Lesson 21 Who Is Jesus? Is He God In Flesh? Who Did He Claim To Be? Part 2

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

Comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only way Christians are able to discern truth from error.

In this lesson we will look at how rightly dividing the word of truth helps us to answer the questions in the title of this week’s lesson. If you fail to understand, or fail to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can never come to the knowledge of the truth and sound doctrine.

We will continue with the doctrine of Jesus being God manifest in the flesh as the subject for the next few lessons. There is probably no greater misunderstood doctrine in the Bible than who Jesus the Christ is.

We are not going to scholars for an answer to this question as you can never know who Jesus is through intellect but only by the Holy Spirit, we will go to no other place than the Holy Scriptures, the Bible (KJV) to find out who Jesus is and claimed to be.

In part 1 we looked at Jesus claim to be the son of David as foretold in the Old Testament. In this lesson we will look at additional Old Testament verses fulfilled in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus.

Isaiah 7 [14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matt. 1 [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

In these first few verses we can quickly see Jesus is very different, he is born of a virgin (this is no small thing) as we see this was foretold by the prophet Isaiah approximately 750 years before it happens. We also have a clear statement that he was recognized as God by the writer right here in Chapter 1 of Matthew.

Micah 5 [2] But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Matt.2  [1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  [3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  [5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,  [6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Matt.2  [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

When we look at the verses in Micah and Matthew, there is no way to miss the key points about Jesus’s birth that sets him far above anyone we have ever seen born into this world.

First point; it is recorded Jesus is born in Bethlehem as a fulfillment of the prophecy given in Micah concerning his birth place approximately 700 years before it happened.

Second point; the wise men knew who the baby Jesus was, that he was the Christ as recorded here in Matt. who was born as the "King of the Jews" long before they arrived at the site.

Third point; the wise men came with a purpose to offer gifts and worship that baby born in Bethlehem Jesus. I feel confident that they knew that no man was to be worshiped, but the Lord God only.

Fourth point; we have the testimony of Herod demanding the chief priests and scribes where the Christ would be born, and their answer is given right out of prophet Micah stating Bethlehem.

Fifth point; in the prophecy of Micah concerning the birthplace of Jesus we read additional information about Jesus birth that you don’t here preached about much anymore. Micah tells us that this ruler, his “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” you get another clue who Jesus is and that he was eternally existent.

Isaiah 9 [6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Now let’s look at another two verses of scripture you hear portions of quoted quiet often around December. In these verses you will often hear the term Prince of Peace applied to the Lord Jesus, but I would like you to look at some of the other titles given here. We see the term The mighty God, this Prince of Peace is considered to be God, The everlasting Father this Prince of Peace is considered to be the everlasting Father, we further see this Prince of Peace is going sit upon the throne of David forever.

John 10  [30] I and my Father are one. [31] Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. [32] Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? [33] The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Summary, in this weeks lesson we learned that the birthplace of Jesus was tied to the Old Testament prophet Micah, where we learn Jesus was eternally existent before he showed up in that flesh and blood body as a baby in Bethlehem. We see that he was worshiped, an act which is reserved for only the Lord God of Heaven and Earth. We learn in the Old testament that the Prince of Peace is considered the everlasting Father, and the mighty God.

The evidence of the Fact that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh is so overwhelming that to deny it, is to deny the very words of the Living God as recorded in the Bible, and we are just getting started as we prove Jesus is God.

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, and believe it, not try and make it say things it don’t say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 22 is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 20 Who Is Jesus? Is He God In Flesh? Who Did He Claim To Be? Part 1

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

By comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only way Christians are able to discern truth from error.

In this lesson we will look at how rightly dividing the word of truth, helps us to answer the questions in the title of this week’s lesson. If you fail to understand, or fail to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can never come to the knowledge of the truth and sound doctrine.

I have chosen the doctrine of Jesus being God manifest in the flesh as the subject for the next few lessons. There is probably no greater misunderstood doctrine in the Bible than who Jesus Christ is.

Lets start by comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. We are not going anywhere other than the Holy Scriptures, the Bible (KJV) to find out who Jesus is and claimed to be.

Matt.1 [1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Matt.9 [27] And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

Matt.12 [23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

Matt.15 [22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David;

Matt.21 [9] And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

When we look at the very first verse in Matthew and the verses following, we see Jesus was called the Son of David, and the people referred to him in the scriptures as the Son of David. We never see Jesus tell the people not to call him the Son of David, he accepted the title.

Matt.16 [13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? [14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. [15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

In Matt. 16 we see Jesus ask his disciples who do men say that I am?, He got several different answers, the answers all indicate the people thought he was someone very important as recorded in the scriptures.

He then asked his disciples the same question but wanted to know who they thought he was “whom say ye that I am?”, Simon Peter said “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus then tells Simon that flesh and blood did not reveal that to him but, his Father which is in heaven.

1Cor.12 [3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  

We have now learned a very important point that will never change, Peter and the disciples knew who Jesus was because it was revealed to them by the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit!

A person can never understand the Bible, or spiritual things, or the fact that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh by their intellect! The only way to understand who Jesus is, and understand the Bible is by the Holy Spirit of God enlightening our eyes!

Matt.22 [41] While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, [42] Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. [43] He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, [44] The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? [45] If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? [46] And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

In this exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a simple question, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? The Pharisees responded with the Son of David, now this was a good and correct answer, because the Christ, or Messiah, prophesied in the Old Testament was to be the Son of David.

But in this exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus wanted to make the point even though the linage of his flesh and blood body could be traced back to King David, and thus he could be called the Son of David, he wanted the Pharisees to understand, and recognize, the person indwelling that body was in fact, the God of the Old Testament, The Creator of Heaven and Earth, and all that is in them.

John5 [15] The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. [16] And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. [17] But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. [18] Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John10 [30] I and my Father are one. [31] Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. [32] Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? [33] The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

So that everyone reading this understands that the Jews knew full well who Jesus was claiming to be, all one needs to do to prove this is to read the verses above out of John and believe them. The Jews sought to kill him because Jesus considered himself equal with God!

Phil.2 [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Now isn’t this wonderful, because our Apostle Paul was given these words by the Lord Jesus for our understanding and confirms that Jesus didn’t consider it robbery for him to be equal with God. Now the only way Jesus could have been equal with God, was to be God himself!

The Bible is an easy book to understand when you just read, believe it, not try and make it say things it doesn't say.

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 21 is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 19 Eternal Security / Can You Lose Your Salvation?

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

If you are just joining us in these lessons, I encourage you to start at lesson 1.

By comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only way Christians are able to discern truth from error.

In this lesson we will look at one of the ways rightly dividing the word of truth, results in sound doctrine, verses unsound doctrine concerning the eternal security of the believer.

Eph.3 [1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;

Rom.15  [3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. [4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

I have chosen the doctrine of eternal security as the subject for this lesson, as I believe it is a good example of what happens when one fails to understand that all the Bible is for our learning, not all the Bible applies doctrinally to the believers living in the dispensation of the grace of God, as Paul speaking by the Holy Spirit called this period of time that we are currently living in.

1Tim.4  [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. [6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Learning something from the scriptures is much different than applying something doctrinally to yourself from the scriptures. We can learn that the Hebrew children could not eat swine as commanded to them by the Lord Jesus, but in this dispensation to teach that people cannot eat swine is doctrinally incorrect and doctrines of devils! It’s just that simple read and believe it!

Matt.10  [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. [21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. [22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matt.24  [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 4 [14] The sower soweth the word. [15] And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. [16] And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; [17] And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Hebrews 6 [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

The verses above are some of the most popular verses to prove a believer can lose their salvation and these verses certainly seem to teach that.

But guess what as a member of the Body of Christ, and as a believer we are to get our doctrine, and instructions from the Pauline epistles, as given to the Apostle Paul by the Lord Jesus by direct revelation and was given to no one else, we are not to be brought under the Old Testament laws, rules, teachings, and doctrine that was for the Nation Israel.

2 Cor. [21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; [22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Eph. 1 [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph. 4 [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

In the verses above we see that a believer in the dispensation of the grace of God as given to the Apostle Paul, that when a person is saved they are sealed with the holy Spirit until the day of redemption. How long is that “until the day of redemption” not until you lose it, but until the day of redemption.

1 Cor. 11 [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. [27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. [31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

No where do we find in the Pauline epistles anyone losing their salvation. In fact we find that believers who were partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy condition sick, weak and some asleep/dead.

Eph.2 [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

When you understand that once you trust, believe, and receive the Lord Jesus as your personal savior, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit, that you cannot lose your salvation, you by then by faith will be able to live a victorious Christian life.

There is no such thing as the perseverance of the saints when it comes to salvation, you are either saved or lost, and if you are saved, you are sealed by the holy spirit until the day of redemption and you do not have to worry about losing your salvation.

If I was inclined to use word perseverance concerning the saints living in this period of time it would be as defined in Merriam Webster Perseverance : continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : it would be to encourage a believer to persevere unto good works after becoming a Christian certainly not doing good works to try and keep their salvation.

Eph.4  [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

As far as spiritual discernment, when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 20 is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 18 Prophecy (Peter) or Mystery (Paul) / Which One Do We Follow? Cont.

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

By comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only way Christians are able to discern truth from error.

In our last lesson we saw the apostle Paul working special miracles, and sending out handkerchiefs or aprons which healed people at the start of his ministry, but later on in his ministry while Paul was still alive, he could no longer perform these special miracles.

In this lesson we will continue to contrast things that changed as the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth (Jesus’s commission to Peter) was put on hold, and the dispensation of the grace of God (Jesus’s commission to Paul) was ushered in.

Acts.16  [1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: [2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. [3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Gal.2  [1] Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. [2] And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. [3] But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: [4] And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: [5] To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Now in keeping with comparing spiritual things with spiritual, lets compare these verses and look at some of the things we can learn from them.

In Acts 16 we see Paul have Timotheus circumcised because his father was a Greek. Paul wanted to take Timotheus with him and so he had him circumcised because of the Jews.  

When we look at the verses in Gal. 2 we see Paul now has a different view of circumcision than he had in Acts. 16.

Notice the similarity in the verses, Acts 16 Timotheus was considered a Greek, thanks to his father being a Greek, in Gal. 2 we see Titus was a Greek.

In Acts 16 Paul wants to take Timotheus with him and because he is a Greek he circumcises him because of the Jews.

In Gal. 2 we see Paul take Titus, who was a Greek, up to Jerusalem to share the gospel that he was preaching to the Gentiles. Notice Paul’s attitude now when the false brethren want Titus to be circumcised, he says that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised, and they did not  give “place by subjection, no, not for an hour”.  When Paul makes this statement he was simply saying that he would not be subjected to, or forced by, these Jews to circumcise Titus.

Now as we continue to look at the verses in Galatians we see Paul goes up to Jerusalem by revelation to communicate or share the gospel which he is preaching among the Gentiles.

I have to ask this question to make you think, don’t you see that if the gospel that Paul preached was the same Gospel that Peter and the 11 disciples were preaching, there would be no need for Paul go up to Jerusalem to communicate/share his Gospel with them!

Surely Peter and the 11 disciples had not forgot the gospel they were preaching! Again these verses make no sense apart from the fact that Peter’s commission was wrapped up in the Old Testament Prophecies, and Paul’s commission was wrapped up in the mystery kept secret since the world began. It’s just that simple, read it, and believe it!

When we come to understand the book of Acts as a transition book from the Old Testament Prophecies, to the dispensation of the Grace of God and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the mystery, it clears up so many supposed contradictions and unsound doctrine.

Gal. 2 [6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:  [7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;  [8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

I thought I should also share with you that in verse 7, if you just read the verse Paul clearly calls his message the “the gospel of the uncircumcision”  and Peter’s message the gospel of the circumcision. Unfortunately if you are using a modern day translation of the Bible you may not be able to see this, as the majority of the new translations have been so altered to change an easy to understand passage into obscurity.

Next set of verses we will compare, and spiritually discern, concerning one of the biggest draws of charlatans to the Christian Faith. What is that draw it is “Money”, “Filthy Lucre”, etc.

Now pay attention to this I have never heard a preacher in my forty two years as a Christian teach or preach the following rules on how to a Christian should give during the dispensation of grace. 

Malachi 3  [8] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. [9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. [10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

I have heard preachers spend more time on these Old Testament verses than teaching them sound doctrine out of the Pauline epistles, or how to win souls for the Lord Jesus Christ, or teaching the correct plan of salvation for the dispensation of the Grace of God.

There’s going to be a lot weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth by preachers who were in the ministry just as a career path!

When you will hear the word tithe be assured that you are hearing Old Testament rules concerning the requirement to give a tenth of all you have. I am going to tell you that is not how giving works in the dispensation of Grace of God.

Let’s look at what Paul says about giving in the instructions that he received of the Lord Jesus for the Body of Christ.

2Cor.9 [6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. [7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Paul shares with us a principle in verse 6 about sowing and reaping, if you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly, if you sow bountifully, you reap bountifully. Doesn’t take a masters degree in Divinity to figure out what this means!

Then in verse 7 Paul gives this instruction, every man should purpose in his heart how much he wants to give, and he should give not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

We are to live our Christian life by the leading of the Holy Spirit and not by the ridged rules of the law!

I have seen churches target and steal widows houses, and money in the name of Christianity and it makes me think how sad that preachers and Christians would act this way, but Jesus confronted and accused the people of his day of the same thing.

Matt. 23 [14] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Eph.4  [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

As far as spiritual discernment when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

Romans 10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 19 is in work, and will be posted when done!  Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 17 Prophecy (Peter) or Mystery (Paul) / Which One Do We Follow?

I ask that as we go through these lessons, that you get a Bible, read it, pray, study, and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God, to help guide you into truth.

By comparing scripture with scripture, and comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, is the only way Christians are able to discern truth from error.

In this lesson I would like to contrast a couple of things that changed as the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth (Jesus’s commission to Peter) was put on hold, and the dispensation of the grace of God (Jesus’s commission to Paul) was ushered in.

2^nd Peter 3  [15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

In the verses above we see Peter putting his stamp of approval on Paul’s ministry and epistles which Peter now recognizes as scripture. When Peter uses the word “wrest” he understands the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. Notice also Peter said Paul spoke some things hard to be understood, but he didn’t say everything Paul spoke was hard to be understood.

As we look at the verses this week we will not try and make them say anything but what they say and teach. We will not be twisting or wresting these verses against themselves, or any other scripture. I believe the verses are simple and easy to understand as written.

Acts.3  [20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: [21] whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Peter and the 11 disciple’s preaching of the Lord Jesus were in light of well-known facts that were spoken and known by all the “holy prophets since the world began”. I am not going tell you these verses mean anything but what they say, this information was available, and well known (….spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began…), and in no way was a secret, or mystery. Just read it, and believe it, it’s that simple.

Rom.16  [25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: [27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Now in Rom. 16 Paul tells us his preaching of Jesus is according to the revelation of the mystery, “which was kept secret since the world began”. Again just read it and believe it, Paul clearly says “kept secret since the world began”.

One can only come to one conclusion, the message Paul preached was simply not given to, known, or understood by any of the other Apostles, or prophets until after Paul’s conversion!

Eph.3  [1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) [5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; [6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: [7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Now in Eph. 3 Paul tells us about the “dispensation of the grace of God” given to him, and the revelation of the mystery, which “was not made known unto the sons of men” in other ages, “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God”. Again just read it and believe it, “not made known”, “hath been hid in God”.

Hopefully you are picking up on the fact that Jesus revealed to Paul information, facts, and instructions that had been kept a secret for how long?  Simple “since the world began”!

Col.1  [24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: [25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

In Col. 1 Paul repeats again his message of the “dispensation of God” given to him, and “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations”. Again just read it, and believe it, “hath been hid”.

I believe anybody saved, or lost, Christian or not, when reading and comparing the verses should be able to clearly see that the message that Paul received by direct revelation from the Lord Jesus was something different than anything that had ever been preached or taught in the world prior to Paul’s ministry.

Why is this important? It’s important because it is at the heart of sound doctrine for this period of time in the year of our Lord 2015. If you fail to be able to discern the instructions that applies to Christians today, you will be mired in unsound doctrine and never able to live a victorious Christian life and be an effective witness for the Lord Jesus.

1Cor.2  [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Ok what we just did was a spiritual discernment exercise, we compared spiritual things with spiritual things. We looked at what Peter said in Acts and compared it to what Paul said in Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians. Hopefully we are in agreement at this point in time, that Peter and the 11 disciples had to be preaching something different than Paul. If they ever did teach the Gospel of Grace they had to get it from Paul who received it by direct revelation from Jesus.  

Now let us look at how things continued to change after Paul’s conversion, again this will be accomplished, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.

Acts.19   [11] And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: [12] So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Ok here in Acts Chp. 19 we have the apostle Paul working special miracles, what were these special miracles? It simply states that handkerchiefs or aprons that Paul touched were taken to people that had diseases and evil spirits and they were healed. Pretty simple to discern what was going on in this verse. Just read it and believe it, it’s that simple.

Alright question for you readers, can we claim these verses today the year of our Lord 2015 and send out handkerchiefs to all of our sick friends and relatives and expect them to get better?

A couple of years ago I witnessed a preacher claim the handkerchiefs he was passing out in church could heal people. Do you think this is scriptural, after all it’s in the Bible?

I say no, Paul is alive in heaven, he is not here with us on planet Earth. Keep in mind the Handkerchiefs had to be touched by the Apostle Paul. We are going to see by the end of this lesson that while Paul was still alive he could no longer perform this special miracle.

Let’s move forward to the end of Paul’s ministry, and compare a couple of verses with what happened in Acts. Chp. 19. and see if we can answer those questions.

Phil. 2  [25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. [26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. [27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Now when we look at these verses we see that Epaphroditus got sick, and there is no record of Paul sending him a handkerchief or apron so he could be healed, in fact he almost died, but he recovered and Paul states God had mercy on him, but there is no evidence of a faith healer, Paul or Peter touching him, or his immediate recovery from his sickness.

2Tim.4  [18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [19] Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. [20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

Alright lets look at another situation that I believe will really bring the point home, in this passage to Timothy, Paul is closing out the epistle and passing along information and we read “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick”. This time Paul has to leave a coworker Trophimus sick, it is very clear to me that the sign gifts Paul displayed in the book of Acts were no longer in operation, otherwise Paul would have whipped out a handkerchief or apron and healed his friend. It’s that simple!

1Tim.5  [22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. [23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Another example in the above passage Paul is continuing to give out instructions to Timothy and tells him it is ok for him to use a little wine for his stomachs sake and infirmities. Again we don’t see Paul whipping out a handkerchief or apron and healing Timothy, surely that would have been the preferred method if he still had that ability.

Ok one last example of spiritual discernment for this lesson, and why it is so important to not just read a verse and think you can claim it and think it applies to you because it is in the Bible. You can correctly interpret a verse, and still misapply it if you don’t consider who is speaking and to whom is being spoken to.

I have seen more people try and justify a drinking problem by quoting 1Tim.5, and telling me that Paul told Timothy to drink wine.

Well let’s spiritually look at verse 23, and discern if we should use this verse for an excuse to drink wine.

First off Paul was talking to Timothy who had something going on with his stomach as well as other infirmities. Just taking the verse at face value Paul is giving Timothy the recommendation to use the wine for medicinal purposes, not to get drunk or high.

So when we look at all the verses Paul spoke of wine, it was always against the use of it to get a high, or end up drunk. I cannot count the number of people I have personally known that have been destroyed by drinking. I know of many cases where family members, and supposed friends of people with drinking problems, will drink in front of their recovering alcoholic friend, or relative and think it is ok.

Rom.14 [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Eph.5 [18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1Tim.3 [3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; [8] Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Tit.1 [7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Tit.2 [3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Every one of these verses although not out and out saying a person cannot drink wine is certainly not leaning in favor of it!

Eph.4  [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

As far as spiritual discernment when you know where to get your doctrine from, you will no longer be a confused Christian, or an easy target by the sleight of men to deceive you.

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

Lesson 18 is in work, and will be posted when done!  Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

Contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com