Ministers of Christ

Ministers of Christ

 

Reflection

Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.

1.  Think of someone who has served Christ for many years. In what ways has that person's example inspired you?

While no one should be placed on a pedestal or be compared by people in their evaluations, Paul clarifies how we should understand servants of Christ. I have had the privilege of witnessing a few good servants of Christ execute their various ministries devotedly as to the Lord Jesus. I need to be quick say it was not their ministry longevity, popularity, political savvy, or pulpit exploits that seized my considerations. Their level of commitment to Christ, and dedication in His will…to His plan, is what struck me as attractive or worthy of immolating. They were fixed on pleasing the Lord first and foremost. I have found such devotion to God, His plan, and the pursuit of God’s pleasure both stirring, correcting, motivating, and guiding through the years.   

Bible Reading

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–6.

In 1 Cor 3, Paul presented three pictures of the local church. Now he presents three pictures of the minister - a steward (1 Cor 4:1-6), a spectacle (1 Cor 4:7-13), and a father (1 Cor 4:14-21). He wanted his readers to understand how God measured and evaluated a Christian’s service. First Corinthians 4:6 explains Paul's purpose: “That no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” He would deal with misplaced loyalty rooted in pride!

It follows then that all who minister for Christ are responsible to Him.^[a]

In order that they might properly appraise Paul and the other apostles, he says that the saints should look upon them as servants or assistants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.^[b]

We must avoid extremes when it comes to evaluating men and their ministries. On the one hand, we can be so apathetic that we accept anybody who comes along. But the other extreme is to be so hypercritical that Paul himself would fail the test.

It is important to develop discernment, that we “try the spirits” their teachings (1 John 4:1-6; and note 2 John), but we must be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit in the process. In these three pictures of ministry, Paul presented three characteristics of a true minister of Jesus Christ

I.  Faithfulness - The Steward (1 Cor. 4:1-6)

II. Humbleness - The Spectacle (1 Cor. 4:7-13)

III. Tenderness - The Father (1 Cor. 4:14-21)

Discovery

Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.

2. Paul saw evidence of spiritual pride in the early church. Why did that trouble him?

A.  Here, the term “puffed up” is “spiritual pride” and refers to one Christian judging whether a fellow Christian is a good follower of Christ. Often that results in arrogance. Evaluating others tempts us with the attitude that we are better than they are. What are the long-term effects of this kind of pride?  Church splits, discouraged believers, loss of witness, etc.

The apostle challenges the respect due to him on account of his character and office, in which many among them had at least very much failed: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (v. 1), though possibly others might have valued them too highly, by setting him up as the head of a party, and professing to be his disciples. In our opinion of ministers, as well as all other things, we should be careful to avoid extremes. Apostles themselves were, 1. Not to be overvalued, for they were ministers, not masters; stewards, not lords. They were servants of Christ, and no more….^[c]

B.  Pride distorts our view of ourselves and others. Spiritual leaders and believers alike could be guilty of spiritual pride -- Leaders for thinking about their faith, education and training elevated them above everyone else, believers for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your area or opportunity of service. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their ministry.

C.  QUOTE: “A popular game played by many Christians is that of evaluating pastors. All kinds of criteria are used to determine who are the most successful, the most influential, the most gifted, the most effective. Some magazines periodically make surveys and write up extensive reports, carefully ranking the pastors by church membership, attendance at worship services, sizes of church staff and Sunday school, academic and honorary degrees, books and articles written, numbers of messages given at conferences and conventions, and so on. As popular as that practice may be, it is exceedingly offensive to God.

First Corinthians 4:1–5 focuses on the true nature and marks of God’s ministers. It sets forth the basic guidelines and standards by which ministers are to minister and be evaluated. It deals with what the congregation’s attitude toward the minister should be and what the minister’s attitude toward himself should be. In short, it puts the minister of God in God’s perspective. Paul makes it clear that popularity, personality, degrees, and numbers play no role in the Lord’s perspective—and that they should play no role in ours.

The main point of the passage here still concerns the divisions over different ministers. The message is that servants of God should not be ranked at all, by others or by themselves. All who are true to Scripture in their preaching and living should be treated equally. Where there is sound doctrine and personal holiness there is no justification for ranking God’s servants. (Romans 16:17 and 1 Timothy 5:20, however, point out that where those two essentials are missing, there must be evaluation and confrontation.)” — John MacArthur

3.  We now understand that we should not “glory in men” from chapter 3.  But how should we view Christian servants?

It is vital that we understand how we evaluate Christian servants—pastors, evangelists, missionaries, ministers, full time Christian workers, and such. This is not dealing with how we view each other as average Christians, but how we view those in special ministries.

A.  They are Ministers of Christ. (1Cor. 4:1)

Paul answered the leaders of the various factions in the church when he called himself, Peter, and Apollos "ministers of Christ". The word ministers literally means "underrowers." It described the slaves who rowed the huge Roman galleys. "We are not the captains of the ship," said Paul, "but only the galley slaves who are under orders. Now, is one slave greater than another?"

B.  They are Stewards of God. (1Cor. 4:1)

Then Paul explained the image of the steward.

     1. A steward is a servant who manages everything for his master, but who himself owns nothing. Joseph was a chef steward in Potiphar's household (Gen 39).

     2. The church members are a part of the "household of faith" (Gal 6:10), and the ministers are stewards who share God's wealth with the family (Matt 13:52). Paul called this spiritual wealth "the mysteries of God." 

           — Paul and the other leaders had been entrusted with "The mysteries of God." This is God's sacred secret wisdom as revealed in the Gospel (1 Cor. 1:30; 2:7) -- the mystery of the complete plan of salvation.

           — These mysteries cannot be discovered or comprehended by human wisdom, but they have been entrusted to God's workers to be carefully and responsibly taught to others.

           — Some of the mysteries revealed in the N.T.

                    (1) the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 13:3-50; Mk. 4:1-25; Lk. 8:4-15). This describes "the result of the presence of the Gospel in the world during the present age, that is, the time of seed-sowing which began with our Lord's personal ministry and will end with `the harvest.' The result is the mingled tares and wheat, good fish and bad, in the sphere of Christian profession. It is Christendom" (Scofield).

                    (2) the Mystery of the Rapture (1 Co. 15:51,42; 1 Th. 4:16). The mystery revealed here is that those believers living at the time of Christ's appearance will be glorified and caught up without seeing death. "The O.T. prophets saw the return of Christ to the earth with His saints in power and glory, but not His coming to the air for the saints."

                    (3) the Mystery of the Local Church as the Body of Christ, Composed of Saved Jews and Gentiles of this Age (Ro. 16:25; Ep. 3:1-11; 6:19; Co. 4:3). "The O.T. does not mention anything about the founding of the N.T. Church by Christ, the component members of N.T. churches (Ep. 3:3-9), or the special relationship Christ has with His churches (Ep. 5:23-32; Re. 1:12,13,20)."

                    (4) the Mystery of the Indwelling Christ (Ga. 2:20; Col. 1:26-27).

                    (5) the Mystery of the Incarnate Christ, of God manifest in the flesh (Col. 2:2,9; 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Ti. 3:16).

                    (6) the Mystery of Israel's Blindness, that Israel would be blinded and set apart while God called out a people for His name from among the nations (Ro. 11:25).

                    (7) the Mystery of Babylon (Re. 17:5,7). "The Babylonian system is seen throughout the O.T. narrative, but this final form of a one-world religion as a tool of the Antichrist (Re. 17:7) is N.T. truth."

                    (8) the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Th. 2:7). This is the revelation of the devil's program to bring in the antichrist; it is the revelation of the increase of apostasy throughout the church age.

                    (9) the Mystery of God (Re. 10:7). This mystery is in reality the long time span of this present age of man. "The mystery of God is the long delay of our Lord in taking the kingdom unto Himself and in establishing righteousness in the earth. The mystery of God is seen in these thousands of years ... God has allowed Satan to wrap his vicious slimy, filthy, cruel tentacles around this earth" (H.L. Willmington, The King Is Coming).

                    (10) the Mystery of Consummation (Ep. 1:9,10). This may be described as the mystery of eternity. (Some of the previous study is taken from Robert Sargent.)

     3. The responsibility of the steward is to be faithful to his master. A steward may not please the members of the household; he may not even please some of the other servants; but if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward. This same idea is expressed in Rom 14:4.

     4.  So, the main issue is not "Is Paul popular?" or, "Is Apollos a better preacher than Paul?" The main issue is, "Have Paul, Apollos, and Peter been faithful to do the work God assigned to them?"

           — Jesus had this same test in mind when He told the parable recorded in Luke 12:41-48.

           — If a servant of God is faithful in his personal life, in his home, and in his ministry of the Word, then he is a good steward and will be adequately rewarded.

     5.  Faithful—Trustworthy (1 Cor 4:1-2)

Paul and the other church leaders were "ministers of Christ" (4:1). Christ's true servants prove themselves through their personal character and the content of their teaching. Over a period, servant-leaders must demonstrate both aspects of their calling.

          — Paul knew that leaders in the church played crucial roles in God's plan, but he also knew the difference between ability and usability. The Corinthians were arguing over credentials; Paul wanted them to listen to those who were serving them in Christ's name.

          — He wasn't worried about his declining popularity. He was concerned about the true spiritual health of fellow Christians he loved.

          — How does someone get your attention as a Christian leader? Are you more impressed by a person's image or the evidence of personal integrity? What servant-leader for Christ has made the deepest impact on your life? Take time to thank God for that person.

4.  Is it right to judge the quality of another servant’s work for the Lord Jesus?  Explain.

It should be remembered that it is a virtue to be discerning (based on God’s own requirements), but it is never advisable to be harsh, fault finding, judgmental, and critical.

A.  A Servant of Christ Is Constantly Being Judged (Examined).

There is always somebody criticizing something he does. Paul pointed out that there are three judgments in the life of the steward.

   1. There Is Man's Judgment (1Cor. 4:3 A).

Paul did not get upset when people criticized him, for he knew that his Master's judgment was far more important. The phrase man's judgment is literally "man's day." This is in contrast to God’s day of judgment yet to come (1 Cor 1:8; 3:13).

   2. There Is the Servant's Own Self-judgment (1Cor. 4:3 B-4 A).

Paul knew nothing that was amiss in his life and ministry, but even that did not excuse him. Sometimes we do not really know ourselves. There can be a fine line between a clear conscience and a self-righteous attitude, so we must beware.

   3. The Most Important Judgment Is God's Judgment (1Cor. 4:4 B).

         A.  Certainly, God judges us today through His Word (Heb 4:12) and by the ministry of the Spirit.           

         B.  Sometimes He uses the ministry of a loving friend to help us face and confess sin (Matt 18:15-17).

         C.  But the main reference here is to the final evaluation when each Christian stands at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10). Then the true facts will be revealed, and the faithful servants rewarded.

Therefore premature judgment, whether it led to the exaltation of some ministers (3:21) or to the humiliation of others (4:10), was wrong. Only at the divine bar would all the facts be known and even there grace will be displayed—each faithful minister will receive … praise.^[4]

         D.  The Lord will examine “the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” These refer to the inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know. Since final rewards will be based, not just on outward service, but on inward devotion (1Cor.10:31), only God can give the praise each deserves. See 1Cor. 3:12–14.

B.  QUOTE: “Servants should be consistent, not critical. Paul refused to pass judgment on the quality of his or anyone else's work for Christ, realizing that Christ would someday do this at the bema judgment seat. Until then, as a servant of Christ, his job was to remain faithful.”  — H. Willmington

C.  These Verses must Not Be Used to Cultivate a Self-righteous Independence of People. The local church is a family, and members of the family must help each other to grow. There is a place for honest, loving criticism (Eph 4:15). If the critic is biblically right, then he has helped us. If he is wrong, then we can help him. Either way, the truth is strengthened. A harsh and judgmental attitude is never sanction in the Word.

   1. Paul’s "therefore" in 1 Cor 4:5 alerts us that he is about to make a personal application of the truths just discussed. He closed this section with a threefold rebuke.

   2.  First, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging God's Servants at the Wrong Time (V. 5).

         — It is when the Lord returns that He will evaluate their lives and ministries, so wait until then. In fact, you cannot see into men's hearts; you cannot begin to judge their motives. Only God can do that. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Sam 16:7).

         — The Corinthians who were passing judgment on Paul were actually "playing God" and assuming to themselves the privileges that only God has. How often in my own ministry I have made this mistake! How easy it is to misread a situation and misjudge a person.

   3. Second, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging by the Wrong Standard (V. 6 A).

        — The Corinthians were measuring different men by their own personal preferences and prejudices. They were even comparing ministers with one another. The only true basis for evaluation is "that which is written" - the Word of God.

        — The Bible clearly reveals what kind of life and service is required of God's ministers. There is no need for us to devise new standards. Sometimes churches seeking pastors, ask for recommendations of candidates to them.        

        — Too often their "requirements" have gone beyond what God requires in His Word. Again, it is the problem Paul discussed in 1 Cor 1 and 2 - the wisdom of men versus the wisdom of God.

When the apostle says “I know of nothing against myself,” he means that in the matter of Christian service, he is not conscious of any charge of unfaithfulness that might be brought against him. He does not mean for a moment that he does not know of any sin in his life or any way in which he falls short of perfection! The passage should be read in the light of the context, and the subject here is Christian service and faithfulness in it. But even if he did not know anything against himself, yet he was not justified by this. He simply was not competent to judge in the matter. After all, the Lord is the Judge.^[5]

   4. Third, Paul Tells Them They Are Judging with the Wrong Motive (1Cor. 4:6 B).

        — Each group in the church was tearing down the other preachers in order to build up the man they liked. Their motive was not at all spiritual. They were promoting division in the church by being partisan to one man as opposed to the others. They needed to examine their own hearts and get rid of the pride - that was destroying the church.

        — God's servants are stewards of His truth, and the key test is: Have they been faithful to God by obeying and to teaching the Word of God? Not just faithful preaching, but faithful practicing as well.

        — The testimony of Samuel (1 Sam 12:1-5) and Paul (Acts 20:17) will bear witness to this truth.

 

Prayer

Father, forgive us for our arrogance; for acting as though we can accomplish great things on our own. We are nothing without you. Teach us to recognize our complete dependence on you and to surrender our desires and ambitions. Make our service more pleasing in your sight.

Journaling

Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.

 

What personal goals or desires do I need to reevaluate, in light of this passage?

 

Additional Questions

5. In what ways can we curb our appetite for prestige and power?

 

Ask the group what feeds our appetite for prestige and power, while you discuss how we can curb that appetite.

 

6.  When God gives us success in ministry, how can we guard against pride?

 

7.  How can we give God credit for the things he has accomplished through us?

 

You may want to ask for examples of public figures who have openly given God the glory for their success. Discuss what holds us back from being open about our faith.

 

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^[a] David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 512.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1757.

^[c] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2250.

^[4] David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 512.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1757.

Wisdom from Below

James 3:15-16

Theme: Examine your values, principles and behaviors to determine their source.

Most of us are aware that Believers have three spiritual enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil (Eph. 2:1-3). All of which seek to control the way we think in order to control our behavior and our lives. Obviously, we want to understand what is driving our actions, influencing our decisions, and shaping our performance and perspectives. It does not require a rocket scientist to figure out such control can be dangerous to us and our loved ones. Likewise, in our text, James pinpoints the corrupt sources of godless wisdom as “earthly, sensual, and devilish.” This is wisdom from below! So, the question is, how can we recognize when this type of ‘wisdom’ is operating in our lives and those of our loved ones? Let’s take a moment to examine the sources for these godless forms of wisdom.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:13–16, KJV).

When we examine James 3:15, closely, we discover a self-centered brand of godless wisdom that is consumed with personal ambitions. Beloved, this is not at all from the Lord God above. Unmistakably, James frankly describes it as “earthly, sensual, devilish.” Now such self-aggrandizing behavior is not of the Lord. No, this wisdom belongs to this earth; it is the product of an un-sanctified human heart, and it originates with Satan and his fallen forces (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15). Let us examine each of these closely to prevent their influence in the way we think.

Wisdom from Below is Earthly!

Earthly rightly indicates this wisdom is not from God in heaven! Instead it is from this earth and is limited to earthly rationalization, logic, reason, and philosophies. It is not truth, it is not inspired of God; therefore, it is not reliable in its concepts or premises. It is devoid of the strength of divine wisdom and marred by the flawed thinking of mere earthlings. Earthly wisdom is riddled with the assumptions of ill-informed people living without God’s illuminating perspective.

What would such wisdom lead a person to do? Well since it is worldly it will set a person on a trajectory of being covetous for more material things, yearning for selfish pleasures, accumulating excessive wealth, lurching out on senseless quests for prideful distinctions or recognitions, and pursuing more luxurious comforts in this life. John, the beloved Apostle, says such behaviors are typical evidences of worldliness (1Jn. 2:15-17). The focus is on the temporary and this life and not eternity and life with the Eternal One. Note the words of MacArthur,

It spawns a society whose watchwords are “Do your own thing,” “Have it your way,” and “Look out for number one.” It pervades philosophy, education, politics, economics, sociology, psychology, and every other dimension and aspect of contemporary human life (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (pp. 172–173).

Such wisdom is not helpful in the long run; it erodes relationships, breeds distrust, fuels conflicts, and inspires inhuman behavior. As human beings we can rationalize just about anything. For example, nearly everyone would be up in arms if a pregnant woman drinks hard liquor daily, smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, and habitually uses hard drugs. Most of us would regard these behaviors as extremely harmful to the child she is carrying as well as to the mother. However, if she decides to abort the child in the third trimester for next to no reason, too many people will claims she has the right to do this!?! Really...think about the flawed logic that leads to such decisions or positions on these type issues. This is where earthly godless wisdom leads. Many such examples could be mentioned here, but I'll spare you. In addition, the observations of Dr. Wiersbe are also helpful,      

The world by its wisdom knew not God, and in its wisdom rejects the very Gospel of God. “For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness” (1 Cor 1:18). Any person enamored with the wisdom of this world ought to read the first two chapters of 1 Corinthians and notice how much Paul has to say about God's wisdom and man's wisdom. Man's wisdom is foolishness to God (1Cor 1:20), and God's wisdom is foolishness to man (1Cor 2:14). Man's wisdom comes from reason, while God's wisdom comes from revelation. Man's worldly wisdom will come to nothing (1 Cor 1:19), while God's wisdom will endure forever. Because the world has turned from God, it has lost its wisdom. Every increase in man's knowledge only magnifies the problems. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Prov 9:10). "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Rom 3:18). (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 363)).

Yes, earthly-worldly wisdom cannot appreciate the things of heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is entirely unfit for genuine Christian living. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a news article, TV show, book, radio program, or internet product that is not greatly influenced by this type of earthly wisdom.

Wisdom from Below is Sensual! 

The word “Sensual” reminds us of the fact that it is not the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but from man’s fallen nature. Such a person teaches only the wisdom of this natural life. It is the difference between knowing how to make a living and how to make a meaningful life. It can be seen in the emphasis on gathering more information as opposed to using information in the best ways. Read carefully the words of James in 3:14 once more, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” The verse is jam-packed with sensual motives and values. Jealousy, bitterness, resentment, conflict, pride, lies, deceptions, and bragging are common in the life of the sensual individual. They tend to cling to these devices to make themselves feel worthwhile, likable, marketable, or attractive. Such behaviors have no place in the Spirit of grace; they are rooted in human depravity and self-centeredness.  

Such motives, feelings and behaviors are light-years away from the genuine marks of godly wisdom. These individuals are not living displays of the meek spirited person who is entirely submissive to the Lord’s power and grace! No, such wisdom is sensual and is based on human feelings and human reasoning alone--especially when the decisions are made with the emotional parts of the brain. Such desires are devoid of God’s life-changing insight or aid. Some sensually motivated actions can be detected quite easily, but others are far more camouflaged and cleverly concealed. All can be correctly discerned by the Word and the Spirit of God though.

So, this false ‘wisdom’ truly has another source: remember it is “sensual,” or we could say “natural.” This fact relates to its “life,” or “soul,” it is rooted in the natural man.  In 1Cor. 2:14; 15:44, 46, we learn that the “natural,” is the opposite of the “spiritual” (Gal. 5:16-18). Such carnal wisdom is completely incompatible with Christ-filled expression! While it is natural to have a slightly inflated view of ourselves because we have comparatively more intellectual acumen, such estimations are not anchored in a Spirit-informed perspective.  You see... real wisdom, the kind God gives, consists of righteous skills for daily living--it is intensely practical and not primarily intellectual. Certainly, our lives are the product of our thinking, but merely being mentally sharp does not make a wholesome God-honoring life. It is the difference between wanting to be our children’s best friends, and choosing to be the parents they really need. Godly wisdom is also expressed by the person who intensely yearns to “fit in with the crowd” refusing immediate gratification choosing instead the course of discipline and delayed satisfaction. Someone may say, ‘If it feels right, then it is right’; the wisdom from God says right and wrong are already defined by God in the Scriptures. We must choose objective absolute truth over the world’s unfounded sensual relativism.   

In Jude 19, sensual people stylize themselves as free or emancipated, but they are the slaves of their fallen nature. Yes, they do their own thing…they make their own decisions…they are free-thinkers…independent and autonomous is how they describe themselves. God says, “they walk after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 18). Their lives do not transcend the immediate, this life, or the mundane…. They are stuck with nothing but their feelings, thoughts, ideas, and Christ-less philosophy to guide them. Yes, they jump from one bed to another, they drink this that and the other, they smoke, shoot up, free base, and party until the clubs or bars close. They sleep it off in another strange place...as soon as they can reengage they do it all over again. They have near zero restraints or precious few limits. Their rule is simple, "If it feels good...do it." It may seem like ‘fun’ now, but payday is coming. Jude describes them as “sensual” signifying the absence of the Holy Spirit's influence.  The focus is on the dominant fallen nature as opposed to the new nature, which is given by God, influencing their lives. Beware, there is a ‘wisdom’ that has its origin in man’s depraved nature totally apart from the Spirit of God.

Recall helpful passages like Galatians 5:19-21, which describes for us the “works of the flesh.”  Accordingly, flesh refers to the sinful facet of our depraved human nature which is diametrically opposed to the “Spirit” of God (Rom 6:19; Matt 16:17).  Therefore, being “in the flesh” refers to being unsaved (Rom 7:5; 8:8, 9), and to live “after the flesh” is to live and act sinfully (Rom 8:4, 5, 7, 12). Sensual wisdom is not a viable option for God’s people! God expects all His children to walk in and live in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-26).

Wisdom from Below is Devilish! 

Devilish means that it stoops to actions that resemble the behavior of demons rather than men. It denotes that which is evil, malicious, sinister, mischievous, and befitting of devils. The Spirit of God greatly assists us by unmasking the “wisdom of Satan” at work, fighting against the wisdom of God. Satan characteristically seeks to inspire doubting God and stimulating the elevation of humanity through prideful lusts (Gen. 3). Satan was behind Eve’s desires to become wise like God and become as God. Since then, people have continued to believe Satan’s lies and have tried to become their own gods (Rom 1:18-25). Rugged individualism and hyper-independence are just two manifestations of this. To say that Satan is cunning is to verbalize the obvious; he is the slick old serpent! He has wisdom that will confound and confuse us if we do not know the wisdom of God.

Again, the real source of these thoughts and desires is the devil. How disturbing to realize he can control our thoughts if we allow him! It is ridiculously reckless for believers to assume that Satan does not have access to most of the knowledge available to us. Furthermore, Satan even used Scripture during the temptations of Jesus making his suggestions to him seem reasonable. He failed because he was up against real wisdom!

The devil still makes use of the same resources that God has provided for us. But his purposes are destructive; they can produce a climate in the church, at home, and at work that damages relationships. Think of how quickly our words, language, and tone of voice can create a destructive climate. –The Life Application Commentary Series

Beloved, do you now understand how our beliefs, values, governing principles, and behaviors can be tampered with by the Devil? If the Lord did not expose our enemies’ strategies here and in other Scriptures, we would be entirely vulnerable to these kinds of spiritual attacks. The Lord truly is good to free us from such seductions with the truth! Beloved, it is the truth that makes us free!

These three words . . . describe the so-called wisdom, which is not of divine origin, in an advancing series—as pertaining to the earth, not to the world above; to mere nature, not to the spirit; and to the hostile spirits of evil instead of to God” (Ropes). –Pfeiffer, Charles: The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

With these insights we are prepared to examine our thoughts, motives, and desires with real intelligence. When we say or do something that is not becoming of a Christian, pause to discover the possible origin of that thought or expression. Ask yourself, is this wisdom from below? Is it earthly, sensual, or devilish? Is it based on reason or revelation? Does it promote immediate gratification or delayed satisfaction? Is it appealing to my pride and my desire to behave independently of God?

Realizing the source and kind of wisdom influencing us places us in a powerful position. You can say no to these temptations. You can reject godless wisdom while selecting godly wisdom. You can distinguish important matters from trivial concerns. Life is less confusing and frustrating when God’s wisdom is in operation. You can not only preserve the relationships you treasure, but increase their value to all concerned parties. Remember, wisdom from above is desirable, but the wisdom from below can wreck your life and the lives of those you love. Why not choose the wisdom that is from above?  

Courage to Reach out to Others

JOSH. 1:1-9 

1.   Courage is Require to Face and Endure the Times of Difficulty.

In many ways, hard times of trouble are like boot camp; it is rigorous, painful, and challenging. Adversity causes us to adopt new routines and habits, to develop aspects of our being—physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—that might have been undeveloped or underdeveloped previously. Troubles sometimes puts us under the authority of people who affect our lives in ways that are foreign to us. In all these areas, we need courage to keep our balance as we feel hit by so many new feelings, facts, restrictions or limitations, obstacles and challenges, and offerings of advice and help.

2.  Courage is Required to Make the Necessary Personal Changes in Times of Difficulty.

Courage is required not only to face and endure times of adversity, but also to make the changes in our lives that adversity compels us to make. In either case, we can trust the Holy Spirit to help us in times of adversity and to grow and change so that we live in keeping with the example set by Jesus Christ.

3.  Joshua Knew about Adversity and Times of Difficulty.

Certainly, forty years of wandering in a wilderness qualified him to understand hardship, trials, and troubles—physical, relational, spiritual, and no doubt emotional and mental pain. Joshua also knew that the Lord was with him and his people. As a close associate of Moses, Joshua had grown in his faith and leadership abilities. The time came for the people of God to cross the Jordan River and inhabit the land of promise, and Joshua was named the leader to succeed Moses.

4.  Three Times, the Lord Spoke to Joshua about Courage:

Joshua 1:6-7, Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. [7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

  

Joshua 1:9, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Note the three things that required courage of Joshua: (1) to make decisions that affected other people under his leadership {vs. 6}, (2) to keep the laws and commandments, even as changes were occurring {vs. 7}, and (3) to remember continually that the Lord was with him {vs. 9}, the implication being despite what circumstances might indicate to the contrary.

2 Tim. 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

We need courage in the same three areas of our lives as we face adversity.

LESSON:

COURAGE TO REACH OUT AND TOUCH OTHER LIVES

Reaching Out to Others Takes Courage

Joshua 1:6, Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

REALIZE THAT GOD GIVES US COURAGE TO HELP OTHERS

We need God's wisdom to know how to deal with people. Our times of heartache almost always involve people we love.

Courage to Help When I Need Help

We need courage to get beyond our pain and help our children, parents, spouses, associates, and other loved ones and colleagues to cope with the pain they also are likely to be feeling. It takes tremendous inner fortitude to get beyond ourselves—to put aside our inner hurt and frustration—and to be concerned about others when we are sick, facing a loss, or in emotional turmoil. Yet, that is precisely what the Lord wants us to do. That's why the Lord gives us courage.  

RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSINGS AS YOU GIVE OF YOURSELF

In fact, in getting outside ourselves and helping others in need we often find the strength to get through adversity.

Getting Help As I Give Help!

Time and again, I've watched people who were going through hard times reach out to help those who were hurting just as much as they were—although perhaps in a different way—and have seen them benefit, not from what they received from others, but from what they gave to others. This principle of God defies human reasoning, but it is absolutely true in God's kingdom.  The worse thing we can do is shut ourselves off from everyone else because we are afraid!

Luke 6:38, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

We assume that when we give, we have less than we had before. But in God's eyes, when we give, we open ourselves up to receiving in a way that results in a blessing, both materially and spiritually.

Just when you think you have nothing to give, that's the time to give! It takes courage to do so!  

The Lord promises to give you that courage. Ask Him to help you, to guide you, and to show you the person or people to whom you should give. Ask Him to reveal to you the best gift possible, in the best timing and for the best results.           

1.  Touch Lives Through Fervent Prayer.

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

2.  Touch Lives Through Service and Ministry.

Luke 22:26, But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

3.  Touch Lives Through Doing Good Deeds.

Romans 12:21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Self-examination should not be limited to areas of sinfulness or pride; it may also involve areas of weakness we need to strengthen and develop.  Fear is often a natural response to difficulties, and troubling circumstances.  But God wants us to use these challenges to grow in the areas of courage, hope, and faith.  Remember we should never waste an adversity. Learn all you can from each one. Realize that you can grow when you are willing to examine yourself closely and make the necessary changes.

When troubles come your way, look inward to see what God is trying to show you about yourself.  Use these self-evaluations to identify areas which need improvement and refinement.  In this respect Difficulties can be used to your advantage to further your spiritual progress in the Lord.