Did Jesus teach his disciples to carry weapons to defend themselves (Luke 22:36)?

The same Jesus said for sure that "they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matthew 26:52). He said nothing to his disciples about taking weapons to save their lives so as to "endure to the end" (Matthew 10:22). But he assured them that many of them would be put to death, even being betrayed by their brethren (Matthew 10:21). Nothing about taking physical arms for protection against such things. The apostle Paul also said, writing to saved people who are led by the Holy Spirit:

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

There is no obedience of Christ in taking weapons to fight one's enemies:

John 18:36
Jesus answered [to Pilate], My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from here.

Jesus taught his followers:

Matthew 5:44-45
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

Why not be reminded of that rather than thinking to be ready to blow someone's brains out?

Murder is a work of the flesh that disqualifies someone from entering the kingdom of God. Already saved people who were led by the Holy Spirit were amply warned of that fact, so they wouldn't by any means be deceived into thinking they could live as murderous saints, starting in their hearts (Mark 7:21), and still have a shot at inheriting eternal life (Galatians 5:21, 1 Peter 4:15, 1 John 3:15, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15).

A born again Christian who would think lightly of shedding a person's blood like Cain who killed his brother is in grave danger. That person is close to having no spiritual pulse, to put it mildly. Is that proof of the love that has grown cold (Matthew 24:12)? There is no salvation or assurance of salvation to speak of on such a path.

Keep in mind that Jesus knowingly sent out his disciples into the world as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). And He told them nothing about needing to have a bodyguard or to be one’s own bodyguard (for personal security’s sake). But He taught them this:

Matthew 10:28
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].

That’s a word that is meant to instill in the hearer a massive change of focus from surviving in this blood-bathed world (trying to save one’s skin) to staying on the path to eternal life by fearing God and therefore remaining obedient to Him in all until the end, without seeking exceptions.

Ecclesiaste 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

So, what's with this Luke 22:36?

It reads:

"Then said he unto them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his bag: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

The answer is really not that far. Luke 22:37 reads:

"For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, "And he was reckoned among the transgressors [lawless ones]": for the things concerning me have a fulfillment."

It was necessary for Jesus to be regarded as a transgressor, as much as the two other people who were put to death alongside him (Luke 23:32). Also, two (2) swords being deemed enough (Luke 22:38) for Jesus and his disciple doesn’t hold water in making the case for self-defense for his followers in the way the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution affords it to a US citizen, for instance (comp. Philippians 3:18-21).

This is the prophecy that needed to be fulfilled:

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

That's it! No deep ideology about bearing arms and using them against one's enemies. And if you're a follower of Jesus, may you increase in clarity on who are your enemies who are surely coming for you in ways you haven't seen before. Are you ready?

Concluding Remarks:

Romans 8:5-9
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace; 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 And those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.

See also:
For God and Country - video 

Testimonies for the Atheist vs Demonstrable Evidence by the Scientific Method

Testimonies are the kind of examinable things that are accepted every day in courts of law. They are presumed to express a reality experienced by a witness. Rejecting a testimony without consideration is akin to suppressing reality or facts because of the way they are being communicated. It's like, for instance, a judge would refuse to hear witnesses that are ready to testify in a case because there is no video evidence supporting what they would be testifying about. But these witnesses can be examined, their backgrounds can be checked, their motives can be evaluated, and then a right judgment can be exercised. These are all ways that a person seeking to establish the truth could employ, versus demanding a kind of evidence that is not part of the precise case at hand to begin with. And taking that later course would mean rejecting evidence that is available albeit through the admission of a testimony.

Spiritual truth, in particular, can only be apprehended by faith, not by any scientific method. That's the path to know God, beyond knowing about God through the evidence of the things He has created. An explorer who sincerely wants to learn about sea mammals doesn't start out denying that the sea is a thing and heading toward the forest. Likewise, advancing that nothing exists that has been created by God is intellectual dishonesty that stops the genuine pursuit of truth without giving the appearance of insincerity concerning such pursuit. It's elementary fact suppression to clear the way to assert that there is nothing that can be known or demonstrated about God. And from that follows the conclusion that God cannot be known or does not exist. But faith comes from what is heard about God.

What is heard about God is itself a testimony. Those who can testify that they know God will also hold true that He has communicated to mankind through a precise form: his word. The Bible is a record of God's communication to mankind through the writings of his servants. And He has laid out the precise way to approach Him:

"Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness [that's repentance], receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word [that's faith], and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. (James 1:21-22)

... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:6‭-‬8)

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

Humility is key in one’s approach to God (that's a personal trait rather than a scientific apparatus). That statement can be evaluated for its investigative worthiness. A truth-seeker should not simply accept any statement as true. That is not what faith is about. But carefully considering the thing heard is the path to have any kind of faith. That implies trusting the message-bearer or, at the least, giving him/her the benefit of the doubt. That will be the way to progress to what will be personal, irrefutable, evidence of God’s existence: knowing Him because He has been pleased to reveal Himself to you who sought Him on his terms, that is, according to his word.1

Jesus who is the Word of God that appeared in the world in the form of a man was seriously challenged for his claims while He walked on the earth. This can be learned from what is written about Him in the Bible. Jesus made this statement to people who had their doubts, as you may have yours about Him today: “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.”2 Thus, taking Jesus at his word is then a clear path to have proof that what He taught is true and not myths to add to the many that are already being propagated on the earth, even through formal education. And taking that route has its requirements.

A prerequisite to seeking to know the provenance of Jesus' teaching and what that would imply is the humility to recognize God’s sovereignty. And that’s already beyond the question of his existence. Hearing that God’s existence is being called into question is, for a servant of God, like being married and hearing the denials of others that one has a spouse or knows anything about the intimacy attached to having such a spousal relationship. Thus, coming to know God, there is a way to that; but needing to establish that He exists is not God’s concern for anyone who doesn't know Him yet.3 

The attitude of a person who decides to approach God is therefore important. Jesus does refrain from revealing Himself to the random person who wants to check Him out. There is no seriousness in such an approach, while what He is looking for is a relationship like a marriage founded on love and faithfulness. The readiness to be in total submission to the King of kings cannot be excluded. Denominations do start by people who take the Christian name and embrace what they like about the teachings of Jesus or simply twist them. So, the truth must be sought, and it will be found by those loving it; it will save them.4 A good and honest heart is necessary to move forward.5 Therefore, when God opens the door for a relationship with Him, He expects reverence and that one offers to Him a heart that is ready to obey Him in all. That's a sacrifice. That's the real giving of one's life to God. And that's the only way to come to know God intimately - not unlike a husband knows his wife and vice versa. God will only come to be on the throne of one's heart where room has been made for Him in response to the way He has commanded that He should be approached: through repentance and faith in Jesus.

  

[You know] how I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20-21)

1. John 14:21
2. John 7:16-17
3. Romans 1:19
4. John 8:31-36, 1 Timothy 2:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12
5. Luke 8:8, 15

Note: This is not creative writing.

Seek and Find Jesus
(YouTube playlist)

Revelation 12:11

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their life, even to death.

By the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11) 
(YouTube playlist)

Fighting Worry-Causing Thoughts

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

1 Peter 5:6-8

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your worries on him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Audio: https://www.dropbox.com/s/25rpsebtmkynzum/YesToTheTruth%20-%20Fighting%20Worry-Causing%20Thoughts.mp3

God knows and sees all. If you are remaining humble before Him, then you won't have to explain to Him why you are worrying when He is there to be your comfort. Recognize that you are being tempted in your thoughts to worry and then you must battle to resist that temptation. Because when you start worrying, you go outside of God's will. Nevertheless, you don't do that intentionally. But recognize that it's God's place in your heart and all that He represents that is being attacked so that in the end God is misrepresented to you. And for a moment you are not seeing Him as your high tower and your refuge (Psalm 18:2).

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

David may have dealt with people harassing him, but you are fighting a spiritual war and spiritual entities do come against you. They come in the form of thoughts and worldly concerns. So, your confession of faith could sound like this: "The LORD is my light and my salvation. What shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of what shall I be afraid?"

The worrying is an action that takes your consent and participation. So, you have to instead resist the urge to do that when you are being tempted (James 1:12). Tell God that you are on board with his will and that you submit to the fact that He is the one in control of all that happens in or around your life. Ask Him for strength to stick to the choices you have made to do what is pleasing to Him and cast to Him all your burdens (1 Peter 5:7). He has only called you to bear the burdens He knows you can carry with his help. And if you are seeking God's kingdom first in your life (Matthew 6:33), then by his grace, you need to stand in that place where you have peace that God is leading you through the best path for your life according to his perfect will, regardless of how the circumstances that surround you look to you. When you are there and content, the worrying won't really make sense. But you have to battle your way to that place of peace as you keep your focus on God and put your life in his hands in total submission to Him.
 
And for as long as you are being attacked in your thoughts by the devil who wants to steal your peace, and that you keep on finding yourself worrying (despite disagreeing with those thoughts and not welcoming them), you need to confess your worrying to God; and you need to resolve in your heart to not continue worrying. It's a spiritual war. So, be alert and aware that something is coming to eliminate your assurance in God's care and therefore make you not see God as who He is to you. It is a good instance to use memorized scriptures as a weapon.

You are dealing with a mountain and all you need is your faith to cast it into the sea (Mark 11:23). Endure in your fight with Jesus who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). And by faith, you need to see the day of your deliverance, where you will look back and realize you haven't been having these kinds of disruptive thoughts, and give all praise to God!

God be with you!

See also:

Enduring Spiritual Oppression

Anxiety and Depression Recovery  - YouTube playlist

Trials and Tribulations

Has Jesus Promised to Make His Followers Rich?

Deuteronomy 28 may be used to make the case for God's promise of material prosperity to his people, but that was part of the Old Covenant. In any case, these promises of blessings did not apply to anyone who was rebellious, sinning or backslidden in any way. Curses were laid out right alongside those blessings for people who would forsake God and break his commandments (sin). He forsakes those who forsake Him (2 Chronicles 15:2b).

One thing Jesus promised to his followers in the New Covenant is that their needs would be taken care of if they are living for Him, so they wouldn't have to worry (Matthew 6:24-34). But most today have their trust in money, in their bank account, in their job, rather than in God. So, trusting God for basic needs is an area most know nothing about apart from having a job, savings or some kind of income.   

There is no promise of material wealth to a Christian but of a life of spiritual abundance that comes by doing God's will out of a faith that works through love (John 14:15; Galatians 5:6; Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21; John 10:9-10; Romans 2:7).  

Of course God can bless someone with material wealth to help or, in general, to do good to others, but never for the sake of being rich according to the world's standards. Having no money cannot stop any servant of God from doing exactly what God has called that person to do in his service (Acts 3:6, 2 Corinthians 6:10, Revelation 2:9).  

Read also about blessings in Matthew 5:3-12, James 1:12, and Acts 3:26. Being saved from sin is the blessing Jesus gives to those who give their lives to Him! So, if someone does not have that freedom from sin (John 8:34-36, Romans 6:7, 16-18), there is no point in chasing anything else that may be considered a "blessing." The grace of God that brings salvation teaches how to say 'No' to sin (Titus 2:11-14, Romans 6:12-15), and someone who has that power from God is richer in God's eyes than someone who is still sinning and may be a millionaire but heading to eternal death because of sin (Romans 6:23).

Being a "rich" servant of God (having material wealth), if God has a purpose in that for the person, comes with great responsibility and accountability toward God also (1 John 3:16-23, James 2:1-9, Matthew 25:14–30, Luke 12:13-21). God will judge each one as much for the things done (good or evil) as for the good things not done when He had given the means to do them. 

There are also dangers in having a wrong relationship with money, being either rich or poor (Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:3-10). Being greedy (wanting to be rich or ever richer), can also breed pride and selfishness. That is a destructive temptation to succumb to (1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 4:8-9), and is not a sign of loving God or of even having a saving relationship with Him. Jesus has warned against greed (Luke 12:15), which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5), but false ministers who equate the blessings of God with money will never point that out.  

 

See also:

Bible Study on Sin

Freedom From Sin

The Jesus Train

The Idolatry of Serving Mammon

Jesus vs False Teachers

Saved From Greed

 

 

The Day I Shouted "HalleluYah!" (Book)

In The Day I Shouted "HalleluYah!", Giscard Nazon recounts the unexpected way he has started to praise God and shares what a treasure that novel experience has been to him. By explaining the interactions with God that have shaped his mindset about God and what he believes may come from his relationship with Him, Giscard conveys what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. He is transparent about his relationship with God, highlighting its beginning and moments of its growth in addition to showing how the relationship influences his thoughts and stances on various subjects with which Christians may be concerned. Although the book is initially autobiographical, Giscard also directs his attention to the edification of believers, the defense of the faith, evangelism, and even offers a candid approach to the question of God’s existence. Giscard’s writing shows a personal touch that exhibits his own relationship with Jesus and invites the reader to further inquire into the reality of having such a relationship for themselves.

Paperback and e-book (Kindle) formats are available from Amazon.

Download the PDF format here.

HalleluYah cover painting by Nancy Cupp, visit NancyCupp.com.

Excerpts:

 

TRUST CHECK (video)

THE CROSS (video)

 

See also:

Connecting with God through Jesus (2021)

Encounter with the Unfathomable (2017) ♫♪

Romans 7:14-25 Bible Study

The teachings in Romans 6 are a foundation for the new converts the apostle Paul was writing to. He is giving instructions to these Roman believers in Romans 6.

However, in the Romans 7:14-25 passage, he is talking about his personal experience. And he did that to illustrate more clearly what he started talking about at the beginning of Romans 7, namely the believer's relationship with God's law. So, he started talking about the time of his relationship with the law, being married to it, not being dead to it and alive to Christ yet. Romans 7:14 tells us: I am of the flesh, sold into bondage to sin. That does not describe someone who has been saved. I will strengthen that point. But before going further, let's notice that it is already established that both Paul and the believers he is writing to have come into a relationship with Jesus, so they are saved:

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

So, now let's visit Jesus' teaching about being in bondage to sin:
John 8:34-36
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Being sold into bondage to sin is being a slave of sin needing a deliverance from sin to be then "set free" from sin by the Son, the deliverer, e.g. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18).

Let's re-enter the Romans 7:14-25 section and see that in the state Paul is describing that he is, he is both admitting to a struggle that is fully caused by his "body" – his flesh that is ruling (and ruining) his life, and he is looking forward to a deliverance, which he did find in Jesus:
Romans 7:23-25
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

So, up to the very end of Romans 7 he affirms that he is walking according to the flesh, the opposite of what comes in the very next verse (Romans 8:1, with the "therefore" that signals a conclusion). It's then definitely the new life in Christ Jesus spoken of in Romans 6:4, where he is no longer being led by the sinful passions of his flesh and thus no longer in bondage to sin:

Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

The Romans 8:2 reality puts an end to the Romans 7:23 struggle. So, we have to go back now to Romans 6, the foundational teaching, to get how he became free in Christ and under no condemnation:

Romans 6:4-7
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (cf. Romans 8:2). 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

So, that foundation having already been laid down, the apostle Paul was talking about a prior time when he made the present tense statement "I am of the flesh, sold into bondage to sin" (Romans 7:14). That foundation goes to the root of sin which is the sinful desires of the flesh that people indulge in. They are put to death in Christ, or when one comes to Christ through a real repentance according to what the Bible teaches. The old man gets crucified or put to death in that repentance. These are other scriptures that reflect what's happening or speak of what must happen in or through it:

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 5:24
And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Luke 9:23-24
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

John 12:24-25
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Colossians 3:1-11 
1 If then you were raised with Christ [unlike the Romans 7:14-25 person], seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died (cf. Romans 6:4), and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth*: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

*Such exhortations as the above are necessary, because a person only needs to feed his/her flesh that should have been put to death in Christ, for it to come back alive and it will surely rule him/her life and drag him/her right back to bondage to sin worse than before (e.g. 2 Peter 2:20-22), which is then no longer freedom in Christ. The devil is always seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). That is what "losing salvation" would mean if salvation itself is understood as being set free from sin and walking on the narrow/difficult road to eternal life (Matthew 7:14), and not being stuck in a Romans 7:14-25 experience. So, Jesus also taught that a slave does not remain in the house forever (John 8:35), which is reflected in his do or die messages to five backslidden churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He gave them notice to be zealous and repent (e.g. Revelation 3:19) and warned them of the severe consequences of not cleaning up their act.
 
It is thus settled for me that in the Romans 7:14-25 account, the apostle Paul was not yet led by the Spirit (Romans 8:1), which would be the case for a saved person. I see the same kind of present tense language being used in 1 Timothy 1:15, albeit in a more brief contrast between 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 Timothy 1:16
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
VS
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

The apostle Paul did not say to the Corinthians "Be followers of me, even as I also am [a follower] of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1), being a "pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life" (1 Timothy 1:16), as presently then a chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) or a wretched man (Romans 7:24) still. Someone who is a new creation in Christ or born again could not be so described.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
 

See also:

Who is the man struggling in Romans 7?

Problem in the Church: Romans 7

How Do We Know That We Love God?

Bible Study on Sin

Freedom From Sin

The Gospel of Jesus (video)

Who is Hebrews 10:26 Speaking To?

Comments on Willful Sin After Salvation and Eternal Security (Focus on the Family)

 
Is Repentance Just a Change of Mind?

The Essence of Faith

"Am I Saved?" Why Do You Ask?

What is Your Foundation as a Christian?

Titus 3:3-7
3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Timothy 2:19
However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."

See also:

Resist Temptation & Break Free from Addiction - video

You Are Accountable to Repent - YouTube video

Crucify the Flesh

Salvation From Sin

Repentance According to the Bible

The Essence of Faith

Enduring Spiritual Oppression

I want to share a bit of my experience with what I have been comfortable calling oppression. That's a state that is temporary and depends on precise circumstances that I can usually identify. It may be an instance of harassment, the receipt of a suggestion that violates my convictions (and directs me away from the obedience I know God has called me to), a perception of being disconnected from the love of God (due to a lack of hearing his voice and receiving his guidance for a while), weariness in waiting on God for sure promises of his word, etc. It's the "valley" experiences that I know by experience will be followed by a restoration. I just need to have faith that I'm going to get better and I always do, even delighting in God (Psalm 37:5) and overflowing with joy.

Audio: https://www.dropbox.com/s/b2zyafq8yy6gc1f/YesToTheTruth%20-%20Enduring%20Spiritual%20Oppression.mp3

The process to get me "back up" is all internal. No change in my circumstances really shield me from experiencing oppression for the same reasons or others, but I come to rise above these temporary circumstances, or rather, escape their pinch, somehow. Usually, I get there after a time of prayer and hearing the word (audio Scriptures), mostly certain Psalms that actually reflect how I feel. These Psalms affirm God's promises to his people, make mention of disappointments or afflictions and usually end in praise. At those times of oppression, I am also often too weak to read, so I have some pre-recorded prayers that I can say and hear without opening my mouth. I have written prayers so I do not lose sight of certain things in my life that I want to keep bringing to God's attention like the widow of Jesus' parable in Luke 18. I update them as I receive direction to do that or when my circumstances evolve (including prayers being answered). So, after a time with God, my spiritual "dashboard" would reflect that all is well and I would no longer feel down nor irritable.

My recovery also often takes the form of sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, made easier through short songs that are my own. Singing or humming them functions like playing a spiritual instrument for the glory of God. Besides songs of thanksgiving and praise, there is a third type that I sing (or hum or listen to a recording of) in those times and it is about reminding myself of God's sovereignty over my life. I am encouraged to persevere under affliction and I progress to a place of peace. I am led by the Spirit to either praise, give thanks or remind myself of who is in control —it's not a choice I make; I just find myself in one of those three "modes" and stay in it for a while. Eventually, the atmosphere within me changes for the better. And what happens in the background, I think, is simply that my assurance of God's love and care for me rises in my heart despite trying circumstances that are speaking some lies to me. To me, that's spiritual warfare.  

I am usually more or less aware that the disturbance I have suffered in my peace has come from the way I have responded to some afflicting circumstances. And I come to think that I could have mitigated that disturbance with a more appropriate response as the sufficient grace of God is supplied to me (2 Corinthians 12:9). But in weakness, I do get down and need to rise back up. I understand I need to use God's grace to humble myself more in some areas, for instance, in my interactions with some people; I need to deny myself more to not take offense, especially when I get grieved by a repeated conversation or behavior; and I also need to be able to endure an ongoing unpleasant situation with joy and thanksgiving. 

The context for all this is that I am in a season of trials in my life where I experience spiritual highs and lows. My times of oppression are getting less frequent and are like passing dark clouds. I feel God has equipped me to navigate those circumstances better and better and I believe I am not experiencing anything random. I am even sure that I am living through answered prayers and there is a purpose in my afflictions while I walk with God in this season of my life. 

Lastly, I have not researched in depth the nuances between what I call oppression and depression, but I just know I have not experienced certain states of mind that border on despair of life and somehow that's my perception of depression at this time (before getting better informed on depression).

I pray this helps somebody in the body of Christ.

John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

See also:

Fighting Worry-Causing Thoughts

Anxiety and Depression Recovery  - YouTube playlist

Trusting God - playlist

Outlook in Difficult Situations

How to Pray

Trials and Tribulations

Masturbation and God's Will

  Image by Sabrina Eickhoff from Pixabay.

One must seek God personally about masturbation. The following thoughts about masturbation are shared from the perspective of an unmarried man.

One thing is sure: it can't be something that controls a person in any manner. An addiction to masturbation exposes it as an idol in a person's life. It has a place in the person's heart that should only belong to God. In some circumstances, masturbation can exist as a 'savior' in a person's circumstances. The person's attachment to masturbation is as such certainly sinful.

Remember also that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23), and that the Bible speaks a great deal about putting to death the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24, Colossians 3:5, Romans 13:14). While I do not regard the act of masturbation as a "work of the flesh" to be added to the list in Galatians 5:19-21, God has made me understand that being in bondage to this behavior, being addicted to it and dependent on it for something that it provides, contradicts walking in the freedom that is in Christ. 

One's body must be kept in full submission to the Holy Spirit and consecrated to God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). It does not belong to any passions of one's flesh that will lead to death if they are not put to death (Romans 8:12-13; Galatians 6:7-8).

Also, considering that most people cannot conceive masturbation without the stimulation of sexual imagery, it follows that those who sin in their thoughts through what they are watching or imagining while they masturbate cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Such must draw near to God and cleanse their hands and purify their hearts (James 4:8). Even if they do not have what could be called an addiction, such would still be under the power of sin (John 8:34) working through the law of sin and death (Romans 7:23 vs Romans 8:2) rather than under the power of God.

Romans 8:5-6
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Being under God's care and guidance, there is no need for an unmarried person to be driven by fear and engaging in sexual activity with anyone for the sake of proving sexual compatibility or assuring oneself of one's sexual performance. These are worldly concerns, not the concerns of a child of God with a renewed mind (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16b; Colossians 3:1-2). And of course, taking pleasure in unrighteousness through any form of sexual immorality is not a fruit of the Spirit but a work of the flesh that disqualifies a person from inheriting the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-23). And those sins begin in the heart (Mark 7:21-23).

The discipline of keeping one's flesh in subjection cannot be ignored by any follower of Jesus who is a new creation who has been fully empowered through Him who strengthens him/her to do just that. It’s actually a life and death matter to not heed the instructions from the Bible to crucify the flesh.

Romans 12:1-2
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

If one desires the greatest intimacy with God, and a secure walk on the difficult way to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:23-24, 1 Peter 4:18), that person must heed the instructions of the Bible and pay attention to walk according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not be controlled by any cravings of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). May all this be understood before positions are taken for everybody on whether the act of masturbation itself is a sin or not.

Romans 14:23b
... Anything that is not done in faith is sin.

God supplies by his grace all the power we need to live for Him (Titus 2:11-14, Romans 6:1-2, 12-15, 1 Peter 4:1-3, 2 Peter 1:2-11). So, his leading is not about suppressing one's natural sexual desires, which are vital in the context of marriage, but his grace is indeed amazing (video) in how it allows to live for Him!

For instance, God's grace allows to:
-resist the urge to release sexual tension through masturbation (and pray as needed for God to allow a strong sexual desire to naturally subside, even quickly)
-regard sexual deprivation as a non-issue, especially as an unmarried person, until the time appointed by God for lawful sexual union with one's spouse if one has been called to marriage
-say 'No' to sin, sexual or otherwise
-turn down enticements to lust after random people's bodies and entertain sinful sexual fantasies in one's mind
-consecrate one's mind and body to one's future spouse in honor of God's promise of such spouse (e.g 1 Corinthians 7:4 observed by faith).

Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Lastly, those who regard masturbation as a solution and turn to it in a less than ideal situation, either as a single or a married person (e.g. prolonged singleness, physical separation from a spouse, illness of a spouse, etc.), may they be willing to submit to God, depend on Him and hope in his lovingkindness (Psalms 147:11, 145:19, Psalm 27:13-14) rather than to take matters into their own hands and not fully involve Him in every detail of their lives. 

"Cast your burdens on the Lord" (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 34:17).

James 5:13a
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. 

Luke 1:37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

John 11:40
Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?" 

Hebrews 11:6
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Be in prayer about any situation you want to change. 

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

See also:
Self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus (Mark 8:34) / Crucify the Flesh (video playlist)

Suffer The Cross To Overcome Addictions

Struggling with Lust? (Message for Men)

Freedom From Sin

A Radical Way to Learn to Fully Trust God - video

Standing In Position To Receive By Faith (guidance for prayer)

 

Celibacy Scriptures

In the context of the Christian faith (the practice of abiding in the teachings of Jesus), celibacy for the unmarried is not a lifestyle choice that such opt in to or try. The choice that is above all for a Christian is to follow Jesus. Everything else is put in order by that one choice. There is not so much a window, when that choice in made sincerely and wholeheartedly, to consider alternative sexual lifestyles.* The grace of God that brings salvation teaches believers to remain celibate while unmarried and they are empowered by the Spirit of self-control that they have received to live for God and no longer for themselves and their desires.

Scriptures in action (#James 1:22#)

The following scriptures give reasons why unmarried Christians and celibacy go together. There should never be a need to wonder about that in the body of Christ if God's solid foundation stands (2 Timothy 2:19). These scriptures are reminders of the path that followers of Jesus have been called to walk in. Sexual relationships that God blesses are between a husband (a man) and his wife (a woman), and servants of God who are not married will find strength to remain in God's ways in these and other scriptures, prayer, and abiding in Jesus (John 15:4-5). Praise be to God for the empowering of his grace!  


Titus 2:1-14
11  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; 14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own, zealous of good works.

James 1:13-16
13  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14  But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15  Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. 16  Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

1 Peter 4:1-3
1  Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 2  that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for human desires, but for the will of God. 3  For enough time in the past has been spent doing the will of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not the Father's, but is the world's. 17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.

Galatians 5:19-25
19  Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21  envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24  Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:17-24
17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20  But you have not so learned Christ; 21  If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22  That you put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24  And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 6:1-11
1 What should we say then? Should we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2  May it never be. We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer? 3  Or do you not know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5  For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; 6  knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. 7  For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8  But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; 9  knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him. 10  For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. 11  In the same way, consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:8-13
8  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9  But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10  If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11  But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12  So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13  For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 12:1-2
1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2  And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Matthew 5:29-30
29  If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30  If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20  
18  Flee sexual immorality. “Every sin that a person does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, 20  for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.   

Colossians 3:1-17

1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 5  Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6  For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7  You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8  but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9  Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10  and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11  where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all. 12  Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14  Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17  Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
1  Finally then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, even as you are living, that you excel more and more. 2  For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3  For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4  that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5  not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who do not know God; 6  that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. 7  For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification 8  Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.




*Following Jesus assumes understanding what sin is and understanding that salvation is salvation from sin, which has been secured by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The act of fornication is sexual immorality and it is sin. In contrast, faithfulness in following Jesus (being a Christian) establishes a path of righteousness and sanctification whereby a believer is continuously transformed to reflect Jesus' character and walk. He has walked on the earth as a human in the same weaknesses we experience in our flesh in order to be an example for us in all (Hebrews 4:15-16).