.

So one must ask – Will the Scriptures take part in your salvation.

No?

Insight

p.s I get the feeling Vengle you know the answer

To obey the word requires to follow the Spirit, since we are told to do so, and to seek the Father's will. :)

It is not a rule written in a book, but as a map, one needs a compass, and one needs to follow that compass and get somewhere, not just know something!

We are to become spiritually mature in Christ, and grow in his likeness. This transformation happens by the work of the Spirit.

Prentis

Keeping to the OP

What is James asking you to look into? (James 1:12)

A single word answer will suffice.

 

[Prentis]

Is it that the transformation happens by the work of the spirit or that the work of the spirit happens by the transformation? Some do have that backward and think that they can transform their mind by the practice of obedience so that they then are able to do the work of the spirit.

That is a subtle presumptuousness, isn't it. That is when the law as it is inflexibly written becomes the most important thing. They cannot see that they are trying to do the work of the spirit in their own power.

It is a difficult thing for us to understand as we are so used to doing it all ourselves lest it does not get done.

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

However, we must recognize that God's spirit does not recognize that wisdom totally for us, rather it equips us to recognize that wisdom. It teaches us to be spiritual. That is the transformation.

So it is the partnership between the written word and the spirit of God that first teaches us to be spiritual and it is then that we are equipped to manage obedience.

We see this following verse all of the time and sometimes get caught up in it our self, don't we? 1 Corinthians 3:3 "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

That is not obedience. It is the opposite of obedience. But we find that we grow out of it a bit at a time.

If you have ever had to deal with losing weight or building muscles there is a thing called "hitting a wall" where we suddenly stop losing that weight so fast or where we suddenly stop increasing in muscle so fast. But oh when we find that right combination to break through that wall. Then it is often amazing the sudden change in the matter.

I have found that growing in the spirit and learning to be spiritually minded works much the same way.

I agree that the Spirit first enables us to understand the things. But I would say both are vital. Obviously there is a difference between carnal obedience and true obedience, and 'obedience' out of carnality and envy profits nothing.

We can though, out of humility choose to humbly obey though we don't yet understand, and then the Lord opens our understanding. I would say that it's acting in fatih when facing that wall, that it would come down more easily.

Good thoughts! :)

 

[Vengle]

Yes, in the back of my mind, though I cannot recall the exact place in scripture at the moment, I recall a scripture that speaks about the one who will go along even grudgingly benefiting.

I will have to dig that verse out and relate it to you sometime.

It is not the ideal situation but if they will obey, that obedience will protect them.

I believe that the 144,000 are those that fully grasp this in their current lifetime. And that is because they are being prepared as big trees of righteousness to feed the remainder of God's sheep in the millennium to come.

Unlike many think about that resurrection of the unrighteous (which I have read your mention of before) I believe that what the scriptures tell me is that these unrighteous are not the same as wicked ones and these unrighteous ones have continued (not a second chance, but a continued first and only chance) to Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

I do not see God as about delighting to destroy or to punish, but true to his love he delights in salvaging.

Does that mean these others can feel free to live for lust now and worry about it later? Not at all, for that would then classify them as wicked. But not even all he continues grace to will succeed in the end. And for them it will have been a resurrection to shame. Everlasting shame.

 

[aspen]

So salvation hinges on knowledge and application of the Bible, as well as God's Grace?

 

[Insight]

Aspen,

No, it appears for some they only need the (perceived) spirit to lead them.

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Jer 14:14

It shows how far Christians have fallen to suggest the Scriptures take no part in their salvation. It is one step closer to Jer 14:14, a dangerous step.

In fact in Jeremiahs days Jer 14:1 came a draught, not of Water! But of reading and hearing the Scriptures which save.

The Prophet was so shocked at the picture he made many attempts to intercede for the People seeking a way of escape but the draught remained.

Sadly the people said in their hearts “The Word (Scriptures) of Yahweh cannot save”

And how wrong they were.

Insight

 

[Vengle]

I agree with you insight.

The only thing I say is that it is presumptuous to think we can do it by scripture alone.

We will not apply what is written properly if we rely on the scripture alone.

It is presumptuous because then it us do the interpreting instead of the spirit teaching us.

Both are important. Both are indispensable.

 

[aspen]

Aspen,

No, it appears for some they only need the (perceived) spirit to lead them.

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Jer 14:14

It shows how far Christians have fallen to suggest the Scriptures take no part in their salvation. It is one step closer to Jer 14:14, a dangerous step.

In fact in Jeremiahs days Jer 14:1 came a draught, not of Water! But of reading and hearing the Scriptures which save.

The Prophet was so shocked at the picture he made many attempts to intercede for the People seeking a way of escape but the draught remained.

Sadly the people said in their hearts “The Word (Scriptures) of Yahweh cannot save”

And how wrong they were.

Insight

I understand what you are saying.....I agree that the Spirit does not say anything against or in disagreement with the Bible. However, I do not think the Bible is required for salvation.

 

[Insight]

I understand what you are saying.....I agree that the Spirit does not say anything against or in disagreement with the Bible. However, I do not think the Bible is required for salvation.

If your language is not consistent with Pauls then you like others would be in error, speaking against the inspired Word.

[sup]15[/sup] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [sup]16[/sup] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [sup]17[/sup] so that the servant of God[sup][[/sup][sup]a[/sup][sup]][/sup] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

If Pauls states the sacred Scriptures are able to make us wise what then is the opposite? To reject this claim?

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whosoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

So if the Bible allows a person to walk wisely and salvation is in that walk who can deny their power?

Not that I am calling you a fool, but certainly a fool would say the Bible takes no part (at all) in their salvation. I don’t believe you actually believe this to be so. I have read your posts and seen your reliance on the Word to do all that 2 Tim 3:16 suggests.

If you didn’t believe the Bible was inspired to save then you wouldn’t stare into it! James 1:25

How could you contend for the salvation of other without it ? Jude 1:3; Psa 119:105,129,130

It saves, its inspired, and the Words are Powerful Heb 4:12

Insight

 

[aspen]

If your language is not consistent with Pauls then you like others would be in error, speaking against the inspired Word.

[sup]15[/sup] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [sup]16[/sup] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [sup]17[/sup] so that the servant of God[sup][[/sup][sup]a[/sup][sup]][/sup] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

If Pauls states the sacred Scriptures are able to make us wise what then is the opposite? To reject this claim?

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whosoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

So if the Bible allows a person to walk wisely and salvation is in that walk who can deny their power?

Not that I am calling you a fool, but certainly a fool would say the Bible takes no part (at all) in their salvation. I don’t believe you actually believe this to be so. I have read your posts and seen your reliance on the Word to do all that 2 Tim 3:16 suggests.

If you didn’t believe the Bible was inspired to save then you wouldn’t stare into it!

How could you contend for the salvation of other without it ? Jude 1:3; Psa 119:105,129,130

It saves, its inspired, and the Words are Powerful Heb 4:12

Insight

Do I believe many people come to salvation through the words of the Bible? Sure, if they find their way to Christ in the words. But people can be saved apart from the Bible. Also, Paul does not speak in absolute language - I think it is reckless to read the authors of the Bible as speaking absolutely about everything they write. It is only in our relativistic post-Enlightenment world, that we cling to literal, absolute interpretation of scripture. In our world, there needs to be more attention to the forest rather than the trees

 

[Insight]

Do I believe many people come to salvation through the words of the Bible? Sure, if they find their way to Christ in the words. But people can be saved apart from the Bible. Also, Paul does not speak in absolute language - I think it is reckless to read the authors of the Bible as speaking absolutely about everything they write. It is only in our relativistic post-Enlightenment world, that we cling to literal, absolute interpretation of scripture. In our world, there needs to be more attention to the forest rather than the trees

Dangerous!

You fail to understand John 10:35.

Again it appears from your language (and tone) a lack of committement exists in the Word and its purpose to save.

The Scriptures cannot be broken, at all! Not my words thankfully...

For instance.

In Matt 2:13,14,15 is quoted from Hosea 11:1 and tells us that this prophetic (Spoken Word of God) saying was fulfilled by Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt.

Now do you agree that this is true, that it happened and that Scripture here can be relied upon for Spiritaul Insight, education in wisdom and brings righteouness without such no person can be saved?

If you say no - then what?

If you say yes you agree with Jesus, Paul, Timothy, etc.

Insight

 

[THE Gypsy]

Dangerous!

You fail to understand John 10:35.

Again it appears from your language (and tone) a lack of committement exists in the Word and its purpose to save.

The Scriptures cannot be broken, at all! Not my words thankfully...

For instance.

In Matt 2:13,14,15 is quoted from Hosea 11:1 and tells us that this prophetic (Spoken Word of God) saying was fulfilled by Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt.

Now do you agree that this is true, that it happened and that Scripture here can be relied upon for Spiritaul Insight, education in Wisdom and brings righteouness without such no perrson can be saved?

If you say no - then what?

If you say yes you agree with Jesus, Paul, Timothy, etc.

Insight

Dangerous indeed.

Can you show me, where exactly in the Scriptures, it says "Salvation comes from reading the Bible"? Or "The purpose of the Bible is to save"?

 

[aspen]

I am not afraid, Insight. I am a friend of Christ - I recognize Him and His work in the World because I value love. Fear has no place in my walk with Him. I am not afraid to be wrong about doctrine, either - I trust that He will correct all wrongs. Doctrine does not save - only Christ saves and He lives apart from the Bible.