on the right hand and on the left

[VictoryinJesus]

2 Corinthians 6:7-10 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

[8] By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


Mark 10:39-45 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: [40] But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. [41] And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. [42] But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. [43] But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: [44] And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.


…to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…
Matthew 25:34-46 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee ? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee ? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.



[45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,…does make me think of: By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Any thoughts?

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Matthew 25:34-46 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

[Nancy]

Hello Victory,

"[8] By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."

What I can see here is that no matter what state we are in to be content, as Paul said in Philippians 4:11
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

And of course, we are to esteem others better than ourselves, hence ministering onto others rather than placing ourselves first. God has everything prepared, and has already chosen those who will sit at His right hand and His left.

I see your OP as speaking to allot of things. We as Christians are to serve others, in whatever capacity He has blessed us with (IMHO), to be content with what He has given us whether it be poverty or riches.

If we have Christ, we already have everything :)
Not sure this is what you are looking for but, JMO.
In Him Always

 

[APAK]

2 Corinthians 6:7-10 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

[8] By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


Mark 10:39-45 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: [40] But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. [41] And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. [42] But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. [43] But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: [44] And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.


…to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…
Matthew 25:34-46 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee ? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee ? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.



[45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,…does make me think of: By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Any thoughts?

For 2 Corinthians...verse 7
The idea and symbolism is of a personal and spiritual warrior holding weapons in both hands, defensive (defending) in one, offensive (attacking) weapons in the other. Perseverance and endurance using the righteousness of God in us 24/7. This is the power of the Spirit of God. We have no weight or input in this spiritual matter.

We do however not cause any roadblocks and hindrances in our path (6:3) as we minister to others, that hinders the Spirit to operate within us. We fully engage this power in public concerning the truth and the gospel, as we also must concurrently experience personal trials and tribulations, as Paul lived it.

As in 2 Cor 6:4, we are servants and this power we have of righteousness and stability does not come from us. We live and speak and think, and endure all these things it states in this area of scripture through and with the armor of God's righteousness that is given us.

In Mark 10: 37-45, the context was about James and John of high spirits and of zeal in wanting to become the security and physical body guards of Jesus, as being on his right and left side. They were getting ahead of themselves. They were not understanding the bigger picture of the fulfillment of the gospel. Christ did not need anyone to protect him from his fate. He had to die and continue on off this earth, and as this was the plan of his Father. And for who shall actually be on 'His right and His left,' these that will surround him, was yet to be seen and understood - for a distant future time.

James and John would have learned from Paul's words and wisdom, a great deal concerning righteousness and the Power of God in their lives.

APAK

 

[Truman]

Trials and tribulations are blessings in disguise! Thank You, Lord!

 

[APAK]

For 2 Corinthians...verse 7
The idea and symbolism is of a personal and spiritual warrior holding weapons in both hands, defensive (defending) in one, offensive (attacking) weapons in the other. Perseverance and endurance using the righteousness of God in us 24/7. This is the power of the Spirit of God. We have no weight or input in this spiritual matter.

We do however not cause any roadblocks and hindrances in our path (6:3) as we minister to others, that hinders the Spirit to operate within us. We fully engage this power in public concerning the truth and the gospel, as we also must concurrently experience personal trials and tribulations, as Paul lived it.

As in 2 Cor 6:4, we are servants and this power we have of righteousness and stability does not come from us. We live and speak and think, and endure all these things it states in this area of scripture through and with the armor of God's righteousness that is given us.

In Mark 10: 37-45, the context was about James and John of high spirits and of zeal in wanting to become the security and physical body guards of Jesus, as being on his right and left side. They were getting ahead of themselves. They were not understanding the bigger picture of the fulfillment of the gospel. Christ did not need anyone to protect him from his fate. He had to die and continue on off this earth, and as this was the plan of his Father. And for who shall actually be on 'His right and His left,' these that will surround him, was yet to be seen and understood - for a distant future time.

James and John would have learned from Paul's words and wisdom, a great deal concerning righteousness and the Power of God in their lives.

APAK

One other mention for James and John. They were wanting to work for a reward in the Kingdom. Christ told them to instead go away and serve; this was what it was all about, being the minister of others, serving for nothing- not badgering the Lord for a reward in the Kingdom as in Matthew 20:20-26 that also speaks of the same thing as in Mark..the right and the left.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

And of course, we are to esteem others better than ourselves, hence ministering onto others rather than placing ourselves first.

“rather than placing ourselves first” I’ve been considering this “first”…one passage that has been one mind is 3 John 1:8-10 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. [9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
It stands out with your help in “rather than placing ourselves first”. In the above Diotrephes, love to have “the preeminence” one) reminds me of the Pharisees, and second) that neither does he receive the brethren, but he forbids them that would. …reminds me so much of Christs words Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Im probably really going to butcher this but Diotrephes love to have preeminence shut not only himself out “from receiving the brethren”, but also forbid those that would.
A word to the side in my notes is “Mothar” what is over and above. Excellence- that in all things Christ has “preeminence”. Master and Lord. “To be First” “chief” “highest uppermost” with His declaring “I Am the First and the Last” “the beginning” Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

John 13:13-15 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.


Matthew 23:4-10 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. [8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.



Just a few thoughts on loving to be first in what is “preeminence”, preeminent superiority “Chief” “the Head” …that he might have preeminence in contrast with those who love to have preeminence among them and neither receive the brethren but forbid those who would? In He is the Head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

 

[Taken]

~ VictoryinJesus ~

Your forum name says it all.

Lacking knowledge - Jesus, Gods Word
Lacking understanding - Christ the Wisdom
Poor in spirit - Christ the Power
Unknowns - Jesus the Truth
Uncertainties - Christ the Overcomer
Sorrows - Christ the Comforter
Death - Christ the Everlasting SEED of Life.
Eternal Life - Promises /Great God Almighty

RIGHT - Spiritually - WITH and IN Christ.
RIGHT - Spiritually - Heartful thoughts.
LEFT - Spiritually - AGAINST the Lord God.
LEFT - Spiritually - Mindful thoughts.
RIGHT - Politically - For ALL citizens Liberty
LEFT - Politically - For left minded persons...
All others, DEMONrats targets.

 

[amadeus]

...
Any thoughts?

"And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn." Gen 48:13-14

The first born should have had the right hand laid of his head, but notice that Israel wittingly put his right hand on the head of the second born. This simply means that God knows what we are and what we are to be. That is which is expected may be reversed because of circumstances or some special part of God's plan.

"And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:" Lev 14:14

"Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy." Ex 15:6

"And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them." Deut 33:1-2

So who is this right hand of God or the One at the right hand of God?

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Acts 7:55-56

"A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left." Ecc 10:2

"And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?" Jonah 4:11

"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." Matt 6:3-4

And where or what is the left hand of God?

"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:" Matt 25:32-34

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Matt 25:41

There many other scriptures, especially in the OT regarding the hand of God. The right hand is often specified and is easy to see, while the left hand is not so clear. The above quoted verses from Matt 25:32-41 are the best ones for seeing what the end results for each is to be. We really do not want to be the left hand of God or end up as one of the goats. God uses goats as He uses sheep, but 100% better to work as a sheep.

Consider that Moses was working from or as the right hand of God, while, Pharaoh was working from or as the left hand of God. God will use whoever makes themselves available to accomplish His work. He did not make Pharaoh a goat. Pharaoh did that to himself and God uses that man's choice to accomplish the negative aspects of His plan.

Consider these words of Jesus:

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire." Matt 18:7-8

The man by whom the offence comes is the one who put himself in place to do the left hand work of God. How long should a man remain double minded, working first with God [the right hand], but then also at times working for God [the left hand]. We [believers] don't usually [if ever] consciously work for God as his left hand, but He uses that which is available to do that which needs to be done. Sometimes curses are necessary because of what a person did or did not do.

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Considering “prepared” Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

with “But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”
“But it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared”
“Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you” …Luke 6:20-22 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. [22] Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (3 John 1:9-10)neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Matthew 5:3-12 “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city

considering how He spoke of as not as Lords and Master loving to have authority and preeminence with rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you …but instead rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

 

[amadeus]

Considering “prepared” Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

with “But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”
“But it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared”
“Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you” …Luke 6:20-22 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. [22] Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (3 John 1:9-10)neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Matthew 5:3-12 “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Come, you blessed of my Father” Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city

considering how He spoke of as not as Lords and Master loving to have authority and preeminence with rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you …but instead rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

It is prepared for them, the ones that are willing and striving to do not less than their reasonable service unto God:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom 12:1

 

[Nancy]

Trials and tribulations are blessings in disguise! Thank You, Lord!

They are even opportunities! Amen.

 

[Truman]

They are even opportunities! Amen.

Exactly...if we respond properly! As in, what would Jesus tells us to do?

 

[farouk]

“rather than placing ourselves first” I’ve been considering this “first”…one passage that has been one mind is 3 John 1:8-10 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. [9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
It stands out with your help in “rather than placing ourselves first”. In the above Diotrephes, love to have “the preeminence” one) reminds me of the Pharisees, and second) that neither does he receive the brethren, but he forbids them that would. …reminds me so much of Christs words Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Im probably really going to butcher this but Diotrephes love to have preeminence shut not only himself out “from receiving the brethren”, but also forbid those that would.
A word to the side in my notes is “Mothar” what is over and above. Excellence- that in all things Christ has “preeminence”. Master and Lord. “To be First” “chief” “highest uppermost” with His declaring “I Am the First and the Last” “the beginning” Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

John 13:13-15 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.


Matthew 23:4-10 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. [8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.



Just a few thoughts on loving to be first in what is “preeminence”, preeminent superiority “Chief” “the Head” …that he might have preeminence in contrast with those who love to have preeminence among them and neither receive the brethren but forbid those who would? In He is the Head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

@VictoryinJesus Preeminence is a great, Biblical word, pointing to the glory of Christ, indeed...

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Trials and tribulations are blessings in disguise! Thank You, Lord!

love
Philippians 1:15: Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
Philippians 1:16 : the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
Philippians 1:17 : the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
Philippians 1:18 : What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
Philippians 1:19: for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

 

[farouk]

love
Philippians 1:15: Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
Philippians 1:16 : the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
Philippians 1:17 : the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
Philippians 1:18 : What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
Philippians 1:19: for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Hi @VictoryinJesus On the subject of tribulation, I love to be reminded of John 16.33:

"In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." :)

 

[farouk]

2 Corinthians 6:7-10 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

[8] By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


Mark 10:39-45 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: [40] But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. [41] And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. [42] But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. [43] But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: [44] And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.


…to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…
Matthew 25:34-46 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee ? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee ? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.



[45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,…does make me think of: By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour,
by evil report and good report:
as deceivers, and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known;
as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
as poor, yet making many rich;
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Any thoughts?

@VictoryinJesus Interesting observations!

Your posts are very well thought out! :)

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Hi @VictoryinJesus On the subject of tribulation, I love to be reminded of John 16.33:

"In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." :)

one that has brought comfort lately is where the children ask bread from a father for they have a friend in from a long journey and have nothing to set before him. With it was for the joy set before him that He endured.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

hope also: Hebrews 6:18-20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: [19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; [20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Luke 11:13-14 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? [14] And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

@VictoryinJesus Preeminence is a great, Biblical word, pointing to the glory of Christ, indeed...

yes, “pointing to the glory of Christ”. I’m not even sure what “Mothar” means and had trouble finding it on google. But preeminence: “abundance” from “yathar” advantage, profit which makes me think of Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Which leads me to the question of since Christ is the firstborn from the dead that He might have the preeminence, the firstborn among many brethren …what is Adam?


Romans 11:15 seems to fit in there somewhere in “life from the dead”
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

 

[VictoryinJesus]

For 2 Corinthians...verse 7
The idea and symbolism is of a personal and spiritual warrior holding weapons in both hands, defensive (defending) in one, offensive (attacking) weapons in the other. Perseverance and endurance using the righteousness of God in us 24/7. This is the power of the Spirit of God. We have no weight or input in this spiritual matter.

We do however not cause any roadblocks and hindrances in our path (6:3) as we minister to others, that hinders the Spirit to operate within us. We fully engage this power in public concerning the truth and the gospel, as we also must concurrently experience personal trials and tribulations, as Paul lived it.

As in 2 Cor 6:4, we are servants and this power we have of righteousness and stability does not come from us. We live and speak and think, and endure all these things it states in this area of scripture through and with the armor of God's righteousness that is given us.

In Mark 10: 37-45, the context was about James and John of high spirits and of zeal in wanting to become the security and physical body guards of Jesus, as being on his right and left side. They were getting ahead of themselves. They were not understanding the bigger picture of the fulfillment of the gospel. Christ did not need anyone to protect him from his fate. He had to die and continue on off this earth, and as this was the plan of his Father. And for who shall actually be on 'His right and His left,' these that will surround him, was yet to be seen and understood - for a distant future time.

James and John would have learned from Paul's words and wisdom, a great deal concerning righteousness and the Power of God in their lives.

APAK

mostly concerning 2 Corinthians 6:4-12…I was considering the right hand and on the left with the contrasting of honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; [10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

With the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, [5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; [6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned, [7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, [8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; [10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. [11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. [12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

concerning dishonor, evil report, as deceivers, as unknown, as dying, as chastened, as sorrowful, as poor, as having nothing …
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10