King James Bible Study – “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mark 8:34
Date: Friday, June 07, 2019
Chapters: Proverbs 13-15
Message: Receiving The Grace Of God In Vain
Hello My Friend,
For the past few months I have been so involved in promoting the brands within the company I work for that I have a desire to do it full-time. There is something honorable when the brand I represent sees my company logo as I approach them, there is this instant respect and acceptance of each other. Whenever I set up product and displays for an event, while I am not required to be there during the event, I still find it my responsibility to make an appearance. By doing this I not only gain my bosses respect I gain the respect of the brand as well. You know, there use to be a time when saying that you are a Christian meant something honorable, this is not the case anymore. Why? There are too many, saved, born again Christians living worldlier than those who live in the world. And it is the faithful in Christ who receive the repercussions of it all. Jesus sent us into the world to set us apart from the world, not become like them, and it is time for worldly Christians to get their act together.
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,” – II Corinthians 6:1,3-4,7.
“that the ministry be not blamed:” No one can blame God for the state of our nations because man is responsible for their own actions. The problem with the world today is that they have no concern for how their actions will effect anyone else. A woman quick to say, “My body, my choice!” has no concern about the life she is about to destroy inside of her. A thief quick to steal has no concern about the rent that cannot be paid for that month. An adulterer quick to cheat has no concern for the pain it will bring to their family. Nothing good comes out of those who live their lives in the lusts of their flesh, and being ignorant to sin is no excuse for having no morals. And they will only have themselves to blame when God rejects them. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” – Proverbs 13:13-18.
“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief:” We must understand that there are two different types of people in the world, those who live moral lives, just ignorant to needing Christ, and those who live immoral lives, who care less about obeying any law let alone God’s. Believe it or not, there is something much worse than being someone of the world, it is being a worldly Christian. No one is perfect, we are all broken, but our actions speak louder than words. You do not need to know who Christ is to know that some things are just plain wrong, but those who received Christ as their Saviour, and are living in the world have no regard for what Christ did for them, they worse messengers for Christ ever because they represent Christ as someone who condones all sin. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” – II Corinthians 5:17-20.
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,” Ambassador; A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. In other words, an ambassador is a skilled and honorable employee sent out in public to speak on behalf of their employer. The president in an ambassador to our country, he actually works for the American people, he represents our country, everything he does, whether business or personal, reflects our country as a whole. An employee is an ambassador for the company they are employed with, they represent that company, everything they do reflects that company as a whole. Christians are ambassadors to Christ, they are employed by Christ, and represent His ministry, and everything they do reflects Christ and Christians as a whole. Worldly Christians make a mockery out of Christ because they deliberately choose to live in sin knowing they are saved.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:9,12,25-27,32-34.
“but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Saved or not, sin always leads to death. A saved soul may not face hell, but it will face the repercussions of their unrepentant sin before they get to heaven. God will not be mocked. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16.
“that they may see your good works,” We are ambassadors for Christ, that means we are His ministers and need to live our lives as a reflection of Christ, not as a reflection of the world. God has not changed His stance on sin, He still hates all of it, and being saved does not give us a pass on the consequences of it.
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” – Proverbs 15:3,8-11,26,29,32-33.
“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul:” The worldly Christian is so wrapped up in their sin they do not realize they are despising their own soul? And what they are really doing is having no concern for what their sin is doing to Jesus, and are crucifying Him all over again. And what it all comes down to is that they stopped fearing God, and that is why they continue in their sin, and they will be accountable to Jesus for it. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” – Hebrews 6:1,4-6.
Jesus Christ Magnified: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” – Proverbs 15:3.
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for the gift of salvation by grace alone through our faith and acceptance of Your Son as our Saviour, I know nothing I do will ever take it away, but I do want to live a life that reflects Your Son. Lord, I am Your ambassador, keep leading me and guiding me through a life that is honorable and respectable in all that I do. Walk with me as You bring me into the world so that I may salt it with Your love, mercy, grace, and discernment. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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