THE VITAL ROSS SMITH

THE VITAL                                                                                                                    ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES FROM THE AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

 

Philippians 1:10                                So that you may SURELY LEARN TO SENSE WHAT IS VITAL, (or, reach the proper and true conclusion  …  comments mine) and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. (This is vital, both for our own preservation and the preservation of others)

“SURELY LEARN” is translated in the KJV as “APPROVE”, and to be able to prove we must have accumulated the skills to “SENSE”, and the purpose of this study is to determine the route to being skilled in determining “THE VITAL”.

(Compare Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Job 12:11)

Three words that set the scene for this passage are: –

“LEARN — SENSE — VITAL”

(THREE REQUIREMENTS)

• The continuing and expanding recognition of God
• The intrinsic awareness, that spiritual second nature
• VITAL – that which is essential, indispensable, focussed on things above

We are so caught up in the “usual”, described in 2 Corinthians 5:12 as “those who pride themselves on surface appearances [on the virtues they only appear to have], although their heart is devoid of them”, we are blinded to the “vital”, not just the present, but the prescient.

Again Corinthians explains this in 2 Corinthians 5:7 as “For we walk by faith not by sight or appearance.”  This is not, as some may interpret, or characterise, as some prophetic ability, but the rare and precious feature of a spiritual man, living and breathing the spirit of God in all things.

1 Corinthians 2:15                            BUT THE SPIRITUAL MAN tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

Notice the “BUT” at the beginning of this statement, well it is important as it introduces something different, or in contrast, the unexpected, and in this case, there is the stark and glaring comparison between the “spiritual man” and the “natural non-spiritual man of verse 14.

We will explore more closely the “VITAL” in the context of Job 32:8 further down, however this is a Scripture to keep in mind as we proceed.

Job 32:8                                               But there is [A VITAL FORCE] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding.

SEVEN (7) CRITICAL TRAITS are identified by the Apostle to qualify as a “spiritual man”, and it is required that we are competent in each and every area, for they are both complementary and dependent. Even some superficial appreciation will identify that to carry that nomenclature, it is a full time, flat out occupation. These traits are: –

• TRIES                      =                      EXPERIMENTAL
• EXAMINES            =                       ANALYTICAL
• INVESTIGATES     =                       FORENSIC
• INQUIRES              =                       RESEARCH
• QUESTIONS           =                       INTERROGATION
• DISCERNS              =                       WISDOM
• READS MEANING =                      UNDERSTANDING

As we relate these characteristics with the intent of Philippians 1:10, the “learning” is the ability to sort the wood from the trees, the honing of the senses to extract the “VITAL”. It may be helpful to review these expectations of a spiritual man before we proceed too far.

1. TRIES The word infers an attempt or an experiment, the expression in Job carries a good analogy: –   Job 34:3 “For the ear tries words as the palate tastes food”.  We know that children can be fussy with food, and the mother’s advice is often, “just try it”, or be a bit experimental. This is the same thought that 1 Corinthians 2 is suggesting. The King James version uses the term “pondereth” in Proverbs 21:2 which means to weigh, and Amplified puts it like this, “the Lord weighs and tries “.

This is in fact the contemplation of the matter, the mental/spiritual ruminating and identifying the characteristics of the subject in hand, and it requires the involvement of all our senses. Experimental results are required to support and test the hypothesis.

2. EXAMINES This is the analytical part, not just in an academic exercise but with spiritual scrutiny, and is commonly known as study. I think this was what the Bereans did. (Acts 17:11) We must appreciate the value of intense The lack of this critical activity generally, is one reason for the impotence of the church. Study is also required for Father’s endorsement, or his appraisal, (2 Timothy 2:15) and failure to apply our analytical, Holy Spirit inspired study habits confines us to the superficial, and often results in a misconception and not sound principle.

 

3. INVESTIGATES This is the “forensic”, the gathering and refining of the evidence. So much of the Word is, in the minds of men, shrouded in the circumstantial and superficial, and the law doesn’t accept circumstantial evidence. The Word of God gives us “clues”, or hidden inferences, waiting to be exposed and explained by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is hidden from ungodly men (1 Timothy 3:9) and committed and entrusted to the spiritual man.

1 Timothy 3:16(A)                            And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness.

Notice we are dealing not with anything superficial, but “GREAT — IMPORTANT — WEIGHTY “, but not obvious, except to the man who will qualify. So often the investigation takes place in the wrong location or is improperly framed so that the outcome failed to prove the premise.

Colossians 2:3                                    In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (COMPREHENSIVE insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

What between 1 Timothy and Colossians we have irrefutable proof of the breadth and depth of “THE VITAL”, the span of inspiration that is intended for the spiritual man.

4. INQUIRES INTO In commerce, projects comprise several individuals, or a team of experts, who converse regularly to update the details of their research. And so, it is in spiritual terms, each gift is enhanced by the operation of another gift, and it is this co-operative effort, the asking, firstly the Holy Spirit, but then, those who are similarly ambitious for the truth and its effects. This was the habit of the Bereans.

Act 17:11                                             Now these [Jews] (Men of Berea or Bereans  …  comments mine) were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, SEARCHING AND EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO SEE IF THESE THINGS WERE SO.

This principle is reinforced in Malachi where we see there was frequent communication amongst those who would place God at the focal point of their existence, and we are well aware that Scripture nominates that there is “in an abundance of counsellors there is victory and safety.” (Proverbs 24:6) It is that “perpetual enquiring into” that produces and develops that “sensing what is vital” and the collaboration of God’s people both develops and enhances our enquiries. Not only that Scripture continues to encourage us to “ask, keep on asking, ask anything”.

Malachi 3:16                                      Then THOSE WHO FEARED THE LORD talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.

5. QUESTIONS The inference here is not to conjecture, or to engage in mental competition, but it is to seek out the essence of the matter or truth being explored so as to expose the reality without any ambiguity or obscurity. We can achieve this by delving into the study of Scripture, by relating to men who are spiritually mature, or through experience, which sometimes proves to be costly. The ultimate test of how successful we have been however is identified by Paul in writing to the Colossians.

Colossians 3:15                                 And LET THE PEACE (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [DECIDING AND SETTLING WITH FINALITY ALL QUESTIONS THAT ARISE in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

An inquisitive mind is that which absorbs all, learns all, and then analyses all it has collected to come to a reliable conclusion. For too long the accumulation of spiritual truth has been by osmosis, by exposure to “church” instead of exposure to the fire and hammer of the Word (Jeremiah 23:29) John nailed it when he said: –

1 John 4:1                                           BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

6. DISCERNS Discernment and “sense” go hand in hand, and the need for this spiritual ability today is greater than ever before due to the frenetic activity of satan to undermine humanity. Mental health problems seem to be rampant, same-sex marriage has exacerbated and upscaled the accepted social pattern of just living together, the sanctity of true marriage is ridiculed, governments around the world are under threat from every side, and the populous no longer has any respect or trust in the political class.

Nobody has the answers, yet the potential to “DISCERN” is available to those who will accept the challenge and develop into a “SPIRITUAL MAN” and then be thoroughly equipped to be able to “DISCERN”. We have some degree of discernment in the form of our conscience, 2 Corinthians 5:11 calls it “your inborn discernment”.

7. READS THE MEANING One of the attributes that we have failed to recognise and consequently, failed to develop, is that no matter what occurs, God has had this on His agenda from before time began and we should be able, need to be able, to read the meaning. We most times see circumstances as either favourable or perverse, but every detail of our day is preordained and has been waiting for today to happen. To “read the meaning” is the same as “recognising the purpose of circumstance”, a principle promoted by scripture but ignored by the church. To be able to “read the meaning” we first have to recognise that it is from God that the events occur.

2 Corinthians 4:15                            For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favour and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God.

Romans 8:28                                      We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Daniel was a startling example of this attribute when he was called before Belshazzar. He was urgently summoned and brought before the king to interpret the writing, and offered the third place in the kingdom if he could do so. Daniel tells the king he isn’t interested in any rewards or promotions, but that he will interpret the writings.

The challenge facing Daniel was to find out not only what the words were, but also give them meaning. While others could have read the words, only God, as the author, could have revealed their meaning.

 

“THE VITAL”,

The Amplified Bible uses a regular phrase, which is, “VITAL NECESSITY” and also “VITAL NEED”. 12 times these expressions are used nominating how critical is the requirement to know our God.

Elihu’s statement in Job reinforces Philippians 1:10 by stating in Job 32:8

Job 32:8                                               But there is [A VITAL FORCE] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the BREATH of the Almighty gives men understanding.

How intriguing that this “vital force” is a “spirit of intelligence”. (1 John 5:20) This spirit of intelligence is required so that we may “surely learn to sense what is vital”,  by utilising the Wisdom from Above, knowledge, understanding etc.

“Vital” means “urgently needed, absolute necessity, essential, indispensable”.

Solomon was also equally inclined when he stated in Proverbs 2:6 that there is available a source of sense which emanates from the same mouth that framed the universe.

Proverbs 2:6                                       For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth ( as in “breath  ..  comments mine) come knowledge and understanding.

Here both Job and Proverbs express basically the same thought, the “Vital force” aligns with “skillful and Godly wisdom”, and then, “mouth” and “breath” are basically one and the same, and both produce UNDERSTANDING”.

“That which is VITAL” can be termed “inspired”, not the energetic enthusiastic type of inspiration, but the apprehending of spiritual truth. The “spiritual man” is what  Job 32:8 says, “a spirit in man”, that is that divine propensity to enable our personal intercourse with God, designed to energise our convictions and to evidence our source, energise our gifts or ministry, and produce a life of contrast.

“Vitality” is the outcome of that which is vital and the Psalmist nominates this as “growth in grace”, or a progressive state, unimpaired by age but rich in productive resource. The Amplified Bible says “full of sap”, but when we fail to recognise the “VITAL”, it is often “full of pap”, described so poignantly by the dictionary as “worthless or oversimplified ideas, or lacking solid value or substance”.

Psalm 92:14                                        [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].

As we reflect each evening of the progress made to date, nothing is more exhilarating than knowing we have been favoured with God’s directions so that we avoided wasted time, thoughts, words, and nothing is more depressive than realising the truth of the old song by Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way”. (See lyrics at the end of study)

The lyrics are a telling example of the exact opposite of what is required for us, to proudly claim to be Christian. The clear identification of the non vital is found in 1 Corinthians 2:14, politely calling the individual “natural (non-spiritual) man”, and because there is no propensity for the “Vital”, there is no propensity for progress, he is “incapable of knowing”, that is, he has grossly impaired perception of what is urgent, indispensable etc.

1 Corinthians 2:14                            But the natural, nonspiritual man does not (1) accept or welcome or admit into his heart the (2) gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are (3) spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 

• To “accept, welcome, admit” is the process of “learning”.
• The “gifts, teachings, revelations” is the “vital spirit” or inspiration.
• The discernment, estimated, appreciated” are abilities afforded the spiritual man for his ministry.

So the dimension of the “VITAL” is clarified in the previous 8 verses of 1 Corinthians 2, leaving no doubt as to Father’s intention for those who seek Him as their “VITAL NECESSITY”, 8 verses crammed with enviable attributes, but just one verse, verse 14, stands in stark contrasts and represents those who “Do it my way”. Obviously the Apostle Paul had encountered some of the same sentiment way back, as he instructed the Galatians against this frailty.

Galatians 3:3                                      Are you so foolish (It means “void of understanding, weak in intellect” as in 1 Corinthians 3:10   …   comments mine)  and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh? (Or “doing it my way” according to Sinatra)

When we refer to relying on our own resources, Paul says we are “foolish, senseless and silly”, because we have abandoned the “Vital” for the “usual” or the “visual”. How often does the Word offer and remind us of incalculable benefits of the “VITAL”?

Here in Romans chapter 8 we find the contrast and calibre of a life lived in the abandonment to the dictates of the holy spirit with that of the mundane and fruitless, the foolish and senseless.

Romans 8:5-8                                    For those who are according to the flesh  (or the unspiritual ..  comments mine) and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, (the visual  …  comments mine) but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit (see Ephesians 4:13) set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.  (the VITAL  ..  comments mine)  Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit (that “vital force”  of Job 32:8  …  comments mine) is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. SO THEN those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.

When we are able to recognise and engage in the “VITAL”, then progress is made towards spiritual maturity, but much of Christendom cannot bring themselves to explore the deeper and profound things of God, they’re content in the milk, not the meat, to sit back with a pillow and a promise.

Hebrews 6:1-2                                   THEREFORE   (We may need to go back and see what it’s “THEREFORE”) LET us go on (this is different to “carry on”,  comments mine) and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), ADVANCING STEADILY (or making progress, sometimes just incremental and at others in leaps and bounds)  toward the completeness and perfection that belong to SPIRITUAL MATURITY. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God with teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment and punishment. [THESE ARE ALL MATTERS OF WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN FULLY AWARE LONG, LONG AGO.]

Romans 2:18                                      And KNOW and UNDERSTAND His will and discerningly APPROVE the better things and have a sense of what is VITAL, because you are instructed by the Law;

These three patterns above are replicas of “learn, (know),  comprehend, (understand) apply (approve)”. The “sense” of Romans 2:18 is referring to “better things” which are really “vital things”.

“LEARN TO SENSE WHAT IS VITAL” is as follows: –

• Learn        The continuing and expanding recognition of God
• Sense        The intrinsic awareness or that spiritual 2^nd nature
• Vital          That which is essentially indispensable, the focus on things above.

 

Eloquence is useful in proclaiming the truth, insight is required to teach, knowledge is indispensable, BUT THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL.

1 Corinthians 14:1                            EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), ESPECIALLY that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). (In common terms the pursuit of excellence is to “LOVE AND LECTURE” …   comments mine)

It is one thing to hypothesise and postulate, but it is entirely different to demonstrate, to be able to “explain” like Ezra and the priests did for the Israelites (Nehemiah 8:7-8) to provide discourse emanating from Divine inspiration.

1 Corinthians 3:18                            Let no person deceive himself. If anyone among you supposes that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [let him discard his WORLDLY DISCERNMENT and recognize himself as dull, stupid, and foolish, without true learning and scholarship], that he may become [really] wise

Psalm 94:11                                        The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile–only a breath).

 

SELAH

 

BE STRONG ROSS SMITH

BE STRONG                                                                                                 ROSS SMITH

 The instructions given to Joshua when he took over the reins of leading Israel in the last stages of their journey to the Promised Land have their direct and consequential sequel in the church today. The story whilst making interesting reading, carries far more weight than just an overview of Joshua and his calling.

 Joshua was a great man and a powerful leader. And he had just spent forty years under the personal tutelage of, arguably, the greatest leader in all biblical history – Moses. And it was a daunting task he was about to engage in – that of dividing up the land as an inheritance to the people of Israel.

 This study will probably only get to look at some of the (eight) aspects of Joshua’s commission, but it is worthwhile exploring the rest of the orders given him, and ultimately, the key for his success. Note how the verse starts out, and I suggest the emphasis is on the “YOU”.

 Joshua 1:7-9                                       ONLY YOU be STRONG and very COURAGEOUS, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. TURN NOT from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, that you may OBSERVE AND DO according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have not I commanded YOU? Be STRONG, VIGOROUS, and very COURAGEOUS. Be NOT AFRAID, NEITHER BE DISMAYED, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

There are EIGHT distinct areas of concentration that Joshua is to embrace, and it is not as if he is unfamiliar with some of these conditions, he has already been a spy, a second in command, and now the “Prime Minister”.

 These areas are: –

• BE STRONG
• BE VIGOROUS
• BE COURAGEOUS
• BE NOT AFRAID
• BE NOT DISMAYED
• TURN NOT RIGHT OR LEFT
• MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
• OBSERVE AND DO

The major objective now was for Joshua was to conquer Canaan, not a dissimilar objective that we face, that is, each one of us has a multitude of “Canaan’s” in our lives that still need to be “conquered” and brought under Christ’s rule. And the same instructions are relevant to us today as to Joshua in his era, which was around 1450 BC, 3500 years ago. How unchangeable is our God?

 To “BE STRONG” speaks of an inner attitude; and to “BE COURAGEOUS” speaks of an outward behaviour.

“BRAVE” is what you ARE, “COURAGEOUS” is what you “DO”

Philippians 1:28                                And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

BE STRONG                        The first three of these commands, STRONG, VIGOROUS, COURAGEOUS, would not be foreign to Joshua for he had demonstrated his skills in this respect over many years, but when the next two instructions are added in, I wonder if he pondered what lay ahead if Father was alerting him not to be AFRAID or DISMAYED. There must be challenges that he has not yet had to face. This is followed up with some sage advice in the last three items, DON’T TURN, (but) MEDITATE, OBSERVE AND DO.

If Joshua had access to the “Strong’s Concordance” and had taken the trouble to look up H2388 for the word, “STRONG”, I wonder if he would have accepted the challenge because “STRONG” as recorded in that tome is extensive and wide-ranging and proposes that there are strenuous goals to achieve. Nor did he have the advantage of the Apostle Paul’s experience and advice, such as we have today, plus we also have access to the power of the Holy Spirit to assist in every situation. This is the New Testament order.

Ephesians 6:10                                  In conclusion, BE STRONG IN THE LORD [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Philippians 2:13                                [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

The Bible declares in Nehemiah 8:10 (b) that “The joy of the Lord is our strength”, but how few find this as true. Each day seems to be fraught with circumstances and difficulties that overwhelm us, when in fact these circumstances are objects for us to step up on, and achieve the goal before us. To experience this truth, we need to see the activities of the day from the Lord’s perspective, and under His absolute control.

This “joy of the Lord,” then, is the joy that springs up in our hearts by virtue of our relation to God. It is a God-given gladness, and it is found in communion with God, that contemplation and meditation we have been so long encouraged to engage in. The idea that is suggested to us, connects this Divine joy with strength – the joy is an inspiration of energy.

By the nature of things joy is exhilarating, while pain is depressing. Physiologists recognise it as a law of animal organisms that happiness is a nerve tonic, and it would seem that the same law is relevant in spiritual experience.

For example, there is a general and universal dislike of wet, rainy days, They are referred to as, “miserable, bad, inconvenient, muggy, sultry, humid etc. but the Word of God points us to a very important factor that we fail to appreciate and hence erodes our “Joy of the Lord”.

For you see the Lord makes these days, it is His handiwork, created for our long-term benefit, and therefore any criticism of the day is a denial of God’s sovereignty, and the erosion of our JOY, and therefore, a limit to our strength.

Psalm 65:9                                          You visit the earth and saturate it with water; You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide them with grain when You have so prepared the earth.  (See also Psalm 68:8-9 and Job 5:10)

When we know our part in the scheme of things, our incorporation in the Divine plan, there will never be a sense of inadequacy, that “Iron Chariot” will be eliminated. We are always given the resources for every situation, any obstacle, there is no strain, there is always security, THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH, and we need to be cognizant.

Amos 3:6 (b)                                      Shall misfortune or evil occur as punishment and the Lord has not caused it?

This “JOY OF THE LORD” provides a strength that we can only find in true “GENTLENESS”. While gentleness makes us great, greatness is necessary for the perfection of gentleness.

Our concepts of “STRENGTH” are myriad, and maybe distorted, for we tend to identify strength with characteristics that are “muscular” and also myriad, but even the characteristic of meekness is really a strength. The Apostle Paul knew where his strength was sourced, and we have the same resources available to us, if we would just recognise it.

Ephesians 3:16                                  May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling (or “residing in” …  comments mine) your innermost being and personality].

2 Corinthians 12:10                         So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and   TAKE PLEASURE IN  infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; (The Apostle is here seeing through the circumstance to the benefits and the resource of genuine believers  ..  comments mine) FOR WHEN I AM WEAK IN HUMAN STRENGTH], THEN AM I [TRULY] STRONG (ABLE, POWERFUL IN DIVINE STRENGTH).

This “STRONG” is from the word “DUNAMIS” which is the base for our DYNAMITE. The extension in Amplified Version is supported by Thayer in G1415 who says it includes “powerful or capable”. The paradox of “WEAK AND STRONG” in this verse needs to be seen from a human perspective.

A man who is obviously and naturally STRONG in some points, is often likely to be careless in other points. For example, a rich man thinks that his money will carry him over his lack of courtesy and respect for others, money often breeds arrogance. He may be a good “money manager” but a very poor “people manager”. The STRENGTH is in his function, not in his character.

Strength never compensates for carelessness; our weakness is designed to allow the opportunity for God’s power to take effect.

MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS, BUT SPIRITUAL STRENGTH HARNESSED FOR SERVICE. (JOE COTHEN)

We see “STRENGTH” in athletes, in bodies, minds, spirits, opinions, drink, horses, sickness, commitment, ambition, relationships, ropes and cords, materials, and the list continues, but the strength we are looking for is the strength “empowered through your union with Him”.

There is however one “STRENGTH” that we need both to be familiar with and to be able to use it to the advantage not only for ourselves, but for the church and the nation. We have all heard the description, “He is a strong Christian”, but what does that mean?

Peter was able to give some advice as to what a strong Christian looks like, and some of the steps we can take to make sure we qualify.

1 Peter 5:8-8                                      BE WELL BALANCED (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; BE FIRM IN FAITH [against his onset–ROOTED, ESTABLISHED, STRONG, IMMOVABLE, AND DETERMINED], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

These “SAME IDENTICAL SUFFERINGS” are the same things the Apostle Paul specified in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses.

Nothing, but valid interferences should keep us from the “assembling of ourselves together”, of sharing in the Lord’s Table, of the constant and thorough study of God’s Word. Of course, sitting in a church building does not make one a strong Christian any more than the (proverbial) sitting in a hen house makes one a chicken. But it also is difficult to understand how one can be strong in the Lord, claim to love the Lord, and not want to be where He is, learn His Word, and worship Him at every possible opportunity.

People who deliberately miss Bible classes and worship services are not strong Christians; how can we claim to be when we put other things, our own pleasures, or preferences, or choices in front of our God?

People who say you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian are really saying, “I follow Christ, but not where He goes”.

Obviously, there are such things as legitimate hindrances, and no one finds fault or blames the Christian who is so hindered or prevented from service. Work or illness or other unanticipated delays are obviously legitimate and excused, but neglect and slackness are a blight upon a life so inclined, a drain that saps away our joy and strength.

Philippians 2:13                                [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [ENERGIZING AND CREATING IN YOU THE POWER  AND  DESIRE], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

What a letdown, “Not in your own strength”, everyone likes to think they are capable and able in the areas they choose, but that is such an inferior “strength”. When we are empowered by the Lord, He gives us the “WANT” as well as the “WAY”, the DESIRE and the POWER.

When we realise that the hunger for God is His continuing work of Grace in our lives, then we will be much more ready to engage in the activities and the circumstances that we encounter, because we will have no fear or apprehension as to our ability to carry out Father’s instructions. If there is no hunger there is no relationship.

Philippians  4:13                               I HAVE STRENGTH FOR ALL THINGS in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

INFUSION is much more effective than endowment, infusion is in, endowment is on.

Unfortunately, I still function to a large degree in my own “sufficiency”, I am yet to master the skill of “acknowledging Him in all my ways”.

Jesus exhibited what it was like to be totally obedient and absolutely committed to honouring His Father, and to whom we have now also become “sons”. The energy or power or “STRENGTH” that attended Jesus’ ministry was not some natural ability that made Him so different, but was attributed to the same Holy Spirit that is our privilege today.

Acts 10:38                                           How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and WITH STRENGTH AND ABILITY AND POWER; (That “DUNAMIS” we have referred to previously  …  comments mine) how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, FOR GOD WAS WITH HIM.

See how consistent is God’s promise, He was with Jesus, He promised to be with Joshua, (Joshua 1:9), and He also gives us the same promise.

Hebrews 13:5                                    Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; FOR HE [GOD] HIMSELF HAS SAID, I WILL NOT IN ANY WAY FAIL YOU NOR GIVE YOU UP NOR LEAVE YOU WITHOUT SUPPORT. [I WILL] NOT, [I WILL] NOT, [I WILL] NOT IN ANY DEGREE LEAVE YOU HELPLESS NOR FORSAKE NOR LET [YOU] DOWN (RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU)! [ASSUREDLY NOT!]

Both Jesus and Joshua are examples of reliance on Father’s “STRENGTH”, so do we need further enticement or incentive or encouragement to induce us to submerge ourselves in the ocean of Father’s unfathomable energy, that which will enable us to evidence that spoken of by Isaiah: –

Isaiah 40:31                                        BUT THOSE who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] SHALL CHANGE and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT BE WEARY, THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT FAINT OR BECOME TIRED.

Ephesians 3:20                                  Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—

“THE STRENGTH OF A MAN CONSISTS IN FINDING OUT THE WAY IN WHICH GOD IS GOING, AND GOING IN THAT WAY TOO”

BE VIGOROUS

The term “VIGOROUS” means “strong, healthy, full of energy, characterised by or involving physical strength, effort, or energy.” This is quite a mouthful when we begin to apply it to our spiritual health. Titus adds a new dimension to the necessity to make sure our excursions into the Word of God are so intensive as to engage our whole attention, using several adjectives to incite us to excellence.

Titus  2:8                                              And let your INSTRUCTION be sound and fit and wise and wholesome, VIGOROUS AND IRREFUTABLE and above censure, so that the opponent may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting or evil to say about us.

“YOUR INSTRUCTION” is singular, the effect is plural, “ ABOUT US”.

I don’t think for one moment that the advice to Joshua had any trace of the meaning of natural athleticism. Nor does it promote the veneer of emotions posing as praise. The judicious Joshua would recognise that this was an energy, unusual and inspired, a demonstration of the intensity with which he was to spearhead the efforts of the nation, not just to conquer enemies, he was already recognised this for skill, but now to articulate with great clarity and purpose, the intentions of God, a spirit of Godly motivation.

It is popular today to make a display of worship, rather than a deep dedication, just a sensation created by a crowd. But that same enthusiasm evaporates when the exigencies of the day are served up to us, designed to enable us to prove our praise is comely not cumbersome.

Misplaced “VIGOUR” can become pernicious, because the energy required to stand for truth frequently eludes us when we are devoid of that which catalyses true praise, when the vigour of our emotions vaporises under the heat of the moment.

“VIGOUR” does not just mean intensity, it also means effect, it can be seen in the growth of a plant, it can be seen in the application of a student, but more importantly it can be seen in the FRUIT OF A SAINT. Just as there is black and white, hot and cold, day and night, so must there be that same differential between vigour and lethargy. That sort of vigour is spelled out by Jesus when he challenged the disciples in Luke 17:6, it is “ACTIVATED FAITH”.

Luke 17:6                                             And the Lord answered, If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.

 COURAGEOUS

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; it is bravery in action. Joshua is commanded to be “VERY COURAGEOUS”.

The very statement suggests that the situations we may face and perceive them as very dangerous, requires that we be VERY COURAGEOUS. And where ever danger occurs it is often accompanied by fear.

Because “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18) then we have embarked on the solving of the situation by exposing the problem, by stepping up upon God’s Word and putting into practice and using the principles we have learned. When we least expect it, life sets us challenges to test our courage and willingness to change and at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready.

“SCARED” IS WHAT YOU’RE FEELING, “BRAVE” IS WHAT YOU’RE DOING!!!!!

Courage is not the absence of fear but the conquering of it, and as God’s sons we are well placed and well equipped to “Let not your heart be troubled”. (John 14:1)

Ephesians 3:12                                  In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and WITHOUT FEAR). 

Which leads us to the next commission of encouragement afforded Joshua, a seemingly unnecessary caution, his whole life has been spent up to this time withstanding the sceptics and doubters, a practiced insurgent, an experienced leader, so why would he now experience fear when he has God’s specific Word to him in Joshua 1:5.

BE NOT AFRAID

Joshua 1:5                                           No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

The excursions, the deprivations, the uprisings, the disastrous golden calf episode, now the loss of his master Moses, any one of these is cause enough for the strongest man to wilt and cringe, but not so for Joshua, he had the Word from God to say, “I will not fail you or forsake you”. It would seem an absurd injunction to Joshua, but it is also there for our adoption.

The Psalmist boldly declared his position in a statement that has resonated not only through the Christian community but the whole world acknowledges his eloquence when he penned the 23^rd Psalm.

Psalm 23:4                                          Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR OR DREAD NO EVIL, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

And if we were to think for a moment that David was being dramatic, or even presumptuous, he again launches into eloquence when he further writes.

Psalm 27:1                                          [A Psalm] of David. THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation–WHOM SHALL I FEAR OR DREAD? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?

2 Corinthians 7:4 (A)                       I have great boldness and free and fearless confidence and cheerful courage toward you; my pride in you is great.

Ephesians 6:19-20                            And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.

BE NOT DISMAYED

Dismay and courage are two sensations that can attend the tasks we are called upon to perform, but not simultaneously, but courage will outshine dismay every time when we know we have the upper hand in our fight for the prize we have been promised. Courage overturns any sense of inadequacy and fine tunes our focus as the Word of God reinforces our commitment and conviction.

“DISMAY” is consternation and distress, typically that is caused by something unexpected, to cause us to lose courage or resolution (because of alarm or fear). We must prepare for the “unexpected” because our God is not restrained to what we can conceive, and promised to intervene.

DISMAY would seem to infer a loss of courage, a situation of concern either what to do or how to proceed, generally because we are in over our head and it is too late to bail out.  On the surface, we could be excused for wondering why Father found it necessary to make this point after He had told Joshua in: –

Joshua 1:5                                           No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

TURN NOT RIGHT OR LEFT

Turning right or left indicates a “double mind”, no particular goal in mind and no particular decision as to what or where the individual intends going, maybe even a vagabond attitude. The Apostle Paul addressed the same sort of situation but with a different analogy, succinctly eliminating any excuse for vacillation.

1 Corinthians 9:26                            THEREFORE I DO NOT RUN UNCERTAINLY (WITHOUT DEFINITE AIM). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.

Joshua was similarly instructed and it was an instruction that would take some remembering, because the Israelites had wandered the desert for 40 years, and the route they took was circuitous and tortuous, and so Joshua no doubt had these recollections as he was being instructed in the way he should walk.

Not for one moment do I suggest that Joshua sat down with his copy of the roadmap for Canaan, nor did he have the doubtful assistance of his TomTom GPS, but what he did have was the absolute assurance that God had given him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” And so, he could trust the route laid out and not deviate from it in any way, even to circumvent obstacles that he thought were a hindrance to his progress.  HE WOULD NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT.

How many people today are on a detour because they had, or have, some issue with the way the church is run, or because they can’t relate to some individual, or the Word is too straight for them, or the Pastor is preaching at me. All these things are detours that excuse people as they turn right or left to avoid what they see as an obstacle, when in fact they are God’s “teaching aids” to bring us into the Promised Land.

Joel 2:7                                                 They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war. They march each one [straight ahead] on his ways, and they do not break their ranks.  (And that’s just an insect!!!!)

There is an interesting example in the Old Testament that indicates that not only is mankind subject to the directions of God, but the very animal kingdom also follows Fathers orders. This was recognised by the Philistines when they were in a dilemma as to what they should do with the Ark, which was bringing such disaster on their land.

1 Samuel 6:12                                    And the cows went straight toward Beth-shemesh along the highway, lowing as they went, and TURNED NOT ASIDE TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT. And the Philistine lords followed them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh.

These cows had calves taken from the udder, and made to become beasts of burden, they fulfilled a completely unfamiliar role, and walked a strange road.

If that is not a good enough example to us that Father has absolute sovereignty over everything, then we are of all people most miserable. It should be incentive enough for us to take heed that we also do not deviate from the path and direction that we have been instructed in, for who knows, just like the cow’s adherence to their unconscious obligation to God was the deliverance for the Philistines, our CONSCIOUS DECISION could be for the deliverance of a nation also. It is not too hard, and the result is beyond description, to have Father prepare our very walk as laid out in : –

Proverbs  3:6                                      In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Luke 1:79                                             To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace

2 Peter 2:15                                        Forsaking the straight road they have gone astray; they have followed the way of Balaam [the son] of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness.

MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT

At first glance this seems an almost impossible task, just to keep the Lord in mind as we pursue our daily activities is a proposition I find difficult to implement. I have either finished the task, or am halfway through it when I remember that I need to “acknowledge Him in all my ways”. But when the requirement is to meditate day and night then I can do one of three things,

1. Consider it an impossibility for me, so dismiss it.
2. Live with a guilty conscience because of my inability to comply
3. Fill my mind with things good and lovely and pure, by soaking in His Word.

What is meditation? And why isn’t everyone doing it? Meditation means to ponder or think deeply about something. And in the Biblical sense meditation is filling our minds with the truth about God. It’s just the opposite of the world’s version of meditation which is to empty your mind. Meditation can be compared to a cow chewing its cud, it chews and chews, then swallows, then brings it up again and chews some more. That’s what meditation is like. It can be done whilst working, or driving, and even when sleeping, it is a function of our spirit as well as our mind.

There is much to recommend the practice of rising early to spend time with the Lord as laid out in Psalm 46:10, it sets the tone and the scaffold for the rest of the day, and focuses our mind more precisely on the important. But we are very much inclined to enjoy the comfort of our bed than the comfort of the Holy Spirit, one is horizontal, the other vertical, and only one contributes to our ability to “MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT”.

Have you ever noticed that when you have something on your mind that frequently it is difficult to get to sleep, that “occupation” called “worry” will delay our ability to attain somnolence, until we fall asleep due to fatigue, not so much of the body, but of the mind?

I would be presumptuous enough to suggest that often you wake in the middle of the night and lay there tossing and turning and wondering why sleep eludes you. Well you are not alone, for see what Solomon said as he ventured to assess his day.

Ecclesiastes 2:23                               For all his days are but pain and sorrow, and his work is a vexation and grief; his mind takes no rest even at night. This is also vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility)!

I think the Psalmist had trouble sleeping or was an insomniac.

Psalm 119:62                                     At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances.

Psalm 6:6                                             I am weary with my groaning; all night I soak my pillow with tears, I drench my couch with my weeping.

Psalm 22:2                                          O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You answer not; and by night I am not silent or find no rest.

(For additional examples of David’s nighttime experiences the following listing at the end of this study makes interesting reading.)

Do we need to review how we start our day and also how we finish our day, do we scramble out of bed in the morning and hastily ready ourselves for the day and dash out, maybe with a fleeting acknowledgment of our Lord and then throw ourselves into the work day with gay abandon?

Do we come home at night and fall on the couch, turn on the TV, turn off the kids, and when we can no longer maintain any real sensibility, fall into bed with eager anticipation of deep sleep.

The Bible says that “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:34) and so the act of meditation is contoured to our interests. We understand our problems because we contemplate our problems, whereas we should “CONTEMPLATE OUR GOD”.

Meditation means to consider and ponder the Word of God. It is the repetition of the text to ourselves — the reading and rereading of a passage so that its meaning might become clear and take root. To keep God’s law from departing out of the mouth, as Joshua was instructed, is to engage in the audible repetition of Scripture, (reading silently to one’s self is a recent development). Such reading and rereading helps to ensure the text we have perused is not forgotten.

Studying the depths of God’s Word is important, but at times we can walk away from such study and not remember much of what we have read. Meditating on the text helps get it in our souls so that we might never forget what it teaches.

The analogy of sheep and goats in the Word of God has some relevant lessons here also. Sheep and known as “GRAZERS”, that is, they will methodically feed and graze quite persistently in the area they are located. The terms for goats however is “BROWSERS”, and it means that they are not content to eat what is in front of them, but they seek for other things like leaves and branches, the odd jam tin etc. They are loners, pig-headed, imperious, and smelly.

The simile is that “graze” equates with consistent study, whereas “browse” relates to just reading God’s Word. No wonder there will be a separation of the sheep from the goats.

NIGHTLY MEDITATION PREPARES US FOR DAILY OBEDIENCE

OBSERVE AND DO

How often have we been adjured to not only “HEAR” God’s Word but to “APPLY” God’s Word.  We can do a University degree in our chosen discipline but then never engage in the profession in which we have obtained a degree, we know all about it, but have never engaged in “HANDS ON”.  I can know all about “brain surgery” but have never operated on a brain!!!!!

Romans 2:13                                      For it is not merely hearing the Law [read] that makes one righteous before God, but it is the DOERS of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified.

James 1:22                                          But be DOERS of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

In this scripture the Amplified Version clarifies that “DOING” is actually “OBEYING”, how easy is that? There is no demand to climb mountains or swim oceans or fight with bears, and we know that “To obey is better than sacrifice”. And so, all Joshua had to do was to recall and obey, basically the same instructions to us today, and as Father had promised Joshua “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you”, so is His promise today if we will implement the same commitment required of Joshua.

 

 

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS AS TO THE PSALMIST ABILITY TO MEDITATE

Psalm 119:10                                     With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments.

Psalm 119:55                                     I have [earnestly] remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night, and I have observed Your law.

Psalm 16:7                                          I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.

Psalm 42:3                                          My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?

Psalm 77:2                                          In the day of my trouble I seek (inquire of and desperately require) the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out [in prayer] without slacking up; I refuse to be comforted.

Psalm 77:6                                          I call to remembrance my song in the  night; with my heart I meditate and my spirit searches diligently:

Psalm 119:148                                   My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word.