Matthew 10:38

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Matthew 10:38  

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” – Matthew 10:38

This verse speaks of trials that come upon us Christians because we are Christians.  He is letting His disciples know that this life whereby we are committed to Him will not be an easy one.  Jesus starts off with the following.  “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34.  This sounds like a strange thing for Jesus to say, but when we fully understand what is meant here.  It was not meant that the purpose of His coming was bring discord and contention.  What He is saying is that this is the effect of His coming. 

In the next verse, He is quoting the prophet Micah.  Jesus’ words are, “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Matthew 10:35-36.  Again, this will be the result, not the intention of His coming.  Micah words it this way.  “Do not trust in a neighbor; Do not have confidence in a friend. From her who lies in your bosom Guard your lips.  For son treats father contemptuously, Daughter rises up against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.” Micah 7:6. Jesus essentially said the same as Micah, however Micah also refers to neighbors and friends as well. 

 Jesus then makes three statements designating three situations where Christ says people are not worthy Him.  In verse 37 we read, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:37.  The meaning here is clear.  If we do not love Him over and above anyone else, or we are not truly loving Him.  If we do not love Him above everyone else and everything, then we do not truly have a true love and attachment to Him. Jesus uses the phrase ‘not worthy of Him’.  What is alluded to is that we are not to be seen as a follower of Him if we do not love Him above everyone else. 

And now we come to our focus verse.  “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:38.  Lets look at this.  In first century Rom, when a person is condemned to die by crucifixion, a part of the sentence was that they would carry their cross to the place of execution.  To carry this incredible weight was exhausting and disgraceful and was hard to do mentally and emotionally as well.  Then after the torture of carrying the cross to the place of execution, they were hung on this same cross, either by ropes or nails until they died.  This was an extremely tortuous form of execution.  So, to carry the cross here is a figurative expression denoting we must endure whatever is burdensome, trying, considered disgraceful in following Christ.  It means to simply do what Christ requires regardless of what anyone says or thinks of us.  It does not mean doing things for the purpose of being opposed, but simply doing what Christ calls us to do and being opposed because of it.  Doing whatever is required in the scriptures and enduring whatever shame, disgrace or pain may come upon us.  This is what is required of all Christians.  Remember, Christ suffered much in order to pay the penalty for our sins.  We should be willing to suffer in the work we do for Him.

Are we willing to endure anything in order to do what He has called us to do?  I pray we all are.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Ephesians 5:15

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 5:15 

“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15 

Paul here is telling the Church in Ephesus that they need to be careful how they walk, how they conduct themselves.  The idea in the Greek is a double idea expressed in one sentence.  ‘Take heed how you walk’ and ‘see that you walk circumspectly.’   The word ‘circumspect’ has the idea of looking around about on all hands, being every way watchful, wary and cautious in order to avoid any danger, discern any enemies before they affect you in any way, and ensure that everything we do is possible and legal.  And the word this derives from signifies correctly, accurately, consistently and perfectly. 

Going back a few verses we read, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” Ephesians 5:11-12. He begins here warning them not to participate in sin, but on the contrary, expose them for what they are.   And the best way for us to do this is to live in the light, to live this Christian life in the open so that all may see it.  As Albert Barnes put it, ‘By your life, your conversation and all your influence.’  Our lives should be a standing rebuke of a sinful world, and by living this way we should be ready to express our disapproval of wickedness in every form.  And Paul continues with, “for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” Ephesians 5:12-13.  Sometimes we cannot even talk about what is going on in this world, however, our lives lived as Christ calls can speak much more than any words could express.  Jesus called us the light of the world, and because we are the light, we expose the worldly ways for what they are, as sin.  And we, through the life we live should communicate to those in darkness, in sin that they should change their ways.  “For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14.

Coming to our focus verse, Paul is letting the Church know that they need to be careful how they walk.  To avoid the foolish ways of this world and live wisely as Christ requires.  And this relates to us today.  We need to be careful how we live our lives.  It is essential that we do not give into the temptations that are abundantly found in this world.  It can be easy at times to lose our focus and find ourselves acting as the world does.  The Christian walk has two facets.  The inward and the outward.  Our inward walk is focuses on our relationship with Christ, and our outward on our relationship with our fellow man.  And how we live our inward lives will denote how we live our outward lives.  Therefore, we must always work to strengthen our relationship with Christ so that we can avert any temptations to sin and remain the light in the world we are called to be.

Therefore, we must be careful that our focus is on Christ and His ways.  In doing this, we will be ready for whatever comes our way and can show this world the reality of our walk in Christ and show that life in Christ is infinitely better than the ways of this world.  We need to be watchful in everything.  Matthew put it this way.  “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.  

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Luke 5:27

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 5:27 

“After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, Follow Me.” – Luke 5:27

This verse speaks of Jesus’ call to Matthew, also known as Levi, to be one of His disciples.  Matthew was seen by Jesus sitting in the tax booth when He was called by Jesus to follow Him.  Matthew, having heard Jesus call him did not hesitate but left immediately.  “And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Him.” Luke 5:28. Not long afterwards, he gives a big reception for Jesus at his home where many other tax collectors reclined at the table with them.  Now, tax collectors in probably every culture in every time in history are some of the most disliked of all people.  And in the New Testament, the occupation of tax collector, or publican was looked down upon by the general population because it was generally recognized they required more than the taxes due in order to keep the overage for themselves.  Also, they were Jews who worked for the hated Romans.

We then read that there were some present, mainly Pharisees, who did not approve of these publicans being there. So, they complained and asked Jesus and His disciples a question.   “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:30b.  To the Pharisee, a sinner was a Jew who did not follow the Law, which included the Pharisees’ own rules.  And a tax collector was someone who was considered absolutely dishonorable. 

Jesus understood how people viewed tax collectors and used it as an illustration of church discipline.  “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17.  He uses this simply as a means to explain the result of people who do not repent of a wrong done using wording they would understand.  Jesus’ then answers, making it clear why He chose Matthew.  “And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32. 

Jesus saw tax collectors as those who were spiritually sick to be healed.  The Jews saw them as enemies to be shunned by all.  Jesus was offering forgiveness and the expectation of a new life, where the Pharisees simply offered them the Law that was to be rigidly followed.  Jesus offered grace, where the Jews offered strict obedience to a set of rules.  It is obvious why tax collectors viewed Jesus favorably. 

Jesus has called us to tell everyone the good news of the gospel.  “And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15.  Too often, Christians choose not to go out and spend time with the unsaved for they do not wish to be seen as being associated with them. This is sad, for many times people will not listen to someone who they believe really do not care about them but only do it because they have to.  But what did Jesus do?  He fellowshipped with them and went out to those who did not know Him and shared the truth.  And we are to do the same.  John put it this way, “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6.  As Jesus was willing to fellowship with unbelievers in order to present the gospel to them, we should also be willing to do the same. 

I want to encourage us all to take whatever opportunities come our way to be a light in the world, shining it upon the unsaved, sharing the gospel with them so they can accept Christ as savior.  And also let your life show the reality of your walk.  “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  God desires all should repent and be saved.  Let us be those who help make this happen as we are able.  It is our calling in this world.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Peter 4:12

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 Peter 4:12 

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” – 1 Peter 4:12

Throughout the years, many Christians have suffered for the cause of Christ.  We see it all over the world today, especially in Islamic countries, China, North Korea and various countries in Africa and Asia.  In the first century, the Jewish leadership hated Christians because they were leading many Jews away from the Jewish faith to Christ and His teachings.  Throughout centuries following the death and resurrection of Christ, Christians have been put to death simply for believing in and following Jesus’ teachings.  And now, in the United States, there is a movement to punish churches if they do not follow some of the evil ways being accepted by our leadership and many who reject the teachings of Christ.

What Peter is writing about here is that we, as Christians, should expect hard times because of out faith.  As we read in our focus verse, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12.  He is saying this should not be a surprise, for our beliefs and teachings go radically against what many leaderships throughout the centuries.  In Jesus’ time, the Jews hated Christ and hated them who follows Him. 

In ancient Rome, when they took over a city or nation, they would allow the current religions in that land to continue being followed and their gods to be worshipped as long as Caesar was put first.  However, if a new religion were introduced then this was a violation of the law and Rome would require them to remove this religion.  This was the main reason Rome went against Christianity for it was considered a new religion in a land they already ruled. 

Peter then takes this to another level.  Not only are we to not be surprised , but we are to rejoice.  “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13. The idea here is not that we should want to suffer, but that in our suffering we are identified with Christ in His suffering.  Paul put it this way in his letter to the Philippians.  “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11.  In suffering for the cause of Christ, we can become like Him, even to the point of dying for your faith.  To the church at Colossae Paul wrote, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.” Colossians 1:24-26. 

Here in the United States we are starting to see many Christian principles and beliefs being looked at as hate speech and there are many hints that, though we are Christians, we may need to reject various beliefs to avoid punishment by the government.  Currently, this is something that is coming, but there is no specifics at this time.  However, it is prophesied in scripture that Christians will go through trials and tribulations because of our faith, so we know these days are coming.  And when we are persecuted now for what we believe, and in the future as the day of His return moves closer. We must understand that we will be persecuted.  However, Luke speaks of a great day coming, and in this we can rejoice in our suffering.  “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 John 2:6

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 John 2:6 

“The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” – 1 John 2:6

What does John mean here when he says, ‘ the one who abides in Him’, namely Jesus.  This phrase means to lives and to  continue and remain in Him.  When a person is truly saved, they are described as being in Christ.  “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2.  And we read also in 1 Corinthians, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 1 Corinthians 5:17.

The idea of abiding in Him pictures an intimate, close relationship and not just a superficial knowing or acquaintance.  Jesus spoke of abiding in Him as the means of bearing fruit for the kingdom. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:4-7.  Jesus is telling the disciples that drawing life from Him is necessary in order to bear fruit.  Using this analogy of branches united to the vine, He says ‘abide in me and I in you’.  The picture is of a branch attached to (abiding in) the vine.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can we unless we abide in Him. And through the life we derive from the vine, we are able to bear much fruit.  However, if we do not abide in Christ (attached to the vine), then we will not bear fruit.  Now note verse 7.  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7.  Because when we are in Him and He is in us, which denotes an intimate and close relationship, this provides the synchrony needed to work as one together in bearing fruit.

Now to our focus verse, “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.  If we not only profess to abide in Christ but also spend time with Him and are in communion with Him, the proof of this is that we walk in the same way He did when here on earth.  And that is living a life of true and pure devotion to God, as well as having true love for our neighbor.  Jesus said this to the rich young ruler.  “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. Jesus lived these two commandments out during His time here.  And He is calling us, as those who abide in Him, to live also as such.

However, we must also look at verse 4.  “Whoever says I know him but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”  1 John 2:4.  This is clearly stated in the gospel of John when Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  John 14:15.  If we truly love Him, we will abide in Him and He in us.  Keeping His commandments does not provide us salvation but proves we have salvation, and this shows our relationship with Christ is strong.  And this is the relationship we have when we are in Him and He in us. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Mark 8:34

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Mark 8:34  

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” – Mark 8:34

Jesus here is speaking to the disciples and the crowd that was there with them about what was going to take place.  “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31.  He told them the Jewish leadership would get Him killed, however He would rise from the grave in three days.  After He clearly states this, Peter pulls Him aside and literally rebukes Him.  What is interesting is that, knowing who He was, he felt it necessary to rebuke the Son of God.  “But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Mark 8:33.  The reason for this rebuke is that Peter was minimizing the will of the God and usurping it with his own will.  This shows Peter still did not fully understand Jesus’ purpose here. 

So, in our focus verse, Jesus summoned them all together and told them what He required from His followers.  “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Mark 8:34.  Now, these words of Jesus were similar to the principal qualities required of a proselyte to Judaism. 

The first principal being that proselytes must embrace the Jewish religion voluntarily, and that neither force or influence has anything to do with this decision (if anyone wishes to come after me). 

Second, they must completely renounce and separate themselves from  their former religion and its beliefs and ways (he must deny himself).  He must deny his former life and be reborn.  “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Third, he must submit to the yoke of the Jewish law (he must take up his cross).  However, instead of the yolk of the law.  Jesus speaks of the yoke of His teachings.  “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.  His teachings are less burdensome and onerous then the Jewish yoke of the Law of Moses. 

And lastly, he must solemnly and honestly engage to continue in the Jewish faith (and follow me).  This condition Christ also requires; and it is comprised in this word, ‘let him Follow me’.  In following Him, they agree to adopt the teachings and ways of Christ. 

One other idea within this verse is that they are putting their lives on the line by following Him.  Note here the phrase, ‘he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.’  No matter any danger that may come as a result of them following Christ, they must continue with Him.  He must put Christ ahead of himself and if required, take up the cross and sacrifice himself.  Following Jesus requires continuing and non-stop determination to stick to the chosen path. 

To follow Christ can be a difficult task, but it is following the truth.  In the first century it was a dangerous decision due to the Jewish leadership and the Roman government.  And we are beginning to see similar situations in our world today.  There is definitely movement to seriously restrict Christians in their beliefs and even in their speech.  So, as Jesus spoke to the crown around Him, so He speaks to us today.  “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:35-38.    

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 Thessalonians 4:17  

“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17

This verse addresses the coming of the Lord for His people.  Starting back in an earlier verse  we read, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14.  When He comes He will not come alone but will bring with Him  those who have died as Christians.  In other words, at His coming, those who have died in Christ will be resurrected just as Christ was.  We will not precede those who have died first but we will join them.

Next we see a clear picture of this coming.  “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16.  Jesus will not come quietly but will descend from heaven with a great shout, which will be accompanied by the voice of the archangel.  This could be Michael the archangel.  In Jude we read of Him, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 1:9.  We also see him mentioned in Revelation.  “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war.” Revelation 12:7.  There is no indication what He will shout, but it will be such that all will hear it.  There is the possibility that He will call out to the dead in Christ to rise from the grave and to join Him. 

Then we come to our focus verse.  “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,” 1 Thessalonians 4:17a.  Then, probably being called upon, we who are alive at His coming will be caught up in the air to join Christ and those in Christ who were resurrected.  Think about this a moment.  All people who died in Christ will be together in the air with Christ and those followers who did not die.  Millions and millions of people who have died in the faith, from the beginning of mankind to His coming, will be with Him at His return in the air.  This will be an amazing sight. And this verse ends with a beautiful statement.  “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17b.  From this point forward, we will be with the Lord forever, for all eternity in the new heaven and earth. 

The times are difficult now and will only become harder leading up to the return of Christ.  The tribulations and trials we endure here will one day end, either we will die in Christ or we will live till He returns, at which both groups will join Him upon His return.  We shall then be with Him forever.  John, in telling of the words given to the church in Philadelphia, gives us a picture of our future.  “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.” Revelation 3:12.  We shall never leave our new home where we reside with God.  We shall be in His presence with no end; for death will not exist in the new Jerusalem. 

Matthew puts it this way.  “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34. 

Christ’s return will be like nothing we have ever experienced.  When He comes back, all His people will join Him in the air, first those who have died, then those who are still alive.  And where we ail spend eternity, the new heaven and earth will be far more wonderful then we can imagine.  “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. It shall be far more wonderful than we can imagine, and there is no chance that it will be thwarted.  What He has promised will also come to pass.  So, as the last verse in this chapter states, “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Philippians 2:3

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Philippians 2:3 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Paul in this section, and especially in our focus verse is addressing something that was prolific within the church and thereby being the reason he mentions it; this being pride which ultimately leads to division.  In our focus verse, Paul tells the Church in Philippi not to do anything for the purpose of lifting themselves up and being conceited.  He then continues in the next verse with, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.  They were to be focused on meeting the needs of those who they taught and discipled, and not on their own interests.  And they were not to be in competition with the others who taught in the church. 

This was said in order not to have division within the body.  This is a very important idea, for I have seen so many churches today who have found themselves in this situation.  Division comes when different ideas are taught in the church and the teachers attempt to get the church to agree wholeheartedly with their belief.  This causes splits in the church which can cause arguing and competition.  Nothing is to be done through strife.  And we should never allow the church to be separated into sects that then work against each other in order to become more popular and influential than any other.

And this is not healthy for the church.  This can cause churches to split and may cause many to drift away because of the dissention caused by the split.  This is not what God wants in the church.  Paul writes to the Church in Corinth the following regarding unity, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10.  Paul is saying the church needs to be in unity, and when I say church, I mean not just individual churches but also the  church corporate.  Unfortunately, the enemy has creeped into the Church and has divided the people, often through differences of beliefs.  I have attended a church where some believed in the doctrine of Calvinism which states God has selected some people to be saved and others not to be.  And it is not their choice, for God has predestined some to salvation, while the rest cannot be saved.  Others would speak against this doctrine declaring it to be heretical.  Unfortunately, these differences would be discussed in Bibles Studies which caused confusion in the class and caused new believers to question their decision. 

He then tells the Church “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5.  We need to take on this attitude as well.  Christ labored to promote no separate interest; as man he studied to promote the glory of God, and the welfare and salvation of the human race.  He ministered in humility, focusing on the Father and His purpose.  This was His focus and it should be ours as well.  “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8.  This is the way that Christ spread the good news here on earth.  He did not consider, as a man, equality with God something to be grasped.  Instead, He emptied Himself, being humble and obedient to the point of death, where He gave His life to give everyone the opportunity to be saved.  This is the Son of God who knew no sin but died for ours.  In essence, He put us ahead of Himself.  This is true love He and the Father had for us.

As He humbled Himself to serve us, we should humble ourselves to serve others.  This is our calling and our purpose here.  We must humbly witness to the lost and in training the saved, not looking at how we can look good and impress others, but how we can put other’s interests and needs above our own.  When we do this, we will do the work God just as Christ did.  And we will be amazed at how God will work through us to do His good pleasure.   

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Galatians 5:22-23

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Galatians 5:22-23 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

This section of scripture speaks of the dichotomy of the flesh and the Spirit.  It starts with the following, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16.  He is telling Christians they must walk by the Spirit because then they will not focus and fulfil the things of the flesh.  This is so because if the Spirit of God dwells in and rules our heart, then the whole carnal mind will be defeated.  In other word, the only way to overcome the corrupt desires and propensities of our nature is to submit to the influences of the Holy Spirit.  And he goes on in the next verse to describe this dichotomy.  “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Galatians 5:17.  Paul is saying here that both of these things are in opposition to each other.  As Christians, when we want to do what is right, our flesh wars against us.  But, if we want to do what is wrong, then the Spirit clarifies this wrong to you.  Paul spoke of this struggled in His letter to the Romans.  “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” Romans 7:19.  Paul himself struggled, but He fought it off and lived the life devoted to Christ. However, he was not under the law as the devout Jews were, for He was led by the Spirit and therefore was not under the law but was under grace.  “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14.

Paul then says that the deeds of the flesh are evident, meaning they are well known and plainly seen.  He then lists them in the next three verses.  “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19b-21.  Note the wording at the end of this verse, ‘inherit the kingdom of God’.  Those who inherit it will enter it.  Jesus tells us who will enter the kingdom of heaven.  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21.  It is those who do the will of the Father; those who walk in the Spirit. 

However, as our focus verse states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.  These are the things that the Spirit leads us to do.  Note these are called the ‘fruit of the Spirit’.  Paul is using the analogy of a tree.  Living according to the Spirit of God produces good fruit, and likewise the deeds of the flesh as listed above produce bad fruit.  “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16-20.

It is important that we, as Christians, focus our attention on being led by the Spirit of God and not our own fleshly desires.  Our flesh leads to all types of sins, while the Spirit leads us to bearing fruit that is pleasing to God.  And, as stated above, the flesh and the Spirit are at enmity with each other, in other  words we cannot be beholden to both.  It is either one or the other.  Therefore, we must decide which we choose.  We may desire to be led by the Spirit, but we may give in to our desires of the flesh.  If we find this is us, we must sincerely repent and turn away from these worldly ways.  We must sorrow for our disobedience to God, for this sorrow leads to repentence.  “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 John 4:8

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 John 4:8 

“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

This verse contains probably the clearest understanding of who God is.  First, let us begin by looking at the verse just prior to it.  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7.  John here is introducing the idea of what love truly is.  First, he declares that love is from God.  This has the following implications as laid out by the theologian Albert Barnes. First that all true love has its origin in God.  There is no other source from which love originates.  Second, real love shows that when we love we have His Spirit in us and we belong to Him.  And thirdly, it assimilates us to God, or makes us more and more like Him.  What he is telling the apostles is based on the truth of what he affirms in our focus verse that God Himself is love.  Hatred, envy, wrath, malice all have their source elsewhere than God.

Therefore, everyone that truly loves is born of God; he is a regenerated man.  And everyone who has true love for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and with the lost who do not know Christ, are true Christians. And I cannot put this any better than Albert Barnes put it, so I will quote him here.   ‘This cannot mean that everyone that loves his wife and children, his classmate, his partner in business, or his friend – his house, or his farms, or his horses, or his hounds, is a child of God; it must be understood as referring to the point under discussion. A man may have a great deal of natural affection toward his kindred; a great deal of benevolence in his character toward the poor and needy, and still he may have none of the love to which John refers.’  And John is speaking of a love that is toward all, not just some, for this is the love God has.  “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8.  And if we have this type of love, then we know God.

Next we come to our focus verse here which says, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”  1 John 4:8.  Here John lays out the idea that God does not just love, He is love.  He hates nothing that He has made because He is love.  He is an infinite fountain of benevolence and caring for all human beings.  And this is the type of love we should exhibit for we have the God that exhibits this living in us.  Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount lays this out.  “You have heard that it was said, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.  In this example, Jesus refers to several aspects and displays of love, and then at the end, says we are to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.  And that perfection is in love.  God is love according to our focus verse, and if we are to be perfect in this, then we are to love as He does, with no favoritism.  Whether we are treated good or bad, no matter the circumstances, we are to love them as God loves us. 

God is love, and if we want to know God, we must love as He loves.  And He has given us His Spirit to help us know Him.  And if we know Him, we will understand the kind of love He desires of us, both for Him and all people.  Let us all strive to submit to Him and show our love for everyone just as He loves everyone. When we do, love will dwell in us and we will dwell in Him who is love.   If we do not love, then we really do not know Him.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.