Generation Word Bible Teaching

Online Museum: 2. Israel outside of the Bible

2012-01-25T22:11:00.001-06:00

Online Museum: 2. Israel outside of the Bible:

This is taken from http://www.bibleandarchaeology.com/ where the following description is listed with the image below:

"This engraved slab of granite is more than ten feet tall and was found in 1896 in Western Thebes, Egypt. It contains the oldest known reference to “Israel” outside of the Bible, and is referred to as the Merneptah Stela.* It was carved c. 1210 BC in hieroglyphs and is currently located in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (Note: the word "Israel" is the darkened section in the second line from the bottom.)"

Galyn Wiemers

Generation Word

http://www.generationword.com

Bible and Archaeology - Online Museum: 1. Yahweh inscription, c. 1400 BC

2012-01-24T18:24:00.001-06:00

Here is the first item from a great online museum called "Bible and Archaeology". You can access this online museum HERE. This online museum confirms the historical background of the Bible by explaining the most significant and impressive archaeological finds.

"This photo displays a reproduction of the oldest known inscription of the name "YHWH," the personal name of God (cf. Exodus 3). The writing is in hieroglyphs and is dated to c. 1400 BC. The inscription was discovered in the temple built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Soleb, which is in modern day Sudan. The text refers to a group of wandering followers of YHWH, possibly the Israelites." (Image and text from http://www.bibleandarchaeology.com/ )

Galyn Wiemers

Generation Word

http://www.generationword.com

Second Century Manuscript of Romans

2012-01-19T06:47:00.000-06:00

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

A 21 Day Tour of Israel in 9 1/2 Minutes

2012-01-08T00:37:00.001-06:00

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Itinerary for 21 Days in Israel this June

2012-01-06T00:38:00.000-06:00

This June we will be taking a three week class at the Jerusalem University College. There are 14 people going so far, and there are a few days/hours if you want to join us. Here is a video detailing the itinerary on a map of Israel.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

My Eschatological History

2012-01-02T20:38:00.011-06:00

As a infant I was baptized Presbyterian. Their eschatology would have been amillennial, unless it held to a stricter Reformed concept, in which case they might have been post-millennial. My Grandfather and father had long been members an EUB (Evangelical United Brethren) church that was built by my Great Grandfather in 1900. It was an Evangelical church until it united in 1946 with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The eschatology in this church would have been premillennial. In 1968 (four years after the picture below was taken of me standing on the stairs of this church) the EUB joined with the Methodist to form a denomination known as United Methodist. At that point, as I now can recall, the United Methodist appeared to be uninterested in eschatology. From a few comments I remember from Methodist in the '60's and the '70's it seems to me that they really didn't believe Jesus was physically coming back and every verse in the Bible was spiritualized. This created an amillennial position that referred all the promises into the sweet-by-and-by.

The church my Great-Grandfather built in 1900. I am the four year old standing on the steps in 1964.
My father still attends this church outside Spencer, Iowa.

A Methodist neighbor told me the Second-coming of Christ occurred when we died. I remember thinking that it wasn't much of a Second-coming because: 1) My death is not Jesus' Coming back to earth, and, 2) If this was the case then the "second coming" was followed by a "third coming", and a "fourth coming" and by the time I died it would be like the "ga-zillion-billionth-coming". In these early years I didn't have too much confidence in what people said about God. They all seemed kind of uncommitted. Yet, I did realize they didn't like bad language and it really bothered God if you were loud or talked in church. So, I obliged them and God. I didn't swear nor would I run in the church sanctuary. But, I always felt like no one really had a clue; that is not to say I knew anything, but I just kind of knew that God could do better than what I was hearing and seeing.

Now, a couple of reasons why I had the impression there was more to this church stuff than what most people let on was this:

Whenever I came down stairs in the morning my Grandfather (whose family had come over from Germany in the 1890's) would be sitting in his chair by the window with a cup of tea, and everyday...everyday...he would be reading his Bible. When I opened the door from the steep staircase to enter the dining room I knew the first thing I would see was my Grandfather reading from the Bible. He would look up at me and say something like, "Are you up for all day?"...but, why was he reading the Bible? Why didn't he tell me to read it? Where was my Bible?
At night at my home whenever I would see my dad before he went to sleep...he would be reading his Bible. Why? It was just an observation I made, and I saw it all the time. My dad didn't preach in church. Although he was always there and he was one of the best Sunday school teachers I had. He was good because he was a great teacher no matter what he taught, but he was better than the other teachers because he knew the Bible. My Dad and my Grandfather didn't say much about the Bible at home, but they were always reading it at home. Why?

Here the family is on my Grandpa Wiemers' farm in 1962 outside Spencer about half a mile from the church my Great-grandfather had built. I am the furthest to the far left sitting on my Dad's lap. My Grandpa is in the other chair to the right.

I specifically remember the night when I was a freshman in high school (months after my junior high Methodist Confirmation class and ceremony) that I saw my unread Bible in my room. I recall thinking something like, "Well, it is probably time I read this Bible. I'm not going to be a kid forever." My impression was that men read the Bible and it was time for me to man-up and read it. So, I picked up my Bible and started to read a chapter out of the Old Testament and a chapter out of the New Testament every night. I did not miss. I would not miss. I went for over 450 days without missing a night. I refused to miss a night reading my Bible. Now, I did not understand everything, but I believed it was important for my eyes to look at every word and read every verse. Obviously, after a year and a half I had read through the Bible and had started again.

When I was 16 I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior when I clearly heard the gospel presentation at a Christian concert. I went forward on the last time through the song, "Just as I Am." My life had changed. Then, during the summer before my senior year in high school I was working on a construction job with a carpenter named Bob Hill. One afternoon the carpenter stopped working and started to teach me from the Bible dispensational-pre-tribulation-pre-millennial eschatology. Of course, I did not know these theological labels, nor did he use them when he taught me. What I do remember is how amazed I was at how the Bible verses snapped into a sequential order, how my heart was filled with joy and how my mind was rushing with excitement.

Galyn Wiemers writes down measurements for Bob Hill that will be used to install a new ceiling
during a construction project in Thompson, Iowa. (July 1977). It was on one of these days in July
that Bob Hill explained premillennial eschatology to Galyn for the first time.

The summer of 1977 was my introduction to a dispensational approach to scripture. It was the first time I had heard the verses concerning the Kingdom of God be spoken of as being literally fulfilled in a 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. Of course, being Methodist since 1968 I had never heard the word "rapture" and the concept was unmentioned. All of a sudden the Second Coming of Christ was no longer a fictional fantasy with a spiritualized interpretation applied in a nonsensical fashion that even a child doubted its significance. Now, the whole of history seemed to vacillate between two absolute realities: 1) God was the Creator, 2) Jesus would establish his kingdom. And, me, a seventeen year old, what was I to do with the introduction to this biblical reality? I had been introduced to a fantastic system of eschatology, and I was grateful!

Now, 33 1/2 years have gone by. I have taught dispensational pre-millennialism with a pre-tribulation rapture to hundreds of people publicly starting in 1985 up until now. I have diagrams and charts in books that I have written and handouts I have made. Never have I doubted Christ's return or a literal kingdom on earth. Nor do I doubt this now. But, there are several stones that I have not turned over. There are other "good" eschatological approaches that cannot simply be dismissed. I find the Preterist model a solid collection of information. I do not like it. I do not agree with it. But, I have to understand it, defend it, present it and let it stand or fall on its own. I am very, very interested in the Pre-wrath model, but I find LaHaye's and others who attack the Pre-wrath model to have very, very disappointing arguments against it. In fact, the very fact LaHaye's most stated arguments revolve around the statements that claim Pre-wrath is a "new" eschatology makes me laugh in disgust because that is exactly what our critics say about our position. Then the critics move to calling Pre-wrath unscriptural or unorthodox, and I sneer again because in a world of orthodox theology where historically all Protestant Churches, and at many times, the Catholic Church, are virtually in total agreement concerning theology, bibliology, christology, soteriology, angelology, pneumatology and more, they are in total disagreement of multiple points concerning eschatology.

My point: The study of eschatology has to undergo a serious process of testing and proving. This has never happened in church history at, what I consider, a satisfactory level. In this study we will see how eschatological views have been driven more by the political climate of the church and by temporal situations in the world than by scriptural interpretation.

Indeed, my eschatological views are more inline with LaHaye than anyone else, yet at the same time LaHaye's apparent arrogance to stand on the top of pop eschatology and renounce and ridicule with out presenting the humility to allow a eschatological system rise and fall on its own commitment to truth is disappointing.

I guess after all these years I believe the Word of God can stand on its own. I have seen it change and impact lives over the last five decades, and now, in a sixth. Surely it can continue to preserve the Truth. Other areas of study that have to be considered and tested are hermeneutical systems which either correctly or erroneously interpret the Scriptures. Eschatologies also have to be proven with historical events, historical study of theology and consistency in the Word of God.

This is an enormous undertaking. I have a tremendous amount of material to read, information to study, history to be examined, etc. I have learned enough to know that there are some eschatological models that cannot be dismissed with flippant statements and spooky accusations of heresy. Grow up! If it is a heresy prove it! But, I am no longer entertained by eschatological closed mindedness motivated simply because some portion of an eschatological model doesn't agree with your best selling end-times novel series or because you don't have the academic experience to think critically through an issue or the patience to educate yourself concerning the footnotes of an authors volume on eschatology. I am in pursuit of the Truth, and, from my past experience, it means I will have to leave camp to meet the challenge. This is one reason cowards camp together...they can find protection from what scares them. I might be back, but I cannot stay here simply because I fear leaving an eschatological camp. At least at this point, eschatology should not divide us. Very, very....very few have the background, the insight, the resources, but mainly the DESIRE to meet this challenge.

One of the toughest factors we face in untangling prophecy is that this battle must be fought on the ground of humility since all of eschatological teaching is blanketed in a mist of Jesus' words...

"No one knows about that day or hour" (Mt.24:36)...
"Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Mt.24:42)...
"The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of." (Mt. 24:50)...
"Watch out that no one deceives you." (Mt. 24:4)...
"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is...do not believe it." (Mt. 24:26)

My Sunday School pins from the Presbyterian and United Methodist churches from 1965-1974.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Rethinking Eschatology

2012-01-02T17:49:00.001-06:00

From no intention of my own, I am stripping my eschatological views down to their theological foundation. The only credit I can give myself is my honest desire to understand what I believe. Teaching from a position that lacks clarity is not a pleasant experience since the heat of embarrassment from my questioning soul being forced to formulate words rises though my body manifesting in clumsy wording and disconnected statements. There is no integrity in words that rise out of a soul that is knowingly ignorant. How can a teacher communicate with words that are spoken without commitment from a soul that questions the very words that the mouth is speaking? Thus, I must retrace my eschatology and carefully reassemble it with the Truth that has been revealed and the facts of history that can be gathered. No eschatological views will be automatically dismissed due to my theological prejudices IF they can make their presentation with scriptural and historical support. None of my preconceived belief's are safe in this personal theological inquisition. Indeed, I have a preferred eschatology, but it is not exempt from this shakedown and it must gird itself for the onslaught of questioning and penetrating skepticism I have already unleashed on it in my own soul and with my own thoughts.

Now, there will be many evangelicals (Here I flatter myself as I entertain the thought that evangelicals and other Christians are reading this. But, I must continue in this pleasant fantasy to help stimulate myself as a teacher in my quest for truth and the understanding of that truth.) who will rush to judgment to defend their shallow understanding of end-time events with quotes from best-selling pop authors and denominational talking points based on 3-4 verses that they have never questioned. The very fact that I will have to start this study teaching the meaning of words like "eschatology," "chiliasm" and "imminence" while introducing and unraveling concepts such as "pre-millennial," "amillennial," "post-millennial" indicates that perceived "commitment to the truth" held by many Christians could be shaken and destroyed with slightest bit of teaching based on an alternate eschatological view. The very fact that I will only hear rebuttals supported by the writings of men like LaHaye, DeMar, Rosenthal, or Lindsey, but will have to explain to Christian readers who men like Irenaeus, Hippolytyus, Papias, Methodius, and Justin are when I teach means I should not be the only Christian shaking down my eschatology.

I am shaken after having held to the same views since the 1970's, but I will stabilize very soon and will reemerge to shake, dismantle and question your eschatology. I will teach a solid eschatology that will not need to be ashamed of Scripture, history, early church writings, or the latest end-times pop author. I am not saying I am changing my views. I am saying I am stripping them down and considering everything (...OK, I'm not considering the cults who have formed their eschatological models based on additional "authoritative" writings [think Mormans], personal visions [think Seventh Day Adventist], twisted hermeneutics with mistranslated Scripture [Jehovah's Witness], or faulty eschatological systems proven repeatedly to fail [Harold Camping, etc., etc.]). I am talking about considering Preterist, Historical, Futurist, Pre-Trib, Pre-Wrath, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, Pre-, Mid-, Post-Millennial and all forms of dispensational concepts. Nothing new there, well,...OK, that needs to be discussed.

My intention is that this will result in a book entitled something like "Actually Thinking: A Biblical Eschatology." Don't look for it in 2012 since Toni wants to take a break from publishing books. We printed three new books in 2010-2011 and had one reprint of 3,000 copies of a fourth book. Toni's request is reasonable, it is very reasonable. So, our plan is that this will be a year of writing, but not publishing. Of course, you have probably heard that the Mayan calendar ends in 2012, so if this proves to be the end of the world then this will not matter anyway. If we assume these three things - that the Mayan calendar maker simply ran out of space, that I actually follow through with this study and Toni's request is honored - then we will look for an eschatological book with ALL the answers and ALL the problems resolved sometime in 2013.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Where God's Word Is, There Is God - Taw - Psalm 119:169-176

2011-12-25T00:36:00.004-06:00

Taw (Verses 169-176)

The letter taw is a symbol for a sign, a branded cross or the mark of a “t”. The letter was originally made like an “X” or a “T” and was used as the signature at the end.

169 May my cry come before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
The Letter Taw
in Ezekiel's day
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your law gives me delight
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

This ending with its closing mark (or, “signature”) is a list of ten requests that are all based on the power and integrity of the Word of God. The writer desires to possess this Word. The ten requests begin with words
such as “may,” “give,” “deliver,” “let,” and “seek.” These closing verses include three statements of fact concerning the Word:

1. You teach me your Word (“decrees”) (171)
2. Your Word (“commands”) is righteous (172)
3. Your Word (“law”) gives me delight (174)

These are followed by four statements concerning the writers attitude toward God’s Word and why this man needs that Word for his life in time as he waits for the fullness of salvation:

1. I have chosen your Word (“precepts”) (173)
2. I long for your salvation (in Phase Three) (174)
3. I have strayed like a lost sheep (in Phase Two) (176)
4. I have not forgotten your Word (“command”) (176)

As he waits for salvation the Psalmist recalls that it is the Word that gives him delight (174). It is the Word that sustains him (175) in this life where sin is around and within him (176). Though he has strayed like a lost
sheep the Psalmist has hope because God’s Truth remains with him. When we have the Word there is hope because where God’s Word is, there is God.

This is the end of our 22 days in Psalm 119. The last 22 blogs are from chapter 36 of my book, "The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity."

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Keep Your Sword Sharp with the Word - Sin - Psalm 119:161-168

2011-12-24T00:40:00.002-06:00

Sin (Verses 161-168)

The letter sin symbolizes a tooth – not the front teeth, but a tooth that is used for chewing, such as a molar. It also represents the sharpening of swords, arrows – or even the tongue.

161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.

Rulers chew up the psalmist with persecution (161). Yet the psalmist fears the power of the Word of God more (161) and rejoices in its promises of victory (162). Seven times a day the writer sharpens the edge of the sword of the Word of God with praise (164). Those who meditate, or chew, on the Word are empowered to keep their souls in God’s “great peace” (165) and enabled to walk in the light, so that “nothing can make them stumble” (165).

Following false ways or giving up in midst of persecution because of fear are always an option, but instead, the psalmist “trembles” at God’s word – not because of temptation or persecution (161). This fear of God’s Word causes him to obey all God’s precepts and statues, because, as he says, “all my ways are known to you” (168). He knows there can be no hiding from God.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Our First Thought? The Word! - Resh - Psalm 119:153-160

2011-12-23T03:58:00.000-06:00

Resh (Verses 153-160)

The letter resh was made to resemble the front of a man’s head, and represents something that comes first, something that is the leader, or the first thing on one’s mind.

153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws.
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.

What separates the righteous from the wicked are the things they think about (155, 157, 158). The first thing on the psalmist’s mind is the Word of God, which has been his guide and enables him to confidently wait for God’s deliverance (153), defense (154) and preservation (154, 156). The psalmist is walking in the compassion (156) and love (159) of God, because he has not forgotten God’s law (153), nor has he wavered from God’s statutes (157).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Word is Established Forever - Qoph - Psalm 119:145-152

2011-12-22T00:12:00.000-06:00

Qoph (Verses 145-152)

The letter qoph is a symbol of an axe or the back of the head and refers to “coming around”, as in a circle of space (such as the motion created by the swing of an axe) or “a space of time”. It can also refer to the back of one’s mind.

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.

The psalmist compares the Word of God to the full circle of time represented by the Hebrew letter qoph in verse 152 when he says, “Long ago I learned from your statues, that you established them to last forever.” Since the psalmist had “learned…long ago” that the Word of God was eternal, he was able to develop a lifestyle that included:

1. Calling on God with all his heart (145)
2. Rising before dawn to cry for help (147)
3. Meditating on the Word throughout the night (148)

While the psalmist spends his life committed to the Word of God, there are others near him who are far from it. These people spend their time devising evil schemes and laws based on worldly philosophies and human opinion (150). However, in the long run, when life and history have come full circle, the Word of God will prove true (152).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

In the End the Word Will Prevail - Tsadhe - Psalm 119:137-144

2011-12-21T00:05:00.000-06:00

Tsadhe (Verses 137-144)

Tsadhe is a symbol of a reaping hook, a sickle, or a fish hook, and it indicates that the harvest is coming.

137 You are righteous, Lord,
and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.

Indeed the harvest, or final judgment, is coming. In the end, it will be the Word that still stands. The psalmist says the Word of God is:

1. Right (137)
2. Righteous (138)
3. Fully trustworthy (138)
4. Thoroughly tested (140)
5. Everlasting (142)
6. True (142)
7. Always righteous (144)

Here and now, the “enemies ignore” God’s Word (138), and the psalmist is “lowly and despised” (141). Even though “trouble and distress have come upon” him (143), the psalmist loves and is zealous for God’s Word (140), which gives him great delight (143). In the end, Truth will prevail, and so he asks for even more wisdom and strength (144).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Spoken Word is the Understood Word - Pe - Psalm 119:129-136

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

Pe (Verses 129-136)

The letter pe is a symbol of a mouth with a tongue and refers to speech of man or the mouth of God speaking forth his Word in judgment. Since the Pe (speech, word) follows the Ayin (eye, understanding) in the alphabet the order of these two letters indicates it is necessary to understand the Word of God before you start to express the Word of God. Pe means the man is now expressing with his mouth what he understands.

129 Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

Understanding leads to obedience since sanctification comes from knowing the Truth (129). What the eye can see (or, the mind understand), the mouth can manifest (or, the person can follow) (130-131). The Psalmist recognizes that the understanding of God’s Word enables him to overcome personal sin (133). God’s presence brings teaching and understanding (135) that will help overcome the sorrow of failing to obey God’s Word (136).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Obedience to Word Requires Understanding of Word - Ayin - Psalm 119:121-128

2011-12-19T00:40:00.001-06:00

Ayin (Verses 121-128)

The letter ayin was made to resemble a pair of eyes or a fountain. The reference is to a means of expression, such as how the eyes are a fountain of the body that express sorrow or pain. The eyes that see represent understanding, which is necessary for obedience. The eyes anticipate obedience.

121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.
127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

In this strophe, the psalmist is praying for discernment so he can understand the Word (125), and he asks for a revelation of the Truth, so that he will be able to live in obedience to it. In fact, he makes a point of telling God, it is “time for you to act” (126), because he realizes that it is due to his lack of understanding that he breaks the law of God. The psalmist waits for this teaching, and continues to ask for even

more understanding and discernment in order to improve his level of obedience. Since the psalmist has lived in obedience to the Word of God to the best of his ability (121), he confidently anticipates God’s help in this regard.

Deliverance is based on obedience, and obedience requires teaching and understanding. The psalmist knows that his inability to see or understanding the Word of God is causing him to be oppressed.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Leverage from the Word - Samekh - Psalm 119:113-120

2011-12-18T01:43:00.000-06:00

Samekh (Verses 113-120)

The letter samekh is a prop, support, fulcrum or lever, and it has a meaning of leaning upon something or supporting yourself with something. Leverage and support give stability. The closed circle also represents a shield used for protection. And, it is a visual image of the eternal spiraling of God’s Truth and ever-increasing glory.

113 I hate double-minded people,
but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
115 Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.
118 You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.
120 My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.

Trusting in a false worldview, like leaning on a splintered staff, will cause chaos and end in disaster. And this is exactly what happens to the double-minded man (113). Only those who are committed to God’s Truth will experience God as their refuge and shield (114), and God is well able to shelter and shield those who hope in his Word. The psalmist wants nothing to do with double-minded evildoers (115) because their ways will neutralize the leverage and support (116, 117) that God’s promises and decrees provide on this earth. The double-minded philosophies of man provide no true support or assistance, but instead splinter and collapse like weak levers, which should be rejected and discarded (118-119). It is an awesome thing to understand the looming danger of worthless worldviews when compared to the awesome potential of God’s word in our temporal world (120).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Production and Rewards of the Word - Nun - Psalm 119:105-112

2011-12-17T00:04:00.000-06:00

Nun (Verses 105-112)

The letter nun comes from the image of a fish, tadpole or snake, and means “to propagate, to increase”, “offspring”, and “prosperity”. A fish represents life and activity. It also includes the idea of faithfulness and rewards for faithfulness.

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

The psalmist recognizes that in order to preserve his life in a world of suffering and snares (107, 110), he must be committed (106) to walking in the light of the Word of God (105). To this end, he has taken and confirmed a vow to follow God’s laws (106). Not only will faithfulness to the Word protect him during his time on earth, but faithfulness to the end (112) will ensure him eternal rewards (“heritage forever” – 111).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Word is like a Spring of Water - Mem - Psalm 119:97-104

2011-12-16T00:04:00.000-06:00

Mem (Verses 97-104)

The letter mem symbolizes waves of water, and refers to a large body of water such as a sea or ocean. The idea of water rising out of a spring to form a body of water is symbolic of wisdom rising out of the Word of God to fill a man’s soul and words with wisdom, as in Proverbs 18:4: “The words a man speaks are deep waters, A flowing stream, a fountain
of wisdom.”

97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

The source of wisdom, insight and understanding is the Word of God (97-100). It is a spring of water that fills the sea of the psalmist’s soul. When he meditates on the law, God’s commands are always with him (97-98), and the wisdom which springs from the Word fills his soul to make him wiser than his enemies (98), give him more insight than his teachers (99), and provide him with more understanding than the elders (110). The psalmist does not mean he is too arrogant to learn from others; nor is he implying that he is wiser – with more insight and understanding – in his own self or by his own ability. He is simply making a humble acknowledgement that the source of eternal wisdom is not men (“enemies”), nor even the great teachers and elders of Israel. Instead, his wisdom comes from the Word of God itself. Men are to fill their souls with the Word of God as the rivers fill the sea. The soul filled with the Word of God produces obedience:

“I obey your precepts” (100)
“I have kept my feet from every evil path” (101)
“I have not departed from your laws” (102)
“I gain understanding from your precepts therefore I hate every wrong path” (104)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Understanding the Word is the Greatest - Lamedh - Psalm 119:89-96

2011-12-15T00:02:00.000-06:00

Lamedh (Verses 89-96)

Lamedh is an ox goad that is used to get an ox moving. It can mean learning or teaching. When Jesus said to Paul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” he may have been referring to Paul coming against the Scriptural teaching concerning the Messiah with a traditional Jewish understanding of the Messiah. The word also refers to correction, learning and the fear of God. Lamedh is the tallest and the middle letter of the Hebrew alphabet, so it appears to tower over the other letters as central and most important.

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.

The tallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used to head a set of verses that attest to the established, eternal and enduring Truth of God’s Word (89). Understanding of the Word is essential, since all things are based on it (90-91), and without it, we perish in both time and eternity (92-93). God has revealed himself in the Scriptures, but also in his created universe. Because this general revelation is available in nature, all mankind can seek, study and apply many of God’s eternal principles (90-91), and this understanding is of utmost importance. Throughout the psalmist’s life the precepts of God’s eternal Truth have preserved him
(93). The last verse in this section makes a distinction between created things that are limited and the eternal (“boundless”) Truth of God (96).Knowing, understanding, and applying this boundless Truth in a universe with limits, delivers us and preserves our life in time and in eternity when the wicked seek to destroy it (95). This is the greatest Truth.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Struggling to Hold the Word - Kaph - Psalm 119:81-88

2011-12-14T06:16:00.000-06:00

Kaph (Verses 81-88)

The letter kaph shows the palm or hollow of a hand and represents a hand, bowl, plate or anything designed to receive.
By association, it can mean asking, weakness or reaching out to receive.

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

The psalmist is still suffering at the hands of men who have rejected the authority of the Word of God (84). They are arrogant, and persecute the man whose hope is in the Word (85). They use laws and logic contrary to God’s law to prove the godly man and his godly ways are in error, and so conclude that the ways of God are unprofitable and inappropriate for mankind. In the face of this attack, the persecuted man puts his hope in God’s Word, but still finds himself weak, and asks for help from God (81). His soul (mind, emotions, intellect, will) faint and his eyes (physical effort) fail (81-82) as he waits for God’s promises to manifest (82, 84). Just as a wine skin in the smoke (83) holds onto its content in the midst of a blinding odor that stings the eyes, the psalmist sees himself as struggling to hold to his commitment to the Truth in his soul while persevering against the blinding, painful odor of worldly philosophy. He waits with his hands open and his soul reaching out to be filled by God.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Hand of God in the Word of God - Yodh - Psalm 119:73-80

2011-12-13T00:21:00.000-06:00

Yodh (Verses 73-80)

Yodh is a symbol of a cupped or bent hand. The image may also be of a closed fist or a hand that is holding something. It indicates power or guidance.

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

The psalmist uses the fact that he has been made and formed by God as the basis for asking God to help him understand his Word (73). He is a man in affliction caused by other men who unjustly come against him

(78) and who are the enemies of Truth since they reject the Word of God and in their arrogance advance their own plans and the world’s views. In this unjust affliction the psalmist realizes that the creator who formed him with His hands still holds him and has allowed this undeserved affliction through the hands of men (75-76). He counts on God’s unfailing love and compassion to comfort him and allow him to live (76-77). The result will be that other men who fear God will rejoice when they see the psalmist’s deliverance by the hand of God (74). The arrogant who oppose God’s Word will be put to shame (78), while those who renew their minds by meditating on God’s Word will continue to find comfort in the midst of their afflictions (78, 75, 76).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Paradox of the Word - Teth - Psalm 119:65-72

2011-12-12T00:18:00.000-06:00

Teth (Verses 65-72)

The letter teth was patterned on two rolls, curves, or snakes and may look like something that is twisted or knotted together. It represents the paradox of good and evil, such as how a person could choose to respond to God or circumstances in a good or evil way. The word teth means”to stand up or bow down”, in reference to a relationship with God.

65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

The very nature of God’s Word creates a paradox. The Word of God is holy and good, and yet it can benefit both the obedient and the disobedient – both the blessed and the afflicted. The psalmist recounts his experience of this principle in verses 67 and 71 when he says,

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word… It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

The Word of God speaks to all people, but the results depend on each individual’s heart. Some hearts are calloused and unfeeling, but the psalmist’s heart was soft and responded with delight to God’s Word (70). Likewise, affliction draws some toward a desire for the Truth; yet for others, affliction releases bitterness and the arrogance of their heart (69). Although confusing, all of this is good because it provides the opportunity to learn what God is teaching (68). For those who respond positively to the Truth, there will be benefits more “precious… than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (72).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

God's Word is a Hedge of Protection - Heth - Psalm 119:57-64

2011-12-11T00:06:00.002-06:00

Heth (Verses 57-64)

The letter heth is a symbol of a hedge, a fence, or an enclosure – that is, protection. The image may be of stacked stones that surround and protect.

57 You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61 the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.

The Lord is the portion (57) located inside the parameters of the wall of protection provided by the Truth. The psalmist promises to stay inside these parameters and obey God’s Word. God’s statues (the Word) are the steppingstones that guide the writer (59). Even if the wicked physically restrain him he will not forget God’s law (61). Everyone who fears the Lord and follows his Word is within the same enclosure, or sphere of protection and fellowship, as the psalmist, and so is considered his friend (63). The entire earth is enclosed with God’s Word (64), so there is nowhere anyone can go that God has not already established his Truth and reality. The wicked may bind this writer (61), but God’s word is there to provide a greater hedge of protection for him since he:

1. Has made the Lord his portion (57)
2. Has promised to obey God’s Word (57)
3. Has sought God’s face with all the understanding of his inner being (58)
4. Has analyzed his lifestyle and adjusted it to correspond to God’s statutes (59)
5. Does not delay in obeying God’s commands (60)
6. Refuses to forget God’s law in the face of physical opposition (61)
7. Desires to be taught the decrees of God (64)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

New Book "Apparatus" is Online (copies will be shipped upon request)

2011-12-10T14:05:00.004-06:00

My new book "The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity" has just been released online as a .pdf here

Copies will be shipped free in the USA upon request.
If you would like a copy just send a shipping address to my email gw@generationword.com
...copies will be mailed this month.

The book "Apparatus" will revolutionize and revitalize your view of salvation, the Word of God, spiritual maturity and the ministry of the church.
Read it now online as .pdf or request your copy!
Online as .mobi file here.
Online as .epub file here.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Word is a Weapon of Defense - Zayin - Psalm 119:49-56

2011-12-10T00:06:00.000-06:00

Zayin (Verses 49-56)

The letter zayin describes a weapon – most likely, a sword. The word
zayin derives from a root word meaning “sustenance” or “nourishment”.
It includes the concept that to survive and provide for yourself, there are
times you must fight and defend yourself, especially in the area of Truth
and spiritual warfare.

49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.

The psalmist recognizes that the Word of God provides him with hope (49) in the midst of mocking by the arrogant (51) and the wicked (53). The promises of the Word of God nourish the psalmist with comfort and provide a defensive weapon for the preservation of his life (50). The ancient laws are said to also supply comfort (52). The arrogant and wicked attack this believer’s stance on the Truth, yet he remains faithful (50-52). The arrogant have rejected God’s Word and become wicked, but the indignation of the psalmist preserves his heart. The psalmist continues the practice of remembering the Truth wherever he spends his nights, so the Truth continues to provide his shelter in the night (53-56).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Dependable Word of God - Waw - Psalm 119:41-48

2011-12-09T06:31:00.000-06:00

Waw (Verses 41-48)

The letter waw is an image of a hook, a nail, or a peg. It symbolizes the hooks of silver fastened to posts that held the curtains of the tabernacle and other tents in place. The letter waw represents something you depend on, such as the Word of God. In these verses, the psalmist focuses on how he can trust God’s Word. Since he can depend on it to be true, he will speak of God’s Word even before kings. The psalmist, like the Apostle Paul, knows that he will never be ashamed or let down by God’s Word (Romans 1:16) because the Word of God has the power to do what it claims to be able to do.

41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.

God’s Word tells us of the salvation that comes from God (which is also called the “unfailing love” of God’s covenant). It appears that the psalmist is enduring the “taunts” of men for having trusted in the promise of salvation found in God’s Word. Still, he fully counts on experiencing that salvation. He says with Paul, I “will not be put to shame”. Because he has sought God’s Truth, the psalmist knows the Truth and “will walk about in freedom”. Jesus said the same thing when he promised: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Word of God is Light - He - Psalm 119:33-40

2011-12-08T04:49:00.000-06:00

He (Verses:33-40)

This letter represents a window, a lattice or a house with a window. It suggests the letting in of light or revelation. Remember that in the Hebrew language the first letter in each of these eight verses is the Hebrew letter "he". Each section of eight verses begins with the same Hebrew letter that is found as the heading of each section of those eight verses in Psalm 119.

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

The psalmist asks for the light of the Word of God to enter his soul when he says, “teach me”, “give me understanding”, “direct me”, “turn my heart”, and “turn my eyes”. Two things he recognizes as blocking the entrance of the light of the Word are “selfish gain” and “worthless things”. Worthless things would refer to false teachings, false gods, worldly philosophies, etc. Here we see that the Word of God, understood in the heart of a man, removes disgrace and preserves life.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Your Answer is in God's Word - Daleth - Psalm 119:25-32

2011-12-07T00:04:00.002-06:00

Daleth (Verses 25-32)

The letter daleth is a symbol of an open door, or a curtain of a tent. In the early days of Israel, doors were hinged in the top corner and this is reflected in the symbol. The word refers to letting something in or finding your way into God. The bent shape of the daleth can also represent a person who is bent over in need. It is said that the “ear” of the letter is leaning toward the letter gimmel, listening for the approach of goodness and loving-kindness.

25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.

The psalmist is troubled because of both his physical (“laid low in dust”) and mental condition (“soul is weary with sorrow”). Yet he knows the answer to his physical problem is in the promises of God’s Word

(“preserve me according to your Word”), and his weary, sorrowful soul can be strengthen by that same Word (“strengthen me according to your word”). In each case, after stating his problem the psalmist asks God to teach him. First, he says “teach me your decrees” and then, “teach me your law”. He states that he has chosen to be faithful by setting his “heart on [God’s] laws” and holding “fast to [God’s] statutes”. These eight verses end with the author rejoicing that, because God has “broadened my understanding” of his Word, he has been enabled to “run in the path of [God’s] commands”. So, the man who was physically low and mentally weary regained his strength and began to run, because God had opened the door of his understanding of the Word – just like he had asked.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

God's Words Are My Counselors - Gimel - Psalm 119:17-24

2011-12-06T00:02:00.001-06:00

Gimel (Verses 17-24)

The letter gimel is a pictograph of a camel’s neck. The word means to “recompense” or “benefit”, and the benefit or goodness in this Psalm comes when God gives understanding to the psalmist so he can see and
understand the Word.

17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

In verses 17-24 the psalmist identifies himself as a “stranger on earth”who lives among arrogant men (sadly, including rulers) who have rejected God’s Word and so are accursed. These men cannot help the psalmist with counsel for his life and would rather treat him, like they do God’s Word, with scorn and contempt.

The psalmist thus turns to God’s Words, saying of them, “they are my counselors”. The psalmist seeks goodness from God (17), but not in the form of physical blessings. What the psalmist prays instead is that God would “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (18), because he knows that when his eyes are opened he will be empowered to “obey [God’s] word”. This empowerment through understanding that leads to obedience is called “good” because it prevents the psalmist from becoming like the arrogant, accursed men who treat God’s Truth with contempt – and then in its place, promote their own ways and counselors.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Continue in Word - Beth - Psalm 119:9-16

2011-12-05T00:02:00.000-06:00

Beth (Verses 9-16)

The letter beth is a symbol for a house or a tent, and means “house”. It represents being in God’s will by creating the image of a home with a wife and kids, or of the house of God, which is the Temple. In other words, we find the Word and we live there. We hear (“I have hidden”), understand (“teach me”) and continue in God’s Word (“I rejoice…I meditate…I delight”).

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

The conflict of verses 9-16 is the writer’s desire to avoid sin – to not stray, but remain pure (1-3). The solution is fivefold:

Take in – or hear – the Word of God (“hidden your word in my heart” – 11)
Understand the Word of God that was taught (“teach me your decrees” – 12)
Speak the Word of God that is understood (“with my lips I recount all the laws” – 13)
Follow and do the Word of God (“I rejoice in following your statutes” – 14)
Continue in the Word of God that you already know (“I meditate on your precepts” – 15)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Strength to Learn - Aleph - Psalm 119:1-8

2011-12-04T00:01:00.003-06:00

Aleph (Verses 1-8)

The letter aleph is a symbol of two ox heads yoked together to represent
strength or leadership. The word aleph means “to learn”.

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

The conflict described in verses 1-8 arose from the psalmist’s desire to be steadfast in his obedience, like the men he describes as blameless, walking in the law, keeping the statutes and seeking God (1-3). The writer desires to be like these men, but he knows that he is weak and not far along in the process of becoming like them. He desires to obey, and seeks help. The help sought here, and throughout Psalm 119, comes from the Word of God. He vows to “consider all [God’s] commands,” and “learn [God’s] righteous laws”. In this way, he will be able to “obey [God’s] decrees”, as long as God continues to be with him and help him.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

23 Days of Psalm 119 Until Christmas 2011

2011-12-03T18:40:00.003-06:00

We will be posting a blog about Psalm 119 every day (22 days plus today = 23 days) until Christmas. The 176 verses of Psalm 119 are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each (22 x 8 = 176). The twenty-two groups, or strophes, are each headed with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet and every one of the eight verses in each strophe begins with the same Hebrew letter. For example, the strophe consisting of verses 1-8 are headed with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, aleph, and each of those eight verses begins with aleph.

Every Hebrew letter is a symbol representing a picture, and the name of each letter has a meaning corresponding to the ancient image it models. There are ten synonyms used to refer to the Word of God – the revelation of Truth that God has given to man – in this Psalm. These ten words are:

Law (torah) – used 25 times; means direction or instruction
Word (dabar) – used 20 times; is a general term for God’s revelation
Promise (’imrah) – used 19 times; used to capture the lure of the Word
Commands (miswah) – used 21 times; indicates the absolute nature of God’s Word
Decrees (huqqim) – used 21 times; “things inscribed” such as recorded law
Laws (mispot) – used 19 times; means a binding law
Precepts (piqqudim) – used 21 times; refers to a legal order to do or not do something
Statutes (‘edah) – used 22 times; a declaration of God’s will which becomes conduct
Way (derek) – used 11 times; refers to walking in God’s Word in life
Path (’orah) – used 5 times; also refers to walking in God’s Word

The writer of this Psalm describes several conflicts he faces because of his commitment to the Word of God and his desire to follow the Word of God:

The need for steadfastness to walk in God’s ways
Inner sinful desires
Persecution by officials
Mocking by men
Pressure to forsake his commitment

Now, we have 22 days until Christmas, and we will study one Hebrew letter and its 8 verses from Psalm 119 every day until Christmas.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Mysticism (a final chapter for "Apparatus")

2011-10-15T12:54:00.001-05:00

(This is one of the final chapters for the book "The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity" written at the request of editor Tim Vaniman for the purpose of clarifying erroneous mysticism and biblical super-natural manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. This chapter has not been edited.)

Mysticism

Throughout this book “mysticism” has been categorized and explained as a substitute for truth. Mysticism has been portrayed as a deceptive imitation. The reason for this has been that the Paul and others contrast a personal mystical experience in a negative light when compared with the Truth of the divinely originated Word of God. Paul says:

“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head.” – Colossians 2:18-19

God rebukes the mystics through his prophet Ezekiel when he says:

“Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that is will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord. Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The Lord declares,’ when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ‘The Lord declares,’ though I have not spoken?” - Ezekiel 13:3-9

God speaks the same way in Jeremiah when he says to the mystics:

“Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord…I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied…I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?” - Jeremiah 23:16, 21, 25

According to the Collins English Dictionary (HarperCollins Publishers 2003) mysticism is described in three ways:

1. belief in or experience of a reality surpassing normal human understanding or experience, especially a reality perceived as essential to the nature of life

2. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving direct intuitive experience of the divine

3. obscure or confused belief or thought

Mysticism then is a spiritual experience beyond human ability that is accepted as a direct experience with God which often results in obscure or confused doctrine. Indeed, mysticism has to exist at some level, but is its appropriateness limited? Is it limited according to its historical place in time? Is it limited by the spiritual office of who experiences it? Or, by the spiritual condition or maturity of its recipient? Or, is the size of the intended audience a factor? Can a mystical message be given to one person to share with a larger group?

Surely the Bible supports the existence of a mystical experience for mankind and particularly for believers. This positive form of mystical experience is expected, and even necessary, for a healthy biblical theology and a productive Christian life:

1. To understand the Gospel message for salvation or to understand the revealed, written Word of God a man is described as having “heard” the Word of God because of the testimony of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

a. “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” – John 15:26

b. “ ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”

c. “No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” – 1 Corinthians 2:11-12

d. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

2. A man is mystically, or supernaturally, regenerated (recreated, born again) by the Holy Spirit as is Paul wrote to Titus:

a. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5

b. “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again…No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” – John 3:3, 5, 6

3. To understand the message of the Word of God the believer must be illuminated by the Spirit of God:

a. “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all truth…He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.” – John 16:13-14

b. “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26

4. To hear the “calling” of God in the heart of a believer for service (gifting) is a form of mysticism:

a. “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14

5. We have the testimony of God in our hearts and know with assurance what God has revealed to us:

a. “God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.”
– 1 John 5:9-10

b. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

c. “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out: ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son.” – Galatians 4:6

6. Jesus said concerning the believer that “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” when he referred to the Holy Spirit flowing through our lives. This refers to the manifestation of super-human character, good works, spiritual gifts and fruits of righteousness. ( John 7:37-39)

a. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7

b. “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” – Hebrews 2:4

7. Upon being regenerated by the Holy Spirit (born again, Phase One) the believer is permanently and eternally indwelt with the Holy Spirit.

a. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:16

b. “You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” – John 14:17

c. “God’s Spirit lives in you.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

d. “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” – Ephesians 1:13-14

8. Even the natural man of the world can be influenced by a mystical experience with the Holy Spirit called conviction:

a. “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” – John 16:8

b. “By the waters of Meribah they angered the Lord, and trouble came to Moses because of them; for they rebelled against the Spirit of God.” – Psalm 106:32-33

These verses are often in the context of a prerequisite of having the Word of God available in the soul or mind of the man. The Word always precedes the Spirit. Before the world or the church or the believer can experience the ministry of the Spirit of God they must have first experienced the ministry of the Word of God.

In Romans 8 Paul writes first”

“Those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” – Romans 8:5

…and:

“The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

…before he writes:

“For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:13-14

The context of Romans 8 is a mind “set on” or renewed to the Word of God for the Spirit of God to use. This mind “set on what the Spirit desires” (Word of God) is contrasted with:

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires.” – Romans 8:5

The problem with “being led by the Spirit,” “hearing the voice of God,” “receiving a revelation,” or what I call mysticism is that it either:

1. Results from the negligence of the Word of God

2. Leads to inattention to the Word of God

Clearly the Scriptures teach that the Spirit of God moves in our world among unbelievers to convict them of the truth of the Word of God they have heard. The Scriptures reveal that the man who places faith in the truth of the Gospel experiences a mystical relationship while hearing the Gospel. The believer is placed in a mystical relationship with the Spirit of God who lives in the believer and who unites the believer mystically to Jesus Christ. During phase two the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit who will work and speak in and through that believer. But, all of this is preceded by the hearing, understanding and accepting the revelation of the Word of God. In other words, if a person has not heard, understood, known, believed and applied the Word of God the mystical experience they claim to have had or mystical voice they have heard is NOT the Spirit of God. There is no doubt in my mind that it may be mystical or spiritual, but just because something is super-natural or mystical does not mean it is true, righteous, holy or from God. The Scriptures, as we have noted, clearly state many false prophets, spirits and teachings have gone into the world and the church. None of which are from God. And, this is not even taking into consideration the imaginations and diluted consciences of men void of the Word of God or ignoring the Truth of God’s biblical revelation.

In our biblically illiterate modern Western culture (like many, many other cultures worldwide) it is easier to “hear God” or to be “spiritually led” than to learn and understand the Truth. Thus, the lazy, illiterate, blind mystics lead the lazy illiterate, blind masses. The blind leading the blind.

It is more convenient to “receive” a subjective message or teach relative “insight” than to understand, present and deal with the absolute Truth and the subsequent harsh, unbending reality of the world God created and in which we live. The imagination is always easier than reality. It is easier to watch a movie than it is to film a movie. But, it is still easier to film a documentary than to have lived the events being documented.

Mystic interpretation of Scripture is a deviant form of hermeneutics. When a mystic seeks for the meaning of a passage of Scripture by “allowing the Spirit to lead them” without taking the basic principles of proper hermeneutics into account they are in error. Truly serious and accurate biblical interpretation needs more than “the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Since the books of the Bible were historical documents written with real words that had absolute meanings to the people in the cultures to which the Word of God was written, we have to take this into account. In other words proper hermeneutics of divinely inspired Scripture must be familiar with the historical setting, the exegetical meaning and translation of the words in the text and the categorical comparison of similar subject matter throughout the rest of Scripture. And, the bad news for the mystic is that this is a lot of work. It is a tremendous amount of true insight into natural history, linguistic and basic theology. The point: It is sooo much easier for the mystic if they can simply “hear God” or “let the Spirit reveal” the meaning of a passage of Scripture. And, even more so, if the passage is difficult or seems to contradict what the mystic wants to believe or teach. Allegorical or spiritualization of words, events and characters in the Bible is a very helpful way for a mystic to avoid any kind a reasonable hermeneutic responsibility. You will hear the mystic begin the presentation of their pathetic scriptural insight by saying, “The Lord as shown me…”

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man.” – 2 Peter 1:20-21

John tells his readers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” But, realize the only way for a believer to test or evaluate a mystic or a teacher is to know some portion of the Truth by which to compare the mystic’s teaching. In a Scripturally illiterate culture the standard of the test is not the Word of God, but the student’s emotions or previous world view. In this case a mystic who is teaching people who can only judge them based on their emotions, human world view or minimum biblical knowledge (which, may in itself be corrupted in its interpretation) are destined to enter an erroneous cycle of hearing, evaluating and confirming bad doctrine which ultimately leads into a spiral of doctrinal corruption and chaos.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

Bottom line is this: Your relationship with the Holy Spirit is worthless without the Word of God. This is not due to any fault of the Spirit of God, but entirely due to the weakness and corruption of the unregenerate mind and sin nature of man. In other words, you have to understand and be living in the Truth to benefit from the Spirit’s presence.

If any revelation or insight from the Spirit of God were to occur it would be for a person’s private guidance or private confirmation. It is hard to imagine, yes, it is impossible for the Spirit of God revealing something today for public proclamation or public instruction that has not already been revealed in the written Word of God in Scripture. There are no Apostles today receiving revelation from God for public proclamation since if this were to happen the written Word of God would be in error and we would have to choose between the accepted Scripture or today’s mystic apostles.

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.” – Paul in Colossians 1:25-26

“In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.” – Ephesians 3:4-5

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” – John 96 AD, Revelation 22:18-19

“I will not impose any other burden on you; Only hold on to what you have until I come.” – Jesus, 96 AD, Revelation 2:24-25

Even in 85 AD the Apostle John could write in First John (after Paul and Peter had died and all four gospels had been written before 68 AD) that, “I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning.” (“The beginning” refers to Jesus teaching ministry and the founding of the church 30-33 AD).

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Eastern Gate Under the Eastern Gate!

2011-10-15T12:47:00.003-05:00

Research has shown that under the Eastern Gate (Golden Gate) in Jerusalem's Old City walls there is an ancient gate that dates from:

Herod's day in the first centruy, or
Nehemaih's day around 500 BC, or
even Solomon's day around 950 BC from the first Temple period

It is located under the Eastern Gate built in the days of the Byzantine Empire that stands today in Jerusalem's eastern wall. The current Golden Gate, also known as the Eastern Gate, is located in the east wall of the Temple Mount. Photographs have been taken of the ancient gate located underneath today's gate in 1969 and 2005. (To view larger photos and in a slide show, just click on any of the pics below.)

Location of today's Golden, or Eastern Gate

Photo taken (2007) while I stood in front of the Eastern Gate on the outside with my back towards the Mount of Olives

James Fleming's photo from 1969 from inside a grave on the outside of the Eastern Gate looking at the arch of an ancient Eastern Gate.

An artist representation of today's Eastern Gate, the location of James Fleming's photo and other details.

This is the remains of an ancient gate already excavated under today's modern Damascus Gate. The entrance of today's Damascus Gate is seen in the top right corner. I took this photo (2010) to show the remains of the gate built by Herod Agrippa II in 64-67 AD in the north wall of first century Jerusalem. This is excavation confirms that a similar excavation under the Eastern Gate would reveal an ancient gate in use at the same time as this ancient gate.


My close up (2010) of Herod Agrippa II's first century gate excavated under today's Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's north wall.

Please read more details and history of this ancient gate under today's Eastern Gate and the history of today's Eastern Gate at my website here

More details in this blog concerning Fleming here

Here is a quote from an article in the Mar/Apr 2008 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review from p. 16:

In the fall of 2005, another archaeology student at the same college that Fleming had been attending in 1969 (now Jerusalem University College{we will be here again taking a class with some of our friends in June of 2012}) was examining the area near the Golden Gate. James Anderson of San Antonio, Texas recently reported to us: The world thinks this tomb has been sealed. Well, it hasn't been completely sealed. Although I suspect I was breaking several rules and don't wish to condone such action, I did walk up to the Golden Gate and found a large stone on the ground. I removed the stone to find a hole leading into the tomb. I extended my arm into the hole and took pictures that show the very arch that Jesus would have walked through. So, for the record, we now publish the new picture of stones inside the arch of the gate below the Golden Gate. (see portion of article here)

2005 photo taken by James Anderson of the same gate as seen from the same tomb as Fleming in 1969 (Both were students of Jerusalem University College were we will be taking a class in June of 2012)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Location of Calvary and Tomb in 30 AD

2011-09-18T23:44:00.008-05:00

(Click image for a larger view)

This image is taken from this link http://bp3.blogger.com/_Stme1tcLPmE/SIi7f5c24yI/AAAAAAAAALo/CVbClRe9uFY/s1600-h/Golgotha_Xlrg.jpg

Leen Ritmeyer describes Gologotha, the place of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher here http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2008/07/24/what-did-calvary-look-like-interview/

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Plans for the Third Temple

2011-09-18T23:32:00.000-05:00

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

More Americans tailoring religion to fit their needs – USATODAY.com

2011-09-13T17:42:00.000-05:00

More Americans tailoring religion to fit their needs – USATODAY.com

Galyn Wiemers Generation Word http://www.generationword.com

Vitual Walking Tour with Narrator on Temple Mount

2011-09-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

A virtual walking tour in photos with narration of the Temple Mount here:
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200901/al-haram/tour.htm

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Aerial View of Jerusalem from BiblePlaces.com

2011-09-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Videos from Jerusalem University College (JUC)

2011-09-06T09:31:00.009-05:00

In June of 2012 several of us are going back to Israel to attend a 3 week class at the Jerusalem University College (JUC) on Mount Zion just outside the walls of the Old City (just south of the Armenian Quarter). Below are a few videos (not mine, but other previous students) posted on YouTube by JUC students.

Details of our upcoming trip and how to sign up are here - http://www.generationword.com/jerusalem-university-college.html

Jerusalem University College website is here - http://www.juc.edu/

Here is a student showing you the actual campus of JUC:

Here a student walks you through the inside of the buildings to his dorm room:

Dr. Paul Wright, one of the professors at JUC, teaching a class at Megiddo concerning the location of the coming battle of Armageddon (part one and part two are below:

And, here is another person's memories of JUC:

I'll be posting more videos in preparation for our trip which is only 10 months away. We'd love to have you join us!!

Here is a map showing the location of JUC. To orientate yourself to the map find the south wall of the Old City (top of the map) and locate the Zion Gate. Then move south-west to find the JUC campus:

Here is a map showing the hotels we will be staying in: Gloria or Knights Palace. Both of these are inside the walls of the Old City in the Christian Quarter. Again, find the south wall of the Old City (this time at the bottom of the map) and locate the Zion Gate to orientate yourself:

Here is a video I made while I walked up the road that is highlighted in orange on the map above. The road is called the Latin Patriarchate Road. I begin the video standing where the orange highlighted roads intersect by the image of the tower (on the map). The video begins with me looking west (left) at the Joppa gate. I then turn north (right, towards top of map) and walk up the orange road past the Gloria Hotel towards the Knights Palace. Here is the video:

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Inside the Double Gate Under the Temple Mount on the South Side

2011-09-05T17:34:00.003-05:00

Here is a slideshow of some images taken from some screen shots and a couple I took in Jerusalem:

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The City of David - Virtual Tour - Jerusalem Virtual Tours

2011-09-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

The City of David - Virtual Tour - Jerusalem Virtual Tours

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Vitural Tour of Temple

2011-08-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

We talked Sunday night about the road leading from the Pool of Siloam up to the Temple Mount. This video simulating Jerusalem in the first century begins showing this same road.
Amazing Virtual Temple Computer Simulation
m

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Jerusalem Class Begins Tonight at 7:00

2011-07-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Professor Aren Maeir Discusses Altar from Gath

2011-07-27T23:26:00.000-05:00

Professor and archaeologist Aren Maeir describes the two horned altar he discovered 2 weeks ago in the ancient Philistine city of Gath in this video:

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Application vs. Teaching

2011-07-25T16:14:00.009-05:00

Some false teachers in Corinth challenged Paul saying his teaching was not as important nor as necessary as their accomplishments. Some of the early teachers were more interested in doing what they considered to be religious activity than in teaching the Word of God. The main reason for this neglect of teaching seems to be that this made it easier to attract and impress a Christian crowd. These church leadership imposters would skip the teaching and go right for some kind of application or philosophy. They would then mock Paul’s teaching and his letters as being insufficient when they compared their own selves to Paul’s continuous barrage of instruction. But, Paul responded to this pseudo-Christian approach to discipleship training in Second Corinthians when he said:

“You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up (teaching the Word of God) rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. We do not dare to classify our compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves (instead of the Word of God), they are not wise.” - 2 Corinthians 10:7-12 (my comments in italic)

This first century situation is very close to the modern church's defense for their own neglect of Bible teaching. Today many churches talk and behave in such a way that says, “Application is more important than teaching the truth.” Paul's words to them today may echo his words to the imposters of 56 AD in Corinth. To those today who say application is more important than teaching, Paul’s verses simply respond by saying, “We are what we write” and “We do what we teach.” To counter those who glorify application while they neglect the teaching of the Word of God this question must be asked: if you do not teach and you do not know, what are you applying? If application is not preceded by teaching and action does not follow after knowledge, then the application is false and the action is still worldly. This is exactly what the apostles warn the believers to flee.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

The Word is Entrusted to the Church (Teaching)

2011-07-13T14:56:00.000-05:00

Chapter Eleven:
Concept Three - The Word is Entrusted to the Church (Teaching)

The revelation of God’s Word that had not been revealed to man in general revelation nor in the Old Testament but had remained in mystery form was now revealed to the apostles. Once God revealed this mystery form of the Word of God to the apostles, these apostles were responsible to preserve and communicate it to both the believers and the Pagan world. And, when anyone received (or, believed) the message from the apostles they, likewise, became responsible for the accurate preservation and accurate presentation of that same Word of God.

Two key words used by the New Testament writes to describe this responsibility they and we have after having received, or believed, this revealed Word of God are the words: “entrusted” and “deposit.”

“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.” – First Corinthians 4:1

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” – Second Timothy 1:13, 14

The word “entrusted” is the word “oikonomous” and can also be translated “steward” The word “oikonomos” refers to then manager of a household, often a trusted slave similar to Joseph in overseeing Potipher’s household in the book of Genesis, who was placed in charge of the household and its operations. The concept here is not focused on being in charge, or being the boss, but stresses the great responsibility and the importance of performing diligent management skills to prove accountability. This word is used by Jesus in Luke 16:1.

The word “deposit” is the word “paratheken” refers to a thing or possession that belongs to a person who is giving it to another person who they trust for safe keeping. It is a legal term and refers to someone trusting someone else to take care of their money, a family member, a harvest of grain or a secret. The owner was not giving up their ownership, but was requesting that the person they were entrusting would guard their deposit faithfully.

Each person who accepts the message of the Word of God has entered into the responsibility of stewardship of this great deposit of the mystery of the Word of God that was placed in their lives:

“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” – Jude 3

Here are some other verses where the apostles tell us that they and the church have been “entrusted” and are responsible for the “deposit”

“They recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. – Galatians 2:7

“We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God – First Thessalonians 2:4

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.” –First Timothy 6:20

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

– First Corinthians 4:2

“If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. – First Corinthians 9:17

“That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

– Second Corinthians 5:19

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – Second Timothy 4:1-2

“The hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.” – Titus 1:2,3

One of the primary ways of fulfilling our stewardship responsibility is to communicate the revelation of God’s Word. There are a wide variety of ways to accomplish this, but no matter what vehicle or method is used it can be classified as preaching and teaching the Word of God.

What is preaching? Preaching means “to proclaim” or “to announce.” It is the clear transmission of an idea, a truth or a thought to a person in order for them to know, understand and make use of the information proclaimed or announced.

What is teaching? Teaching is more than standing up and filling time with talk about God. Teaching is the communication of the revelation from God to members of his church. It involves:

Reading the text

Explaining the background

Expanding on the words in the text to gain fullest meaning.

Connecting all the concepts in the verse, book and all of scripture.

Organizing similar concepts to develop definitions, doctrines, and a deep, comprehensive insight

Teaching is empowering a person with understandable and useful information. The primary purpose of the church is to teach, or successfully communicate, the mystery of God now revealed through the written Scriptures, first, to the Pagan world for their salvation, and then to the believers, who came out of that Pagan world, for their full understanding and maturity. Teaching will bring about the maturity of the believer and the church. Maturity will allow the true production of the fruits of righteousness that God desires.

“Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:15, 16

“Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done - by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,

and those who have not heard will understand.” - Romans 15:15-21

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” – First Corinthians 1:17

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:11

“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.” – Ephesians 3:2,3

“In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. – Ephesians 3:4,5

“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 3:8-10

NOTE: the mystery becomes known in believers who then produce the fruit of righteousness in their lives. This transformation in people, who are the church, then makes known God’s character, nature, glory, word to the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms.

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19

“If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” - Philippians 1:22

“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant.” – Colossians 1:7

“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.” – Colossians 1:24-26

“Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. – Colossians 4:3,4

“Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” – First Thessalonians 2:9

“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” – First Thessalonians 3:2

“I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.” – First Thessalonians 5:27

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth….And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” – First Timothy 2:3,4,7

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is… teaching, then teach.” – Romans 12:7

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.” – First Corinthians 10:11

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers….”

- First Corinthians 12:27

“Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.”

– First Corinthians 14:6-9

“So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” – First Corinthians 14:12

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.” – Ephesians 4:11-13

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:20-24

“They feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.” – Ephesians 5:29

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” – Ephesians 6:14

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19

“Whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel.” – Philippians 1:7

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” – Colossians 1:28-29

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:16

“With the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.” –First Thessalonians 2:2

“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” – First Thessalonians 3:10

“Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?

– Second Thessalonians 2:5

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” – Second Thessalonians 2:13-15

“Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.” – Second Thessalonians 3:1

“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” – First Timothy 4:6

“Command and teach these things.” –First Timothy 4:11

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift!” – First Timothy 4:13

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” – First Timothy 5:17

“So that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.” – First Timothy 6:1

“These are the things you are to teach and insist on.” – First Timothy 6:2

“I am reminded of your sincere faith…For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” – Second Timothy 1:5, 6

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter.” – Second Timothy 2:14-16

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels….The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” – Second Timothy 2:23-24

“He (an elder) must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

–Titus 1:9

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men … Likewise, teach the older women …teach what is good. … In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves … so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” –Titus 2:1-15

NOTE: All of Titus chapter two is about teaching

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” – Hebrews 5:11-14

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7

“Not many of you should become teachers (or, presume to be teachers), my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.” – First Peter 4:10, 11

“We write this to make our joy complete.” – First John 1:4

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Word of God and False Teaching

2011-07-09T18:50:00.000-05:00

(this is an unedited chapter)

God’s Word must be made available. Making the Word of God available is one of the reasons the Church was instituted by God on earth.

“…the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

– First Timothy 3:15

We have been entrusted with the Word of God to make it available and teach it clearly to men:

“I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” - Jude 3

“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery…His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms….” - Ephesians 3:8-10

If the church fails to read, preach and teach the Word of God that was entrusted to them, then God’s word is not as readily made available to men. Understandably, if the Word of God is not set forth before men as paramount, they will replace it with something artificial. A man who seeks God in a church where there is no teaching will be forced to choose something inferior which will prove to be destructive for his spiritual maturity.

A man in a church where the reading, preaching and teaching the Word of God is not the principal purpose will have to embrace some other form of spiritual nutrition.The New Testament warns against these pseudo-nutritional additives, enhancements and sweeteners that replace the pure Word of God:

· traditions of men

· myths

· hollow and deceptive philosophies

· empty rituals

· religious regulations

· every wind of teaching

· deceitful, scheming of men

- (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8, 21-23; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:1-3, 7)

Our wills can seek God but without the opportunity to hear and understand the Word of God, first for salvation, and second, for maturity, we would be left to pursue some cheap substitute for God’s glorious Truth.

False teaching that comes from the worldly philosophies of vain human imagination or demonic doctrines that come from deceiving spirits have been made available since Satan first question and misquoted the Word of God in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1) The very first act of evil and betrayal recorded in scripture was an attack on the veracity of the Word of God and the denial of its accuracy. (Genesis 3:4) The very first thing we see Satan doing in Scripture is adding to the Word and claiming that God’s Word did not accurately reflect the true character of God. (Genesis 3:5) The very first time Jesus encounters Satan in his earthly ministry he quotes verses from the Word of God three times to counter Satan’s twisted use of Scripture and warped will. (Matthew 4:1-11) When Jesus publicly teaches about the importance of the seed of the Word of God, he is quick to point out that Satan comes immediately to steal that Word. (Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23) Satan knows that if the Word is allowed to grow to fruition it will produce thirty, sixty and one hundred fold in the life of the believing heart. (Matthew 13:28)

If today these philosophies and doctrines are allowed to be substituted in the mind of a believer their spiritual growth will be stunted and their chance to produce eternal rewards will be squelched. They will have lost their inheritance (rewards) in the Kingdom of God. Even though they have a true understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus so they may be saved from eternal damnation, they will lives that are virtually spiritually unproductive in time on earth. They may be religiously busy, but they will lead a life of vanity and emptiness.

The Scripture identifies several imitations, alternatives and artificial sources that replace the Word of God in the pulpits of the church and in the heart of a believer:

1. “Weak and miserable forces… observing special days and months and seasons and years” – Galatians 4:9, 10. Refers to returning to the observation of a former religious belief system that had already proven to be ineffective and useless. Paul questions their judgment saying, “Now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days, and months and seasons and years!”

2. “Infants tossed back and forth by the waves.” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the churches current crisis in time in contrast to the ultimate result of good evangelists, pastors and teachers which describes the ultimate destination of believers in threefold terms in 4:13: unified in doctrine and knowledge, mature and producing the fullness of Christ in their lives. But, until then the church will have to deal with a three headed attack on its doctrine and knowledge. The first is “the waves” that toss the immature Christians back and forth. The Christians are on the waves attempting to make progress to the goal of maturity.

3. “Blown here and there by every wind of teaching” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the second of the three headed attack on the church’s unified faith and knowledge. As the Christian struggles to a destination of maturity there are ever changing winds of doctrinal teaching which moves the waves in different directions completely stopping the Christian’s progress towards the truth.

4. “Cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the third of three heads that besiege the church throughout history. Not only are the Christians on the rolling waves trying to progress toward the goal of maturity, and the variety of winds of teaching cause chaos on the waves, but men (and, Satan) are intentionally scheming to twist and warp the teaching to reflect their position and lead the Christians to man’s (and, Satan’s) desired position, which is not unity in doctrine, nor is it maturity.

5. “Mutilators of the flesh” – Philippians 3:2. Refers to dead, religious rituals with no reality. In this verse Paul exclaims, “Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.” The phrase “watch out” is “blepete” which indicates that this is an intense warning against this group of men that are harassing the church with their false doctrine. They are identified by a set of three negative descriptors: “dogs,” “men who do evil,” and “mutilators of the flesh.” These words identify a group of teachers who were trying to enforce the doctrine of circumcision on the church in order to obtain what they considered a more “complete salvation.” Dogs were not kept as pets by the Jews, nor were they cared for in Jewish homes. Dogs were despised and considered unclean. Paul is warning the Philippians of a group of teachers that he despised and mocked as mutilators instead of honoring them for keeping some rich religious ritual. In Galatians Paul sarcastically tells this same group of false teachers to “apokopsontai” (apokopto) themselves which according to the Lingustic Key, page 430 means “to cut off; here, to castrate. Paul expresses the wish that his opponents would not stop with circumcision, but would go on to emasculation.” This is how the NIV and the ESV translate. Paul considered their teaching as evil and said so.

6. “Fine-sounding arguments that deceive” – Colossians 2:4. Paul tells the saints in Colosse concerning the people he is trying to reach with the Word of God:

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” - Colossians 2:3, 4

Paul is stating that the ultimate purpose of his ministry occurs when believers are encouraged and united. From that position they would “have the full riches of complete understanding” that would result in their knowing the mystery of God. Paul then warns them that he is trying to prepare them so they are not “deceived” by “fine-sounding arguments.” The word “deceived” is “paralogizetai” which means “to reckon wrong, to cheat by false reasoning.” This is in reference to the false teachers presenting faulty information for the students to reason with. The false teachers are stacking the deck and then dealing the cards to the students. There is an example in the ancient Greek documents of papyri where this word is used of a librarian in charge of the state library. The librarian willing miss used documents in the library to manipulate a government situation. This word “paralogizetai” (deceived) focuses on the wrong, erroneous conclusion made by a student that is based on the erroneous information and twisted doctrine presented by the teacher. The phrase “fine-sounding arguments” comes from one Greek word “pithanologia” which means “persuasive speech.” In the ancient Greek papyri this word is used to describe the speech of those who argued their case eloquently in court in order to convince the judge to allow them to keep the goods they had stolen. An English equivalent of this word is found in the phrase “to talk someone into something.” (Linguistic Key, p. 463) By putting these two words together Paul is saying:

“I am telling this so that no one will be able to intentionally present inaccurate information which will lead you to believe the lie they are presenting with their persuasive speech and smooth words.”

7. Hollow and deceptive philosophy based on human traditions that take people captive – Colossians 2:8. Paul writes here:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive, through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human traditions and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

In the previous verse (2:7) Paul had urged the Colossians to continue in the Word of God (Gospel, Christ) being rooted, built up and strengthened. Now in this verse (2:8) he warns them of the dangers of philosophy and traditions. These evil forces desire to replace the Word of God that has saved them and holds the power to build them up. Paul begins verse 8 saying “See to it” which has also been translated as “Be on your guard!”, “Look Out!”, “Beware!” This warning indicates the enemy of the Word of God and the destroyer of phase two of the Christian’s life is about to be identified. The enemy is identified as men who want to take the Colossian saints “captive.” The word “captive” is “sulagogon” which comes from the base word “sulao”, which means “to strip” and the word “ago”, which means “to lead, bring or drive.” Together “sulao” and “ago” (“to strip” and “to lead”) mean “to lead away and strip,” or, as it is used in the Greek, to carry off a captive for booty. This word means to kidnap or abduct someone. Paul says, “Christians, be on your guard! Some people want to spiritually abduct you.” Who are these people? Where do they live? What is the candy they use to get us into their car? The bait in the trap is called “hollow and deceptive philosophy.” First, in this image that Paul is portraying, these abductors are not trying to sell you drugs, encourage loose, immoral behavior, or urge you to wear a suicide vest. The abductors are the presenters of information. They are teachers of philosophy instead of teachers of the Word of God. The abductors want you to base your spiritual understanding and your worldview on a philosophical system rather than on God’s revelation. This philosophy is described four ways in the NIV:

· “Hollow” –

· “Deceptive”

· “Human tradition”

· “Basic principles of this world”

But, in the Greek the word “philosophy” stands alone as the first of the four “candies” that lure the children into the abductor’s car. The ESV captures the Greek better than the NIV:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of this world, and not according to Christ.”

So the four “candies” are:

· “Philosophy” – “philosophias” – This word means philosophy and is built on the two Greek words “philo” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom) which together mean “love of wisdom.” The word refers to the science that studies facts and principles of reality and our natural human experience. The information and knowledge collected and organized in this study can be then called a philosophy such as a philosophy of life, or a philosophy of history, or a business philosophy. Clearly these spiritual abductors in Colosse in 62 AD were not trying to replace the knowledge of Christ, or the Word of God, with a philosophy of medicine or a philosophy of education, but instead were presenting a philosophy of religion, or a philosophy of God, or a philosophy of Christ. This errant philosophy stood in contrast with Paul’s teaching, and was being used to replace the Word of God or interpret New Testament revelation. The challenge that the saints in Colosse faced was that this philosophy of God was attractive, sounded logical and appealed to the religious craving common to man. It was not some weird science fiction alien plan to resume the construction of the pyramids nor did it involve drinking Kool-Aid. This philosophy simply made the Christian faith seem more in line with what the Colossians already held to be true. In addition, these philosophers of the Christian faith were most likely trained in the popular skill of rhetoric and could argue their position brilliantly and leave the Word of God looking confusing, contradictory and useless without their philosophical system of interpretation.

· “Empty deceit” – “kenes apates” – “kenes” (kenos) means “empty” which would indicate that whatever is empty obviously holds nothing of value since it is hollow. “apates” (apate) refers to a delusion or something that gives a false impression. The Bible lists several things as being delusions that give false hope or security: money (Mt. 13:22) and sin (Heb. 3:13). Here “kenos” is combined with “apate” emphasizing the emptiness of delusions that give a false impression. The appearance of false teaching is delusional and will always be empty when compared to the fullness of the Word of God. We “have been given fullness in Christ.” (Col. 2:9)

· “Human tradition” – paradosin twn anthropon” (“traditions of men”) - “Tradition,” or “paradosin” means “a handing down” and refers to information handed down from one generation to next, year after year. The Rabbis handed down the teaching this way as did the Pagans and, even, the Christians (1 Co. 11:2; 2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). Here it refers to the Pagan religious teaching and rituals that were falsely believed to have a divine origin and a to serve a divine purpose.

· “Elemental spirits of the world” – “stoicheia tou kosmou” – The Greek word “stoicheia” has at its root the meaning “things in a row.” From this root there arise several usages including the basic building blocks of a system such as the letters of the alphabet, the elements of the world, namely earth, air, water and fire, the stars and planets the make up the universe and, finally, the angels, spirits and demons that make up the spiritual universe. Paul’s criticism of this religious philosophy then would be aimed at the focus of this Colossian heresy which was the angelic and spiritual beings that impressed the Pagans, the Jews and these early Christians. Paul is saying this philosophy that organizes the information concerning the spiritual dimension is simple, foundational, elementary and, thus misses the entire point of the revelation of the Word of God, which Paul immediately goes on to define in the next verse:

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” - Colossians2:9

The empty philosophy had diminished, but not rejected, Jesus, since he had been seen physically. They instead returned to their more familiar Pagan pursuit of spiritual beings or demons.

8. “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!...based on human commands and teaching...their self-imposed worship, their false humility, their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value” – Colossians 2:8, 20-23 – refers to a some form of asceticism that is perceived as spiritual to those watching and feels spiritual to those ignorant of the Word of God as they refrain from basic functions of life. In reality it amounts to nothing. There is nothing spiritual here and this is not a sign of maturity. Instead, it is a sign of ignorance and immaturity.

9. “false doctrines” – First Timothy 1:3; Second Timothy 2:18 – In First Timothy 1:3 Paul writes: As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work…”

The word “urged” is “parakaleo.” It is a strong word that means “to beg, entreat.” (Wuest, v. 2, p.27) Timothy had wanted to go to another location (possibly with Paul) or had a different plan for his ministry. Paul wanted him to stay in Ephesus and “command” or (“paraggeiles”) certain men to stop teaching. The word for “command,” “paraggeiles,” is a technical term used in the military that referred to the passing on of orders that are understood as having come from a superior authority and are to be obeyed with no questions asked! Paul has given Timothy apostolic direction to order that this false teaching stop now. These “certain men” who had caused doctrinal confusion and had been identified by Paul as a problem, where to be commanded not to teach false doctrine (heterodidaskalein”) nor to pay attention to tales (“muthois”), nor pay attention to unending genealogies (“genealogiais aperantois”). These men most likely included Hymenaeus and Philetus “who have wandered away from the truth” and “say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” (2 Tim. 2:17-18) Two other men from Ephesus that Paul wants ordered to stop teaching could be Alexander (who probably was not a Christian), who Paul tells Timothy to “be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message” and caused Paul “a great deal of harm,” (2 Timothy 4:14-15) and Demas, who “deserted” Paul “because he loved this world,” (2 Timothy 4:10) Some of these men were Christian teachers who taught Christian doctrines, such as the resurrection and eschatology, but they did it in such a way that made their teaching conflict with the Truth of the Word of God. Indeed, they used Christian terms and used Scriptural references, but they did it in such a way that it was a Christian teaching of a different kind. The Greek word that captures the thought of “another of a different kind” is “heteros.” This word for is found in the Greek word used here for “false doctrine” - “heterodidaskalein.” It is made up of two Greek words “heteros” which means “another of a different kind” and “didasko” meaning “to teach.” The word then means “another of a different kind of teaching.” This word does not refer to just any religious teaching other than Christianity such as the teachings of Buddha or of atheism. In this case, “heteros” doctrine refers specifically to twisted Christian doctrine. (Thus, we get our English word “heterodoxy” from this.)

10. “devote themselves to myths” – First Timothy 1:3 – The word “myths” is proceeded by the Greek “prosechein” which has literal meaning of “to hold to” and means here “to give assent to” or “believe” or “put their trust in.” These false teachers were basing their Christian doctrine on “myths.” The Greek word “muthos” that is translated “myths” has a general meaning of “word, speech, conversation,” but as the Greek language developed “muthos” began to mean fictional talk as opposed to a historic fact. (Wuest, v.2, p. 27) “Muthos” could also be translated “fable, legendary stories, fiction.” (Lingustic, p. 187) It may be worth mentioning that Paul refers to “Jewish myths” in Titus 1:14 which was written to Titus on the isle of Crete between 12-36 months later. These myths appear to have had two possible sources: One, fictional Jewish legends built around the scriptural account and recorded around 150 BC in the Jewish Book of Jubilees (NAC, Lea, 1, 2 Tim., p. 67). These entertaining legends would easily capture the minds of the listeners, but the sensational speculation would provide no basis for spiritual growth; two, cultural Greek legends that explain the origins of men and their ancient history which eventually contributed their philosophic seed which would become the gnostic heresies of the second century AD. These Pagan myths easily adjust to Christianity and willing bent to form false Christian teaching.

11. “devote themselves to…endless genealogies” – First Timothy 1:3. The use of speculation in teaching of the myths combined with the allegorical practice of interpretation created an endless flow of new information and new ideas. Many people enjoy teaching allegorically where they spiritualize all the historical facts and terminology to represent or symbolize some deeper, mysterious hidden meaning. In Ephesus during Paul and Timothy’s day (62 AD) the false teachers were doing more than spiritualizing the Truth of the Word of God, but where developing allegorical insights from fables, myths and legends that they had made up. It is ignorance to teach a myth as truth, but to use the allegorical approach of interpretation to explain the myth to add chaos to the myth. Again, the word “devote,” “prosechein” literally means “to hold to,” but as it is used here it means “to give assent to.” These teaches actually believe and follow their allegorical interpretations of the fables they have made up. “Endless” is from the word “aperantos” which is a compound word from “peras” which means “a limit or terminus” with the negative prefix “a-” which means “not.” So, to describe these “genealogies” as “aperantos,” or, “not a limit,” “without limits” means the false teachers lists of genealogies never ended. This confirms the erroneous concept of spiritualizing, or allegorizing, the Word of God in order to reveal a deeper truth. (Allegory is a form of writing, so when the writters of the Bible say they are using an allegory or their writing is allegorical, then it is appropriate to interpret that portion of the Bible allegorically. But, even then, realize most of the symbolism of Scripture is repeated and consistent in its interpretation. There is still no room for endless chaos. When the Bible is written historically or to communicate doctrinal truths, there is no need to dip into the imaginative allegorical interpretation.) The word “genealogies” that are described as being “endless” come from the word “genealogiais” and refers to the genealogies that are traced back through history. It appears that the myths and their endless allegorization was using long lists of genealogies to fuel their teaching. Paul ends this comment by saying this kind of teaching does not promote the Word of God, but instead produces “controversies” (ekzetesis). “ekzetesis” is from “zeteo” meaning “seek” and the prefix “ek-” meaning “out.” Together they mean simply “seek out.” But, as it is used here this compound word means “useless speculation, out-of-the-way-research, seeking out” (Linguistic, p.487) and “an investigation, a laborious inquiry or dispute, an exhaustive investigation.” (Wuest, v.2, p.28). The result of this false teaching based on allegorical interpretation of myths is ekzeteo, or produces more questions, opinions based on endless speculation that lead the people to more questions and controversial opinions. There is no growth with this kind of teaching since there is no truth to understand. As mentioned before it is hollow.

12. “Deceiving spirits and things taught by demons…forbid people to marry…order them to abstain from certain foods.” –First Timothy 4:1-3 – Paul also writes Timothy,

“Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods.” - First Timothy 4:1-3

Again we see the two options: The first, is the faith which is the collection of true doctrine from the Word of God; the second, is deception which originates in the spiritual realm, just like the Word of God does, but this time it comes from deceiving spirits and demons. These deceptive doctrines and teachings come through hypocritical, lying men, but they originate in the demonic realm. The evil spirits work through men who speak for them. Paul says some people will abandon the faith. The word abandon is the Greek word apostesontai and means “to go away, to withdraw, to fall away, to become apostate.” The evil spirit’s doctrine establish religious regulations that project an evilness to marriage and certain foods. While the Word of God attributes good things such as marriage and food to God and as part of his plan, in stark contrast the demonic doctrine is the opposite and leads men away from the goodness of God into an ascetic religious observance. Notice which side is devoted to some religious ritual or standard in this case – the deceiving spirits. It is worth mentioning that these false teachers, who are the human agent s of the evil spirits, are called hypocritical liars would have been men who knew what was true, but choose to speak the lie. They are not called “deceived liars” which would indicate they had been taken captive to do Satan’s will, but “hypocritical liars” who willing followed the practice of lying. Their consciences had been “sear” and were hardened with scar tissue which made them insensitive to the urging and calling of the Holy Spirit. “Sear” is really from the Greek word “kekausteriasmenwn” in the perfect passive form which means “having been branded on” (Wuest, v.2,p.67) or “to brand with a red hot iron” (Linguistic, p493). This is the word used to refer to the branding of slaves as property (criminals were branded on the fore head) (Wuest, v.2, p.67) This could refer to Satan branding them as his own slaves, or it could mean the sensitivity of their conscience has been seared resulting in being calloused. Something outside of them has branded them or seared them to finalize the hardening process. The perfect tense means this branding, or searing, is a completed action with lasting results. The passive means this “branding” has been done to them, not by them. What these men had done to themselves before they were branded is identified in scripture as “hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality” (Eph. 4:19), and then “grieved the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 4:30) which resulted ultimately in putting out the Spirit’s fire. (1 Thes. 5:19)

13. “a form of godliness but denying its power.” – Second Timothy 3:5 – In the book of Second Timothy Paul has already mentioned false teachers who “want to be teachers, but they do not know what they are talking about (2 Tim. 1:6-7), and those who practiced a religious form of asceticism as they followed demons (2 Tim. 4:3). Now, Paul says they have a “form of godliness but denying its power.” This “form of godliness” probably referred to the fact that they had all the trappings of the Christian religion like teachers, doctrine, regulations, self-denial as seen above, but no real power. Why? Because, that power only comes from the Truth, the Word of God. The word “form” is “morphosis” and can be translated “bringing into shape, embodiment, outline, outward form, resemblance.” “Godliness” is not the word “godlikeness” which could indicate a holy, righteous character. Instead, “godliness” refers to a reverence for God. These false teachers have an outline, or resemblance or an outward appearance of reverence for God, but in reality their appearance is hollow and void of any power. In fact, the word “deny,” “ernemenoi” from “arneomai,” means “disavow, reject, abnegate.” It is use to disown Jesus (Mt. 10:33; Lk. 12:9; Acts 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4, etc.) Yet, in Romans 1:16 the gospel is said to be “the power of God for salvation.” These false teachers have an appearance of reverence for God, but have actually denied that there is any hope of saving people and empowering them for productive lives through the teaching of the God’s Word. Thus, they give an appearance but really have no Truth and thus no power to help. Timothy is then told to “have nothing to do with them.” (2 Tim. 3:5) They are a waste of time, and also, dangerous!

14. “destructive heresies” – Second Peter 2:1 – Peter writes in 65 AD:

“There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them.”

– Second Peter 2:1

The word “heresies” is the Greek word “hairesis” that has the basic meaning of “choice”. Here it refers to the particular teaching of a school of thought within the large body of teaching it was associated with. A heresy is a choice, or a new opinion, on points of doctrine within the large body of Christian truth. Simply said, a heresy is “the choice of an opinion contrary to that usually received.” (Vincent, v.1, p. 689) This new choice is then transferred into the accepted doctrines of a certain sect of Christianity. The introduction of these new choices and opinions of the false teachers will challenge the established doctrine revealed by the apostles. These false opinions (heresies) will not go away, but will instead “spread like gangrene (or, cancer),” (2 Timothy 2:17) and “bring the way of Truth into disrepute.”

“Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” - Second Peter 2:2

The word “destructive” is “apoleias” in the genitive of product form which indicate that the heresies produce this destruction. This is referring to the destruction of the Truth, unity, maturity and fruit of righteousness in the individual believer and in the church universal by the presences of these heresies. False teaching and heresy are the church’s biggest problem today, no, throughout the 2,000 years of church history. But, how can we identify it, isolate and remove it?

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Will of God vs. Will of Man

2011-07-07T08:52:00.001-05:00

Chapter Four:
Will of God vs. Will of Man

Humans have a will that must be brought in line with God’s will in order to manifest the fullness of what God has willed. Humans must respond to God’s will as it is revealed in natural revelation and special revelation.

God has revealed himself in written form through the Christian Scriptures, but God, the creator and rule of the universe, has also revealed himself through natural things and events such as nature, history, mankind, and sciences such as math, music, chemistry. His very nature, power and desires are revealed in nature and can be seen, known and understood by all men. This is called natural or general revelation:

“What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:19-20

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” - Psalm 19:1-4

So, even today, God’s creation continues to be explored and studied as man continues to unravel the natural revelation of God that is given to humanity through general revelation. At times our ideas and opinions are locked in with God’s ideas and opinions due to this natural revelation. Things like gravity, the need for food and the need for sleep are universally followed either willingly or by sheer natural force. Man in a sense willingly follows these “rules,” “laws” or the natural will of God. But, there are also some aspects of God’s natural revelation (“rules,” “laws,” principles,” “common sense,” etc.) that man can choose to live in harmony with or he may willfully choose to rebel against.

God has given each man has his own will (Genesis 2:16) but since the fall of Adam man’s will now exists in rebellion to God’s will since it was corrupted by the sin nature (Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12). At times our human wills can follow God’s natural order by their own free volition, but often, very often, we rebel against what God has naturally established: things like marriage, a work ethic, civil obedience and moral behaviors such as honesty, courage, respect, generosity, kindness, etc. Man’s sin nature is only united with Satan and the world system (kosmos) in the sense that they are all three in rebellion to God’s will as it is revealed and empowered by his Word.

Man is responsible to know, understand and follow God’s general revelation of himself as seen in the natural world.

“Gentiles (Pagans) who do not have the law (written Word of God), do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts (by creation; created in image of God), their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.” – Romans 2:13-15

But, God has also chosen to reveal himself through prophets and apostles. These prophets and apostles came primarily through Israel, Jesus Christ, and then the church.

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers (Israel) through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (Jesus Christ)…This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord (Jesus), was confirmed to us by those who heard him (Apostles of the church).” – Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:3

Our human wills need to respond positively towards the message from the special revelation that is recorded in the written Word of God. The Apostle Paul writes concerning this revelation from God that was recorded in the written Word of God in the New Testament:

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generation, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Colossians 1:25-27

“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” - Ephesians 3:8-9

Peter confirms this apostolic revelation given to Paul and recorded in his letters when Peter writes:

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” - Second Peter 3:15-16

The means of salvation and deliverance from sin, death and eternal damnation is not revealed in general revelation, but in the special revelation we call the Word of God (Bible). The Gospel, or “Good News,” concerning salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is not clearly seen by mankind through the study of math, chemistry, psychology, geology or history. These areas of study can reveal God’s character, power and his general will, but God’s Gospel of salvation is only found clearly in God’s Word.

“You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” - Ephesians 1:13

“We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.” - Colossians 1:3-5

“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved.” - Romans 15:1-2

“This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher….What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.” - Second Timothy 1:9-14

Once we hear, understand and believe the words of special revelation we must continually discipline ourselves to continue in these Words of God. Our advancement into spiritual maturity as a believer is based on our hearing, knowing, understanding, remembering, and doing (walk in) the words of special revelation (God’s Word). The Words of God that showed us the means of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ are the same Words of God that will lead us to a mature productive life. A mature believer in Christ will produce a life filled with the fruits of righteousness (good deeds) that he will not be ashamed of as he stands blameless before Jesus on the Day of Judgment.

The need to continue in the Word of God that we began in can be seen in these examples:

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to (Greek: remain in, continue in, abide in) my teaching (Greek: “my word”), you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31

Above, in John 8:31, the word “believed him” indicates these Jews had placed faith in Jesus. The word “believed” in the Greek is perfect active. The perfect tense suggests “the lasting effects of the past action.” (Linguistic Key, p. 202-203) The active voice means these Jews had of their own volition chose to believe Jesus’ words. The phrase “hold to” is the aorist subjunctive active of the Greek word “meno” which means “to remain.” The aorist tense here* means a point of action, the subjunctive is the mood of potential and the active voice once again means these Jews will be the ones who make the decision to continue in the Word of God. So, if those who had believed on Jesus wanted to continue their spiritual growth they would have to take advantage of the potential they had of choosing to always continue in Jesus Word. If they did then they could know the Truth and, by that Truth, be set free. (* “For instance, outside of the indicative mood it is often customary to use the tense that implies a 'simple occurrence', the aorist tense. The aorist places no emphasis on the progress of the action, but only shows a simple occurrence (or summary occurrence), the action viewed as a whole. If the writer does not wish to emphasize or focus on the progress of the verb's action (whether continuous or completed) he will use the aorist tense. The term 'aorist' means 'unspecified' or 'unlimited'. It signifies nothing as to the progression or completeness of an action, it just indicates 'happenedness' or simple occurrence. If one has the mistaken concept that aorist tense means past time, many passages of the New Testament will be very confusing if not altogether nonsensical. Only in the indicative mood does the aorist indicate past time. Many times the action of a verb in the aorist subjunctive or aorist imperative forms, for instance, will actually take place at a future time, not a past time.” – from http://www.ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/inter-tense.htm )

Paul and John also explain the importance of continuing in the Word of God that saved the believer’s spirit for the “salvation” (renewal) of the believer’s soul or mind:

“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” - First Corinthians 15:1-2

“Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” – Galatians 1:7

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” - Ephesians 4:20-21

“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.” - First John 2:24

After being saved (phase one) we must continue (phase two) in the original word that provided us the knowledge and understanding for that salvation. We must avoid counterfeits and false teaching that lead us away from the source of salvation. Losing the salvation (phase one) is not the issue, but failing to grow and produce the fruit of that salvation is a daily possibility. Good deeds, godly character and fruit of the Spirit are the production from the seed of the Word of God. The same seed that produced the new birth will also produce the fruit of righteousness.

“For you have been born again (phase one), not of perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and enduring word of God…And this is the word that was preached to you….Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (phase two).” - First Peter 1:23-2:2

Peter is encouraging the early Christian to realize their salvation is a result of the Word of God being planted in their lives. These believers had heard and believed “the word that was preached.” Now, that they have been born into the kingdom of God (“newborn babies”) by the seed of the Word of God they should “crave” more of that same Word. The Greek word for “crave” is “epipothesate” is aorist imperfect active and means “to long for, to desire, to crave. This preposition in compound indicates intensive desire directed toward the object of the word. (Lingustic p. 570) The actual desire in this word is seen in Psalm 42:1-2,

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” - Psalm 42:1-2

“pure” is “adolos” which means “without deceit, unadulterated, uncontaminated. The word is commonly used in this sense of corn, wheat, barley, oil, wine, and other farm products. (Linguistic, p570)

“may grow” is “auxethete” is aorist subjunctive passive and means “to cause to grow.” These words could be translated “in order that you might be nourished up.”

This verse ends by saying that this craving for the pure spiritual milk of the Word of God will result in the believer making progress in their salvation. Please notice, it is the healthy baby that hungers, and even cries, for milk. So it is with a Christian. A spiritually healthy Christian hungers for the hearing, teaching and instruction that comes from the Word of God. Also, note the use of “milk” in First Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12-13 is a metaphor for the basics of faith. Here the use of the word “milk” is a metaphor for the nourishment that comes from the Word of God. There is no negative reflection or immature connotation on the concept of the milk of the Word here in First Peter. In First Corinthians 3 and Hebrews 5 the negative imagery is aimed at the believers who had entered into salvation (phase one) but had not progressed in their salvation (phase two). The believers being addressed in Corinth and in the book of Hebrews where quenching their spiritual hunger on things that were NOT the Word of God. They had lost their appetites like children who eat candy before dinner. These believers’ growth had been stunted by false teaching, legalism, worldly philosophies, religious rituals and mysticism. The very fact these believers were not seeking God nor craving his Word would be a symptom of an unhealthy spiritual life.

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.” - First Corinthians 3:1-2

These Corinthians were producing the fruit of the worldly religious life: jealousy and quarreling (3:3)

The author of Hebrews is equally disappointed in the believers he is addressing when he writes:

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk being still an infant is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting we will do so.” - Hebrews 5:11-6:3

The writer of Hebrews says he has “much to say about” the subject he is writing about which is the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The teacher says it is “hard to explain” or “difficult to explain” to his listeners because he says they “are slow to learn.” The phrase “slow to learn” is the word “nothros” in the Greek and it does NOT mean these Christians are dumb, academically challenged or have some type of first century learning disability. Nor, does it mean the writer of Hebrews is struggling with his teaching gift or with his ability to communicate his thoughts.

The problem is seen in the word “nothros” which is translated here “slow to learn.” “Nothros” means “dull, slow, sluggish.” It is also translated as “slothful” or “lazy” in Hebrews 6:12 where it says, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy (nothros), but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” The word “nothros” is used to refer to the numbed limbs of a sick lion. (Linguistic, p. 526) The lion in this example had been hit by poison tipped darts that numbed the feeling and the use of the limbs. The word “nothros” is also used in an ancient Greek story to describe the vain hopes of a foolish wolf who had heard a child’s nurse threaten to throw the child out to the wolves. The wolf had an opinion and an interpretation of the nurse’s words, but since the wolf’s doctrine was wrong so was the hope he had based in the false understanding. “Nothros” can refer to the intellect as in this statement by Polybius around 150 BC: “There was not one who was foolish enough or stupid (nothros) enough to hope ever to return to his country by fleeing.” (Polybius, 3.63.7) But, “nothros” is also used to describe the actions and achievements of the “nothros” person: “Aratus, in every undertaking and in all combat operations, showed timidity and indolence (nothros).” (Polybius 4.60.2) A Christian inscription from 250 AD by a man named Aureliuis Lykidas reads this way: “I call God to witness that I built this tomb at my own expense, since my brother Amianos was negligent (nothros), and I order that Phronime and Maxima, my sisters, be placed in it.” (Tehological Lexion of the New Testament, vol. 2, Spicq, p. 553)

The Hebrew believers had drifted from the Word of God, became nothros, and now their lives reflected this lack of spiritual vigor and competitiveness. This is a two-fold problem of cause and effect. The failure to have the inhale of Bible doctrine is followed by the inability to exhale a mature (spiritual) life. These Hebrew believers are not hearing and believing the Word of God which means their faith is not growing. The result of this spiritual malnutrition is the collapse of their confidence and the loss of their hope. This problem is reflected throughout the book of Hebrews.

Besides the interesting meaning of the word “nothros” (“slow to learn”) it is very insightful to look into the original meaning of the word translated “are" in the English NIV translation. This word “are” is used like this in the NIV: “it is hard to explain because you ARE slow to learn.” The word “are” in the Greek is “gegonate” which is the perfect tense (complete action in the past with abiding results), indicative mood (the mood of reality), active voice (the subject causes the action, or these “dull” Christians had made themselves dull) of “ginomai” giving it the meaning “you have become.” These believers had at one time heard and understood the teaching of the Word of God, but they had been distracted by some other form of teaching, ritual or philosophy. The perfect tense of “gegonate” in 5:11 and again in 5:12 implies that these believers have not only failed to grow at a reasonable rate in their Christian maturity, but they have begun regressing in their spiritual capacity. This is confirmed in Hebrews 6:10 and 10:32-34 which mentions their previous growth and production. Their previous spiritual heights included good works, love, helping others, standing faithful in the face of a variety of persecutions and supporting other persecuted believers in prison while they looked forward to eternal rewards in heaven. These fallen believers were at one time strong and active, but when they drifted from the Word of God and turned to myths, rituals and human opinion they became ineffective and non-productive. This dull, sluggish, unspiritual, immature condition was an acquired one.

The diagnosis of the Hebrew’s problem leads the author to prescribe this remedy: “someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” “You need milk.” The milk here is the elementary truths of God’s word that are so necessary that we should never lose track of them nor allow them to escape our understanding. The author wants to build on these foundational truths. He says that these Hebrews must not only know these truths but become skilled in using them in their daily lives to make decisions and determine right from wrong and good from evil. Study his words:

“Solid food is for the mature who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” - Hebrews 5:14

“Solid food” is the teaching that is built upon the basic elementary truths of God’s Word. It is necessary for the Christian to progressively be hearing, learning, knowing and understanding the Word of God. The “mature” believer is the one who constantly uses this Word of God (“solid food”) to lead their lives, make decisions, motivate good behavior and produce good works. By using the Word of God over a long period of time to make decisions and to determine a correct world view the believer will find that they have “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” The acquired technique of a mature believer is the ability to use the Word of God to “distinguish good from evil.”

The ESV translation captures the Greek words better than the NIV:

“Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” - Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

“Mature” is “teleion” meaning “perfect, mature” referring in this case to those who are able to assume adult responsibilities and are able to produce the fruits of righteousness.

“Their powers” is “hexin” means “habits” referring a developed and finished skill developed from experience and practice such as is used in a craft, sport or dance routine. This is the final product of hours, days, years of practice and drills. It is the result of past exercise that forms the body and its routine to perform this way. In this case it is the disposition of the character.

“Discernment” is “aistheteria” means “organ of perception, faculty” or the organs of the senses such as seeing, tasting, smelling and hearing. This refers to the faculty of perception.

“Trained” is “gegumnasmena” (“having been trained”) is perfect passive of “gumnazo” which means “to practice naked in the gym or during the games.” The concept is to exercise or train by exercise. It is an athletic term referring to training and practicing in the Greek gym. It began to take on the meaning that also included the training and exercising of the mind. Paul uses this word in First Timothy 4:7 in a warning to Timothy to avoid the false doctrines and distracting philosophies and to continue in the Word of God which will produce godliness:

“If you point these things (teaching of the Word of God) out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up (“nourished”) in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

The writer of Hebrews has already used this word in Hebrews 12:11:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

- Hebrews 12:11

But, Peter also uses it in reference to false teachers having exercised the hearts in covetousness:

“They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed.” - Second Peter 2:14 (ESV)

“Distinguish” is “diakrisin” means “distinguishing, deciding, making a judgment between two things. The issue in focus in this book is to tell the Hebrew readers that they should have been able to discern that returning to temple worship instead of continuing to grow in Christ was a bad choice. The fact that they turned away from New Testament revelation to resume the practice of the Old Testament law indicated that they could not yet discern right from wrong and good from evil.

“Good” is “kalou” (kalos) means “good” in the sense that something is beautiful, valuable, virtuous in a useful way. It is something beautiful to see. It is something excellent that suits its purpose or mission. It is the word used by John the Baptist to define the “good” fruit produced on the “good” trees (Matthew 3:10); used by Jesus to also describe the “good” fruit and “good” tree (Matthew 12:33); Jesus called the ground “good” which produced the thirty, sixty and a hundred fold crop (Matthew 13:8); the “good” fish are separated from the bad fish at the judgment (Matthew 13:48); Paul said every creature of God is “good” and should be received with thanksgiving (First Timothy 4:4); Paul calls the minister of the word “good” and his doctrine “good” (First Timothy 4:6)

“Evil” is “kakou” (kakos) means “worthless.” Just as the word “good” above indicated something that was useful for its purpose, this word means “worthless, useless” for its purpose. “Kakos” indicates the lack of something that should be found in a person or a thing. (Strongs Dict., p.1160) Because it is lacking the good that is needed for the person or thing to function correctly or appear as it should, the person or thing is now worthless, lacking and, so, dangerous and destructive. It is the concept of driving on bad tires. The tires are lacking in quality and so become dangerous. A similar situation occurs when using a dull chisel or dull saw blade. The dullness, or badness, makes the tool or blade dangerous, and thus evil. The bad tires, chisel or blade are all evil because they cannot produce the good and will do the opposite of good.

So, Hebrews 5:14 is saying something like this:

“Bible teaching is pursued, understood and believed only by the man who has proven he is already living responsibly with the Truth he knows. He has drilled himself to apply the Word to his daily techniques and reasoning, so with skillful separation he can discern between his own productive actions and attitudes and his behaviors, words and opinions that are worthless, empty and destructive.”

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Pagan Principles, Spiritual Ignorance or Christian Truth

2011-07-04T16:43:00.001-05:00

A new believer can go one of three directions to get information to decide how they will live their new life:

They can remain in the Pagan state of mind and continue to use their old world’s system of values, morals and priorities to evaluate circumstances and discern right from wrong. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
They can become involved in a Christian church or organization that is not founded on the Word of God, but instead teaches cultural values, emotions and the remnants of a biblical heritage that has been watered down or lost through the years. (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8)
They can be given the pure teaching of the apostolic revelation found in the Word of God. This will result in them growing up to maturity and being enabled to discern what pleases the Lord and function from a world view that lines up with the Holy God. (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Romans 12:2)

If a church applies "2" above it is likely that the leadership that is "training" the people are under the same condemnation as the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. If they do get a convert to their brand of “Christianity” they make their new convert twice the child of hell as the teachers who are doing the training. The "convert" or "proselyte" will be deep in darkness and confusion by the time they finish their training in the corrupt doctrine and its application. As Jesus said to the religious teachers of his day:

You travel heaven and earth to get a convert and when you do you make them twice the child of hell that you are. - Matthew 23:15

Before a church can do anything (good deeds, service to community, evangelism, worship, etc.) they must first teach the word of God to its members. The Word of God is the source of the New Birth and, so logically (and, according to the Apostles), the same Word of God is the source of spiritual nutrition, growth, maturity and fruitful production. All works of service and worship of a believer spring from and are produced by God’s word (the seed) in the soul (the mind, the field) of a person. We continue in the same Truth we began in.

The three basic directions a believer in Jesus Christ can go after their conversion to Christianity through faith in Jesus Christ. But, only one of these will result in maximum production as the believer continues their spiritual journey: A) They can continue in their Pagan world view, B) They can get involved with an ignorant Christian group, C) They can learn the Word of God, preferably in a Bible teaching church:

A. Pagan - Continue in a Pagan world view

“You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” -Ephesians 4:17-18

B. Ignorance - Embrace a form of Christian ignorance that replaces Biblical truth with:

Mysticism – believe that God impresses on them his will; allow God to speak to them in order that they can “hear” God and they just “know” his will; mysticism can trump the written Word of God with a vision, a dream, a voice or a simple impression from “god.”

“Every man’s own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God.” - Jeremiah 23:36

Emotionalism – they do what they “feel” is right; respond to situations based on feelings and emotions, not the truth of God’s word; emotionalism will often want to change the written word of God or reinterpret it so that it seems to be more Christian

“How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?” - Jeremiah 23:26

Legalism – some form of asceticism that provides religious regulations that flatters the person practicing it and gives them a feeling of being spiritual; this is godliness that denies the transforming power of the true Word of God:

“ ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’ These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” - Colossians 2:20-23

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” - Second Timothy 3:5

Fractured Literacy – created by people who are limited to splintered and fractured portions of Bible truth. This incomplete study or lack of desire to know the full revelation creates a warped world view and an unbalanced life. This is manifest by very shallow Bible understanding or in Christian groups who use limited Bible verses such as “God is love,” or, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” or, “Repent and be baptized,” or, “we know that we have what we asked” as the basis of everything they believe. Bible verses that are contrary to these “Bible-quotes-on-steroids” are twisted by false teachers to fit their desired doctrinal position. When fractured literacy combines with mysticism the believer exists on devotional material:

“Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas (“contradictions”) of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith." -First Timothy 6:20

Evening Shadows - this is the doctrinal remains of a distant Christian influence from another time; most often based on bits and pieces of scattered Christian traditions; people embrace the religious traditions in a post-Christian setting; the memory of a previous Christian age has left a shadow but the substance, meaning and life are gone and replaced with human traditions:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” - Colossians 2:8

God explains to Jeremiah why the culture and the "believers" of that day were collapsing and facing judgment when he spoke to Jeremiah in chapter 23 of his book. Jeremiah recorded these words around 593 BC:

‘I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.

‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.

‘I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, “I had a dream! I had a dream!” How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship.

‘Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak if faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?’ declares the Lord. ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’

'Therefore,’ declares the Lord, ‘I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes,’ declares the Lord, ‘I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, “The Lord declares.” Indeed I am against those who prophesy false dreams,’ declares the Lord. ‘They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least, ‘declares the Lord -Jeremiah 23:21-33

Of course, there is the third option that is always promised victory, fruit and rewards in the Scripture - that is learn the Truth of the Word of God which is both your physical and spiritual reality in both time and eternity.

C. Word of God - Learn the Word of God

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God…this is the word that was preached to you. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” - First Peter 1:23-2:3

(This is a portion of Chapter Six from Galyn's new book The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Jude's Top 20 Traits of False Teachers

2011-06-25T18:24:00.002-05:00

From Jude 8-16:

Dreamers - their spiritual truth is not reality
Pollute their own body
Reject apostles teaching
Slander celestial beings
Speak abusively against special revelation available in the Scripture (things not understood) and against natural revelation revealed to all men (things understood)
Take the way of Cain - kill truth with man's religion, false world view and human effort
Rush for profit into Balaam's error - use their talent and gifts for their own profit
Destroyed in Korah's rebellion - reject and overthrow God's established spiritual leadership
Blemishes at your love feasts - they are still in church and leading churches
Shepherds who feed only themselves - they do not teach the people but they do collect money from the people
Clouds with out rain, blown by wind - their teaching has no truth, but their teaching is driven by popular opinion and considered to be culturally relevant
Autumn trees, twice dead - a) barren with no fruit at the end of summer, b) uprooted, and no longer alive
Wild waves of the sea - all appearance with no shape, substance or lasting impact
Wild waves of the sea foaming up their shame - the only thing the false teachers can leave behind is the pollution in their souls similar to the ocean waves leaving the oceans trash on the beach
Wandering Stars - people can not use them for life's navigational purposes because they are not stable, if you base your ships position on them you will get confused and lost
Grumblers
Faultfinders
Follow their own evil desires, not the Word of Truth or the Spirit of God
Boast and promote themselves, not the Word of God or Jesus Christ
Flatter others for their own advantage - as always, if you are their friend or partner in ministry it is for their advantage

These are found in Jude verses 8-16:

In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. ⁹ But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”¹⁰ Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.¹¹ Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.¹² These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. ¹³ They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.¹⁴ Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones ¹⁵ to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”¹⁶ These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com