International Christian Church Quiet Times

Category: Discipleship

The Tongue And Its Power

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

Prov 6:16-19
16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

The Tongue’s Actions Determine God’s Feeling About Us

One of the things I appreciate about my mother is that she had deep convictions about lying. I would not get in too much trouble if I was honest about the what I did and the parties I went to. If I lied though, mom would “lose it,” stiffen the penalties, and the punishment would often become double or more. This is because lying to someone who loved me so much was very hurtful to them, and offensive to her, and she understandably took it very personally. This disposition around lying stuck with me. Therefore, it has helped me understand God and personally connect to scriptures like this one.

Most importantly, God emotionally and intensely reacts to me if I use my tongue to lie. If I stir up people against each other or cause problems with my words God hates it. The Hebrew word “sane’” here does really mean “to hate (personally).” The Hebrew word translated as “detestable” here is “tow`ebah,” and means “a disgusting thing, an abomination.” God takes how I speak very personally. It’s because his love is so deep that he cares this much about what comes out of our mouths. Love always “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6) and “God is love” (1 John 4:8), therefore this intense reaction from God makes sense.

Prov 6:23-24
23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.

The Tongue’s Powers Must Be Protected Against

The best defense we have against someone using their tongue to seduce or entice us to sin are the commands of God. Besides, if we spend time filling ourselves up with God’s word, when (not “if”, but when) we are enticed by a “smooth tongue,” we’ll be prepared. A “smooth tongue” is contrasted here with the commands of God. The “smooth tongue” being darkness and “leading down to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27). The commands of God being “a lamp,” a “light,” and “the way to life.” Who am I going to listen to? Sometimes my own “self-talk” from my heart and thoughts is dark and would lead me to death, persuaded to sin, and disbelief. How can “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ?” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Consequently, the biblical way to keep myself pure and to guard my steps like this is to memorize the scriptures and having them “hidden…in my heart.” :

Ps 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Prov 10:19-20
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

The Tongue Can Be Used Too Much

Clearly, we see all of us can choose to use our tongue to lie, to entice, and to seduce. Furthermore, we can use our tongue simply too much – by talking more than is necessary. The scriptures teach us “when words are many” there is some kind of sin we are covering for. Rationalizing, excuse-making, and deceiving all take more words to make work than the truth. The scriptures caution us “A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid a man who talks too much.” (Proverbs 20:19) I need to make sure that I am not that man who uses words to manipulate and defend himself. I can often over-explain which comes from insecurity, which can come from a lack of faith, or a self-focus, or a troubled conscience. Finally, it’s important for me, and all of us, to identify whatever is causing us to use “many words” when this comes up.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28)

Similarly, this “economy of words” is something the ancient Spartans famously demonstrated in their culture. “Lakonia” is the name of the ancient region of Greece in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. This region’s capital was (and still is) the city of Sparta. The word “laconic,” has come to mean both from this region and to thoughtfully use the least amount of words possible. Such was the practice of the ancient Spartans. Another thing I find is that the truth takes much fewer words and makes for a lighter heart and clearer head. Most importantly, it also brings me into fellowship and closeness with those around me and gets me in touch with grace – both given and received. (1 John 1:5-10)

Prov 17:28
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

The Tongue Speaks What The Heart Is Full Of

What will I use my tongue for today? How will it affect God’s view of me? How will it affect those around me? What does it indicate about my own heart? Jesus said, “for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45) What will I fill my heart with today and what impact will it have? What will it bring forth from my heart – wisdom or perversity, a piercing sword or healing? Consequently, will it help me endure forever…or only last a moment?

Prov 10:31
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Prov 12:18-19
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Prov 11:12,19
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Dare I speak the truth from my heart, good or bad? Even more, will I get in touch with where I actually am in my relationships – with God and with others? Or will I decide to “gush folly” and avoid the issues? There is no hope in a deceitful tongue. Additionally, there is no healing in a deceitful tongue, only crushing my spirit – and others!

Prov 15:2
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Prov 15:4
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Prov 17:20
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

The Tongue That Deceives

A deceitful tongue is the result of a perverse heart. When I’ve made the conscious decision to lie, it was always to get ahead. Often, I wanted something for nothing and acted selfishly.

As a result, when I was a teenager I stole some chips capriciously from the storefront display at the corner convenience store. I lied when I got caught, saying that I thought the friend with me had paid for the chips when he went to the counter. I recall another moment when lied to my jazz guitar teacher, saying I was so broke I could not afford gas that week and could I pay him later. He shrewdly exposed me and I’ll never forget the look on his face when he realized I was trying to take him for 20$. That was the price deceit and selfishness put on that friendship. Please forgive me, Eric. Certainly, even if I would have made a fortune, it would never be worth it! “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” (Proverbs 21:6)

Prov 26:28
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Prov 16:1
To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
Prov 17:4
A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue

The Tongue That Replies Well

Furthermore, God can guide me to reply well. I can pray to him for help, for guidance, for an apt and wise reply. I can listen to his word, his “lips,” and avoid my own self-deception. Sometimes the most malicious tongue is my own, tearing me down in my head, and it is wicked to listen to that inner voice of self-doubt in my heart! This is a choice I make! I must instead decide to listen to the Lips of God, the Word of God, and put its truth in my head and heart! “I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.” (Psalm 119:48) “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97) What will I meditate on? Whose lips shall I listen to?

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Prov 2:1-5)

Prov 25:15
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Prov 25:23
23 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
Prov 28:23
3 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
Prov 31:26
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

The Tongue Can Heal, Endure, And Wisely Instruct

The tongue can be used for many things. It has all manner of incredible power in our lives and the lives of those around us. The tongue can be deceitful, persuasive, sly, flattering, smoothly seductive, and in its gentleness, even break bones! Incidentally, according to the bible, it is not sticks and stones that break bones – it is the words spoken by a gentle tongue! The tongue can commend knowledge and bring healing! It can help one endure forever and bring forth faithful instruction and very the wisdom of God!

The scriptures are true –
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Finally, may all of us love the tongue, and “[speak] the truth in love,” so “we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) To God be the Gory!

Jeremy Ciaramella
Evangelist,
Phoenix International Christian Church

January 29, 2019
Clinging Like Jesus

The Angels Heralded Jesus’ Birth! Many were clinging to the prophecy of Christ’s arrival!

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:31-35)

God’s Greatest Gift To Us

Jesus is quoting Zechariah 13:7 here in Matthew 26:31. There are a great deal of references to Jesus in the context of Zechariah 12 and 13. Zechariah was a Levite born in Babylon and prophesied as a contemporary to the Prophet Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua the High Priest (in the early 6th century BC). Jesus’ quoting of this passage in Zechariah helps us understand that its surrounding context holds prophetic significance regarding Jesus. For example, in Zechariah 12:10 the prophet wrote:

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”

We know that Jesus was God’s greatest gift to us as explained John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We also know that Jesus’ blood was shed to cleanse us from our sins, “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Heb 9:14)

We see here in Zechariah 12:10 that God planned all along to pour out a spirit of grace through his “one and only” son’s suffering on the cross! Jesus precisely and deliberately quoted a scripture in a context that said a lot about him. None of us can outgive God! God has given us “…life and breath and everything else!” (Acts 17:25) God’s greatest gift was his “firstborn son!” God gave us “a spirit of grace and supplication” through his “only son.” (Zechariah 12:10)

Clinging To The Scriptures

Jesus explained to all of them candidly that they would desert him. He starts by telling them plainly – “You will all fall way on account of me” (Matthew 26:31) Then Christ quotes this passage in Zechariah 13:7 which explains why. He quotes other scriptures and references their fulfillment throughout his crucifixion. Jesus was clinging to the scriptures throughout the passion. He had them on his heart and mind at each step he took towards the cross. (Matthew 26:24,54,56) Jesus was quoting the scriptures even while he was on the cross itself! (Matthew 27:46, Psalms 22)

On the other hand, his disciple Peter was emotional and vehemently rejected the notion that he would ever deny Jesus. Peter said “Even If I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:35) Peter and the other disciples are understandably clinging to their emotions. It would be emotionally difficult to understand Jesus’ statement about them deserting him. It’s in our (sinful) nature to go with our heart, with our “gut-feeling”, or our sentiments. We must cling to the scriptures just as Jesus did when we are confronted with our crosses to bear (1 John 2:6).

Clinging To The Scriptures Like Jesus Did!

There are all kinds of trails in our lives and we will find ourselves clinging to something during those times. When I am not clinging to the scriptures I cling to myself, my children, my wife and even my vocation. When I’ve clung to myself, I’ve “checked-out.” I find myself indulging in gaming, Youtube, Netflix and the like. In these moments I’m just doing what makes my flesh “feel-good.” In clinging to myself I’ve focused on myself and serving myself. “…do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) I’m grateful the scriptures teach me how to repent when I am clinging to myself – “Serving one another humbly in love!”

Personal Trials

In 2009 Amy and I had to spiritually and emotionally navigate being taken out of the full-time ministry and out of our role as overseers for our beloved Eugene International Christian Church. We moved to Los Angeles to be with the church there and to get some much needed spiritual perspective. I went back into the IT field working at various jobs. It was very challenging at first, as we’d short-sold our home in Eugene and the credit union began to initiate legal action against us for the 57,000$ difference. I had just lost my job in the ministry at this point. Then I found a position as a programmer in LA shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, I’d made some very poor choices at this new job and so made very little money. After all of this, we filed for bankruptcy in 2009.

God blessed me with a couple of other opportunities after these events. Additionally, I was learning some hard lessons about how independent and prideful I was at each job in spite of these blessings. During these challenging times when I found myself clinging to the scriptures I was at peace, able to accept God’s discipline and God’s plan. Conversely, When I clung to myself or my job, I felt the distance between me and my wife and children. I had a short-temper and was incredibly ungrateful during these times. I had no peace. (Psalms 119:165-168)

Sincerely Vulnerable

Jesus was remarkable in that he was vulnerable with his closest three disciples even though they did not warrant such trust from him. So often we seek those in our lives to be “trustworthy” before we trust them with the true depths of our hearts. We must come to clarity on this disposition being nothing like Jesus’ at all. Therefore, we must “always trust” (c.f. 1 Cor 13:7) in our relationships in order to truly follow Jesus (and be his disciple)! Jesus trusted Peter, James and John so much he revealed to them his heart “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). Furthermore, Jesus humbly asked them “Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matt 26:38). The reason Jesus was able to trust these imperfect, weak, and struggling disciples with his true heart was because he knew he would soon be clinging to prayer.

Clinging To Prayer

In addition to imitating Jesus’ example of clinging to the scriptures, we must imitate his example of clinging to prayer. Oddly enough, this disposition made Jesus willingly vulnerable and trusting to the same men who professed to die with him and yet would betray him that same night. It’s tempting to think that what is in our hearts is “between us and God.” The scriptures and Jesus’ example do not endorse such a mentality in any of us. While honest vulnerability is never a replacement for clinging to prayer, this kind of transparency shows integrity and a sincere reliance on God.

Consider 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” How can we suffer with one another if we are not sharing our hearts as Jesus did with one another? If we are ignorant and closed off to each other’s hearts we cannot pray for one another to “be healed!” (James 5:16)

Clinging to Prayer like Jesus did!

Often we use past “church hurts” or relational injuries as a justification to withhold trust from others. We can also deliberately test the trust of those around us because of this. We’re constantly looking to discredit the sincerity of those around us in our “hurt” and fail to see the simple solution of forgiving before us. Men deceived by the emotions they were clinging to surrounded Jesus at this time in his life. And yet Jesus was merciful to them and gave them the benefit of the doubt even when he knew they would let him down and when they fell asleep watching over him! (c.f. Matt 26:40-41)

A Powerful Principle and Stunning Truth

Early on in Jesus’ ministry he taught them this principle of mercy with one another. Peter asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21 “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” The Lord replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt 18:22) It’s worth noting that immediately after this teaching Jesus preaches one of the most intense parables in the scriptures about the “unmerciful servant.” This parable concludes with a stunning teaching!

“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matt 18:33-35)

When we imitate Jesus we will find ourselves clinging to prayer. When we do so we will have the strength to lovingly trust others with our heart-of-hearts. Let us never confuse shrewdness for mistrust nor mistrust for wisdom. Instead, we must cling to prayer when we are faced with tough circumstances, relationships, and issues. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7-8)

Clinging To Jesus, The Perfect Model

At the end of the day, we need to look to God’s ultimate gift to us, his one and only son Jesus Christ. Jesus is our model and our hope and who we should be clinging to. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. His examples of clinging to the scriptures, being sincerely vulnerable, and clinging to prayer are the ones we must cling to! We will be strengthen when we cling like Jesus! We will be able to weather any storm and pick-up any cross we are called to! Following Christ is an astonishing adventure and clinging like Jesus prepares us for it!

To God be the glory –

Jeremy Ciaramella

December 30, 2017
Reflecting On 2 Timothy 2:1-7

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the LORD will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7

2 Timothy 2:1-7

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

This is an incredible payload of teaching and training for Timothy. Paul says we should “reflect” on what he is saying here. This is exactly what we are going to do line-by-line. This is a break-down of what Paul thinks of ministry. Both Paul and Timothy what we’d consider were full-time ministry leaders and oversaw churches. (Special thanks to Tim Kernan for sharing this lesson with the Phoenix International Christian Church staff and house church leadership groups.)

Be Strong In The Grace (2 Timothy 2:1)

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.“

If I don’t feel forgiven (e.g. “strong in the grace”) then how can I help someone else feel strong in it? Someone who is “strong in the grace” works hard. Paul said himself, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Cor 15:10) Someone “strong in the grace” also has a strong character of righteousness. The scriptures explain that grace “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…“. (Titus 2:12) A disciple strong in the grace is self-motivated, seeks advice and direction, and is eager to serve in whatever capacity they can. They have the mindset of Jesus – making themselves “nothing” and taking on the very nature of a servant. (Philippians 2:1-4) When we are strong in the grace, being someone’s son or daughter in the faith is a natural result. If you don’t have a father/mother in the faith and/or sons and daughters in the faith, are you really strong in the grace? “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 & c.f. 1 Corinthians 4:14-15)

One reflection from 2 Timothy 2:2 is we must “entrust to reliable men” who will also be qualified to teach others.

Entrust To Reliable Men (2 Timothy 2:2)

“And the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others”

What did Paul preach? He wrote some 50,000 words of the new testament! Paul says, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor 2:2) Yet there were many things he taught. In short, Paul taught the BIBLE. Things from the “Old Testament” (c.f. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5) as well as his revelations directly from Christ (Galatians 1:15-17) comprising a major portion of the “New Testament.” Paul says what is taught is entrusted – this implies a seriousness and a thoughtfulness. Are we treating discipleship times as casual talks where little to no bible is used? We need to take the bible out and entrust teaching to them! We need to bury it into their heart! “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8) The goal is to qualify them to teach others. All our enemy, Satan, has to do is to convince someone they are useless. Then their mission becomes simply to “not fall away.” That’s nobody’s destiny in the kingdom of God!

We must help people become reliable. The best way to test this is to give them a specific task and see if they actually do it. If we are not reliable and we drop the ball on “minor” things we will stay “stuck.” They say if you want something done, give the task to a busy person. If you give to a “not-so-busy” guy and he’ll proceed to teach you why he is not so busy. We must be reliable and responsive. There is a road to becoming reliable and responsive for everybody right now – its just one not many want to travel. As we are good examples, we will have what we need to teach others and examine others’ examples.

Qualified to Teach Others (2 Timothy 2:2b)

In this one sentence there are four generations of discipleship: Paul training Timothy who trains “reliable men” who train others. “Reliable men” don’t need to like you. Understand – “reliable men” don’t start qualified. They must walk with their “Paul/Timothy” and spend time with them. They will learn to trust and learn to do what they need to do in this way. Paul is essentially telling Timothy here to “get some apostles” (“reliable men”). This was Jesus’ pattern/example and it was Paul’s pattern/example as well! (e.g. Acts 19:7, 20:17-31) It must be ours as we strive to build God’s church. Who is your Paul? Do you have “reliable men?” Is there someone who is like a Timothy to you? In essence, who are we in this paradigm? We must become hardcore in our commitment to this model. Be someone else’s “apostle” (reliable man/woman) or “Timothy.” This takes time and is a serious spiritual investment.

Pleasing Our Commanding Officer (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer.”

Civilian affairs are the things of this world that do not concern our commanding officer – Jesus. When we become disciples of Jesus, God works on our character. We come into God’s kingdom typically lacking gainful employment, lacking social skill, lacking the disposition necessary for a healthy dating and marriage life, and with character weaknesses hindering us. All of us have God “work on us” through his Holy Spirit, our walk with him, and his plan of discipleship even if we are a “5 talent” individual.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)

Our life skills and understanding begin grow we see how God “fixes” us up. We are given a good job. God blesses us with a girlfriend/boyfriend or even a spouse. We are able to buy a good car or two and maybe a house…and then we start putting limits on what we’ll do for Jesus. We start drawing lines in the sand when it comes to our obedience and sacrifice and now all the sudden we have “limitations.” We say things like, “ministry is not for me” or “leadership is not for me” – well, how about Matthew 28:18-20? Did we forget we said “Jesus is LORD” and committed to give up everything? (Luke 14:33) It’s our commanding officers “command” to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything he commanded. We are all doing the same exact job, obeying the same command, irregardless of our office or role in the church! Don’t “fit your discipleship into your life” instead, change your life radically to fit discipleship!

Receiving The Victor’s Crown (2 Timothy 2:5)

“Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.”

The rules are the scriptures and the examples therein of ministry. You can’t cut corners making disciples. Jesus Christ was a leader. He trained his apostles to be leaders. Therefore, If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we too will become leaders, and we too will train others to lead spiritually. It’s like Jedi who make more Jedi. (1 Corinthians 11:1) The problem is we can love things and use people instead of using things to love people. “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9) You have to compete according to these rules because if you get distracted from them you will NOT get the crown! There are a lot of administrative tasks in leadership that can distract us. It’s important not to spend all day looking at spreadsheets! Instead, we need to look at “eye-balls!” Consequently we are to disciple and mentor the administration team. Meet with them with bible’s out and discuss character and not just agenda. Work through people or you’ll not receive the victor’s crown!

Another Reflection from 2 Timothy 2:6 – if we compete according to the rules we will receive “the victor’s crown!”

Sharing In The Crops (2 Timothy 2:6)

“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.“

When you don’t work through people there are no crops. When you invest in and work through people, it’s because they know you believe in them and are training them. There are crops that come when you work through people like this. We need to see the crops of people. Crops are enjoyable! There are many who have fallen away – and one reason is they did not share in the crops. For years they did not make “apostles” (reliable men) nor were they someone’s “apostle.” They sacrifice so much money in tithes and missions and in time and in tears and feel as if they have nothing to show for it! They did not make “apostles” nor were they ever truly someone’s “apostle.” So there is no sense of these “crops” to share in! Because they did not invest in people they eventually fall-away. So don’t waste your time or your life! You need to know you will eventually see the crops! Because when you do see them, you will have the heart to “do it all over again.“

Reflect On This (2 Timothy 2:7)

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

This is what Paul wanted Timothy to do in terms of these first six verses. This what we have just done. Let us become “strong in the grace” and determined to continually train our hearts and minds to be so. In order for us to “entrust to reliable men” we must also strive to be reliable and responsive ourselves so we can qualify others to teach others! We must become laser-focused on “pleasing our commanding officer!” What limitations must we let go of so we can let God use us to our full potential? Let us be astutely aware of the rules, the examples and directives in the scriptures, so we can count on “receiving the victor’s crown.” In order for us to fully embrace this “payload” of teaching on ministry we need to carefully ask God in prayer for insight in applying it! If we pray and live like this we are assured we will be “sharing in the crops!” And that will be to God’s glory! (John 15:8)

JMC

November 6, 2017
The Fear of The LORD vs. The Fear of Correction
The Fear of The LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and discipline – Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” – Proverbs 1:7

If I don’t have the fear of the LORD, I will not understand anything about knowing God, I won’t even know where to start. If I don’t have the fear of the LORD, I will despise wisdom. What does that mean, “wisdom?” How does one get “wisdom?”
- Proverbs 1:2, the proverbs help us have wisdom. Do I want to read them?
- Prov 2:6, the LORD gives wisdom. Do I want to ask him? James 1:5-8
- Prov 3:13, wisdom is something you actually have to look for, you have to want to look for it.
- Prov 4:5, wisdom is begotten by obeying God’s word. Do I want to obey God’s word?
- Prov 10:13, the lips of the discerning have wisdom. Do I want to listen? Do I want discipling? Do I delight when someone helps me be with my own lacking in wisdom?
If you think you are a whiz at everything, then you are taking the “wis” out of wisdom. – Jeremy Ciaramella

Prov 11:2, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Being humble is what will bring wisdom. That’s a sign I have “The Fear the LORD!”

Do I hate admitting I am wrong? Do I resent it when someone points out a fault, a mistake, or a sin? Do I willingly and eagerly confess my sins? Do I ask people advice about how I am doing things? Do I seek their advice or do I gush my solution, my perspective, my experiences, my successes, and my opinions? Do I avoid or dislike apologizing? Is it hard for me to apologize? Do I have to wrap their fault into the apology? “I’m sorry I did that, but if you have not first done what you’d done, I would have never done that to you…” All of these things are pride. All of these things are disgraceful. All of these things show I despise wisdom, because I am not loving humility. Humility is Christ’s most powerful attribute, it is what led him to the cross for our sake – Phil 2:5-8. If I don’t have humility, it’s because I don’t have the fear of the LORD. I’ll not start learning, gaining knowledge, until I have humility.

Prov 13:10 “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those to take advice.”

How can I know I’m pursuing humility?

Do I seek advice? Do I get advice intending to actually follow it? I appreciate disciples who take notes and such when they are getting advice/discipling. It shows they actually want to recall what they are learning and apply it. Do I do that? If I don’t take advice, it’s a sign that I am quarrelsome and prideful. Am I more eager to give advice to my leaders than to take their advice? Do I undermine their role because I’m so bent on implying and applying my opinion? Do I put people on eggshells because I often remind them of the shortcomings in them that I see? Do I talk more than I listen? Talking too much, talking loudly, talking over people, interrupting people…all of these things cause quarreling, because they are prideful actions. These actions demonstrate a lack of wisdom and thus a lack of “The Fear of the LORD.”

Prov 14:8 “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”
- Do I understand that a lack of vulnerability is the same as deception? “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken.” – CS Lewis, “The Four Loves”
- This is because mistrust the same as being unloving. We fear the error of man more than we seek the divine nature of God’s love.
- If I don’t have “The Fear of the LORD,” I will despise discipline. I’ll resent correction. I’ll fear admonishment, rebuke, and correction. I’ll resent those that deliver it, and rationalize avoiding them and opening up to them. I’ll not accept rebuke and instead will seek to dismantle it and merely endure it instead of be changed from it.
Wisdom pours her heart out to those who accept her rebuke. (Prov 1:23-25)
- When I spurn a rebuke, I prove that I am scheming, wayward, and prepped for destruction…(Prov 1:29-33)
- Do I hate it when someone who corrects me or do I love it/them? If I’ve stopped trusting them, then I’ve stopped loving them, and that is hateful. (1 Cor 13:4-8, “love always trusts.“) Prov 9:8.
- Do I have a biblical understanding of the value and power of someone showing “sharp disapproval or criticism” because of my “behavior or actions?” (Definition of rebuke = “Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their actions or behavior.“)
- Do I understand the impact of listening to a rebuke?
- It makes me a wise son, Prov 13:1
  
  It makes me at home among the wise, Prov 15:31
  
  It should impress me if I am a man of discernment, Prov 17:10
  
  It will cause me to gain knowledge if I am discerning, Prov 19:25
  
  It will give me spiritual wealth (golden earring), Prov 25:12
  
  It shows me that someone openly loves me, Prov 27:5
- Older men you are not to rebuke harshly! You are still rebuke to them, just not harshly! Exhort them as fathers! 1 Tim 5:1
- We are to both rebuke AND encourage! And do both with GREAT patience and CAREFUL instruction. Am I CAREFUL in my rebuke AND in my encouragement? 2 Tim 4:2
- Titus 1:10-14 this kind of heart must be rebuked SHARPLY. A SHARP “sharp disapproval or criticism” is for these people because they are (a) rebellious & deceiving others in Titus 1:10, (b) ruining whole households with their teaching(s), and (c) they are liars, brutes, and lazy gluttons. The solution to people acting like this is a SHARP rebuke – with goal being that they would be sound in the faith and not pay any attention to false doctrines and myths. We cannot be “sound in the faith” if we do no have “The Fear of The LORD!”
- A rebuke from the evangelist, the church overseer, is done with all authority! The same guideline is given for encouragement. Titus 2:15. No one in the church is allowed to despise the church leader. In principle then, no one should despise their house church leader or their bible talk leader. No one in the group God assigned gave you to lead is permitted to despise you according to this scripture. And it’s up to you to make sure that is the case! It is our goal that all our dear brothers and sisters would have “The Fear of The LORD!”
Jesus made a whip out of chords..

Jesus rebuked those he loved and disciplined. (cf. Rev 3:19). Am I being like Jesus and rebuking those that I love? (cf. Proverbs 27:5) Am I striving for the FEAR of the LORD and helping those around me to do the same? Or is there a fear (or hatred) of correction? (cf. Proverbs 12:1)

Jeremy Ciaramella
June 13, 2015