Since God sees me, I will stop trying to hide (Jer 16:16-18, Psalm 32:5)

My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin (iniquity) concealed from my eyes. Jer 16:17

Interpretation for verse 18) "double payment for sin" see also Rev 18:6, "Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup."

• wickedness/sins/iniquity = defiled my land with lifeless forms, vile images of detestable gods/idols AND filled my inheritance/territory with carcasses of their detestable idols/abominations
• What's the big deal about sin? Isn't this just one person, with a guilty pleasure? These are questions I wondered about. BSF children's program had a good way of teaching, "the world says [it's no big deal, you were born that way], but God's word says [it's a massive deal, you were created for great purpose]. Sin Types: Iniquity, Transgression-trespass, Apostasy-backsliding
• An Idol is anything we trust in more than God.

Psalm 32:5, mentions sin, trespass, and iniquity and it's cure (Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

and stopped trying to hide my guilt (iniquity). I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion (trespass) to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.)

• Iniquity is our thought process in our heads, premeditated choice: "Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand."
• Iniquity unchecked leads to calloused heart (Matt 13:15 NIV) 
• and God leaving the person, "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves," Romans 1:24 ESV
• Iniquity is carried over generations (Rev 17:4, Gen 15:16). 
• Iniquity leads to unnatural affections, leads to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28-32). 

Iniquity leads to transgression (rebellion/trespass)

• Transgression is to intentionally disobey. Apostasy-backsliding is a gross transgression, treason in which a "Christian" carries the name of God in vain.

Today if you hear his voice don't harden your heart, repent. Ask, seek and knock. Turn to the Lord and receive healing and forgiveness.

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Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it (Luke 7:35)

• But wisdom is proved right by all her children. NIV
• Yet wisdom is justified by all her children. ESV
• Yet wisdom is vindicated and shown to be right by all her children [by the lifestyle, moral character, and good deeds of her followers].” AMP
• Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. NLT
• God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it." GNT

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God's word and Spirit changes the perverse to be meek and obedient

I was reminded of "Success" where failure would have been better as we've been studying Hebrews the past few weeks. I came across this:

The Holy Scriptures are the word of God. When God sets it home by his Spirit, it convinces powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully. It makes a soul that has long been proud, to be humble; and a perverse spirit, to be meek and obedient. Sinful habits, that are become as it were natural to the soul, and rooted deeply in it, are separated and cut off by this sword. It will discover to men their thoughts and purposes, the vileness of many, the bad principles they are moved by, the sinful ends they act to. The word will show the sinner all that is in his heart. - Matthew Henry Commentary (Hebrews 4:11-16)

Perverse defined:

• Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the (morally) right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.
• Obstinately in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence, wayward; vexing; contrary.
• legal, of a verdict Ignoring the evidence or the judge's opinions.

Meek and obedient define:

• Submissive, willing to comply with the commands, orders, or (instructions) of those in authority.

Commandments of Jesus,
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3)
Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit

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Called to moral and spiritual development (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Reading Shepherd's Notes: 1, 2 Peter, Jude, has a great metaphor of a "Ladder of Moral Development", the top rung being "Love" from 2 Peter 1:5-11. I've always appreciated this writing as it shows clearly what we can do in cooperation with God's Spirit living within us. Thank you Jesus for saving us by your blood (The Cleansing Blood of Christ, Written by Seth Tate). "The most debilitating sin of modern believers is the failure to go on to maturity in Christ."

This week I heard someone say that "Success is the progressive experience of a noble ideal", God help me be successful walking with you today. Amen

Rung of Ladder	Extended Meaning
Love	Self-giving for the good of others
Brotherly affection	Love for brothers and sisters in Christ
Godliness	Quality of being like God in daily life
Steadfastness	Endurance, perseverance, and courageous patience
Self-control	Mastery of self and control of one's appetites and drives
Knowledge	Practical understanding of truth
Virtue	Moral excellence
Faith	Saving faith in God

Courage is found at every virtues testing point (C.S. Lewis)

Peter shows how born again faith grows up into quality faith (2 Peter 1:1-11)

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Christ crucified, the power and wisdom of God revealed by Holy Spirit (1 Cor 1-2)

Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?
    Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Isaiah 40:13
1 Cor 1-2
Apostle Paul confirms God's will of holiness, granted through faith in Jesus Christ and prays for grace and peace (1-3). He affirms the gracious, spiritual gifts given through Jesus Christ proving God's faithfulness to his promises. He proclaims God will keep them strong to be free from blame on the day when the Lord Jesus Christ returns. God is faithful, he invites us into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (4-9).

By authority of Jesus Christ, he appeals to them to live in harmony with each other.
 - Let there be no divisions in the church. Instead be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (10)
 - Authority of "let there be" like Genesis 1
 ? Is it a matter of program that leads to uniting in thought and purpose? So that what is happening in the nursery, should be happening in the "classics" groups. Is it a matter of doing away with "small church" that is focused on individual life stage and have one big group (like mega-church)? Or is it a matter of vision and mission statements with core values (why, what, how)?
A: The division is regarding quarrels over human leaders/teachers (11-12), Christ crucified for you is the message not "who baptized who" (13-17).

My thoughts on vision, mission and purpose and authority:

Seek the kingdom of heaven first every day, Love God Love People, Spiritual Gifts opened and used. "Discover spiritual gifts, motivated by love brings life change" start with why.
 * I was drawn to the statement, "By the authority of Jesus Christ"
 - Authority is transferred from God to us, from us to others (Genesis 2:15,3:17-19, Psalm 8:6, Numbers 27:20, Matt 28:18-20, Romans 1:5,12:3), but ultimately we obey God not man even when obeying man (Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7, Romans 14:14)
 - Authority is power (Psalm 89:24, 118:10,11,12, Matt 8:9,9:6,9:8,10:1)
 - Godly authority leads to people rejoicing, wicked authority sin flourishes (Proverbs 29:2,16)
 - Authority is understood in speaking (1 Kings 4:33, Matthew 7:29) proven in fulfillment "sign of Jonah/death/resurrection (Matt 12:38, 16:1-4, 28:1-9)
 - Prophets may speak authoritatively (in God's name), but if it doesn't come to pass you'll know that have spoken not from God's authority (Deuteronomy 18:22)
 - Father God alone has authority reserved for himself (Acts 1:7, 1 Cor 15:27,28)

The message of the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction, but it's the very power of God to those being saved (18-19). Perceived foolishness because it seems to lack heavenly sign and human wisdom (20-23). Those called by God to salvation understand Christ is the power and wisdom of God (24-25), because of the work he's accomplished in their lives (26-28). God united us to Christ, wisdom itself, made right with God, pure and holy, freed from sin - we can't boast in ourselves but God alone (29-31).

Lofty words and impressive wisdom wasn't used in revealing God's secret plan - simply "Jesus Christ crucified" a simple message, plainly stated in the power of the Holy Spirit (2:1-4). So you can trust in the power of God rather than human wisdom (5). Yet with mature believers, we go deeper revealing previously hidden plan of God since the beginning (6-8). We can't imagine what God has in store for those who love him, but God reveals these things to us by his Spirit so we can know what God freely gave us (9-12).

Words of human wisdom aren't used, instead, Spirit's words explain spiritual truths. people who aren't spiritual can't understand what the Spirit means. They aren't receptive to Him, therefore it sounds foolish because they don't hear it (ears that hear).We understand because we have the mind/heart/new birth in Christ (13-16).

Paul talked with them as though they belonged to the world because they weren't ready for bigger things as evidenced by control they gave their flesh, proved through behaviors (3:1-4).

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

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God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)

AIM: Discover spiritual gifts, motivated by love brings life change
Romans 12:1-8
A) God's mercy seen creates a devoted life in His will
1) See God's mercy, give self fully to God is worship
2) Not pattern world, transformed/renewing mind, able do God's will
Illustration: Cain (Look what I brought God) and Abel (look what you did God)
Cain couldn't see God's mercy and took LIFE into his own hands, killing his brother. God's mercy was then revealed in Cain, God protected Cain (Gen 4) - Lemech didn't get it (70 times 7 REVENGE). Jesus said 70 times 7 Forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).
Many in the church struggle with self-deception:

• Lying to yourself, that you aren't sinning (Romans 14:23; Proverbs 30:20; James 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:3;1 John 1:8-10;2:4)
• Thinking your "Christian" when you don't live a Christian lifestyle (Luke 6:46; James 1:26; 1 John 2:4;1:6; 3:9-10)
• Thinking "I'll get away with it" (Galatians 6:7; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Proverbs 28:13)

Application: Debug your heart, Let the Holy Spirit and God's word expose and judge the intentions of your heart.

 Ephesians 4:23-24 and Colossians 3:10 says, "...let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." and "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator."
Heb 4:12 says, "the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]...penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ephesians 5:10,17 says, "Test and prove what pleases the Lord" and Don't be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is"

Application: Is my sacrifice pleasing to God, where am I focusing on worldly patterns rather than the Godly pattern in his Word?

B) God's gracious gifts used in humble, united service (3-8)
3) Grace given me, not better in self, by faith God distributed to us
4-5) body many parts, function in Christ, belongs to each other
6) different gifts (1 Cor 7:7), according grace given (empowerment): 
 - Same LORD and Spirit, God at work (1 Cor 12:4-6)
 - Gift to equip others, reach unity (Eph 4:11-13, John 14-17)
 - We are stewards of these gifts, purpose is God's glory in Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11)
7-8) Gifts according to grace: Prophesy/faith, serving, teaching, encourage, give/generously, lead/diligently, mercy/cheerfully
Illustration: Lot is an example of not using gift faithfully. (Lord) rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (2 Peter 2:7). Jesus sends us out, says Listen! Don't miss it! You'll be judge, wrong intentions in your heart need to be cast out in the name of Jesus! (Luke 10:12-17). Jesus was reminding the 72 about Lot (Luke 10:1-12) and what happens when people don't come out (Gen 19:14,15). So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. (Gen 19:29) but
Lot used his freedom to be an unaware, incestuous drunk (Gen 19:32-35). Why didn't Lot go back to Abraham for humble help in this matter?
Principle: Two things make a Christian miserable, 1) unrepentant sin and 2) not using your gifts to serve the Church.
Application: Spiritual gifts inventory, what gift haven't you opened yet? Consider serving in an unfamiliar way (test and approve).
Also:lot
Romans 12:3; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:1-6 ; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7b ;1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ;Ephesians 4:11-13 ;1 Peter 4:10-11

C) Love enthusiastically, sacrificially serving and trusting the Lord (9-21)
9-10) Love sincere, hate evil, cling good, devoted/honor one-another in love
11-13) spiritual fervor, serving the Lord: joyful/hope, patient/affliction, faithful/prayer, share/people/need, practice/hospitality
14-15) Bless (no curse)/persecutors, empathy: celebrate/rejoicing, comfort/mourning
16) Live/harmony/each other, not proud/conceited, associate with low positions
17-21) Not evil for evil, careful/right eyes of all, possible depends on you: live/peace not revenge, trust God's plan: overcome evil with good

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People look outward, LORD looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7)

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

This morning I'm reading Resenters, Resisters, and the Pride Divide (Daniel Henderson), this verse came up as an explanation why people resent and resist prayer movements. I've been praying for wisdom regarding work I'm doing to share truths of Christianity with my co-workers. One way I'm doing this is through contrast, using Jesus technique of "you have heard, but I say"

Jesus spoke as one who knew and loved the truth and hated all error (Heb 1:7, 8). Notice the impression the sermon had on the people who originally heard it:

     "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matt. 7:28-29).

I have a question, "When is a thief no longer a thief?"
 - the world says, "when he stops stealing" but the Bible says "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need." Eph 4:28

"But I Say Unto You" is a great resource regarding the sermon on the mount.

 "Jesus gave the full meaning of the law and the prophets in regard to personal morality. The scribes and Pharisees had perverted the righteousness which God has always expected of His people (see Matthew 5: 20). Their representations as to the meaning of the divine ethics were misleading the people and Jesus set about to correct them. To consider the Sermon on the Mount as the charter of a new and different system of morality for God’s people is to ignore the obvious meaning and declaration by Jesus himself (Matt. 5: 17, dm). This analysis is confirmed by what Jesus said toward the end of the sermon: ‘The Golden Rule - “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matt. 7: 12 ESV)" (War and Conscience, Allen Isbell, p. 142).

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