2 Timothy 4:2

Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 4:2

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2 

This verse addresses the very heart of our responsibility while here on earth.  Jesus, in His last words to the disciples said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19.  The wording here is particularly important and precisely stated.   He tells them to make disciples, not just converts.  Too many times people are evangelized and make the decision to become a Christian, but then walk away because there is no follow-up.  It does not need to be the one who leads them to Christ, but someone must take this role to train them in the ways of God.  It could be an individual or a group, such as a church or a fellowship group.  It  is imperative that discipleship be our goal, and not just conversions.  Jesus expresses this idea in the next verse.  “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. 

Let us now look at what Paul said in this letter to Timothy and examine what he is saying.  Our focus verse states that we are to be ready, in season and out of season.  What this means is that we must be ready to teach the word, to both the saved as well as those needing salvation, whether it is convenient or not.  We must remember that we are doing God’s work and not our own.  First, He desires that all people be saved.  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.  And as Jesus stated in Matthew 28:19, He has called us to go out and make disciples. 

And as the time draws closer to His return, it becomes even more essential that we reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4.  I believe we have reached this time.  The Greek idea translated sound doctrine is “healthful doctrine”, doctrine that contributes to the health of the soul, or true salvation.  Many who claim they are Christians are turning away from what God says and are listening to what they want to hear, whether it is true or not.  And they will adhere only to those who teach these ideas that “tickle their ears”.  And unfortunately, in so doing, they will ignore the truth as laid out in scripture in order to follow these myths that appeal to their desires.

So, what are we called to do?  As stated above, we are to be ready to preach the word, the true word of God.  And how?  Several things are listed.  First, we are to reprove.  This means we are to refute those things which are wrong and help people realize what the truth really is.  For instance, some believe that after salvation you can sin all you want because all your sins are already forgiven.  My wife and I encountered a young man who absolutely believed this, and was having affairs with women because, as the belief states, he is already forgiven.  However, the truth is found in Romans 6.  “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2.  When we encounter someone who believes false doctrine, we are to, in love, work to show them they are wrong and present the truth. 

We also must be willing to rebuke them, again in love.  This means to bring correction to them, to express a judgement that what they believe is absolutely wrong and contrary to God’s will.  In essence, we are to admonish them and show them that they are wrong and need to reject these false teachings and accept what is right.  And we are not just to teach the truth, but also encourage people to follow the truth.  And we are to fulfill this calling with great patience and a persevering spirit.

We are called to preach and teach, spreading the good news of God to a world that so greatly needs to hear it.  And we are to train and disciple our brothers and sisters to understand what the Christian life is truly all about and assist them in moving toward that goal.  We need to take every opportunity we have to evangelize and teach.  We cannot, by ourselves, do it all.  But we can work together with our fellow Christians and, with God’s leading, go out and preach the truth to all we come across.  And by doing this, God will use us to lead many to Christ, and educate our brothers and sisters in the truths we find in His word.     

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

1 Peter 3:9

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Peter 3:9 

“Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9 

This verse addresses what our response should be if someone wrongs us in any way.   This is the summation of what he spoke about in the first seven verses of this chapter, addressing what the relationship should be like between a husband and wife.  Then, in verse eight we read, “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;”  1 Peter 3:8.  Presumably, he is speaking about how to react when wronged by a spouse.  However, this fits with whoever does us wrong.  First, he states we must be harmonious in our relationships, meaning we should be in unity.  Also, we are to be sympathetic, being kind and showing love to everyone.  And, we are to be humble, not trying to lift ourselves above another.

Now granted, this is speaking regarding our physical family as well as our Christian brothers and sisters. However, this is simply the focus of this writing.  Jesus spoke of this in relation to all people. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39.  The general idea here is that we are not to set ourselves against an evil person who is injuring us.  Now, this does not say that we are to allow people to injure or kill friends, family members, ourselves, or our Christian brothers and sisters.  We can defend ourselves and others, however, it should not move forward into the realm of repaying them in like manner.  I do not believe that Christ meant for us to watch as someone is killed or harmed.  We can defend ourselves, but as verse thirty-nine alludes to, we must not return evil for evil. 

And this idea is expanded on in the next couple of verses.  “And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Matthew 5:40-41.  The idea here is that if someone sues us, do not resist them, but give them more than they sued us for.  And if they force us to do something, as long as it is not wrong or sinful, then we should, as the saying goes, go the extra mile.  What we are doing is showing them love in the midst of their wrongdoing.  Who knows what positive effect you will have on them, maybe even opening their hearts to the truth of Christ.

This can be a difficult thing to do.  However, the purpose of this is to show the love of God to those who may require any of these, or similar things of us.  And this is what we are called to do; to share Christ to all we come across.  And if this means we suffer in order to make this happen, so be it.  The disciples did, Christ also did.  Therefore we may be called to as well.  And if, in the process, we make a difference in someone’s life for the cause of Christ, then it was a good thing.

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

Philippians 4:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 4:8 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –  Philippians 4:8

Have you ever just sat somewhere and thought about something that was bothering you, or caused you pain?  Or maybe someone hurt you or did you wrong.  It is easy to just sit and reflect on these things, but it is not healthy to do so.  Do you think you are alone during these times?  You know you are not, for God has promised to be with you.  “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.  We must remember we are never alone, and that He will bring us through all that happens.  In fact, He goes ahead of us to address these issues.  “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8. 

Because He is with us at all times and goes ahead of us to protect us, we will be fine.  And the fact He knows all things corroborates this idea.  “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” Isaiah 46:9-10.  So, if God has everything take care of, then our thoughts should be elsewhere.  We, as Paul states in our focus verse, must keep our thoughts focused on good things and not allow ourselves to worry or think about things that are not worthy to dwell on.

Paul says there are eight things to look at to determine if something is worth contemplating.  Lets look at each of these briefly and see what God desires us to focus on.  First, whatever is true.  Not what we want to, or wrongly believe is true, but what is true.  Whatever God has declared as truth is what we need to focus on, not necessarily what man declares as truth. 

Second, whatever is noble.  That which is honorable and worthy of respect: honest words of a reverent nature.  Many things are not worthy to be talked or thought about.  However, what is should be where our mind is focused.  Third, whatever is right.  That which is defined by God and His character as right, not what we deem as right based on our understanding of the word.  In a broad sense, thoughts that are upright, righteous, virtuous and in keeping with the commands of God. Fourth, whatever is pure.  This word pure has as its original meaning that which had been sanctified for the temple.  A related word that has similar meaning is holy. 

Fifth, that which is lovely.  This does not refer to the outward appearance, but what is inside.  It has the connotation of that which is dear and amiable; that which is pleasing to address, such that one can love thinking about it and not something that is contrary to Christian thought and beliefs.  Sixth, that which is of good repute or report.  This speaks of things that are thought of as good by pretty much all in the world.  These are virtues which all people agree are commendable, such as  kindness, respect for parents, purity between brothers and sisters, as well as courtesy. 

And the last two, if there be any excellence or praise.  Paul knew he had not given a complete picture, which would be difficult to do, so he gives two overarching thoughts.  First, if there be any excellence.  Another way to express this is virtue or moral excellence.  If there was anything that had the nature of true virtue in it should be looked at and adhered to.  And lastly, anything that was worthy of praise such as incredibly good deeds, or that ought to be praise such as God Almighty. 

These are the things we are to think about and focus on.  I encourage everyone, and I include myself in this, to spend some time studying this verse and if there are areas where we need to adjust our thinking, then ask God to help you in this process.  Get rid of those things that are not listed here and focus on those things that are. There is peace and joy that floods our being when we do.

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

Romans 3:23

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 3:23 

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:23 

This particular section of Romans deals with the idea that we all have sinned, and none of us can address our own sins before God.  Earlier in this chapter, we read “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:9-10.  In speaking to the church in Rome, Paul declares that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty of sinning.  The Jews believed that they were in a much better situation because of their being descendants of Abraham.  However, just because they follow the law and performed the duties within the law gave them no greater advantage.

He now goes on to describe what he means by “None is righteous, no, not one”.  “no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive,The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:11-18.  This is not a pretty picture of mankind.  What we see is a string of OT quotations confirming the universality of sin, along with  a variety of sins that define what we see in humanity.  (Note: see Psalm 14 as an example).  He then ends this section by declaring that the law speaks to those under the law, but only declares what sin is, not how to address it.  “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”  Romans 3:19-20. 

Now, the next two verses declares the righteousness of God is apart from the law.  “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:” Romans 3:21-22.  And then he states in our focus verse, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23, after which he says, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”  Romans 3:24.  Yes, we all have sinned.  Yes, we could not rectify this situation on our own.  However, Christ came to rectify it for us, not based on anything we have done, but what He has done.

Now, based on all this, we have several things to remember.  First, all people have sinned, from Adam and Eve to all alive today.  None of us are innocent in the sight of God prior to giving our life to Him and accepting the work Christ did for us.  It is through justification that we are absolved of our sins and declared not guilty, for He paid the penalty for us.  We did nothing but accept His work.  Therefore, it is important that when we go out and present the gospel to the lost, we are to help them understand their guilt, but also see the remedy.  We should not look down upon anyone who needs to accept the work of Christ in their lives.  We can and should denounce the sin, without denouncing the sinner.  For as much as they need Christ, we also needed what He did in order to be declared righteous.  Stealing a candy bar may look less bad than killing someone, but both were enough to require Christ’s justification for us.  No one, no matter what they have done, is beyond salvation, and our focus should be on leading them to Christ.  We must not look at anyone as being beyond Christ’s ability to save, just as we should not look at someone as having an advantage because of a good heart.  God sees us all as sinners who can be saved.  We need to see them this way as well, and then help to make it happen.

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

Romans 8:31

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:31 

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31   

The apostle Paul has just declared the assurance those who love God have, that everything will work toward our good.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”  Romans 8:28-30.  Everything will definitely, without question, work toward our good if we place our trust in God.  He knew we would give our lives to Him, therefore He predestined us to be conformed to Christ. And because we are in His image, we are called to do His work on this earth, just as Christ was called to die for us.  And because of this, we are declared not guilty because of the work Jesus did on the cross.  And because we are justified, we will be glorified for He has already decreed it so.

Now we come to our focus verse.  “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.  He starts out his answer to this rhetorical question with the following.  “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.  He has already freely given to us His Son, His only begotten Son, to pay the penalty for our sins.  If He did this, would He not also give us all things?  Because we are now justified due to the gift of His Son, we are now considered His children. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father! The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Roman 8:15-17. 

Then Paul asks a series of, again, rhetorical questions to solidify his point.  “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;” Romans 8:33.  No one can legitimately bring a charge against us because we have already been justified: He has paid the penalty for our sins.  He then asks, “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34.  Jesus died for us, then rose from the dead and is at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf declaring, in essence, ‘ The penalty has been paid.’  And lastly. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35.  The answer is found in the last two chapters of Romans 8.  “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39. 

So,  in answer to the question in our focus verse;  If God is for us, who can be against us?  People may not like us and plan evil against us, however, they can do nothing unless God allows it.  And if He does, then it is for our good.  But ultimately, they can do nothing that will cause us permanent harm, for our eternity has already been set.  Our sins have been forgiven, we have been justified by the shed blood of Christ, and He has already decreed we will be glorified and spend all eternity with our Heavenly Father and Jesus the Christ.  If anyone is against us, then it really does not matter.

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

Acts 17:11

Verse of the Day Devotion: Acts 17:11 

“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” – Acts 17:11

Paul and Silas, and their fellow travelers went  to Thessalonica, spending time reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue.  “explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Acts 17:3.  This was standard procedure for Paul, always going to the Jews first to try and convince them of the truth prior to going out to the gentiles.  He spent three Sabbaths trying to convince them.  However, in the next couple of verses we read, “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.” Acts 17:4-5.   

After all this, the brethren sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.  When they arrived, they found the Bereans to be noble minded, more so than the Thessalonians.  However, there was something they discovered about them that was more important.  They received the word with great eagerness,  not just accepting what had been told them, but they examined the scriptures to ensure what they were told was truth.  And because of this, “Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.”  Acts 17:12

I want to encourage everyone to be as the Bereans were.  It is important that we verify teachings we are unsure of, verifying that what they say is scriptural and accurate.  There are many teachers and preachers in the world who teach what the people want to hear, rather then teaching them what God wants them to hear.  This can be in the form of sermons, teachings, books, videos, essentially any format we use to study and learn from.  Do not accept every teaching you hear, even from those who are popular preachers and teachers.  Also, there are many people that are not well known, but have a solid understanding of the word.  We should check them out as well. 

There is no need to check everything out, just those teachings you are not sure of.  If there is no question of its truth, then good.  You have already validated the teaching and found it to be true.  The main idea is to grasp the truth and let go of what is not.  We cannot allow ourselves or others around us to be deceived into believing a false teaching.  We should also spend time reading the scriptures on a regular basis, studying His word to become so familiar with it we will quickly see error if it exists. 

Take the time to check anything teaching that does not sound right.  For not only will you protect yourself from false teaching, you will also be able to assist others who may find themselves believing a false teaching.  Both of these are important in the work God has called us to.

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

James 1:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: James 1:14 

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” – James 1:14    

There is one thing that every Christian deals with, and that is temptation.  Even Jesus, during His time on earth, dealt with it.  “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.  Satan tempted Him just as he tempts us.  However, He never succumbed to the temptation.  He never sinned.

It is important to understand that sin is not something that has its origin outside of us.  Back to the temptations Christ endured, He did not sin because He desired to stay pure and true.  In the three recorded temptations, all  Satan did was bring up what Jesus could do: turning stones to bread, testing His Father that He would catch Him if He jumped from a high place, offering the whole world if He worshipped him.  Being tempted is not the issue.  Giving in to temptations is.  Jesus gives them a teaching on this.  “there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.” Mark 7:15.  The disciples did not understand what He meant, so they questioned Him about it.  “And He said to them, Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.” Mark 7:18-20.  What goes in doesn’t defile us, for it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated. In other words, eating does not cause us to sin.  What can cause us to sin is what comes from the heart.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Mark 7:21-23. 

Back to our focus verse.  “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”  James 1:14.  We are tempted when we are enticed by our own bad desires.  As an example, I cannot be tempted to eat Okra.  I do not like it no matter how it is cooked.  However, I can be tempted to eat chocolate ice cream, for it is my favorite flavor.  In the same way, we can be tempted to act in ways that are ungodly if we desire and lust after those things.  James then goes on with, “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”  James 1:15.  If we allow a temptation to take hold, we will probably give into to it, acting it out. 

So what do we do when temptation comes our way?  First, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12.  We should not stay where we are tempted, whether it is by actions, or by thoughts.  Be on your guard that you do not give in.  “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.  We may not want to sin, but sometimes we will give in and fall.  This is why we need to flee it when we see it.  We need to do what we must in order to avoid temptation.  If we tend to get drunk if we drink, then we should stay away from alcohol.  If certain places give us bad thoughts, stay away from there.  It is better to avoid temptation itself then to fall into it.

Lastly, we must understand that God does not leave us alone regarding temptation.  “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.  We are not tempted in ways others are not, so we are not alone.  God is faithful.  He will not allow temptation that we cannot resist.  If He allows the temptation, He will provide the means to resist it, so that we can endure and overcome.  We need to submit to God when temptations come.  “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.  We must submit to His will and avoid those things which are not.  Remember, it is our own desires and lusts that tempt us.  The enemy just brings it to our mind.

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

Matthew 5:20

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 5:20 

“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20    

These verses address an important concept within Jesus’ teachings here.  He starts by speaking of the Law given to Moses in the Old Testament.  “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17.  He did not come to destroy the law, which is what the scribes and Pharisees believed He did.  On the contrary, He came to, as the preacher John Wesley put it, “to establish, illustrate, and explain its highest meaning, both by His life and doctrine.”  In other words, live it out as it was intended. 

He then goes further, ”For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:18-19.  The law is still in place.  Until heaven and earth pass away, meaning when the new heaven and earth is created, the law will still be in effect.  Now no part of it, no matter how small, will be done away with.  Additionally no part of the law  should be  annulled,  and no-one should be encouraged to ignore any part of it, for if they did, they will be seen as least in the kingdom of heaven. 

Now we come to the critical verse in this section.  “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20.  Now, how can this be?  What does Jesus mean by ‘righteousness that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees?”  We must understand how these Jewish leaders saw the keeping of the law.  They saw righteousness as literal obedience to rules and regulations.  And if this is what is meant, it would be hard to know of anyone who attempted it more rigorously and consistently then the scribes and Pharisees.  However, this is not completely what is intended.  Jesus here in the following verses has a much deeper meaning in mind.   He now gives six examples of items in the law where He intends a much deeper idea.

  1. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” Matthew 5:21-22.
  2. “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28.
  3. “It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32
  4. “Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” Matthew 5:33-27.
  5. “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:38-42.
  6. “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.” Matthew 5:43-45.

Jesus gives these six instances to show that the law taught by the scribes and Pharisees is not necessarily wrong, but as presented by them does not go far enough.  He says, “you have heard it said”, literal interpretation.  Then “but I say”, deeper meaning, what is intended.  He was giving the spirit of the moral and ritual idea; how to walk in them in a manner that truly pleases God, one that points to the Christ, and how He follows them.  The scribes and Pharisees were only interested in following the letter of the law, not interested in becoming one who becomes it on the inside as well. 

Jesus does not want us to only do, but to become as well.  He wants us to live it out because we love Him and want to please Him.  Are we to follow the law?  Yes, but not as a way of salvation, but as a way of life itself.  And He is always there to help us fulfil this calling.  He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth.  “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13.  We can only know the whole truth by studying His word.  And when we apply it to our lives, we are transformed into the very image of Christ by His Spirit.  “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 from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

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

Matthew 20:26

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 20:26 

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,” – Matthew 20:26    

I worked at many different companies in my time prior to retirement.  I had places I enjoyed working at and places I very much did not.  I distinctly remember a company I went to immediately after my discharge from the Air Force.  It was a service bureau in Miami, FL where banks used their computer to process all banking functions.  I was working around sixty hours a week, but it was a good job to start my non-Military career.  After about two months, my parents wanted to visit me from Washington State.  I figured I could spend time with them in my off hours, but I wanted one day to spend with them.  So, I asked my supervisor for one day off.  He looked at me and said, this is no lie, “This job is more important than your parents, this job is more important than your church, this job is more important than anything else in your life.”  I could not believe He said that.  However, I responded with, “I’m sorry, but this job is nothing more than a paycheck in my pocket.”  I then went back to my chair and turned the newspaper to the want ads, right there in front of him.  And by God’s grace, I had a great new job in three weeks.

This is an example of how many companies back in the late 1970s, yes I am that old, treated their employees.  If he would have told me in a nicer way, I may not have responded as I did.  However, this was in many ways the norm.  Jesus tells His disciples that the rulers of the Gentiles were extremely overbearing to those who worked for them. “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.” Matthew 20:25. They were far more arrogant and harsher than my boss, but it was typical back then.  Even today there are many bosses who lord over their employees.  However, according to our focus verse, this is not the way the leaders of the church are to act.

In the world, if anyone wants to be great in their company, they will take charge and order others around.  However, this is the opposite of how leaders in the church should act.  “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,“ Matthew 20:26, our focus verse.  This is understandable, in fact, the work environment today exhibits this tendency.  But then He takes it a step farther.  “And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;” Matthew 20:27.  This goes against the way of the world where leaders lead and workers work.  He says that those who want to lead must work with and be willing to work for others.  Theologian Adam Clarke puts it this way.  “A minister of Christ is not to consider himself a lord over Christ’s flock.”  He is not to become a taskmaster, but a co-worker who guides the work while training them how to train others. 

We are always looking at Christ as an example of how we are to live our lives, and this idea is not any different.  For He completes this teaching with Himself as the example.  “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:28.  In all ways, we are to be like Christ.  He did not come to be served by us, He came to serve us, all mankind.  To give His life as a means for our salvation.  He taught them truth and the ways of God.  But He did not expect anything in return but for them to do the same, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. 

And this is our calling.  To go out and do the same as He called them to do.  Not necessarily to send others out, but to go out ourselves.  To call the unsaved to Christ, disciple them in this Christian walk, and teach them to make disciples who will  call the unsaved to Christ, discipling then in this Christian walk, and then to make disciples themselves.  Jesus calls us to humble ourselves and do His work on the earth, giving our lives in service to Him, doing as He desires.  Just as He gave His life in service to His Father, doing what He desired.

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

Ephesians 1:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ephesians 1:7 

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” – Ephesians 1:7

This section of scripture starts with Paul declaring God our Father as blessed.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” “Ephesians 1:3-6. 

Let us look at these verses for a moment.  In verses 4 and 5, many take this to be evidence of Calvinism.  Calvinism is the idea that God chooses whom He will save, and ultimately whom He will not.  However, we were chosen because of God’s foreknowledge and not because He chose us for no reason.  “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30.  The word here translated foreknew means exactly what it sounds like, knowing beforehand.  Now, the idea of ‘knowing’ is an intimate knowing, not just knowing of Him.  “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. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?  And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.” Matthew 7:21-23.

And this salvation, granted to all of us but accepted by but a few, is a free gift from the Father.  It is not  something we earn by working for it.  If that were the case, it would not be a gift but a payment for work performed.  And since no one can live a perfect life, except of course Jesus the Christ, we are unable to earn our salvation.  In this we have a reason to rejoice for He gave us what we needed, not what we earned.  But again, not all have accepted.

Now to our focus verse.  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”  Ephesians 1:7.  What a beautiful verse.  This is a great cause for celebration for us who have accepted His work on our behalf.  First, we are redeemed through the blood of Christ.  He loved us so much, He was willing to send His only begotten son to die a torturous death to give us the salvation we had no access to except through His sacrifice.  The Son of God was willing to die on our behalf.  And through His death, we have received forgiveness of all our sins.  The penalty has been paid on our behalf.  It is as if we never committed them.  He did not have to do this, however, there is no greater love.  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.  He gave Himself for us.  He is due all the glory, honor and praise we can give.  And I will add obedience.  “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14. 

Christ gave His all for us, the least we can do is give our all to Him. 

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