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