Submit to God; Resist the devil...
James 4:1-11
"{1} From whence come wars and fightings among you?
come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
{2} Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have,
and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not,
because ye ask not. {3} Ye ask, and receive not,
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
{4} Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the
friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. {5} Do ye
think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that
dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? {6} But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth
grace unto the humble.
{7}
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you. {8} Draw nigh to God, and he
will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double minded. {9} Be afflicted,
and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning,
and your joy to heaviness.
{10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he
shall lift you up. {11} Speak not evil one of another,
brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and
judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and
judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not
a doer of the law, but a judge."
(James 4:1-11 KJV)
Reckon yourselves to be dead to sin...
Romans 6:6-18
"{6}Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth
we should not serve sin. {7} For he that is dead is freed
from sin. {8} Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that
we shall also live with him: {9} Knowing that Christ being
raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more
dominion over him.
{10} For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that
he liveth, he liveth unto God. {11}
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. {12} Let not
sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey
it in the lusts thereof. {13} Neither yield ye your members
as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield
yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
{14} For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are
not under the law, but under grace. {15} What then? shall
we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid. {16}
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience
unto righteousness?
{17} But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which
was delivered you. {18} Being then made free from sin,
ye became the servants of righteousness."
(Rom 6:6-18 KJV)
Fight the Good Fight of Faith
1 Timothy 6:5-14
"{5} Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute
of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself. {6} But godliness with contentment is
great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain we can carry nothing out. {8} And having
food and raiment let us be therewith content. {9} But they
that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition.
{10} For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
{11} But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness.
{12}
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed
a good profession before many witnesses. {13} I give thee
charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things,
and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate
witnessed a good confession; {14} That thou keep this
commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the
appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
(1 Tim 6:5-14 KJV)
Mortify... Put off...
Colossians 3:1-10;
Romans 8:1-17;
1 Peter 4:1-4
"{1} If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
{2}
Set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
{3} For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
{4} When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also
appear with him in glory.
{5}
Mortify
therefore your members [subdue your bodies] which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,
and covetousness [greed], which is idolatry: {6} For which things' sake
the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
{7} In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
{8}
But
now ye also put off all these;
anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. {9} Lie not
one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with
his deeds; {10} And have put on the new man, which is renewed
in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"
(Col_3:1-10 KJV)
"{16} Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane,
and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here,
while I go and pray yonder. {37} And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. {38} Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. {39} And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. {40} And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? {41} Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. {42} He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. {43} And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. {44} And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. {45} Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
(Mat 26:36-45 KJV)
"{1} There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. {2} For the law of the Spirit of
life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
sin and death. {3} For what the law could not do, in that
it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son
in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned
sin in the flesh: {4} That the righteousness of the law
might be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.
{5} For they that are after the flesh do mind the things
of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the
things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
{7} Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:
for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
{8} So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
{9} But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have
not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. {10}
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
{11} But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus
from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ
from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by
his Spirit that dwelleth in you. {12} Therefore, brethren,
we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
{13} For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live.
[ Put to death carnal passions through self denial.]
{14} For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. {15} For ye have
not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father. {16} The Spirit itself beareth witness with
our spirit, that we are the children of God: {17}
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may
be also glorified together."
(Rom 8:1-17 KJV)
"{2} But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when
I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to
be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked
according to the flesh. {3}
For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war after the flesh: {4} (For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) {5} Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ; {6} And having in a readiness to
revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
(2_Cor_10:2-6_KJV)
"{1} Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:
for he that
hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; {2} That
he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh
to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. {3} For the
time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the
will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness,
lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and
abominable idolatries: {4} Wherein they think it strange
that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot,
speaking evil of you..."
(1 Pet 4:1-4 KJV)
"{21} From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples,
how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things
of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,
and be raised again the third day. {22} Then Peter took him,
and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord:
this shall not be unto thee. {23} But he turned, and said unto Peter,
Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me:
for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men.
{24} Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me. {25} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
{26} For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange
for his soul?
{27} For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father
with his angels; and then he shall reward every man
according to his works."
(Mat_16:21-27_KJV)
"{23} And he said to them all,
If any
man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
(Luke 9:23 KJV)
Walk in the Spirit, not in the Flesh
Galatians 5:13-26,
6:1-2
"{13} For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not
liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one
another. {14} For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even
in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
{15} But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye
be not consumed one of another. {16} This I say then,
Walk in
the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
{17} For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other:
so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
{18} But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
{19} Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, {20} Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, {21} Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and
such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God.
{22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law. {24} And they that are Christ's have crucified
the flesh with the affections and lusts. {25} If we live in the
Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. {26} Let us not be desirous
of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
"{1}
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted. {2} Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfil the law of Christ."
(Gal 5:13-26,
6:1-2_KJV)
Put on the Whole Armour of God
Ephesians 6:10-20
"{6}
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might. {11}
Put on the
whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
{13} Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand. {14} Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness; {15} And your
feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
{16} Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
{17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God: {18} Praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints; {19} And for me, that utterance may be given unto me,
that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of
the gospel, {20} For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that
therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
(Eph_6:10-20_KJV)
"{8} Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. {9}
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out,
fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the
hill with the rod of God in mine hand. {10}
So Joshua did as
Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses,
Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. {11}
And it
came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel
prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
{12} But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and
put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed
up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the
other side; and his hands were steady until the going down
of the sun. {13} And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people
with the edge of the sword."
(Exo_17:8-13_KJV)
"{26} I therefore so run, not as uncertainly;
so fight I,
not as one that beateth the air: {27}
But I
keep under my body,
and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I
have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
"{1} Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,
how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed
through the sea; {2} And were all baptized unto Moses in the
cloud and in the sea; {3} And did all eat the same spiritual
meat; {4} And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they
drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that
Rock was Christ.
"{5} But with many of them God was not well pleased:
for they were overthrown in the wilderness. {6}
Now these things were our examples, to the intent
we should not lust after evil things, as they also
lusted. {7} Neither be ye idolaters, as were some
of them; as it is written, The people sat down to
eat and drink, and rose up to play. {8} Neither
let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. {9}
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also
tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. {10}
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer.
{11} Now all these things happened unto them for
ensamples [examples]: and they are written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
{12} Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take
heed lest he fall. {13} There hath no temptation taken
you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful,
who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able;
but will with the temptation also make a way to
escape, that ye may be able to bear it. {14} Wherefore,
my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."
(1_Cor_9:26 -
10:14_KJV)
A Merry Heart...
Proverbs 15:12-15;
17:22
"A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go
unto the wise. {13}
A
merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:
but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. {14}
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:
but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. {15} All the
days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart
hath a continual feast."
(Prov_15:12-15 KJV)
"
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit
drieth the bones."
(Prov_17:22 KJV)
Whoever shall confess Me...
Luke 12:8-15
"{8} Also I say unto you,
Whosoever
shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man also
confess before the angels of God: {9} But he that denieth me
before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
{10} And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man,
it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth
against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
{11} And when they bring you unto the synagogues,
and unto magistrates, and powers,
take
ye no thought how or
what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
{12} For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye
ought to say.
{13} And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak
to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. {14}
And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider
over you? {15} And he said unto them,
Take heed, and beware of covetousness [greed]:
for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance
of the things which he possesseth."
(Luke 12:8-15 KJV)
To Humble thee, to Prove thee,
to Know what was in thine Heart...
Deuteronomy 8:1-20;
9:1-6
"{1} All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye
observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and
possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. {2}
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God
led thee these forty years in the wilderness,
to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart,
whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
{3}
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed
thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy
fathers know;
that he might make thee know that man doth not
live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of the LORD doth man live.
{4} Thy raiment waxed not
old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
{5} Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that,
as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
{6}
Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God,
to walk in his ways, and to fear him. {7} For the LORD thy God
bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of
fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; {8}
A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and
pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; {9} A land wherein
thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack
any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose
hills thou mayest dig brass.
{10} When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the
LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. {11}
Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping
his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which
I command thee this day: {12} Lest when thou hast eaten and art
full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; {13} And
when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy
gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
{14}
Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God,
which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the
house of bondage; {15} Who led thee through that great and
terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions,
and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth
water out of the rock of flint; {16} Who fed thee in the wilderness
with manna, which thy fathers knew not,
that he might humble thee,
and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;
{17} And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine
hand hath gotten me this wealth. {18} But thou shalt remember the
LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth,
that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers,
as it is this day.
{19} And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God,
and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I
testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
{20} As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face,
so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the
voice of the LORD your God."
(Deu_8:1-20 KJV)
"{1} Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in
to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great
and fenced up to heaven, {2} A people great and tall, the children
of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say,
Who can stand before the children of Anak!
{3} Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he
which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy
them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou
drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said
unto thee.
{4}
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God
hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness
the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the
wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from
before thee.
{5} Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine
heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness
of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before
thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto
thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. {6} Understand therefore,
that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess
it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people."
(Deu_9:1-6 KJV)
The Tongue
James 1:26;
3:3-13;
Proverbs 21:23-26;
23:19-22
"If any man among you seem to be religious,
and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's
religion is vain."
(James 1:26 KJV)
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend
not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle
the whole body. {3} Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths,
that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. {4}
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are
driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very
small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
{5}
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {6}
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue
among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth
on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. {7}
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of
things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
{8} But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of
deadly poison. {9} Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and
therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
{10}
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be. {11} Doth a fountain
send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? {12}
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine,
figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. {13}
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let
him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness
of wisdom.
(James 3:3-13 KJV)
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue
keepeth his soul from troubles.
{24} Proud and haughty scorner is his name,
who dealeth in proud wrath. {25} The desire of the
slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
{26} He coveteth greedily all the day long:
but the righteous giveth and spareth not."
(Prov_21:23-26_KJV)
"{19} Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide
thine heart in the way. {20} Be not among winebibbers;
among riotous eaters of flesh: {21}
For the drunkard
and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness
shall clothe a man with rags. {22} Hearken unto thy
father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother
when she is old."
(Prov_23:19-22_KJV)
The Blood
1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-2;
(1
Pet 1:18-19 KJV);
John 1:26-30;
{5}This then is the message which we have heard of him,
and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is
no darkness at all.
{6} If we say that we have fellowship
with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the
truth: {7} But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin.
{8} If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. {9} If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. {10} If we say that
we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
{1}My little children, these things write I unto you,
that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: {2} And he is
the propitiation [sacrifice] for our sins: and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world.
(1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-2 KJV)
"{3} For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:
and his commandments are not grievous.
{4} For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
{5} Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
{6}
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only,
but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,
because the Spirit is truth.
{7} For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
{8} And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water,
and the blood: and these three agree in one."
(1 John 5:3-8 KJV)
"{26} John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but
there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; {27}
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me,
whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. {28}
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where
John was baptizing.
{29}
The next day John seeth Jesus
coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world. {30}
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is
preferred before me: for he was before me."
(John 1:26-30 KJV)
"{18} Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with
corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; {19}
But with
the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot:"
(1
Pet 1:18-19 KJV)
Fasting and Prayer
Mat
17:16-21;
Mark 9:23-29
"{16} And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to
him, and saying, {15} Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic,
and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the
water. {16} And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could
not cure him. {17} Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and
perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I
suffer you? bring him hither to me. {18}
And
Jesus rebuked the devil;
and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
{19} Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we
cast him out? {20} And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:
for verily I say unto you,
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to
yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. {21} Howbeit this
kind goeth not out but by
prayer
and fasting."
(Mat 17:14-21 KJV)
"{23} Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe,
all things are possible to him that
believeth. {24}
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord,
I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
{25} When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he
rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him,
and enter no more into him. {26} And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him:
and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. {27} But Jesus took him by the hand,
and lifted him up; and he arose. {28} And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him
privately, Why could not we cast him out? {29} And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by
nothing, but by
prayer and fasting."
(Mark 9:23-29 KJV)
First You Must Forgive...
Mat. 18:21-35;
Mark 11:22-26;
Luke 17:3-6;
Mat 6:14-15;
"{21}
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother
sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? {22}
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times:
but, Until seventy times seven.
{23} Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
king, which would take account of his servants. {24} And when he
had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him
ten thousand talents. {25} But forasmuch as he had not to pay,
his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children,
and all that he had, and payment to be made. {26} The servant
therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have
patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {27}
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and
forgave him the debt.
{28} But the same servant went out, and
found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence:
and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying,
Pay me that thou owest. {29} And his fellowservant fell down at
his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me,
and I will pay thee all. {30} And he would not: but went and
cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. {31} So when
his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and
came and told unto their lord all that was done. {32} Then his
lord, after that he had called him, said unto him,
O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst
me: {33} Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy
fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? {34} And his lord was
wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay
all that was due unto him.
{35} So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if
ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses."
(Mat_18:21-35_KJV)
"{22} And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. {23}
For verily I say unto you,
That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be
thou cast into the sea;
and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;
he shall have whatsoever he saith. {24} Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
{25} And when ye stand praying,
forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your
trespasses. {26} But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive
your trespasses."
(Mark 11:22-26 KJV)
"{3} Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee,
rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him. {4}
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying,
I repent; thou shalt forgive him. {5} And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. {6} And the
Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked
up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."
(Luke 17:3-6 KJV)
"{14}
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: {15} But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
(Mat 6:14-15 KJV)
Importunity: Boldness
Luke 11:5-14;
Luke 18:1-8
"{5} And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend,
and shall go unto him
at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; {6} For a friend of
mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? {7} And
he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and
my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. {8} I say unto you,
Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend,
yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
{9} And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. {10} For every one that asketh receiveth;
and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. {11} If a son
shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish,
will he for a fish give him a serpent? {12} Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer
him a scorpion?
{13} If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? {14} And he
was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone
out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered."
(Luke 11:5-14 KJV)
PARABLE OF THE UNJUST JUDGE:
(a lesson taught by contrast)
"{1} And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
{2} Saying,
"There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
{3} And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
{4} And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
{5}
Yet
because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she weary me."
(Luke_18:1-8)
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{6} And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
{7}
And shall not God avenge his own elect,
which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
{8} I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh,
shall he find faith on the earth?"
(Luke 18:1-8 KJV)
In My Name
John_14:9-14;
Mat_18:18-20;
Mark_16:17-18;
John_14:23-27;
John_15:15-16;
John_16:23-27
"{9} Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen
me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then],
Shew us the Father?
{10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the
Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. {11} Believe me that
I am in the
Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works'
sake. {12}
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on me,
the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;
because I go unto my
Father. {13}
And whatsoever ye shall ask
in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son. {14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name,
I will do it."
(John 14:9-14 KJV)
"{18} Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {19} Again I say unto
you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching
any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
of my Father which is in heaven. {20} For where two or
three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in
the midst of them."
(Mat 18:18-20 KJV)
"{17} And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall
speak with new tongues; {18} They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
(Mark 16:17-18 KJV)
"{23} Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me,
he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we
will come unto him, and make our abode with him. {24} He
that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which
ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. {25} These
things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
{26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send
in my name, he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have
said unto you. {27} Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:23-27 KJV)
"{15} Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant
knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you
friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father
I have made known unto you. {16} Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should
go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should
remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father
in my name, he may give it you."
(John 15:15-16 KJV)
"And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
he will give it you. {24} Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my
name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
{25} These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the
time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs,
but I shall show you plainly of the Father. {26} At that day
ye shall ask
in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will
pray the Father for you: {27} For the Father himself loveth you,
because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out
from God."
(John 16:23-27 KJV)
Beware of False Prophets
Matthew 7:6-27;
Mat 18:5-11
"{6} Give not that which is holy unto the dogs,
neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under
their feet, and turn again and rend you.
{7}
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you: {8}
For every one that asketh
receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened. {9} Or what man is there of you,
whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? {10}
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? {11} If
ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your Father which is
in heaven give good things to them that ask him? {12}
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law
and the prophets.
{13} Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many
there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait is the
gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it.
{15}
Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they
are ravening wolves.
{16}
Ye shall know them by their
fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles? {17} Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. {18}
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can
a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. {19} Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the
fire. {20}
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
{21}
Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say
to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy
name
done many wonderful works [miracles]? {23}
And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me,
ye that work iniquity [you who live in sin].
{24} Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,
and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man,
which built his
house upon a rock: {25} And the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was
founded upon a rock. {26} And every one that heareth
these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be
likened unto a foolish man, which built his
house upon the sand: {27} And the rain descended, and the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and
it fell: and great was the fall of it."
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(Matthew 7:6-27 KJV)
"And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name
receiveth me.
{6} But whoso shall offend [scandalize, entice,
lead astray] one of these little
ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone
were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth
of the sea. {7} Woe unto the world because of offences! for it
must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom
the offence [the sin] cometh!
{8} Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend
thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee
to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or
two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. {9} And if thine eye
offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for
thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes
to be cast into hell fire. {10} Take heed that ye despise not one
of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their
angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
{11} For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
(Mat 18:5-11 KJV)
God Does Nothing...
...but in answer to Prayer!
"...God hardly gives his Spirit even to those whom he has established in
grace, if they do not pray for it on all occasions, not only once, but many times."
"God does
nothing but in answer to prayer; and even they who have been
converted to God without praying for it themselves, (which is exceeding rare,)
were not without the prayers of others. Every new victory which a soul gains is
the effect of a new prayer.
In the greatest temptations, a single look to Christ, and the barely pronouncing
his name, suffices to overcome the wicked one, so it be done with confidence
and calmness of spirit.
God's command to "pray without ceasing' is founded on the necessity we have
of his grace to preserve the life of God in the soul, which can no more subsist
one moment without it, than the body can without air.
Whether we think of; or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is
prayer, when we have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing
him."
(from The
Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley)
Besetting Sins...
Hebrews 12:1-2
"{1} Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses,
let
us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset [surround, entangle] us,
and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us, {2}
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God."
(Heb_12:1-2_KJV)
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"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience
the race that is set before us, {2} Looking unto Jesus the author
and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame..."
(Heb_12:1-2_KJV)
Am I a Soldier of The Cross?
Am I a soldier of the cross,
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over, We shall wear a crown!
Java:
Sample List of Strategies
When hungry, fill up on carrots, celery,
water melon, water.
