Walking circumspectly without dissipation (Ephesians 5:15-20)

So be careful how you live (walk circumspectly kjv). Don’t live like fools (in dissipation), but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:15-20

In the Bible, "walking circumspectly," primarily from Ephesians 5:15, means to live with extreme care, watchfulness, and wisdom, like someone looking closely around them to avoid stumbling in darkness or folly, making the most of every opportunity in evil days, and understanding God's will, not as fools but as the wise. It involves deliberate, accurate steps, being alert to dangers, and diligently guarding against sin, often empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Key Meanings and Implications

• Careful & Precise Living: Not rushing or being clumsy, but taking deliberate, thought-out steps in life and behavior. 
• Awareness & Watchfulness: Being alert to your surroundings, guarding against surprise, and being watchful in every direction. 
• Wisdom vs. Folly: Acting wisely by understanding and following God's will, in contrast to foolishness (dissipation). 
• Redeeming the Time: Making the most of every moment because the days are evil, buying back wasted time for good. 
• Spiritual Discernment: Living in the light, understanding God's plan, and being guided by the Holy Spirit to do good works. 

The passage moves from posture (how you walk) → urgency (why you walk carefully) → content (what you walk toward) → power (by what you walk). It is Paul's integrated vision of sanctification: attentive, urgent, discerning, and Spirit-empowered. The children of light do not drift — they choose, reclaim, understand, and yield.

The word circumspect also appears in Exodus 23:13 which commands Israelites to be diligent (circumspect) in following all of God's instructions, specifically forbidding them from invoking, mentioning, or letting the names of other gods be heard from their lips, emphasizing exclusive worship of Yahweh. 

Key Aspects of Exodus 23:13:

• Context: It concludes a section of laws, including the Sabbath rest, separating Israelites from pagan practices.
• The Command: To not just avoid worshipping other gods, but to avoid even speaking their names (e.g., Baal).
• Significance: This command prohibited elevating or validating foreign deities by mentioning them in a respectful or formal manner, reinforcing the first commandment.

In the Bible, dissipation refers to a reckless, wasteful, and dissolute lifestyle marked by self-indulgence, excess, and a lack of self-control, often leading to spiritual and moral ruin. Derived from the Greek asotia (meaning "unsaved" or "wasteful"), it represents the scattering of life, resources, and focus away from God and toward harmful worldly pleasures:

• Prodigal Living: The "wild living" or "dissipation" of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:13 demonstrates the wasteful squandering of resources on selfish, temporary pleasures.
• Lack of Self-Control: It is linked with drunkenness, revelry, and immorality, often described as a "flood of dissipation" in 1 Peter 4:4 and 2 Peter 2:13
• Spiritual Obstacle: Jesus warns in Luke 21:34 that dissipation (along with drunkenness and anxieties) can weigh down hearts, distracting believers from spiritual readiness and God's kingdom.
• Contrast to Virtue: It opposes biblical virtues like temperance, sobriety, and diligence, as noted in Proverbs 21:17 and Ephesians 5:18
• Opposite of Spiritual Filling: Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being "drunk with wine" (a form of dissipation) with being filled with the Spirit. 

Ultimately, dissipation represents a life focused on worldly lusts rather than godly pursuits, often associated with a rejection of divine discipline.

Ephesians 5:15-18 Themes

1. The Contrast of Two Ways Paul structures the passage as a series of sharp antitheses — wise/foolish, circumspect/reckless, Spirit-filled/drunk. The believer's life is defined by choosing, not drifting.
2. Urgency Rooted in Cosmic Context "The days are evil" is not pessimism — it is situational awareness. Wise living is always eschatologically aware. Time is not neutral; it is contested.
3. Wisdom as Active Discernment Understanding God's will is not passive reception but active pursuit. Wisdom involves the mind, will, and renewed spiritual perception.
4. Spirit-Filling as the Alternative Governing Power The wine/Spirit contrast is not merely about sobriety — it is about what controls a person. The Spirit-filled life produces community, worship, and gratitude (vv.19-20), which drunkenness destroys.

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I. Walk Wisely — The Posture of the Disciple (v.15)

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise"

• "See then" (βλέπετε) — a call to conscious, attentive living; not sleepwalking through life
• "Walk circumspectly" (ἀκριβῶς) — precisely, carefully, with exact attention
• exactly, accurately, carefully, or diligently. It stems from a root meaning to ascertain, inquire diligently, or to know to the last point. 
• The fool assumes life is safe; the wise person knows it is not
• The walk is public witness — outsiders observe how believers navigate the world

Additional References:

• Proverbs 4:26 — "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways"
• Psalm 119:9 — "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word"
• Galatians 5:16 — "Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh"
• Luke 16:8 — Jesus notes that worldly people are sometimes shrewder than the children of light in their generation

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II. Redeem the Time — The Urgency of the Disciple (v.16)

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil"

• "Redeeming" (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι) — buying back, reclaiming what is lost; a marketplace metaphor
• Time (καιρός) — not chronological time but appointed opportunity, the decisive moment, a "season" or "appointed time"
• "The days are evil" — not escapism but realism; the age is under hostile spiritual influence (cf. 2:2; 6:12)
• Every believer lives in a window of opportunity that will close
• The Christian Code of Conduct for the Church Militant (Ben Lorence)
  

Additional References:

• Colossians 4:5 — "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time"
• John 9:4 — "We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work"
• 1 Peter 4:2-3 — contrast of former life vs. life lived for the will of God
• 2 Timothy 4:2 — "Be ready in season and out of season"
• Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom"
• 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 — "The time is short... the form of this world is passing away"

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III. Understand God's Will — The Mind of the Disciple (v.17)

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is"

• "Do not be foolish" (ἄφρονες) — without reason, mindless; to drift is to be foolish
• "Understand" (συνίετε) — to bring together, to comprehend by synthesis; moral and spiritual intelligence
• Understanding God's will requires: Scripture (Col. 3:16), prayer (Col. 1:9), community (Heb. 10:24-25), and the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12-16)
• This is the hinge verse — wisdom about time leads to discernment of will

Additional References:

• Romans 12:2 — "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind... that you may test and approve the will of God"
• Colossians 1:9-10 — being filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom
• James 1:5 — asking God who gives wisdom generously
• Proverbs 2:1-6 — the diligent pursuit of wisdom
• Psalm 143:10 — "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your Spirit lead me on level ground"
• Hebrews 5:14 — mature believers have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil

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IV. Be Filled with the Spirit — The Power of the Disciple (v.18)

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit"

• The contrast is one of governance: what controls you? Wine diminishes judgment; the Spirit sharpens and empowers it
• "Reckless indiscretion" (ἀσωτία) — wastefulness, dissipation; the prodigal's lifestyle (Luke 15:13)
• "Be filled" (πληροῦσθε) — present passive imperative: continuous, ongoing, not a one-time event; it is a command, not a feeling
• Spirit-filling is evidenced communally (v.19 — speaking, singing), vertically (v.20 — thanksgiving), and relationally (vv.21ff — mutual submission)

Additional References:

• Acts 2:4, 13 — at Pentecost, observers mistook Spirit-filling for drunkenness (the comparison Paul may be invoking)
• Acts 4:31 — "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly"
• Galatians 5:22-23 — the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of Spirit-control
• 1 Corinthians 14:15 — singing with both spirit and mind
• Colossians 3:16 — the parallel passage: "let the word of Christ dwell richly" produces identical outcomes to Spirit-filling (songs, gratitude, mutual instruction)
• Luke 1:41, 67 — Spirit-filling in the nativity narratives as models of Spirit-governed speech and praise
• Romans 8:5-6 — setting the mind on the Spirit produces life and peace

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The problem with us and the Solution (James 4:1-10, Prov 3:1-8, 2 Peter 1:3-11))

Enjoying Being humble enough to agree with God and how this relates with drawing near to God, humbly summitting ourselves to Him (James 4:6-8). Either we resist the devil or find ourselves opposed to God. Reading James 4, there's a pattern of resisting the flesh, the world and devil I haven't noticed before. 

Fights and quarrels come from the desires that battle within (flesh). These are covetousness or self focused motives. When we desire things for our own pleasure, we aren't asking God but complaining to him (James 4:1-3). James describes this as friendship with the world as being adulterous, arousing God's jealous longing for us. (James 4:4-5). Yet God gives us more grace (Prov 3:34) when we store his commands in our heart, holding on to loyalty and kindness as a leash around your neck and a heart deep commitment to God and people (Prov 3:1-4).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding, seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take (Romans 12:1-3). Prov 3:5-6

Not impressed with your selfish wisdom, instead fear the LORD, turn away from evil. Then healing comes to your body and strength for your bones (Prov 3:7-8)

Honor the LORD with your wealth, the BEST of everything you produce, then he will provide abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20) Prov 3:9-10

Don't reject or be upset by the LORD's discipline and correction, see his loving face from an elevation that gives perspective on the past and future (Heb 11-12) Prov 3:11-12

What are hearts truly hunger for is the freedom in Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, that delights our neighbor in love (Galatians 5). Joyful is the person who finds wisdom and then gains understanding (Pilgrim's Progress). This is the win-win of long life and riches and honor, personified as a guide we can embrace tightly. Prov 3:13-18

By wisdom the LORD founded the earth and by understanding created the heavens, his knowledge is rushing stream of living water and gentle dew beneath the night sky. Prov 3:19-20

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Practical knowledge, everyday need of applied religion - don't be indifferent (Samson Judges 13-16)

I'm enjoying reflecting on my past and thinking about the future, looking for wisdom I'm reminded of this Rob Harbison study on Proverbs

Earlier this week I was listening to Bill Johnson, "Between ungrateful and grateful - indifference"

Indifferent gratitude is marked by a lack of investment.

• Treasure is where you're heart is 
• Buy that field 

Indifferent towards obedience will loose anointing (Samson) Judges 16:20, no clue God left him. 

• Didn't loose strength when hair cut but when he became indifferent. 
• I'm being casual with my vow of abstinence from sin? 
• Sometime we need "to know" but mostly we need a "NO!" 

Samson didn't lose his power when his hair was cut, he lost his power when he became indifferent. Sounds bold but is it true?

A) Miracle Baby: Samson was born by a promise into an oppressed society

• God's people doing evil, handed over to Philistine oppression for 40 years (Judges 13:1), Angel of LORD instructions + miracles + promises (Judges 13:2-7), Manoah believed, prayed "Yes LORD, give us more instruction" (8-25) God answered via Angel of God + wife + Samson + Spirit of the LORD
• Religious ideas: Careful/no alcoholic drink or forbidden food/dedicated to God, Nazirite (consecrated/separated Numbers 6:1-21) rescuer. Examples in Samuel, John the Baptist and Paul (Acts 18:18, 21:22-24)

B) Samson lives foolishly yet LORD's anointing is revealed in Power/Spirit and Thirsty-Prayer/Water

• Samson marries Philistine, parents object, LORD at work (kills lion, honey) 30 Philistine groomsmen (Judges 14:1-11)
• Samson riddle/bets 30 Philistines "one eats came something to eat, strong came sweet" 3 days (12-14)
• 4th day, "entice husband to explain or family dies", cries until 7th day explains riddle, Samson loses bet but kills others to pay debt, goes home - wife marries best man (15-20)
• Samson want wife, anger, catches 300 foxes and burns all the fields: wheat, vineyards olive groves (15:1-5)
• Philistines kill wife/father Samson vows revenge, killed many (6-8)
• Philistines retaliated against Judah, 3000 Judah conspire to turn Samson over (9-13)
• Philistines celebrate but Spirit of Lord on Samson, he kills 1000 with a bone, yet Samson boasts (14-17)
• Anointed ministry: Samson thirsty, cries to LORD, God caused water to gush, Samson judged 20 years Philistines dominated (18-20)
• Isn't this is what he's known for Judges 16:31, the 20 good years - Hebrews 11:32?

C) Samson falls into sin, love for Delilah and indifference to God ruins his life.

Life of Sin starts: Samson Philistine Gaza prostitute, sleeps till noon, plot to kill didn't work (16:1-3)

Unequally yoked marriage: Samson love Delilah, rules employ her to get secret (strength + capture) for 1100 silver pieces (4-6)

Relationship of deceit: Samson tells 3 lies (7 bowstrings, new, rope, 7 braids/fabric) that "make him weak as anyone" Delilah test them, tormented him nagging, sick to death (7-16)

• Lies, nagging, "sick to death"

Samson tells the truth "I was dedicated to God as Naririte from birth, shaved head strength leaves me" Delilah believes, lulled Samson to sleep... in this way she brought him down, his strength left him (17-19)

• Carries the name of God in vain (Indifferent to parents dedication, and God's call, 17)
• Strength left him while he was sleeping, his head in her lap, lulled to sleep (19)

...When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. (Judges 16:20)

Principle: 

Sin makes us unaware that the power of God has left us, leaving us deceived and unable to shake ourselves free.

Application: 

What sin do I tolerate and prepend not to know is wrong? Where deception have I embraced from the world, my flesh or the devil? Since Jesus paid for my sin, when will I come to him for cleansing, forgiveness and new heart that understands how to live in freedom. 

Philistines captured him, gouged his eyes, Gaza chains, forced labor, hair grows back (21-22)

3000 Philistines, drunk festival, praised their god bring Samson to amuse at pillar (2-27)

D) End of life Samson prays for personal revenge and death, yet is honored for the good years.

• Samson prayed, revenge for eyes, "let me die with Philistines", killed more in death than life (28-30)
• Samson buried with family, known for the good 20 years (Judges 16:31, Judges 15:18-20)

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith" because it lists many Old Testament figures who demonstrated faith in God despite their human imperfections and moral failures. Samson is mentioned in verse 32: 

"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets" (Hebrews 11:32, NIV). 

It's been said that the author of Hebrews highlights Samson's faith, despite his many personal failings recorded in the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16), because his final actions demonstrated a reliance on God's strength. His inclusion serves as a reminder that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes and that redemption is available to those who turn to Him in faith. 

We see in Hebrews 12 follows that God disciplines those he loves and we follow Jesus whose blood speaks forgiveness not revenge, allulia. 

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Worry is a dark thought that is cured with heavenly insight (Matthew 6:19-34)

 Matthew 6:19-7:29

Key verses: 

"Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body...the light you think you have..." Matthew 6:22-23

Key insights

• Desire for the kingdom of heaven, serving God, seeking the Kingdom of God above all else and living righteously dominate the thoughts of believers.
• You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. (Matthew 10:18)
• Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy....Prophecy turns unbelievers into believers (1 Corinthians 14:1-4,22-25
• Worry (negative desire) and complaining enslave unbelievers (Matthew 6:32)
• Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Cor 6:14
• unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. 1 Cor 5:10
• Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Cor 6:17

6:19-21) Store your treasures in heaven, not earth. Where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 

• Psalm 37:4) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
• Luke 12:34) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

22-23) Eye is a lamp that provides light for your body, healthy filled with light, unhealthy, filled with darkness. "light you think you have is actually darkness"

• Interesting metaphor eyes provide light and light is thought. 
• Reminds me that people take things personally and are offended, instead of seeing the offender as having a bad day.
• How am I praying for people? Forgive us as we forgive, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
• Dark thoughts are worry and complaining (Matthew 6:31-32)

24) Either serve God or be enslaved to money. Fork in the road, hate/love, devoted/despise

25-27) Don't worry about everyday life (food, clothes), look at the birds (don't plant, harvest, store/barns)

• Worry is a dark thought, the cure is to look with new questions
• Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
•  Look at the birds with the light of God: your heavenly Father feeds them
• And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 
• Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
• 28-30) And why worry about your clothing?
• Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. they don't make clothing, yet dressed more beautifully than Solomon
• God cares for them, certainly will care for you
• Why do you have so little faith?

31-33) Don't worry with complaining words about food and clothes

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Ned's Atomic Dust Din opened for Jesus Jones in 1991, it was a wonderful show and the first time I heard Grey Cell Green and the confusing line 

"When your 'Dis zay high eerrr',

it has been found

you'll be running far away"

then it clicked 'Dis zay high eerrr, Desire!'

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Peace, serenity is the good soil where wisdom can grow

 Daniel 4:27, “‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’

• He like many of don't listen and experience Terror the absence of God's grace in our lives
• LORD says... "I have removed my protection and peace from them. I have taken away my unfailing love and my mercy." Jer 16:5

I've been seeing the importance of personal holiness. To have integrity with the Lord. Yesterday at SALT and Light Today we read Matthew 5:3-11 after I searched Be Holy and purchased Top 7 classics on Holiness. Verse 8 jumped at me, "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God."

• you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8)

Purity Described: "Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen." - Heb 13:20-21

God grant me the serenity (Peace), to accept the things I can't change (your will, your way, your people), the courage (power) to change the things I can (witness your work in me) - and the wisdom to know the difference.

• When we take God's word (seed) in our heart it produces everything when it grows up, but it only grows up in good soil. I need to pay attention, how I listen. I need to ask God for wisdom and cultivate the Spirit's work in my heart, like the wise virgins. 
• Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Rev 22:14

Step 6 (Repent): So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)

Step 7 (Follow): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)

Enjoying Bill Johnson teaching

Reasons Why You Might Struggle to Hear God’s Voice

How a Lack of Wisdom Will Hold You Hostage

He Enables What He Commands

When we trust God with our whole lives, he gives us heavenly peace no matter what our circumstance.

"Peace from God our Father...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace... And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Rom 1:7, Col 3:15,Rom 8:6, Phil 4:7"

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The mind trained by Faith, the ascended life (James 3:13-18)

Listening to The Mind Trained by Faith - Bill Johnson

The mind is worth renewing (Romans 12:1-3), the un-renewed mind is hostile toward God (Romans 8:7). Your mind is independent, your free will/choice is protected so that God can illustrate bringing heaven to earth (Matthew 6:10). To hear what the Father is saying, do what you see him doing, as Jesus did (John 3:11-13; 5:19; 8:18, 26-29) and said we will do (John 14:12-14). The yielded imagination, becomes the sanctified imagination. A sanctified imagination is positioned for visions and dreams (Joel 2:28), postured to hear from God (Psalms 27:8). The renewed mind is the target of the Lord, every day of our lives (Romans 12-15). We can see clearly, God before us like a pillar of fire (God precedes all who follow his way). Faith comes from the heart (Romans 10:10), not the mind. But the renewed mind creates a context for faith, like the banks of a river create a context for the river flowing (Proverbs 21:1). The centurion understood the ways of God and Jesus called it faith (Matthew 8:5-13). Faith will demonstrate itself in kingdom understanding. Faith comes from surrender not striving. Faith is the product of yielding to the Spirit of God, the Word of God and the experiences he lead us into, to think and see differently. Be faith we understand (Heb 11:3). 

• The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind [of/set to/governed by] the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8
• In view of God's mercy, give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
• Jesus was radiant when he was transfigured before them (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2–3, Luke 9:28–36), his clothes like lightening. 
• ...Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Enemies of the renewed mind, disengage us from God, disguised as virtuous ideas but they don't result in peace and righteousness. 

James 3:13-18 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (bait of Satan is offense). For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

Jesus’s heavenly authority: John 3:11-13; 5:19; 8:18, 26-29

• Jesus came from heaven, tells us, he sees what the Father is doing, "Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.", Jesus is one witness, his Father who sent him is the other. 
• So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”

Joel 2:28 fulfilled 

• Luke 1:67 Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
• John 7:39 He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
• Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
• Hebrews 1:1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
• Numbers 11:17  And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.

Jesus transfigured with Moses, Elijah witnessed by Peter, James and John (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:2–3, Luke 9:28–36)

The renewed mind is brilliant, seeing God and able to prove the will of God: Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. We prove the will of God, heaven on earth. We see God's purposes, the greater reality (eternal), and impact the temporal (here and now). 

Illustration, a painting is found and it's signed "Van Gogh" - so you take it an expert to see if it's really from him, he's studied the life of artist, subject mater, style, brush strokes, medium/oils, colors, every bit of his personality in his painting. Carbon test on the canvas, after weeks - it's determined this is an authentic Van Gogh. A piece of art that may have been worth 100 dollars in now worth 100 million. The point is after thorough examination, it's proved (Romans 12:1-3 "Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.").  

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Wisdom comes from being sensitive to God's character (Jer 10)

 Jer 10-12

key verse

"The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered." Jer 10:21

AIM: We need the living God who created everything to give us wisdom

A) People look passed God at stars, or look at what they hold

10:1-5) LORD, "Don't read into stars, predictions, idol makers, like scarecrows"

6-7) No one like LORD, king of nations, holy, wise

8-9) idol worshipers foolish, expensive dolls

B) God is everything we need and available right now

10) LORD is only true, living God, everlasting King

11-16) LORD is Creator, power, preserves by wisdom, understanding, causes weather, destroys idols

17-22) siege, trouble, driven out, My wound-grief, unbearable, children gone, shepherds senseless, no longer seek wisdom from LORD, fail completely, destroyed

• Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on Him while He is near. Forsake your wicked way, your unrighteous thoughts, return to the LORD - My thoughts, not your thoughts, my way, not your way (Isaiah 55:6-8). 
• He desires truth in our inmost being and teaches wisdom there (Psalm 51:6). The LORD gives wisdom, His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me (Proverbs 8:17). 
• Perseverance, maturity and completeness. God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith, Ask God for wisdom (James 1:4-6). Give me an "understanding heart to judge and discern between good and evil, govern Your people (1 Kings 3:9).
• Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In all your ways acknowledge Him, He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). 
• Desire wisdom with all of your heart (Proverbs 2:3-5 ). Study and learn God's Word (Psalm 19:7 ). The more you devote yourself to God's Holy Word, the more you open yourself up to the greatest wisdom in the universe.

23-25) Our lives not our own, I submit to your will, correct me gently, let your wrath be on those who refuse to acknowledge you, don't call on your name, removed people making land desolate

• Refuse to acknowledge: Pride, worldview that dismisses miracles (i.e. science, variation "we don't understand")
• God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). If it were not for God’s grace, we would be given over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. He does this for those who continually reject Him (Romans 1:24-32)
• Six theological flaws (God and ourselves)
  
• Analogies of what the Bible is
  
• Diagnostics of a depraved psychology and consequences (Romans 1:18-32)
  

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Sanctification connects repentance, restoration, and service to God (Jer 15:19)

"Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'"   Jeremiah 15:19

We must be careful to repent and stay close to the Lord. 

 - "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:9-10

 -"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Heb 11:3) ..He will not let you stumble (Jude 24-25).. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." Psalm 121:2-3,7-8

 - "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands...You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God (towns, field, children, crop, offspring, flock, fruit, bread). Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed" Deuteronomy 28:1-6

Restoration is like sharpening a dull knife, so that it functions properly. We trust our lives in God's hands. 

Only restored people can serve God. We do this by placing our lives in his hands (Romans 12). Service to God is revealed when we offer the best he's given to us back to him with an attitude of rejoicing for all he's accomplished. We received power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and we are witness to His work through out the world (Acts 1:8).

Let the word of Christ dwell within you...(Col 3:16)

Don't turn to people (Psalm 1), let them turn to you (Matthew 5:16)

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Working for the Lord who gives strength and wisdom to do what is right

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24

• And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17
• ...be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  -2 Timothy 2:1-4

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. - Deuteronomy 8:18

• “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. - Matthew 6:24   
• But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - 1 Timothy 5:8

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

• Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. - Psalm 127:1

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just... Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap - Proverbs 21:1-6

 Proverbs 21:25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.

Lately I've had many desires but found myself caught up in a pattern of spinning. Always learning but not taking the next action necessary for success. With the Lord's help I'll take action, schedule the meetings, have the conversations and follow through on commitments. 

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Free will is characterized by wisdom and response-ability

We all suffer from a "sincere delusion," meaning we make up our minds about what's true and possible. We lock into a personal state of mind, a personality. Over the years, I've developed a personal reality that every day is a gift, new and full of possibility and promise. Today is the best day ever, and I'm excited to see, hear and experience everything about it.  

• Prepared: My quiet time with the Lord is fresh, and I learn something new. I'm pruned, cleansed, fed, and ready to go where he sends me. I'm like a sponge that's been soaked in fresh water and can be carried a little distance to be squeezed into a dry container of another who is wilted. 
• Positioned: I answer calls with a genuine attitude of "how can I help you." 
• Skippy: I have a "pep-in-my-step," my heart sings, "I-love-you" to my Lord, my wife, and my life. If Kim hears me, she'll reply, "I-love-you-too."
• Flowing: The routine chores bring joy; I'm privileged to see and know the following action to take. 
• Bright: I feel "on," and I want others to know that I care; by the fruit of my life. What I produce in the people around me, what you can see in me.

You could say my "Sincere delusion" stems from a high level of security. Yet, I can be honest when I'm not feeling well. This week my friend Frank  died suddenly I had a big test coming up that was difficult, and several family responsibilities kept me from proper studying and preparation. I have mounting pressures at work and big hopes for the future. 

In Chapter 3 of the Serenity Principle (Thought the creator of our Universe), there is a great picture;

Our consciousness views external events through our personalized thought system (brain). Inside our personal filter is "belief, memories, concepts, and ideas." As we look at the outside world, our brain starts to create things about it through "perception, emotional response, behavior or action, the reaction of others or changes in the situation." These reinforce our beliefs and are stored as memories and become personal biases (concepts), yet they also have the power to bring new ideas. 

William James once said: "Genius...means little more than the faculty of perceiving in an unhabitual way."

Have you ever had a "serious" problem that had you so worried, confused, and full of negative emotions that you couldn't figure it out? After getting away from your problem-perhaps through a good night's sleep or a visit with a close friend - suddenly you had an insight. the solution seemed obvious. This is an example of wisdom at work. 

Paradoxically, when we momentarily forget our problems or release our grip on negative thinking, our view shifts to a higher, more objective perspective. Consider this analogy: if you focus on the smashed bug on the windshield of your car, you will definitely miss the scenery and likely have an accident. Wisdom is like looking through the windshield, not at it.

When people are attached to their thinking, they seldom have insights. Instead, they get bogged down in their problems, unable to tap their wisdom. Insights occur when the mind is quiet, not busy. 

Wisdom is a state of mind. We can't try to be wise - we already are, naturally. When we are in this state, we see life objectively and learn more quickly, without the interference of insecurity. We readily love and share intimacy with others. We communicate easily because we listen to others and to our hearts instead of depending upon a set of beliefs. 

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Serenity is a prerequisite to the state of mind known as wisdom. - Joseph Bailey

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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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The sower and soils explained in parable of talents (Matthew 13:12, 25:29)

Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. -  Matthew 13:12

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. - Matthew 25:29

Consistent with Luke:

Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." - Luke 8:18

Master,' they said, 'he already has ten!' He replied, ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given more; but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. - Luke 19:25-27

Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14), makes me want to continue from 14-19.

I met John Bevere years ago at Ameriprise, SALT before I went to Myanmar for the first time, he taught us about multiplication = good and faithful while maintaining = wicked and lazy. 

What needs to change in my heart, regarding my view of God and what he’s entrusted to me?

What does knowing “good and faithful” = multiplication mean for my current ministry?

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Coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected, so be wise and faithful (Matthew 24:36-51)

AIM: Like days of Noah, most will be swept away and destroyed. 

Matthew 24:36-51

 A) Coming of the son of man will be visible, fearful, and unexpected (Matthew 24:27,30,37,39)

36-37) Father knows the time, like days of Noah, so will be at coming of Son of Man

 - 38-39) eating, drinking, marrying until Noah entered the ark, flood took all away

 - 40-41) of two, one taken the other left

B) Fit for service or damnation, binary options when the Son of Man comes

42-44) Keep watch, be ready like an owner protecting his house, Son of Man will come unexpectedly

45-46) Faithful and wise servant, the master gave charge of servants in his household, should be "on the clock" 

 - 47) truly fit for eternal service

 - 48-49) not avoidance of work, neglect, abuse, and drunkenness. 

 - 50-51) master comes unexpectantly, destroys the unfaithful/unwise and "assign him a place with the hypocrites", there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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Parables, truth for the receptive and faithful (Matthew 13:12, 21:28-22:14, 25:29)

BSF notes for lesson 22 had this big statement: "Parables are practical stories that illustrate truth for the receptive." The notes back up this claim with Matthew 13:10-17 which brought me to explore verse 12 "Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Mark 4 and Luke 8 also have the parable of the sower/soils as the foundational parable of Jesus. 

 - this is a good definition for faith, we receive faith as a gift (Eph 2:8-9), we walk into faithfulness doing what we believe is true (Eph 2:10). We experience the abundance that is more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

I recalled the statement as "...even what they think they have will be taken from them." So I dug into Matt 13:12 and found the reference to Luke 8:18, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them."

 - most of the time when we are in error, we don't think we are in error. Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)

 - receptive = listeners who consider carefully. 

Jesus gives us a few more of these "whoever has will be given more"

 - Parable of Talents, Money and the gospel, Can imperfect people please the perfect God?

Matthew 25:29: For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 

 - Rags to Riches, how the Holy Spirit changes us everyday

Luke 19:26: He replied, 'I tell you that everyone who has will be given more; but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

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It's wise to understand our unconscious bias (Proverbs 24:23)

People sometimes avoid popular psychology and training. For instance "unconscious bias" has been a focus for many at work to help people realize the preference towards hiring and promoting people who look, talk and act like ourselves. More importantly, unconscious biases are happening outside our own conscious awareness and show up as "isms" - racism, sexism, agism. They develop as we start seeing what we look for as "confirmation bias" and people behave as expected "conformity bias." I came across Proverbs 24:23 the other day and did a double-take. It says,

"Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism (partiality) when passing judgment."

Partiality is unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism. Another word is prejudice or partisanship. 

This is repeated in other scriptures;

• To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread - Proverbs 28:21
• Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. - Proverbs 18:5

Wisdom observes, understands the lovingkindness of the Lord - Psalm 107:43

• Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you. Proverbs 11:17
• Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 1 Corinthians 13:4 

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. - Hosea 14:9

 - This verse came to me days ago and I recognized it as being important for me in God's desire for us is salvation in relationship with him (Hosea 13-14)

Thanksgiving and recognition of God's loving-kindness is the root of all healing (Psalm 118:1-4).  

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God's patience displayed in Israel's folly and Judah's obedience (Hosea 11)

Key verse: For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. (Hosea 11:7)

Patience: "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset."

God's Patience: determination under long-suffering to show compassion, mercy, and grace

 - Long-suffering: "having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

 Hosea 11

11:1-3) Israel young (first 600 years), God loved, called to repentance/obedience, yet idolatry - healed them

4) Led them gently cords of kindness, love to guide them, lifting/easing the yoke of the law, feeding them

 - Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke (the law of love) upon you, and learn from me. 

 - I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15),  So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

5-6) My people refuse repentance, war, enemies, trapped in own evil plans/counsels

7) My people, determined/bent on turning away from Most High, but don't truly honor him

 - Our determination matters and honor is shown in behavior. Determined: "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it."

 - Application: When learning from God, being led by the Holy Spirit, and shown what is sin, righteousness, and judgment. Have I decided to follow Jesus or continue in my sin?

8-11) God's reaction: "My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows." not violence/hatred. Hope that "someday the people will follow me", "like doves...I will bring them home again" says the LORD

12) Israel surrounds me with lies/deceit but Judah still obeys God and is faithful to the Holy One

 - Intriguing variation in human experience, to choose or not to choose?

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Lamps with Joyful oil (Matthew 25:4, Psalm 45:7)

Reading Matt 22:44-25:46, explaining the Messiah is the Son of Man, yet Lord. Was struck by the phrase "Lord, Lord..."  and "I never knew you" (Matt 7:21-24, 22:44,25:11)

 Matthew 25:4, Psalm 45:7

The Lamp of faith is to hold oil and be used. 

Joyful oil in the work: Matthew 7:24 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Joyful oil in the Spirit, a song in my heart: Psalm 45:7-8 - You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad

 - Joyful oil in the lamp for righteousness: Matthew 7:23 - And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.

What does it mean to "regard iniquity in my heart"? It means to keep a sin in one's heart, being unwilling to part with it. Such a person knows something is a sin, yet he continues to cherish it. It is not only a weakness in conduct or appearance but also a craving in the heart. (Sin must be confessed and forsaken, Proverbs 28:13) You must tell the Lord, "I have regarded a sin in my heart. I cannot give it up. I ask You to forgive me. I want to forsake this sin. Please deliver me from this sin. Do not let this sin remain in me. I do not want it. I want to reject it." If you confess to the Lord this way, the Lord will forgive; you will receive forgiveness (and faith, grace and mercy to follow through).

Pulpit Commentary:

...The contrast between the two classes seems to lie in the foresight of the one and the negligent carelessness of the other. It has been common from early times to find in the lamps the symbol of faith, in the oil the good works that proceed therefrom. The wise virgins exercise their faith in charity and good works; the foolish profess, indeed, the faith of Christ but carry it not out to the production of the good works in which God ordained that they should walk (Ephesians 2:10) ...the right solution is to be found in regarding the oil as symbolical of the Holy Spirit, or the graces of God. This is a truly scriptural notion, as declared by the use of this substance in holy rites. Accepting this view, we should say that the ten virgins had so far alike taken and used the grace of God, but that they differed in this - that, while the wise maintained the supply of grace by constant recourse to the means thereof, the foolish were satisfied with their spiritual state once for all, and took no pains to keep their spiritual life healthful and active by the renewal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They retained the outward show and form of faith, but neglected the true inward life of faith; they had the appearance without the reality.

In reading this I see two paths, marked by words. One path branches out into "life in the fullest" and the other leads only to hell. Words leading to hell are ignorance, foolishness, neglect... the other knowing Jesus, wisdom, care. The Life in the fullest branches creates a strong mesh, fabric - new clothes. Clothes that fit perfectly, the right clothes for the job, joy with humility. The path that leads to hell leaves us is inappropriately dressed, embarrassed, and shameful.  

Proverbs 11:12 : When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 

1 Peter 5:5 : Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Thank you lord for my time on the Alpha board. For Brittany, Pete, Joe and Peggy, Matt and Lindsey, Adam, and Brandi. For those who came before us and those who will come after us. May God's grace continue to reach more and more as we distribute his grace in various forms. Amen. 

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God's point in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:2, Rom 12:1-3)

Main Truth: Abraham experienced God's work in his life and therefore trusted him with everything he had

Penny has a difficult time with this passage and I recall wishing I had more information about it so I could help build understanding. Today I have the opportunity to create a 3-minute talk on the reason God asked Abraham to "Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. (Gen 22:2)" As God would have it, I'm going to see Penny this Friday.

Here's the setup, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. We've spent the last few months getting to know God's relationship with Abraham - from the Call in Gen 12 where we see how faith leads to regeneration. In Gen 13-14, Abraham demonstrated living by faith. Gen 13:3-4) between Bethel and Ai, the altar (Gen 12:7) he called on the name of Lord. - Calling on the name of the Lord is central to our faith (Gen 4:26, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21)

 - Wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord and sacrifice (altar) are linked (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2) leading us to honest humility (Romans 12:3).

Remember when we got to Gen 15:6, one of the most important verses in all Scripture "Abram believed the Lord, and HE (the LORD) credited it to him (Abram) as righteousness." But what did Abram believe? In Genesis 15, God gave His promises to Abram. Abram’s belief, his faith in what God had promised, was the basis upon which God declared him righteous – justified. (Rev 12:11 blood of the lamb, word of testimony). 

Yet life is complicated, Gen 16) Ishamel born, 17) Circumcision, 18) Sodom destroyed, God's wrath + mercy displayed, Gen 20, Abraham lies yet Issac is born and Abraham makes a commitment, it's like waiting to be baptized and after baptism comes the big test brought on by God himself. 

Abraham experienced God's work in his life and therefore trusted him with everything he had. He reasoned "God himself will provide" and when he did, called the place "The LORD Will Provide" (Gen 22:8,13-14). Abraham's faith led to complete obedience and God explains nothing withheld is what that looks like. Notice Abraham being completely obedient didn't mean he lost everything, rather he gained everything and more. The blessing of all of us. This is the big truth for us from Romans 12:1-3), today in view of God's mercy OFFER yourselves as a living sacrifice, COMPLETELY. Transformed, renewed, and able to taste and see God's will.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

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Abram demonstrates living by faith, Lot and Sodom a lifestyle of disaster (Gen 13-14)

Gen 13-14

Main Truth: Living with God brings true blessing, freedom, and friendship

A) Abram stays with God while Lot separates to Sodom (Gen 13)

13:1-4) wealthy Abram, moves from Egypt to Negev

3-4) between Bethel and Ai, the altar (Gen 12:7) he called on the name of Lord.

 - Calling on the name of the Lord is central to our faith (Gen 4:26, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21)

 - Wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord and sacrifice (altar) are linked (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2) leading us to honest humility (Romans 12:3)

5-7) wealthy Lot's herdsmen quarrel - land can't support them w/ Canaanites and Perizzites

8-9) Abram to Lot, don't quarrel, separate you choose

 - Wisdom and grace from calling on the name of the Lord (James 1:5, 3:17; Proverbs 3:13-18)

10-13) Abram Canann, Lot well-watered land east of Jordan, near Sodom - wicked, sinning people

14-17) Lord said Abram everything seen for your offspring, uncountable, so walk the land

18) Abram near great trees of Mamre, Hebron built altar to Lord

• What do Abram’s and Lot’s actions tell you about what they loved most?

• In what situation could you set aside selfish demands and respond with God’s grace?

Principle: God’s grace in us blesses others.

B) Abram rescues Lot defeating vast armies with few men (Genesis 14:1-16)

14:1-4) four kings war with Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah + three others, 12 years subjects of Elam - 13th year rebelled. 

5-7) 14th year Elam's king defeated them conquered whole territory Amalekites, Amorites

8-12) In the battle King's of Sodom, Gomorrah fled, winners carried away food, possessions including Lot (who lived in Sodom). 

13-16) Escaped man told Abram the Hebrew, took 318 men pursued, attacked at night recovered everything and brought Lot back

C) Melchizedek and Abram give glory to God for victory (Gen 17-24) 

17-21) King of Sodom offers good in exchange for people and Melchizedek king of Salem bread, wine, blessing, and praise to God

 - Abram gives Melchizedek 1/10 of everything (Heb 7:4)

 - Tithe, what God gives return 1/10 (Gen 28:22) All from the land is God's (Lev 27:30-32), annual tithe (Deut 14:22) but every third year give it the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, widow (Deut 26:12)

 - Justice and love of  God must be first, yet don't neglect the tithe (Luke 11:42; Malachi 3:10)

22-24) to King of Sodom, I've sworn oath to LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, I won't accept anything belonging to you. You can never say I made Abram rich, let others have share.

• How do you see God’s grace at work through Abram to do good for many?

• How is God equipping you for spiritual battle in your life and others’ lives?

Principle: God’s grace equips us for spiritual victory.

Read Genesis 14:17-24.

Abram meets with Melchizedek and Sodom’s king.

• In what ways does the Bible say Melchizedek anticipates the person of Jesus Christ?

• How have you seen God’s grace (undeserved favor) in your life this week?

Principle: By God’s grace, Jesus is our priest and King.

Review Genesis 13-14.

• What from this week’s lesson is most impactful to you?

Main truth: The right response to God’s grace is thanksgiving and worship.

Scripture Memory Verse

“Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” – Genesis 13:17

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Devilish doubt and shortsightedness brings sin and death into the world (Genesis 3)

A) The serpent brings doubt about God to Eve (Genesis 3:1-5)

•  - God put Adam in a beautiful garden to work and care under freedom and a protective rule don't eat from the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat you will surely die. (Genesis 2:15-17)
• Principle: taking the action brings the consequence.
•  - Not wanting to come under the authority of God's word. Wanting to be equal to God (be like God). Pride in a desire to rule. Serpent refutes God's integrity ("you won't die).
• Sin takes hold when we doubt God's word and goodness. Jesus was tempted but knew God's word and stood firm in his knowledge (Matthew 4). We know Jesus suffered but didn't sin (Heb 1-2).
• 11 tactics the devil uses to keep people from God
  
• Letting doubt about God take root, enables us to "devalue our relationship with God." BSF Notes. I need to see life from God's view and start a relationship with God today. When we see our value in God's eyes our lives change (Psalm 139)

B) Woman sees good nourishment, desires wisdom - so they ate and eyes were opened - naked and ashamed (Gen 3:6-7)

•  - She should have just asked God for wisdom (James 1:5), receiving pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and GOOD FRUITS, impartial and sincere (James 3:17)
•  - Finding wisdom, getting understanding gains and profits favor, nothing you DESIRE compares with wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-18). Long life, great riches and honor.
•  - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7)
•  - LOOK carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use fo the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the LORD is.  (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2)
• Thank you, God for showing me my heart and sinful roots within me. Help me to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that I can pray, love each other deeply... let you're will be done within me. 
• Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Heb 5:14)

Barrier against temptations God's Judgement, and God's goodness (James 1:13-18)

C) Original sin is evidenced by our natural desire to hide our true selves and blame others (Gen 8-13)

8-10) Adam and Eve hide, God asks "Where are you?", "Hiding, naked and afraid"

11-13) God asks, "Who told you that you were naked? Did you disobey?", "It's the woman you gave me", "Serpent deceived me"

D) God promises bring blessings and curses, revealing his good character

14-15) God cursed the serpent to crawl on belly, her offspring will strike your head

 - He washed their feet and opened their minds:  - Romans 16:20, The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 1 Cor 15:25, For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.(1 cor 15:27, eph 1:22, heb 2:8)

16) God to woman, pain in pregnancy/birth - desire control, but husband rules

17-18) God to man, cursed is the ground because of you, life; a struggle to live, thorns/thistles, grain

19) Sweat to eat, dust you were made, until dust you will return.

20-21) Adam named wife Eve, she's the mother of all who live, God sacrificed animal made clothes for them

 - Rags to Riches, how the Holy Spirit changes us everyday

22-24) God said "human beings have become like us" banished from the garden, flaming sword back and forth guards the way to the tree of life

Principle: Eternal death is only for those who refuse of Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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