The Word of the Lord is Our Safeguard
The writer of Hebrews says,
“There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:13
- There is no truth that God needs to uncover.
- The Lord knows all things, already.
Where there is false accusation; just as Jesus did not speak in His own defence; for the purposes of Christ there are times when we are called to follow Christ’s example and do the same. Likewise, when we have sinned and repented from all sin and as far as it depends on us, have put things right with others –See Romans 12:18 – we do not need to speak in our own defence when the Lord has already done that for us. The Prophet Isaiah says, when speaking of Christ the Messiah,
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.”
Isaiah 53: 5-7
The Accuser of the Brethren has Been Cast Down
The book of Revelation in the Bible tells us, that Satan has gone out to deceive the world. In this same Scripture, Satan is described as the accuser of the brethren who came to accuse men before God day and night, but that because of the power of the Cross our accuser has been cast down.
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’”
Revelation 12:9 & 10
In times of accusation therefore, the word of the Lord is our safeguard, and the confession of our mouths before the throne of grace is our defence. There is something very powerful in the confession of our mouths, concerning the finished work of the Cross on our own or another’s behalf. When we have repented of our sins and God has freely forgiven us and set us free, Satan has no authority in which to bring any accusation against the Lord’s elect, because of the precious blood of the Lamb shed on our behalf on the Cross. Because of the finished work of the Cross, all lies of the enemy are silenced and all condemnation from the lips of men or Satan are nullified by the work of God’s grace. The Apostle John says,
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Revelation 12:11
Put Your Full Trust in the Finished Work of the Cross
The last part of verse 11, “they did not love their lives to the death,” means, that when we truly know we have repented and been forgiven by God, we can put to death any fleshly desire to defend ourselves before men and allow the work of the Cross to speak on our behalf instead. Despite all of our past and all the wrong things that we may ever have done, we are to continue to hold fast our confession of faith, that the work of the Cross has been made fully complete in our lives.
The simplicity of the Cross at Calvary will never change – its work was completed over 2,000 years ago and it remains complete today. The writer of Hebrews reminds us,
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14–16
We Come to Christ by Faith
It Is only through the finished work of the Cross that we can come to God through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. The Apostle Paul reminds us, that it is only God who can justify His elect. The Lord Jesus Christ takes His shed blood at Calvary on our behalf so seriously, that He continues to make intercession at the right hand of the Father in heaven, for all those who have believed in His Name. This is His rightful place of authority.
“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
Romans 8: 33 & 34
- There is something very powerful in our confession of the Cross.
- There is no other way we can come to God than through the power of the Cross!
- At the Cross, all things were made complete.
Restore One Another in Love
Let us look at Paul’s instruction when restoring one another in love.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:1 & 2
Strong’s Concordance describes being ‘overtaken’ as having been ‘forestalled’ (prevented or obstructed by taking an advanced action) or having been ‘taken by surprise’. A ‘trespass’ is similarly described as a ‘fall’ ‘fault’, ‘sin’, ‘misdeed’ or ‘offence.’ The Apostle Paul therefore, describes this act of grace, of restoring one another from these things, as the bearing of one another’s burdens, and that it is something we must do in order to fulfil the law of Christ. For elsewhere, Paul tells us, that it is in loving others that we are fulfilling the law. This is one way that we can do this well. Amen?
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8
Because of inherited sin and the fallen nature of mankind, all of us, at times, are overtaken; forestalled; or taken by surprise in a trespass or sin. Not one of us is exempt in this. That is why the Lord gave us the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse us from all sin. Therefore, we are not to partner with the spirit of Antichrist (meaning, opponent of Christ), by speaking words of false accusation or condemnation over others. When we hope to bring restoration to another, we are acting as a representative of Christ. Therefore we speak only those words that the Lord gives us to speak, doing only those things that He asks us to do, and we leave the rest up to God. God does not need us to go actively looking for faults in other people, but rather as the Apostle Paul instructed; we are to live a quiet life, minding our own business, working hard with our own hands.
“Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11
Partner with Christ in Lovingly Restoring Others
We partner with Christ in restoring all men from the works of condemnation and sin. We love one another then, when we restore one another, not in haste, but in pointing one another to the power of the Cross. For it is only the finished work of the Cross that can restore us and redeem us from all sin. In the book of Galatians therefore, the Apostle Paul warns, against those who try to entice others away from their freedom in Christ, by trying to enforce extra regulations or rules upon them, that were never given by God. He warns us, to be very wary of those, who through works of the flesh, try to bring others back under the law. The Apostle Paul asks those who have been enticed away from their freedom in Christ, “Who has bewitched you?” To ‘bewitch’ in this context means, ‘to Malign or fascinate by false representation.’ – See Strong’s Concordance.
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?”
Galatians 3:1
“For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
Galatians 2:21
“Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
Colossians 2:20 – 23
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
Galatians 5: 13 & 14
Examine Your Own Work First
We are not called to point finger at others, but to serve one another in love. When we point to the finished work of the Cross instead, we are loving others as ourselves, and will be known by all to be Christ’s disciples.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:3
When the Apostle Paul speaks to us of restoring each other, he specifically instructs us to do so in a spirit of meekness. Strong’s Concordance describes ‘meekness’ as ‘gentleness’ or ‘humility.’ Paul also warns us, to consider ourselves, lest we also be tempted to sin. ‘Considering ourselves,’ Strong’s describes as ‘marking’, ‘looking upon’ or ‘taking heed’ (paying careful attention) to ourselves. So, what is it that Paul believes we may be so easily tempted by, that we need to pay such careful attention? I believe Paul is warning of our temptation to the spirit of pride. Therefore he is specifically drawing our attention to the need to come in a spirit of humility in order to combat pride. In the very next verse, Paul says,
“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
Galatians 6:3
Let Every man Prove Himself Holy
The writer of Hebrews tells us of God’s requirement for each one of us to walk in holiness, saying,
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
In accordance with God’s requirement for holiness then, the Apostle Paul begins to set apart, the burden of restoring others, from the burden of proving or examining ourselves; which Paul calls bearing our own load. In Galatians, he continues,
“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.”
Galatians 6:4 & 5 KJV
Have a Discerning Heart
The word for ‘prove’ above, in the Greek is translated, ‘to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: allow, discern, examine, like, (ap-)prove, try.’ – Strong’s Concordance. Paul is telling us, that the examining, trying, discerning or proving of our own work first, is a burden or responsibility we must bear for ourselves. The Apostle John likewise warns us to test the spirits. This includes the spirit we ourselves are operating in; to make sure that it is of God.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.”
1 John 4:1-12
We must learn to discern the word of the Lord to our own hearts first, before we can give to another. Similarly, the Apostle Paul warns us, not to stand in a place of judgment over other people’s choices concerning doubtful and disputable things – See Romans 14:1-13. Not at all concerning those things that God’s word clearly describes as sin, but the doubtful and disputable things. These are the decisions that at times we must make for ourselves regarding our conduct before the Lord. Paul says about these things,
“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”
Romans 14:4 &5
Because it is the Lord who knows both our intentions and the motives of our hearts; it is He alone who is the judge of these things. He tells each one of us to be fully convinced in our own minds (that we are walking in righteousness according to the word of the Lord).
Discerning the Voice of the Lord
How do we stay within the safeguards of Godly humility? How do we avoid making ungodly comparisons or wrong judgments about others? Jesus warns us, that before we can help someone else, we need to first consider ourselves.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:1-5
Our physical eyes in Scripture, are often used as a symbol of our ability to see, perceive or understand things in the spiritual realm. The Lord said to the Prophet Isaiah, concerning the people of Israel, because of their disobedience,
“Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive. ‘Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.”
Isaiah 6:9 & 10
The Lord was preparing for Himself a holy remnant; holy seed. – See Isaiah 6:13. Therefore, when Jesus tells us to remove the plank from our own eye first, He is asking us to check our own motives, and to test the spirit that we are operating in; to make sure that it is from God. The Antichrist spirit attacks God’s people to bring confusion and to subvert the purposes of Christ. To even begin to understand our own situation or that of another, we must first learn to hear and discern the voice of the Lord; apart from the voice of all others! One of the most dangerous ‘voices’ we need to be on guard against, is that of our unregenerate inner man.
The Anointing of the Spirit of Truth
The Apostle John warns us, that in the last days, the Antichrist (or opponent of Christ the Messiah) will come – See 1 John 2:18 – 25. This counterfeit voice comes to separate the sheep from the Shepherd – who is Jesus Christ; and to draw them away from the Spirit of Life. John tells us, that to avoid this deception, we must refute this counterfeit spirit with the Spirit of truth. He explains, it is the anointing of the Holy Spirit within all followers of Jesus Christ, that teaches us the truth about all things.
“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”
1 john 2:26 & 27
We understand then, that as we abide in Him, it is the anointing of the Holy Spirit who teaches us the truth about all things. In Galatians, Paul continues,
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
Galatians 6:6 KJV
Stay Close to the Shepherd
The word ‘share’ used above, is translated ‘koinōnéō’ in the Greek, meaning, ‘to share with others (objectively or subjectively):—communicate, distribute, be partaker.’ Its Biblical usage is ‘to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner,’ or to ‘join oneself to an associate.‘ The writer of 1 John reminds us,
“Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:3 & 4
It is the Lord’s desire, therefore, that we share in all good things with Him, as we fellowship with Him and learn from Him. We share in His joy; we share in His peace; we share in His love; we share in His protection; we share in His presence; we share in His holiness and in His sanctification. When we have received Christ Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we are then taught by His Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth. We commune; fellowship; and become a partaker of His Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
The Holy Spirit teaches and guides us into all truth. He teaches us who we are in Christ Jesus. He reveals the power available to us through the Cross and the sanctification of His Holy Spirit. He reveals to us our own hearts and motives, and guides and leads us in every situation, including in what to say and do for those others He wants us to help. For how can we address the life of another, whom we do not yet understand? Again, Jesus tells us, that it is the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of truth; who will guide us into all truth.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”
John 16: 13-15
The Consequences of Sowing to our Flesh
There are often serious consequences when we do not wait to hear from the Spirit of truth. When we act out of our own presumption or understanding, or our own fleshly thoughts or desires, we begin sowing to our flesh. When we sow to our flesh, we will reap a fleshly result; and we can begin creating an atmosphere where the life of God cannot flourish; unless the Lord intervenes. King Solomon said,
“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
Psalm 127:1
The Apostle Paul also warns us,
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:7 & 8
The word of God also tells us, that no one can know the things of a man, except a man’s own spirit within him.
“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?”
1 Corinthians 2:11
Be Guided by My Hand Says the Lord
Therefore, how can we understand our own hearts or the hearts of others, unless God has clearly shown us? Or how can we know the mind of the Lord and the express purposes of His will, unless it is the Lord who guides our hand? God takes this work of restoration so seriously that it must be done the way He has planned. When we first wait to hear from God and then act as He has shown us, we sow to the Spirit. When we sow to the Spirit we reap everlasting life as a result. Again, the Apostle Paul says,
“But he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6: 8-10
Jesus gives us these very precious conditional promises:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 3-16
Can you pray for someone who needs Jesus Christ today?
