Question #1:
Good afternoon sir.
While reading Philemon I came across verse 6.
"and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective
through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's
sake."
The English grammar here in the nasb has multiple interpretations.
Looking at different translations, I still see variance. My
understanding is that our interaction with other believers should be
strengthened by knowing (understanding) the good things (spiritual
gifts? Good things in general?) that are in us (by the ministry of the
Spirit), all this being to the greater glory of God.
This said, does "which is in you" refer to "every good thing," or our
knowledge thereof?
Also Niv translates it such that the fellowship of our faith empowers
the knowledge, rather than the other way as Nasb (my preference) does
(in my understanding). I believe both are correct in a general sense;
the different parts of our lives all should work together in Christ, but
I am one to get interested in the precise meaning of a single point as
well as a general understanding of the Word as a whole.
This turned out longer than I expected. Thank you as always for your
work in the Lord for the furtherance of the saints in their walk.
Response #1:
I love the NIV (the 1985 NIV, that is, not the "secret" replacement some years back). However, it is a bit of an "interpretive translation", that is, they tell you "what it means" rather than "what it says" ofttimes. And like the little red-haired girl (as I've often said), "when they are good they are very very good, but when they are bad they are awful". This is one of those latter occasions. There are reasons for that. Paul's Greek is often very idiosyncratic and difficult to translate (even if one understands what he means when reading the Greek). The NKJV is not far from the mark but still a little misleading for not being all that clear:
. . . that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:6 NKJV
"Effective" is energes from which "energy" so that "energized"
would not be a bad way to render the word. "Acknowledgment" is
epignosis, a key Pauline word which he uses technically for "full
knowledge", that is, not mere gnosis but truth which has been
believed so as to be useful by the Spirit in those who have made it their
own by believing it.
As to "which is in you", this has to refer to "every good thing" because
epignosis is a feminine noun but the pronoun "which" is neuter.
This is a spiritual growth verse. Paul is reminding Philemon that we all
grow the same way by believing the truth . . . and by following it
(Phil.3:16; Col.2:6-7). "Sharing" in v.6 is koinonia (from which
"Koine Greek"), meaning fellowship/partnership: we are all in this
together when it comes to our faith – or at least we should be. Implied
then also is that since we all have benefitted by our mutual faith and
fellowship – certainly Philemon has received plenty from Paul, that
Philemon should be responsive to the request Paul will make later in the
letter, i.e., in v.17: "If then you regard me as a partner [koinonon],
accept him as you would me".
Here is how I expand the translation in order to (try to) bring out
what's really there:
[I pray] that as you put your faith [in the truth] just as we do that this joint fellowship (koinonia) in [believing] the truth may empower you in your full acceptance and understanding (epignosis) by faith of [the truth of] every good thing we have [been given] for the cause of Christ.
Philemon 1:6
And here's a link to where the passage is discussed (in
BB 5).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Dr Luginbill,
When you said "God is existence," what did you mean?
Thank you,
Response #2:
Here's what our Lord says:
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
John 8:58 NKJV
God IS life. We have life but life, existence, is what God IS, completely apart from this creation of His. And that is what YHVH means as well, namely, "HE WHO IS BEING" (see the link).
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:6 NKJV
Life, being, essence, existence is who God is. That is how we are given to see Him in scripture from our necessarily limited human perspective. From BB 1:
7. God is Life (Deut.30:20b; 1Sam.2:6; Job 10:12; 33:4; Ps.16:8-11; 36:9; Jer.10:10; Jn.1:4; 3:16; 5:26; 6:57; 11:25; 17:3; Act.3:15; 1Thes.1:9; 1Jn.1:1-2; 5:20b; Rev.1:18)
"I am the way: the truth and the life."
John 14:6Saving the lives of His creatures is a natural consequence of God's truth and faithfulness. Out of the intrinsic veracity and trustworthiness of His character, God honors His gracious and merciful promise to restore us to Himself and thereby to eternal life, delivering us from the condemnation of death accruing to us in our sinful state. In doing so, however, He has not failed to resolve the competing demands of His goodness and love on the one hand, with those of His holiness and justice on the other (as evil suggests He must). For God has found a way in accordance with His character to eliminate the wall of sin and consequent wrath which separates us from Him, and has done so through the gift and sacrifice of His only Son on our behalf (He died that we might have life). Peace is the biblical name for God's life-giving policy of reconciling us to Himself on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ. We accept and receive God's offer of life, peace and reconciliation by accepting and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Wishing you a good week ahead!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
[omitted]
Response #3:
It's not really possible to be devoid of emotion in a situation like
this. With family, as with marriage, we are going to have tribulation,
even with the best. At least as long was we are in contact with them.
Walking away is a BIG decision. I wouldn't even consider something like
that until I was dead positive sure that it was the right thing without
question, the necessary thing, and a decision that could be stuck to
(bouncing in and out is even worse).
Re: "my family are PETRIFIED of dying" – as well they and all
unbelievers should be. That is actually a very good sign. Another
positive sign is that they clearly understand that you know what you are
talking about, even if they are reluctant to take the truth from you
because they know you. You have clearly made progress with them, even
though it has come at a cost. Whether or not they will finally respond
or when, only God knows.
From a practical point of view, if you are on the point of breaking over
this, it's better to take a bit of a break rather than to "pull a Moses"
or "pull an Elijah" or otherwise end up doing or saying something you
will regret. We all have limits. When we are aware of getting close to
them, it's important to back off a bit (whatever that may consist of or
mean or take).
"Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze?"
Job 6:12 NIV
No, Job didn't and we don't . . . but Job who is renowned for his
patience should have waited just a bit longer before giving vent to his
emotions. Not bad advice for us all.
I'm keeping you in prayer on this my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Thanks Bob for the update and I pray that your day goes well with the classes
and meetings too.
There is something I am trying to figure out that would be edifying not only for
myself but also my ministry...this is on the topic of forgiveness but how it can
be misunderstood and lead to enabling and further abuse of someone.
The questions I have..
1) does forgiveness require repentance?
For example
a) If I sinned against you, would you wait for me to say I am sorry before you
forgave me?
b) or would you automatically forgive me whether I asked your forgiveness or
not?
2) who do we need forgiveness from?
For example
a) if I sinned against you and did repent, would I ask you for forgiveness and
then ask God for forgiveness too?
(This is what I tend to do anyway personally)
3) we can't forgive the sins of others can we?
For example
a) If I sinned against you but didn't feel remorse and my mum contacted you and
said 'I didn't really mean it' and that you 'should forgive me really (as a
Christian)'
How should we respond in the above situation?
I have experienced the above situation a lot in my life and it goes something
like this..
A) hard hearted bully person sins against me and feels entitled to do so
B) involved bystander feels too intimidated to rebuke the bully so instead tells
me that I should 'forgive them' or 'they were having a bad day' or 'they didn't
mean it'.
C) I feel bullied into forgiving and overlooking the sin but the bully carries
on sinning all the time, confident they will be enabled by others.
This happens a lot especially with domestic abuse cases. A wife may go to a
church to tell them that she and her children are being abused by their husband.
The church tells the wife that she is too hard hearted and must forgive her
husband for what he does. Meanwhile the husband has no intention of changing his
ways, the wife returns home confused and feeling guilty and the church
congratulates itself on helping a wife forgive her husband. Clearly a line needs
to be drawn. When a third party bullies another to forgive or claims to be able
to forgive sins on someone else's behalf then this is a type of enabling abuse
isn't it? This comes full circle to my earlier question, does forgiveness
require repentance on the guilty party's side? If a wife is constantly being
abused and the husband shows no remorse then the best advice is for the wife to
leave and take the children. Would that wife need to forgive her husband even if
he didn't admit he was an abuser and was so hard hearted that he would continue
given the chance again?
I have never experienced domestic violence but I have often found myself in the
past in abusive situations whereby a third party was very anxious for me to
immediately forgive the abuser even though clearly the abuser was not contrite.
I feel in these situations, the stressed third party just wants the situation to
'go away' and so they size up who they deem the 'weakest' in the dispute and
they guilt them into quickly forgiving the person so that everything has been
smoothed over whilst the bully goes off feeling entitled to bully, whilst the
victim feels ignored and silenced. Sometimes a victim can be made to doubt what
has happened actually did happen and this leaves them more vulnerable to further
abuse in the future.
The third party (or enabler) isn't actually helping the bully in the long run
either as they are ostensibly helping them to harden their own heart which may
eventually lead them to dying in their sins. Enabling is not a kindness as it
harms both the victim and the persecutor in the long run.
I know that we are in the Age of Grace now so we don't tend to rebuke people
anymore. I know this is completely different situation for believers and
unbelievers. We shouldn't be surprised if an unbeliever behaves in a reprobate
way or that others will defend them. The best cause of action then would be to
avoid these people as much as possible.
When it comes to believers behaving really badly then we are supposed to tell
them the truth in love and then bring other believers to confront them too. If
they don't listen then we are supposed to break fellowship with them.
Honestly Bob, things are getting so wretched now that only the Lord can sort
this mess out at His Second Advent.
In the meantime though I wanted to get this right as I am sure this will be an
important part of my ministry : how believers respond around abusive unrepentant
people.
In Jesus,
Response #4:
Every day we pray "forgive us our trespasses as we have forgiven them to others" (or the equivalent). Here's what our Lord says in commentary:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
Also, when Peter asked Him about this, here is how that went:
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV
Our Lord then goes on to tell the parable of the ungrateful steward who
begs for forgiveness but then won't give it to others. We've been
forgiven. Our Lord tells us to forgive others absolutely.
The real question, it seems to me, is just what forgiveness means. If I
am treated badly by someone, I have to forgive them. I do NOT, however,
have to put myself in a situation ever to be treated badly by them ever
again. I never have to have anything whatsoever to do with them again.
If this person is part of my church, the Bible outlines methods for
dealing with believer versus believer grievances. Outrageous believers
are to be put out of the church.
We don't have to pretend like wrong done is not wrong done; we don't
have to associate with those who do wrong to us or ever have dealings
with them again. Family is a different issue, but only marginally. We
have to forgive everyone, but we don't have to go beyond the beyond to be
nice to family members who are not worthy of anything beyond basic
responsibilities as we are given to see them.
In terms of abuse, I always counsel all victims of that to GET OUT NOW.
That is a relationship breaker and unacceptable. We forgive . . . and
flee.
Here's the main Ichthys link on this: in
BB 3B: forgiveness. For repentance: in
BB 4B
repentance. If we confess, we are forgiven (1Jn.1:9), but it has to
be a genuine confession. The Spirit working with our consciences lets us
know how that is going.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hello Dr. Luginbill!
Just wanted to “swing by” the virtual “office hours” and let you know
I’m still endeavoring to fight the good fight.
It’s been over a year now since I stumbled on your ministry and later
Mr. Omo’s (link); I’m
still clearly in that awkward adolescent phase, but I understand that’s
just part of maturing. It’s a comfort to know that allowing my mind to
be renewed by God’s truth and the Holy Spirit will continue to correct
it.
You kept emphasizing that regular study of the Word was the way to go,
so to speak, and I think I understand that more and more.
That’s how I receive Truth, and God’s truth is what I need to navigate
this world, know Him, and know who I “ought to be”, and even what things
are.
Have a blessed day in the Lord!!! I hope you’re encouraged in your own
walk and ministry, and know all the more today the truths of the Lord.
Response #5:
Thanks for the update,
You are definitely demonstrating joy in the Spirit, and that is an
indication of growth.
Re: "You kept emphasizing that regular study of the Word was the way
to go, so to speak, and I think I understand that more and more."
All of us experience this, all of us, that is, who are consistently
moving forward in the Word. And the opposite is true as well. You've
probably heard one of my favorite quotes before, from the famous
violinist Jascha Heifetz. who used to say this about missing practice:
"If I miss one day, I know it; if I miss two days, my orchestra knows
it; if I miss three days, everybody knows it". If we back off of our
good application, the joy and confidence we took for granted can
evaporate all too easily.
So keep fighting your excellent fight, my friend! You are indeed an
encouragement to me.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
Hope you are doing well! Everything is turning to spring here and we've
had lots of sunshine and a few thunderstorms.
I started going through
Peripateology this week. It's convicting how much I have to improve
in my Christian walk. It was comforting to know that spiritual things
aren't automatic, you have to put in the effort (sometimes it seems you
should just "know how to do it"). On the other hand, I'm understanding
now that walking with Jesus is much more of a commitment than most of us
understand. Anyway, I think I'm prepared now to move on and start
putting these things into practice, so that's what I'm going to try and
do. Appreciate your work in putting out the study, it's just the thing I
need!
[omitted re: health]
I'm resolved to not go into a tailspin and not to let it get me down (I
will have to remind myself of this however :)
Respectfully,
Response #6:
On commitment to a good walk, that is a fight for all Christians at all times. As you note. It's not automatic. We have the Holy Spirit – and that is a tremendous advantage. But we have to be willing to go where He leads, and the sin nature resists always . . . in company with the world, the active opposition of the evil one, and bad patterns we've laid down in the past. So it is a fight. It's important not to look at it as "win/lose" either, meaning that the fight is usually not pretty, never simple, and always facing resistance. We aren't going to "get there" in a day, but we have a right to feel good about every little victory the Lord gives us . . . and we are willing to accept. After all, it's not us doing it, if we are "doing it right", but God.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 NIV
I know what you mean about medical issues. They are definitely capable
of getting us down, just when we need to be trusting the Lord to get us
through. That is the important thing to remember. There is a reason for
everything, a good and godly one, and the Lord never lets us down. Our
job is to wait on Him and trust Him in the meantime, especially when we
are being tested.
I'm keeping you in my prayers on this.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I'm sorry my email service rejected your reply - you are on my contacts list and
so automatically on the safe list, so I don't know why it didn't go through. I'm
sorry for the inconvenience it caused you!
I appreciate the reminder that if we're doing it right, it's actually God doing
it.
In light of this verse,
For God [through His Spirit] is the One who is empowering you both to desire [what is right] and to put it into practice for the accomplishment of His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
. . . would it be correct to say: that God is happy to give us victory in all
our struggles (as far as we let Him), even though we are worthless servants,
since He is glorifying Jesus through us? (I don't know why this just hit me
now).
I'm having a struggle with wrong thoughts and I can't seem to kick them for
good. You wrote to someone else: "I know for a fact that once a person stops
being overly neurotic about occasional thoughts which do not in fact reflect
that person's true heart, they will become easier to dismiss." It's not
occasional though, it's all the time. It used to terrify me, cause I thought, "I
can't/won't be saved" cause they were so anti-God. I usually try to say "no" to
them but sometimes I am so worn out that I just give up.
I've almost written to you multiple times but always stopped cause I was so
scared/messed up. It's affecting everyday life though. [omitted] It's stopping
me from so many things, cause of these thoughts that tell me "you're only doing
that for evil" even things that for ordinary people aren't sinful. I don't want
to think wrong things or worse, do wrong things - how do I get out of this trap?
(It is a trap right?) I don't want to do anything for the enemy or his schemes.
How do I not be afraid to do things that shouldn't be sin?
I don't think I'll make much spiritual progress if I can't get this under
control, please help me.
Respectfully,
Response #7:
On the email, it's not your fault. All of these tech services are
becoming more difficult, and it only results in honest sites and
services being penalized while scammers stay one step ahead always.
It is indeed God who gives us victory in all of our spiritual battles.
The important thing to remember and to keep in mind is that the Holy
Spirit is in you and is filling you, as long as you are in fellowship
with the Lord. The Spirit is God. The Spirit is capable of restraining
anything and everything, certainly a few unwanted thoughts. If, instead
of panicking and getting upset at such times, we are determined to be
confident of the Spirit's ability to give us victory, recognizing that
He is more than able and more than willing to help us with this problem,
thinking about Him and not our doubts or failures, then in peace we can
turn this problem over to Him. He can and will help us, but we have to
have faith that this is so, and we have to actually let go and let Him
do what we are asking for. If we try to do such things through fleshly
efforts while in a sinful/fearful state, we will find out that we are
unable to. But if we trust Him to give us the victory, He will do it.
The more we grow and the more we take pains to "think about the things
above" rather than "the things below", the better we will succeed in
this fight (Col.3:1-2). If we overly worry about this, we are working at
cross-purposes. But if we relax and trust that the Lord knows out true
heart and hand over this fight with the one to Him, then all will be
well and you will have that peace you wrote about.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
So keep resisting the evil one, not the Spirit. Stop worrying, trust the Lord, trust the Spirit, and keep moving forward spiritually, no matter what.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NIV
I'm keeping you in prayer on this, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Dr, Luginbill;
It has been nearly a week since I emailed you about our circumstances. A
lot has happened since then, but we are nowhere near concluding the
matter. I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for your
effective prayers. We are in foreign territory here and have no
experience navigating the terrain. We are doing the best we can with our
current level of knowledge and trusting the results to our Father, and
Doc, the ways we are seeing Him work and lead us are unable to be
counted. God knows what we need and is already working all things
together for good - in ways we thought highly improbable due to
insufficient faith (obviously). Our Father is so powerful, so loving, so
kind. Who could not love Him back? This trial has already led to
important truths being taught and discussed, and opportunities to
minister. __ is now open to learning more and developing a closer
relationship with God.
One example of many: __ asked me how to know what God's Will is. I
responded (short version) by saying that God's Word is where we find the
answer, but we will not find a verse that says "you should always make
this decision in this circumstance." His direction is usually not that
specific, because if that were the case every person would need
different (individual) bibles. But God teaches principles throughout His
Word that can be applied to many different circumstances once we learn
and believe them. __ seemed to somewhat understand but also unsure of
how that works.
Now, __ has been our "IT" guy in our private business for many years and
understands our computers, the networks, how everything works, and how
to fix something when it malfunctions. Since we suspect that __ may not
be available for some unknown period of time, __ has been furiously
writing up pages and pages of instructions to guide us and help us
understand what __ has done and what needs to be done on a regular basis
and what to do if this or that happens.
God showed me the import of this and I shared this with __ "you have
unknowingly answered your own question about how to know what God's Will
is. Knowing that we were going to need direction and guidance, you have
spent days and days trying to write down explanations and give us
direction on how to do the right things. You knew that you could not
possibly cover every possible circumstance or situation that might
arise, but you wrote down principles that we could use to apply to any
situation that wasn't explicitly described. If you could be looking over
our shoulders as we encountered difficulties, you would probably want to
shout, "Look at my instructions! The answer is in there!" Maybe we
didn't spend much time actually trying to learn your instructions, maybe
we didn't think some of the pages were very important, maybe we read
them but didn't LEARN them so we can't really apply them, nevertheless,
the answers are in your instructions and we could come to understand
them if we were willing to put in the effort to LEARN them. THIS is the
answer to your question about how to know what God's Will is. God just
showed you. __ jaw fell open and said, "Wow... now I understand. Now I
know what I have to do."
I continued, saying that since we were inexperienced in this field, we
might read and study your instructions diligently and still not
understand what you are trying to teach us. In that case, we could call
on an experienced "IT" person to explain it to us in language we could
understand. In a similar fashion, if there is something we come across
in His Word that we just can't understand, He has given us Teachers that
we can call on for help - and that is exactly what He expects us to do.
That will help us through this difficult situation and actually better
prepare us for the next (slightly different) situation.
This is just one example of how God is using this trial to build us up,
strengthen our faith, teach us important principles, get us to lean on
Him for our answers. So many other examples have occurred, but in
respect for your time I will save those for another day. My heart is
broken, yet it leaps with joy at the same time! We will get through this
and we will be praising our Father during and after.
At this time, I am not requesting to be added to the prayer list. God is
getting an earful already! But we do covet your prayers as this
continues to unfold.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Response #8:
I'm happy to hear that this situation is leading __ in the right direction. It may well be that this is what the Lord has in mind with all that is happening. As Joseph said to his brothers . . .
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good."
Genesis 15:20a
Wonderful application of the Word, my friend! We are actually blessed
NOT to have rules – or, that is, not to have to follow the rules the way
Israel did. Trying to keep the Law the right way was something Israel
never did, and we would fare no better today (it's impossible now of
course to do half the things that were meant for the Jewish people in
the past in any case).
Do let me know if you change your mind on the prayer listing. I'm
praying for __ in any case.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
[omitted]
Response #9:
Very sorry to hear about the job. I was praying for that. Any chance
it's just taking longer than expected? I've seen that a lot. Namely,
prospective employers getting back to people WAY after it looked like
there was any hope. [our friend did get the job]
Keeping your __ in my prayers daily too, my friend.
The other side is going to be SO much better. So hang in there, and
"keep punching".
(24) Don't you know that all the runners in the stadium run the race, but that only one receives the prize? Run in such a way so as to achieve what you are after. (25) And again, everyone involved in competition exercises self-control in all respects. Those athletes go through such things so that they may receive a perishable crown of victory, but we do it to receive an imperishable one. (26) So as I run this race of ours, I'm heading straight for the finish line; and as I box this bout of ours, I'm making every punch count. (27) I'm "pummeling my body", one might say, bringing myself under strict control so that, after having preached [the gospel] to others, I might not myself be disqualified [from receiving the prize we all seek].
1st Corinthians 9:24-27
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
[omitted]
Response #10:
Thanks for asking. It's going OK, even though today ended up being even busier
than I had imagined by double at least. I'm more or less caught up though
tomorrow and Thursday and Friday will be "bears". Next week looks smooth, so
that is good. Just have to get there!
You sound pretty busy yourself!
Thanks for all the good words and observations, and also for catching me up on
__'s situation. If something like that doesn't get a person's attention, what
will? Of course, when I had my ankle crushed by a tank and surgically
reconstructed with over a week in hospital and several months on crutches, you'd
think that that would have been the thing that turned me around. It took MORE.
But the Lord did work it out. We'll keep praying.
Enjoy the Spring!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I think it got sent correctly! Thank you for putting up with it.
I didn't think about the children of Israel. I guess you could add Jonah
to that category too. I guess my concern is, if I'm supposed to live my
life for Jesus, I don't want to waste time on things that aren't what He
wants.
At the same time, I have to make a living and while I don't want tons of
money, I would like to have successful and fulfilling work.
I know my first priority and purpose should be to the Lord. However, I
don't have a family or many friends here, and I want something to pour
myself into. Work is the only thing right now. What else is there after
God and other people?
On quiet confidence, are you saying I should have that when I undertake
something? Is that a good sign that it's ok? How do I know that I am
stepping out to follow the Lord when I'm not sure where I'm going when I
step?
I'm just afraid to messing up or wasting time.
I know it's posting day so take all the time you need. Hope your week
went well and that you have a good Saturday/Sunday!
Respectfully,
Response #11:
My pleasure, and thanks for fixing the email situation (sometimes it's
just not possible)!
No one ever played "a perfect game". We all make mistakes, and sometimes
they are not really mistakes. They are "reconnaissances". Some things we
can't really know about unless we try. We try our best to listen to the
Spirit who informs our consciences as we make decisions, and when we see
something is wrong, we change course. But we do have to have confidence
that the Lord is working things out for us, even though we can't see the
farther shore just yet. We keep on sailing, regardless of the wind and
the waves. Confidence in the Lord comes not from our own ability and
talent and resources, but from trusting Him to work things out even when
these things are lacking.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2nd Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
We walk by and rely on the Spirit. And eventually we get where we are
going. First priority is spiritual growth. He only uses what we know and
have believed to guide us. So if we are not yet where we should be in
terms of our knowledge of the truth, that is job #1. And we could ALL
afford to do better there. So my advice to you is that if you have the
time, think about doubling down on your taking in of the Word of God and
its teaching.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I know it's not possible, but I think I want to be perfect.
You're right though, I need to spend more time in God's Word, prayer,
and growing. I'll give it all I have and hopefully I'll have something
good to tell you once I write again.
I'm feeling "off" lately but I'm going to ignore my feelings and just
try to walk with Jesus - thanks as always for your prayers!
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and a good Resurrection
Sunday!
Respectfully,
Response #12:
By all means, "shoot for perfection" (although "aim for perfection" in
the 1985 NIV of 2Cor.13:11 actually means "Be complete [in your
spiritual growth]!"). That quest is a common policy. But please don't
make one of the two mistakes which people who do so often make: 1)
getting down on themselves when they don't achieve it – and no one
achieves it; 2) redefining perfection so as to be able to pat themselves
on the back (that is just lying to oneself). Better, in my view, is to
try to do a good job day by day, keeping in mind that one could always
do a little better.
Re: "I need to spend more time in God's Word, prayer, and growing".
Amen! That is "the ticket", and in the end it pays off wonderfully well,
just as long as we do in fact keep at it consistently.
Re: "I'm going to ignore my feelings and just try to walk with Jesus".
That is exactly the right mindset. In the end, it doesn't matter whether
we feel good about Bible study or not. Just like exercise, we need to do
it, regardless of whether or not we may want to on any given day. If we
let how we feel be the judge of things, we'll stop getting out of bed in
the morning entirely. And rationally we do understand that if we do what
is good, do what we should, later on we WILL feel good about having done
what we should do.
Keeping you and your health in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Good day Professor,
How have you been Sir? I trust Our good Lord has been taking care of
you. He has been so merciful to us. We wake up each day and are so
conscious of our unworthiness and so grateful for His love.
Where would we be without you? The best gift down here is knowing him
more and more because of how you’ve let Him use you. Thank you Sir.
The latest email posting has us talking about so much. And sitting up so
much too. Two things (that I’ve known before of course) have stayed in
my active consciousness this past month from our daily Bible Study.
1. Taking each day one day at a time.
2. Waking up with one goal only: I want to get the highest rewards I
could possible get in heaven. Everything else is by the way.
[omitted]
My plan, if God wills it is to find that Simplest thing possible to do
with being a doctor/ or not. And focus on keeping my home and raising my
children in an accurate fear and knowledge of the Lord.
Thank you so much Professor.
Response #13:
What a great testimony!
Being married isn't easy. Bringing up children isn't easy. And heaven
knows, becoming a doctor isn't easy – and you have them all!
What impresses me most is your cheerful and godly attitude in spite of
all the pressure, load and stress. __ is blessed to have you! And I am
blessed to have you and him as my friends in Jesus Christ.
Hold onto your godly perspective. All the difficulties we face down here
will melt into nothing when we stand together with the Lord on that
great day to come.
I am in prayer for you both and for your daughter daily.
Thanks so much for the update and the pics!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
p.s., our friend made it!
Question #14:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
Can you help me understand this passage in Matthew?
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then, if your eye is clear, your whole
body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be
full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the
darkness! - Matthew 6:22-23
Does it correlate with the verses prior (19-21) which are talking about storing
up treasures in heaven (this is talking about eternal rewards, right?)
This passage from Luke 11 references the same thing:
33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on
the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the
lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of
light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 So watch out
that the light in you is not darkness. 36 Therefore if your whole body is full
of light, without any dark part, it will be wholly illuminated, as when the lamp
illuminates you with its light."
Which made me think of this passage:
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15
nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and
it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Your light must shine before
people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
How should I understand the phrase "your eye is the lamp of your body?" Is this
spiritual eyes, like seeing with the eyes of faith, seeing things through the
truth that the Holy Spirit makes us able to understand?
Thank you! I hope you are doing well.
Respectfully,
Response #14:
Light is associated with truth – for God is light (1Jn.1:5), so these
are all good passages to think of.
I've written about this passage in BB 4B,
at the link. Here is an excerpt:
e. Phase Two Hardening of the Heart: Rejection of the Truth
While the darkening of the mind which occurs in phase one hardening is largely a passive resistance to the truth (Eph.4:18a), the next phase of the process of choosing one's own ways over those of the Lord is the active rejection of the truth, a course which results in the person in question separating him or herself from the truth altogether (Eph.4:18b). It is now not merely a matter of resisting the light and bringing on an ever growing darkness. Now we find a state of complete blackout wherein no light can penetrate and all truth is rejected immediately, out of hand, and with no consideration whatsoever."If your eye is bad, your whole body is dark. So if the light within you is darkness, how great that darkness is!"
Matthew 6:23The "bad eye" or inability to perceive the light referred to by our Lord immediately above is indeed a problem of perception, but the spiritual blindness such persons are suffering under is one which has been entirely self-induced (Prov.5:6). No longer do we have a passive ignorance wherein the truth is merely ignored. Now we have an active or prejudicial ignorance wherein any new offering of truth is energetically opposed and firmly rejected. As Ephesians 4:18 puts it, they are "separated from the life of God because of this [willful] ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts [against the truth]". This blindness to and studied ignorance of the truth is the result of hardening one's heart against it to the point where no openness to it remains.
Doing well here – hope the same is true for you!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
Thank you for the link. I tried to click on it to go there, but I
thought it was taking me to the whole study (guess I didn't let it load
enough). Sorry for that!
Ok, so the more we "see the light" and act on it, we are lights to the
world and the more light we have in ourselves.
Glad you're doing well, I am too!
Respectfully,
Response #15:
Good to hear it!
That's right: everything depends on our spiritual growth. So keep at it!
Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,
Happy Easter!!
Thanks for your email. I've been working with __. I'm trying to teach
him to email you with questions even though I can answer them. Sometimes
it's good to hear from someone else than just their parents. __ has a
desire to learn about Jesus. I'm hoping __ will get some more emails out
to you soon.
Life is usual here, we still don't have a home. Im trying to stay
positive but it's hard. Real estate is slow for us and the bills are
piling up. __ is trying to put a few hours in working at the campground.
It's been a blessing but it's not making ends meet. Everyone we know
just looks at us and says they will pray. We could be on the side if the
road with nothing and they would say the same thing. It's a good thing
we have Jesus. He gets us through.
I've always known people are like this but over the last 4 years I
realized it's a lot of people. Everyone just looks down on us. Which is
fine, it doesn't bother me but sad that they have this judgment with no
care. Someday they just might find themselves in a situation with no
home either. People in general are self centered and all they think
about is their own life and if they do have any care for someone it
seems to be short lived or upon conditions.
I think we are coming up on some changes in the world real soon. Maybe
something like when Covid happened but this time it will be financial.
No need to be scared or worried.
I'm so thankful just to have running water and a bed. Health and having
food is a huge bonus and when or if I don't have that I'll find
something to be thankful for.
I'm looking forward everyday to the day of deliverance. It can't get
here soon enough.
How are you doing? Hope you and your family are doing well.
Response #16:
Thanks for the update, my friend.
I am distressed to hear that you are still in the same basic situation.
I (also) have been praying to the Lord about this daily. Some tests last
a lot longer that we expected or hoped (I know all about that as well).
It's wonderful that you have such great children! What a blessing!
Things here are very, very busy. [omitted] so we are in a fixer-upper
frenzy. Between that, finishing the semester, getting the summer
research push going, and gardening (already begun to a degree) . . .
and, oh yes, Ichthys! . . . I'm running at close to full capacity. Good
for me, I'm sure, but I am looking forward to a little respite once some
of these time-intensive things are in hand around mid to late May (that,
at any rate, is "the plan"). And for all of us, there is THE Plan. If
we're walking with the Lord, learning the truth, helping others do so
where and when we can, we are responding to it . . . and will have
plenty to look forward to on the other side (which looks more enticing
to me day by day).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Oh that's so good to hear about Ichthys! How wonderful! I sent someone to your
site a few weeks ago. Hopefully he found it and is enjoying it.
__ is still indulging in your stuff. __ reads it every day and loves it. Me too!
I heard some tornados hit Louisville yesterday. I hope you weren't in the path.
Yip, this test is going on forever. Our patience, long-suffering, and endurance
is being tested. To the max!! We could use a short break before it gets even
harder. That's what I'm praying for.
__ to this picture of a property we listed. One of our favorites. We are always
selling property that we would love to have ourselves.
Anyways hope you are safe and sound from all the weather.
Have a wonderful evening.
Response #17:
Thanks for recommending the site!
We had a few limbs down around here, but nothing bad. Some places in the
vicinity had multiple trees down and loss of power. We've a lot worse in
this area!
Re: "respite", that is what I'm praying for, for you guys and for us all
. . . and for a place of your own.
Keeping you in my daily prayers – thanks so much for yours as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
[omitted]
Response #18:
I'm sorry that this is still plaguing you. In terms of treatments, if
God gives us means to address any problem, we are within our rights to
use them. However, not everything need be used and some things are
pretty clearly not good to use. A little spiritual common sense will
show that "no medical attention ever" is an imprudent position since God
has provided such means; but also "every ache and pain and problem must
be attacked by rushing to the Dr. and taking any and all available
pills". Somewhere in between is the right place for each one of us.
Personally, I deeply dislike going to any Dr. or taking any pill . . .
but if I have a problem that can't be solved otherwise, I most certainly
do avail myself of said means. In either case, as believers, we trust
God first and foremost. We understand that in this world we have to do
certain things, but we also understand that they are only successful
because He provides and gives us success. If we are hungry, we
understand that we must work to satisfy that hunger. God is not going to
send the ravens to feed us . . . unless that is necessary. For the most
part, He will provide a job for us to earn what we need to buy our food.
Not working is condemned by scripture (e.g., 2Thes.3:10). This is a
matter of application. Practically speaking, we all understand that even
good medical help and reasonable medications are not "silver bullets",
so that even as we make use of the means God provides, we understand
that we are only healed because He is helping us . . . just as we are
only successful in our jobs – and only got them in the first place –
because He helped us.
In terms of the fight for the high ground, pretty much all believers who
are advancing have experienced the sin nature's "fighting back", and
often through just this sort of "intrusive thought" attack. One thing
it's always good to remember is that we DO have the Holy Spirit
indwelling us, and that He is certainly stronger than any nasty impulse
of our flesh, no matter who or what is abetting it (1Jn.4:4). So we can
relax and hand this problem over to Him and He will help us with it, if
we trust Him to do it.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Dr. Luginbill!
How are you doing?
Could you clarify at your convenience this QA excerpt for me from the
first question of this QA collection ( https://ichthys.com/mail-Unity-Divisiveness.htm
)
The latter case is very clear (and falls into the category of absolute
separation described in the two passages quoted at length above); anyone
who is not acknowledging Jesus is "against Me"; that person is someone
from whom we must stay away. However, in the former case, we have to do
with a situation similar to the one about which you ask where the person
or group in question is not rejecting Jesus outright, but rather not
following Him in the same careful way as we are: the disciples were
doing it correctly; these other individuals were doing it in a more
"free" (i.e., less accurate) way. In that case, these persons, while no
role-models to be sure, are as our Lord says "not against us" and so
"for us".
I’m not clear on what the “latter case” is referring to; was it the
religious leaders blaspheming or the aforementioned two versus from 2nd
John and 1 Corinthians or something else?
Thank you!
Response #19:
Good to hear from you. Apologies for the lack of clarity. By "latter case" I mean the situation where "he who is not with Me is against Me" (Lk.11:23) applies, namely, things and people and organizations from which we ought to stay away and not support – rather than the "former" where marginally helpful individuals and organizations should not be hindered even though they are nowhere close to being "right on" in their teaching (cf. Phil.1:15-18).
Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
2nd John 1:8-10 NIV
So with this passage, it's "all of the above" to answer your question: the blasphemous religious leaders and the sentiments expressed in e.g., 1st Corinthians 5:11; 2nd Timothy 3:1-5; 2nd John 1:8-10, are all to be avoided because they are dangerous and doing more harm than good. It's one thing, for example, to teach the rapture (wrong) but be correct about the gospel (we are saved by grace through faith and without works), and quite another thing to deny the Person and/or the work of Christ.
. . . having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
2nd Timothy 3:5 NIV
Doing OK – how are you and yours?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello!
Thank you for typing out the clarification.
I’m chugging onward; I’m still having quite a challenge in deciphering
when, how and if I ought to bear with people or distance. Perhaps, that
comes as no surprise given the topic matter.
I assume it’s a matter I’ll really need to depend on the Lord to guide
case by case. That said, all cases should be that way, but maybe some
easier ones I can navigate without as many challenges.
Take care, and I hope you have a wonderful week walking with our Lord
and Savior! Thank you!!
Response #20:
I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
1st Corinthians 5:9-11 NKJV
Of course we don't want to break fellowship with families or friends of
longstanding without very serious reasons for doing so. It is a matter of
leaving these things to the Spirit. And learning to listen to Him is a matter of
spiritual growth. We all get better at that over time – or should.
From my perspective, from what you've shared over the years, you seem to me to
making good progress! So keep on running your good race – I'm keeping you in my
prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.