Self Esteem, God Esteem

Self-esteem is a big piece of ungodly counsel we see so much of in our world today.  It is even found in many places in Christiandom, but it is ultimately a huge lie of the devil.  In scriptures, we must note that we are taught not to love ourselves, unlike the world:

John 12:25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (NKJV)

From young, however, we are taught that we should build self-esteem.  This is in direct contradiction to scripture:

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (NKJV)

and also

Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (NKJV)

Self-esteem pits us against others – it measures our self-worth by things that we can do, our talents, our achievements, even our own goodness.  The fact of the matter is that we are actually told to esteem others better than ourselves

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (NKJV)

Like Paul, we should consider all the works of our effort as loss. As dung:

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (KJV)

In its place we should build God-esteem.  We can only be as full of God as we know the love of Christ for us.

Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (NKJV)

It is the love of God that causes us to change our minds, away from worldly thinking to Godly thinking:

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (NKJV)

Only when we know how much He loves us that we can do this:

1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (NKJV)

and

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. (NIV)

Would that we spend more time finding out about God's love for us, than working up a love for ourselves.

In Him, Not For Him

John 13:37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” 38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times. (NKJV)

Jesus does not like us to make claims about what we will do for Him. He knows that such claims in the flesh are all futility. Unless we are walking by the power of the Holy Spirit, all claims that we make about how much we love Him and what we will do for Him amount to nothing.

There is little that we can do FOR Him in our flesh, but a whole lot more that we can do IN HIM.  Until we first learn to walk in the Spirit, we are cold hard rocks like the Moon without the Sun (Son).  

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (NKJV)

Jesus in all His glory is in us who believe - we need to see that in the Word.  Ours is only to reflect His glory in us to a lost and dying world.

Bible Study: Christmas 2012 - How to be Wise

Hi Everyone

Here's our Christmas message, taught on 7 Dec for our little party!  You can download the audio too!

Pray it blesses you this Christmas!

Chris

Study is based on the following passage:

Matthew 2: 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. (NKJV)

Wise Men Seek Hard After God

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV)

Even though they were not Jews themselves, they sought after the one true God.  This is why they were able to come to Jerusalem in search of the King.  They must have known this King was God.  No one else had such revelation to do that!

Wise Men Study Scriptures

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV)

They must have studied what little scripture they had very carefully, for they seemed to have had the much of the puzzle piece together, the Big Picture view:

• Like David, they saw a GOOD GOD in the scriptures worth seeking!
• They knew the sign of the star when they saw it (Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult. (NKJV))
• They knew He was going to be the King of the Jews and that this meant a lot to the world
• They knew enough to have awe of God to journey to worship Him

Wise Men Wait Upon the Lord

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV)

They were fairly certain that the Messiah would come in their lifetimes.  Certain enough for them to be looking out at the skies on a regular basis, perhaps for many years, we don’t know.  We don’t see the things of God only with casual glances – it takes patience and constant awareness on our part, a lifestyle of seeking Him.  Like the Man seeking treasure in Matt 13:44, we don’t stumble on treasure if we don't dig many holes!

Wise Men Focus on Eternal Things

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV)

They understood the BIG PICTURE of things.  One might know about the Messiah, but to understand His significance in the salvation of Mankind requires deep hunger and seeking and studying of the Word for revelation.  Remember they probably only had the Old Testament at most.  Some experts surmise that these were people from Babylon, who had been touched by the life of Daniel and remained as followers of the Lord.  They were focused on eternal things, and must have understood why a messiah was even needed at all!  Many today don’t even care about God, worrying only on things on earth.

Wise Men Walk by Faith

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV)

When the star appeared, it must have taken them faith to follow it.  Mind you, they probably did not know for certain.  It took faith to stop their lives for a few years to do this.  Remember that Herod killed all the children 2 and under, implying that it might have taken them up to 2 years to reach where Jesus was and possibly the same returning.  Right or wrong, these people put their lives on hold for a long time, measured at least in months.

It must have been a long and difficult journey fraught with risks.  Following a star is not as easy as it looks.  They had to travel by night, on camels.  They had much wealth on them.  It must have been a large entourage because

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (NKJV)

The star did not guide them directly to the home where Jesus stayed (He was already not in the manger, contrary to many Christian depictions), but only in the direction of Jerusalem.  This is possibly why Herod had no knowledge as to the exact location of Jesus.  It was only from there were the star’s directions exact.

Matthew 2:9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (NKJV)

Wise Men See in the Spirit

Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (NKJV)

They saw the plan of God in the Word being unfolding before their eyes and it brought great joy to them.  If they did not, they would not be able to see Jesus for who He really was.  They would have just come to see a young child in a very humble setting.

They knew this was the Christ, the King, the Messiah.  All this means little to people who don’t see in the Spirit, who don’t understand how badly we need salvation.  

Wise Men Worship God

Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (NKJV)

They had a deep reverence for God and in knowing His plan, they worshipped who was essentially a toddler.  When we have that same deep reverence for what God had already done, our instinct too will be to worship, no matter how silly it might look to those outside.

Wise Men Steward Generously the Things of God

Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (NKJV)

People who know God and His plans know they are stewards of God’s wealth are always generous for His causes.  These men came with great gifts that I believe sustained our Lord and His family for a period.

You can be rich and wise if you understand stewardship.

Wise Men are Led by God

Matthew 2:12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. (NKJV)

Those who follow God expect to be led by Him.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (NKJV)

They were actively aware enough of the presence of God in their lives, had a relationship with Him to be guided by Him. 

Unwise Men, on the Other Hand…

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (NKJV)

We see on the other hand, the religious elite of the day being so cold and callous toward the things of God.  They had the exact knowledge of scripture, but not having faith mixed with it, it profited them nothing.  Note that they:

• knew that there was to be a Christ, but had no hunger to find out about it
• missed the sign of the star themselves
• knew the prophecies as to where He was to be born
• made no effort whatsoever to journey a few miles to see Him – spiritual things did not excite them
• instead were willing to release such information to a jealously murderous king like Herod, knowing they would definitely be putting Jesus’ life in danger.

Hunger for God and the things of God are so important.  Religion, without a hunger for a relationship with God, can be absolutely blinding. 

Let’s all determine in our lives to be wise, to seek God in His Word, to know Him, His love and His will for us.

Bible Study: What God's Word Says About the Word

Hi Everyone

Here are the notes for last Friday's Bible Study.  Do listen to the audio to get the most of it!

Please share this link if it blesses you.

God's best to you!

Chris

We are Destroyed for the Lack of Knowledge

Hosea 4:6a My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (NKJV)

Many Christians lead defeated lives, seeking meaning.  Many of us do not live up to the hope of calling that God has for us.  This is for a lack of knowledge of God.

We as Christians often have no lack of Christian activity – church services, fellowship, outreach, even prayer meetings.  However, without knowledge of the Word, we will not grow.

We have only a very short time and the best investment is to build on the Rock.

Yes, we can believe in Jesus for salvation, but the less knowledge we have of God and His Word, the less we will live fruitful and meaningful lives here on earth.

Daniel 11:32b but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. (NKJV)

Those who do know will carry out great exploits.  If our lives today does not seem like this, then we need to know our God more!

Know God = Know His Word

God is revealed in His Word.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NKJV)

If we want to know the Lord, know the Word. Jesus IS the Word and when you read the Word in faith, taking care to trust what it says, you are taking God into your soul! (“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” Eph 3:17)

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (NKJV)

The more you know God, the more of His eternal life you will be connected with.  God has promises for you in every area of your life, but you will enjoy them to the degree that you know them.

E.g. If you don’t know that God gives you peace not as the world gives, you may feel stressed, anxious or unhappy all your life.

That is why God emphasizes so much throughout the Word about knowledge, referring to knowing Him.

1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NKJV)

Many Christians get past the first part only to get saved.  The second part will take the rest of our lives, but we can only get it from encountering God in His Word.

Promises of Knowing the Word

God treats His Word above His name – so ironclad it is.

Psalm 138:2b For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. (NKJV)

There are many promises come from just knowing the Word.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (NKJV)

The Word is access to walking in the Spirit.  We cannot say we walk in the Spirit unless we are found in the Word.

Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. (NKJV)

Length of days, so time spent in the Word is never wasted, as the days will seem longer.  Long life here is also a promise.  Dare we stand on this?

Proverbs 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. (NKJV)

Hear, see and meditate.  There is a promise of health to our bodies.  Hold on to this promise!

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (NKJV)

The mirror is the Word.  It shows us who we are in Christ, our New Creation.  We thus go from glory to glory!

Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (NKJV)

The Word is of His grace.  It builds us up and gives us an inheritance among those saved (i.e. some saved may not have/have as much inheritance!)

2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, (NKJV)

Grace and peace are multiplied when we know God and Jesus.  No other way than through the Word.

Want to be washed?  Want to be renewed?  Get into the Word!

John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (NKJV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (NKJV)

Word gives us great discernment.  Our view of the world and how things are become clearer all the time as we get into the Word.  It is called wisdom.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)

Word brings faith!

John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (NKJV)

This is our goal in life – to bear much fruit that the Father is glorified, to be His disciples, His representation to Man.  We can’t bear fruit without the Word!

We Need to Get Into the Word

Nothing will change in our lives without it.  No “Christian” activity outside of the Word will change us.  All other Christian activity must be based on the Word – prayer, fellowship, discipleship, outreach etc.

We can even have zeal for God without knowledge. Many are often zealous about church activities and miss out the knowledge of God.  Christianity is, after all, a relationship not a cause.

Romans 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (NKJV)

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (NKJV)

Love Jesus = Keep His Word

Don’t know His Word = Can’t Keep His Word = Don’t Love Jesus

We cannot say we love the Lord but not His Word – they are inseparable.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, (NKJV)

Desire the pure milk, not the junk food.  We need to get into the Word ourselves, above just reading devotionals, hearing messages etc.  All these are good, but we need to read the Word for ourselves to really know God.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. (NKJV)

Staying away from the Word puts us at risk of drifting away!  There is no such thing as a backslider who earnestly gave heed to the Word.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (NKJV)

This is Christian fellowship!  When using the Word, we encourage one another in wisdom.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (NKJV)

Meditate on the Word day and night!

Deuteronomy 11:18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. (NKJV)

There is no time that we should not talk about God’s Word.  It should completely permeate our lives.  Our children need to hear it from us in everything in life, not just once a week in church.

The Take Away

• Without God’s Word, there is no hope
• God and His Word are inseparable
• We know God through His Word
• The many, many benefits of knowing God are found in knowing Him through the Word
• Reading, meditating, giving of ourselves completely to the Word is non-negotiable as a Christian