7 Bewares

~ Dangers for the Christian ~

Beware You Do Not Forget Your Lord  ~  “Beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage”(Deuteronomy 6:12). While this verse is directed toward the Israelites it’s principle and message is for us today—do not forget the past blessings which God has given you.  

Beware of Not Applying the Word of God  ~  “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today” (Deuteronomy 8:11). “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).  The principle is clear—intellectual assent to the Word of God is not enough, we must put the Word into our hearts and our actions.

Beware of Worldly Pleasures  ~   “Beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink” (Judges 13:4a).  Again, it is the principle we are concerned about. Here the symbol of earthly pleasure is used. We need to remember we are pilgrims on earth—not tourists.

Beware of Self-Righteousness  ~  “Jesus said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees’” (Matthew 16:6). The broad principle is related to the deceitfulness of self-righteousness. The only true righteousness any of us can possess is the righteousness of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Beware of Covetousness  ~  Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). In modern advanced countries covetousness and envy are rampant and hard to avoid—but we have a direct command to avoid such sin.

Beware of Wicked People  ~  “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers…” (Philippians 3:2).  A warning to stay away from wickedness in all its forms. 

Beware of Human Wisdom  ~  “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8). Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Later Christ also said, “Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:17). The basic principle is to be alert to our surroundings.  

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:6-11).

Beware of Twisting the Word of God  ~  “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:14-18). The best way to recognize false teachings is to know the truth of the Word of God. Study the Word of God for yourself asking the Spirit of God to teach you.   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

7 Cs of Christian Living, 2

~ How Do You Measure Up?

The book of Ezekiel in general, and the first chapter in particular provides seven key characteristics of a Christian life. In that first chapter Ezekiel is provided with visions. Looking closely we find keys to God-honoring living by His children on earth.

Constant Life  ~  The word “living” is used 40 times in Ezekiel. There is no serving to God apart from spiritual life!

Consistent Life  ~  “Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet” (Ezekiel 1:7a). In the phrase “Their legs were straight” we can see the implication of a straight path as opposed to a wandering journey.

Consecrated Life  ~  “And each one went straight forward” (verse 12a).  The implication of “went straight forward” is a consecrated life. 

Controlled Life  ~  “They went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went” (verse 12b).  The clear implication of “they went wherever the Spirit wanted to go” is that they were Spirit controlled rather than controlled by their own desires and wishes. 

Convincing Life  ~  “When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings” (verse 24). They certainly made an impression—they had a convincing life.   

Contemplative Life  ~  “A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings” (verse 25). The implication “they let down their wings” is that they listened to the voice from above and stopped to consider, or contemplate what they heard.

Crowned Life  ~  “And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it” (verse 26). In the vision Ezekiel sees the glory of God and we are reminded by the man on the throne that the end of all true service for God is a crown!  

additional comment: The October 25, 2010 Abundant Life Now blog was entitled “7Cs of Christian Living” and was an analysis of Acts 2. Those seven were a Confessing Life, Convicting Life, Converting Life, Constant Life, Continuing Life, Communing Life, and Contagious Life.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Identity in Christ, 10

~ I Am One Who Has Been Appointed to Bear Fruit ~

Introduction  ~  When Christians understand the various characteristics and aspects of the birthright which came with their second birth, they comprehend their identity in Christ.  Once Christians understand their identity, their destiny is also clear!  This series of “Abundant Life Now” posts will look at one of those facets each week. 

This Week’s Verse  ~  Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  These things I command you, that you love one another” (John 15:16-17).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “IDENTITY IN CHRIST” NOTES ~~~  

(1)  Each Monday ALN posts an example of Scripture’s description of aspects/characteristics of Christians—those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ, The Messiah, as their personal Savior.

(2)  This series is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

(3)  God the Father described Himself to Moses as the great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  God the Son also said “I AM” (John 8:58). 

(4)  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and several times in the Gospel of John He refers to Himself as “I am.”  “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35-51), “I am the Light of the World” (8:12, 9:5), “I am the Door” (10:7-9), “I am the Good Shepherd” (10:11-14), “I am the Son of God” (10:36), “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25), “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (14:6), “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me … Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:10-11), and “I am the True Vine” (15:1-5). 

(5)  Individual Christians are also sons and daughters of God.  This series will show some of the various “I am” aspects of a Christian. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .