God hath Chosen the Foolish Things of the World to Confound the Wise

• God uses Clay Pots – so He Gets all the Glory - The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is totally by God’s sovereign grace, love and mercy; and those three elements – along with everything else associated with salvation – are unearned gifts from God to His people. God must draw the elect to Himself and grant them repentance, spiritual understanding, faith to trust Him, and a capacity to love and obey Him. Only God can create a new eternal soul, or “heart”, and make a “new creature” of a person (Eze 36:26-27). We also read this in 2 Cor 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. God commands all of His people to “go ye into all the world” and to “shew mercy” to the lost by being “ambassadors for Christ” and proclaiming the “Gospel of Christ”. The Gospel is a two-edged sword (Rev 1:16) that cuts one way to eternal life (Acts 2:37) and the other way to eternal damnation (Acts 7:54) and God uses it to accomplish His purposes in the lives of those who come in contact with it. As believers bring the Gospel they are a “sweet savour of Christ” to the people of the world, as stated in 2 Cor 2:15-16, “savour of life unto life” to the “vessels of mercy”, “savour of death unto death” to the “vessels of wrath”. We marvel that God uses sinful, weak human beings as His vessels to carry the glorious message of the Gospel to a world that is spiritually lost and shrouded in sin. Why does God use imperfect men to evangelize the world? It is to show His power to save, so that He gets all the honor and glory: “But we have this treasure [Gospel] in earthen vessels [men], that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor 4:7). This same reason is also summed up in the eight words of 1 Cor 1:29, “That no flesh should glory in his presence”.

2 Cor 2:15-16 “For we [believers] are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”

Isa 43:10-12 “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.”

1 Cor 1:26-29 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

• God hath Chosen the Foolish Things of the World to Confound the Wise - 1 Cor 1:26 says, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called”. Eph 1:18 also speaks about this calling: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…” And 2 Tim 1:9 adds, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”. 2 Cor 1:12 further explains that “fleshly wisdom” plays no part either before or after salvation: “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation [lifestyle] in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward”. 1 Cor 1:17-21 clearly differentiates between the bankruptcy of human wisdom and the undeniable perfection of God’s infinite wisdom as expressed through His Word – the Bible. Not only has the world rejected God's wisdom but Jer 8:5-9 painfully illustrates the careless disregard and open defiance of the institutional churches of our day against the Word of God that has resulted in God’s judgment upon them. Isa 8:20 makes this solemn pronouncement: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them”. Luke 10:21-24 describes God’s will in saving those of His choosing: “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight ...”.

Jer 8:5-9 “... but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?”

2 Cor 3:5-6 and 12: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers [or servants] of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life… Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech”

1 Cor 1:17-21 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

• God hath Chosen the Weak Things of the World to confound the Things which are Mighty - In the phrase, “God hath chosen the weak things of the world”, we notice that the Greek word for “weak” is derived from two other root words signifying “no strength”. The Bible is a spiritual book, and God frequently conceals His Truth in figurative, or symbolic, language. When God uses examples of people in the Bible who are weak, sick, half-dead, or even physically dead, it is to emphasize man’s sinful spiritual condition, as Eph 2:1-3 portrays: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins ...”. Wonderfully, Christ’s mission was to redeem those who are spiritually diseased, as Mark 2:17 so beautifully affirms: “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”. Everyone in the categories “mighty”, “whole”, “righteous” are merely “self-righteous” and have not been saved: “which trusted in themselves that they were righteous” (Luke 18:9). It is the deluded, prideful expression of the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 as well. They do not understand their own sinfulness. Sadly, this is the essence of mankind’s fallen nature. Mat 25:34-39 also describes the efforts of Christians (by God’s empowering and motivation) to send forth the Gospel to those (among others) who are spiritually sick: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: ...”. Rom 5:6 pictures our hopeless and helpless state, apart from God’s gracious salvation: “For when we were yet without strength [sick] in due time Christ died for the ungodly”. However, if one is to be completely candid, we must admit our moment-by-moment dependence on God for everything – every single day! Such reliance is what we truly need, and what God expects, and where one finds ultimate security, as 2 Cor 12:9-10 teaches, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”. 2 Cor 13:4 further adds: “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”

Luke 18:9-14 “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

1 Cor 2:1-8 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

• God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are - Let us now briefly look at the phrase, “to bring to nought [nothing] things that are”. 1 Cor 2:1-8 above can help us gain further insight: “... Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery ...”. 1 John 2:15-17 reveals the truth about this world, and what it signifies spiritually: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”. The term “bring to nought” appears in a variety of places, and is rendered as “make void”, “of none effect”, “destroyed”, “delivered”, “fail”, “vanish away” and “passeth away”. Not only it referred to “princes of the world” and “the world” but we see it also expressed in the language of Deu 28:63 referring to rebellion of God's people: “And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it”. Not only are the unsaved in complete rebellion against God and His Law, the Bible, unsaved man is under Satan’s spiritual control and is a prisoner in his kingdom. 2 Cor 4:3-4 states: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. Those who have been placed in God’s family or kingdom can certainly identify with the words of Gal 1:4: “Who [speaking of the Lord Jesus] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father”. This amazing passage Rom 4:17-21, in which God is speaking of Abraham, reveals God’s infinite power, which is described in two ways: First, God’s power that is able to raise the dead (whether physically or spiritually). Secondly, God is able to create something out of nothing. Genesis 17 which Rom 4:17 quotes, is all about this, as it frequently repeats this magnificent theme some 24 times in the context of Isaac being born to Abraham and Sarah, which was physically impossible. 2 Cor 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. Only God can resurrect a person and give new-birth – eternal life. Only God can create a new eternal soul, or “heart”, and make a “new creature” of a person, as we read in Eze 36:26-27. Col 3:9-10 reiterates that indeed, the child of God has been clothed with the very righteousness and holiness of Christ Himself:  “... seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him”. This is an astounding concept that mortal, sinful, depraved man could become as holy and pure as His Creator; and yet God has instituted this requirement in order for man to inhabit Heaven. Let me leave you with this parting thought. Those of us who are saved, by God’s grace have the amazing privilege to live out our lives in this world, as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 12:1-2 succinctly proclaims: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Rom 4:17-21 “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Heb 11:17-19 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”

2 Cor 5:17-20 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

2 Cor 4:5-7 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

The Qualities of a Servant

• The Servant of the Lord Must Not Strive but be Gentle unto All Men - Today we will consider “The Qualities of a Servant” as set forth in 2 Tim 2:24-25: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”. The Greek word for “strive” in 2 Tim 2:24 is used in three other places where contention and fighting are in view. 2 Tim 3 highlights the truth of words that are not profitable – that is, they are the exact opposite of the purpose God intended for the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17). The end result of such senseless bickering regarding that which is not truth results in “… the subverting of the hearers”. The Greek word for “subverting” (G2692) is a strong word that not only underscores the futility of such discussions, but leads to eternal damnation. 2 Timothy verse 16 teaches: “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness”. The phrase “profane and vain babblings” is also found in 1 Tim 6:20, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:”. Similarly, 1 Tim 4:7 states, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness”. Verse 18 furnishes more information about these two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus: “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some”. 1 Tim 1:19-20 gives further information concerning Hymenaeus: “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme”. Consider also the caution offered in 1 Tim 1:4, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do”. And verse 23 affirms: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes”. Now let's consider second part of verse “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men”. Jam 3:17 reveals, “But the wisdom that is from above [anothen] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”. After salvation, following the pattern of their Master, those who are part of the eternal church are equipped with the fruit of “gentleness” along with the other eight fruit (or “products”) of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives, according to Gal 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”. 

1 Tim 1:5-7 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling [that is “empty talking”]; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm”

Tit 3:8-11 “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

1 The 2:7:4-11 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children.”

• Apt to Teach, Patient, In Meekness Instructing Those That Oppose Themselves - Today we are looking at “The Qualities of a Servant” as set forth in 2 Tim 2:24-25: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”. 2 Tim 3:16-17 announces: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ....”. Verse 14 states: “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers”. This verse precedes 2 Tim 2:15 that, as we shall see in our future lessons, focuses our attention on accurately interpreting and teaching the Word of God after someone has become a child of God – the result of God’s unfathomable grace. Although not all believers are qualified to be Bible teachers, all believers should “… be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”, according to 1 Pet 3:15b. In order to give a correct answer we must glean truth from the Word of God by “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” – that is, comparing Scripture with Scripture by using the whole Bible: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor 2:13). Incidentally, God commended the Bereans in Acts 17:11 for examining the Scriptures in this manner: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so”. We now want to consider the trait of patience. Notice how the word “meekness” in 2 Tim 2:25 can result from God’s granting repentance (or a change of mind) as a result of salvation, “… if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”. The child of God is to exhibit the attitude described in Eph 4:2, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”. Col 3:12 further maintains: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” As we ponder this word “meekness”,we are reminded of the Lord Jesus, the Ultimate Servant, who uttered these words in Mat 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”. May it be that God will use us as His humble servants to proclaim His glorious Gospel that others might indeed find Eternal Rest in Him.

1 Cor 2:1 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

• Study to Shew Thyself Approved unto God - 2 Tim 2:15 states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. The Greek word for “study” (spoudazo:G4704) is used 11 times in the New Testament, and is translated into English as “endeavour”, “do diligence”, “be diligent”, “give diligence”, “be forward”, “labour” , and “study”. But in what way are we to be diligent? Consider how the passage reads literally in Greek: “Be eager to present yourself approved to show to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. This verse speaks of the Christian’s duty of “presenting” both his members as well as his “body” (his whole life that is) for the service of God: Rom 6:19 affirms, “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded [G3936] your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield [G3936] your members servants to righteousness unto holiness”. And Rom 12:1 declares, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present [G3936] your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. However, the object of a person’s “diligence”, or “eagerness”, is to be “approved”, or “saved”, as we will discover shortly. Three other passages which utilize the same word “spoudazo” G4704 (that is, “study” or “be diligent”) help us to see this truth: Heb 4:11 teaches, “Let us labour [G4704] therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief”. 2 Pet 1:10 states “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence [G4704] to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” And 2 Pet 3:14 reveals, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent [G4704] that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless”. These and other similar verses in the Bible highlight the enormous importance of honestly assessing the spiritual condition of our souls, as we learn from 2 Cor 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” As I mentioned earlier, to be “approved” by God is to be saved. We do not have the time to investigate the passage, 2 Cor 10:12-18 in great detail, but we can touch on a few relevant ideas. For example, verse 12 indicates that one is to measure himself against the “rule”, or kanon (G2583) in Greek from which our English word “canon” (as the canon of Scripture) is derived. In other words, the “ruler” or “yardstick” is the Bible itself.  Verse 18 also proclaims: “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth”. Pro 21:2 declares, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts”. Furthermore, Luke 16:15 adds, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God”. And whom does the Lord commend? Rom 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth [G4921] his love toward us [believers], in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. The only ones whom God approves, or commends, are the true believers. “Salvation is of the Lord”, as Jon 2:9 insists.

2 Cor 10:12-18 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure [G3358] of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure [G3358] to reach even unto you. 14For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18For not he that commendeth himself is approved [G1384], but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Jam 1:22-25 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, [or the Bible] and continueth [or obeys] therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

• A Workman That Needeth Not to be Ashamed - Who is this “workman” or “laborer” (ergates:G2040) this verse speaks about? Luke 10:2 asserts, “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest”. In actuality, the “laborers” are the ones whom God has redeemed and set apart to be His ambassadors, according to 2 Cor 5:17-20. Sadly, there have always been those who masquerade as God’s servants. This phenomenon is even more pernicious in our day, as we find ourselves in “Great Tribulation”. They are now under His divine wrath, as the following verses testify: 2 Cor 11:13-15 warns, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works”. With respect to genuine believers 2 Cor 4:2 maintains, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”. We must bear in mind that both the motivation as well as the performance can only be attributed to the marvelous intervention of God Himself, as 1 Cor 15:10 reveals: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”. Php 2:13 also verifies this, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure”. There is another kind of “work” – namely to “labor” in the Scriptures, as 1 Tim 5:17 relates, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour [G2872] in the word and doctrine”. We now must turn our attention to the phrase in the second half of 2 Tim 2:15, which states, “… that needeth not to be ashamed [G153], rightly dividing the word of truth”. To be “ashamed” ultimately is to be unsaved as Jer 17:13 instructs: “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters”. Joel 2:27 adds, “And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed”. The same truth is expressed in 1 John 2:28: “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming”. Php 1:20 also affirms: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death”. 1 Pet 4:16 also asserts, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf”. The result of a true child of God needing “not to be ashamed” is that he will, among many qualities, be “rightly dividing the word of truth”. This involves the overwhelmingly important task of correctly interpreting the Bible by comparing “spiritual things with spiritual”(or “Scripture with Scripture”), as defined in 2 Cor 2:10-13.

2 Cor 5:17-20 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

1 Cor 2:10-13 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”