LET US RESPECT, AND TRUST GOD Proverbs 30:5, 6 Agur had great respect for the Divine Word of God. His attitude needs to be embraced by more people today. 1. The Character of the Word (Proverbs 30:5) “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5). The character of the Word is described in a twofold way here. • The purity of the Word. “Every word of God is pure.” It is completely true with no mixture of error in it. No other book can claim this attribute as strongly and surely as the Scriptures. • The protection by the Word. “He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Here the Word is personified in a Person. It is impossible to separate the revelation of the Word from the revelation of God and Christ. If you trust in Him, you trust in His Word. The protection comes from trust. Unbelief in God’s Word will forfeit any protection for you from the Word. 2. The Contents of the Word (Proverbs 30:6) “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6). This is a warning to not tamper with the contents of the Scripture • The practice of adding to the Scriptures. “Add thou not unto his words.” This can be done by either addition or subtraction, for in either case it adds a meaning to Scripture that is not in the original. Revising and improving translations is not adding to the Scripture but perverted translations and interpretations can be and are very guilty of adding meaning to the Scripture which is not in the original. The injunction about adding or subtracting from the Scriptures is also stated in Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32. Revelation 22:18, 19 has a very strong warning about tampering with that book of the Scriptures. • The punishment for adding to the Scriptures. “Reprove … found a liar.” Judgment comes upon those who tamper with the Word of God. This judgment is stated quite mildly compared to the judgment expressed in Revelation 22:18, 19. To be reproved of God and revealed as a liar by God is judgment one does not want to experience in the slightest. PROVERBS 30:5-6 “All of God’s word has proven to be true. He is a shield to those who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he will reprimand you, and you will be found to be a liar. WE MUST RESPECT THE WORD OF GOD. THE WORD OF GOD IS COMPLETELY TRUE. WE MUS TRUST THE WORD OF GOD. I HOPE YOU ARE WILLING TO RECEIVE THIS WORD FROM GOD. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
The Power of Words 1 Timothy 5:19–22 19 Don’t pay attention to an accusation against a spiritual leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20 Reprimand those leaders who sin. Do it in front of everyone so that the other leaders will also be afraid. 21 I solemnly call on you in the sight of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to be impartial when you follow what I’ve told you. Never play favorites. 22 Don’t be in a hurry to place your hands on anyone ⸤to ordain him⸥. Don’t participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself morally pure. Gossip kills churches. And gossip is always painful, especially when disguised as concern. A request to “pray for so-and-so because of this thing they did” is not asking for prayer; it’s gossiping. If you know some personal detail about someone’s mishap, don’t share it with everyone—take it to God. Entire leadership structures have been wrongfully destroyed because of rumors starting this way. Paul warns against rumors when he says, “Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses” (1 Tim 5:19). How often have we heard something and been so influenced by it that we accuse someone on the basis of that rumor? Hearing something may make it feel factual, but it’s circumstantial at best. Although Paul is cautious, he has no tolerance for leaders who sin repeatedly, especially those sinning directly against the community. He tells Timothy to “reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in order that the rest also may experience fear” (1 Tim 5:20). The fear Paul means is a good kind; it keeps people from sinning. It’s not just a fear of getting caught, but an understanding that there are ramifications for the abuse of power or lack of godly conduct. Paul is not creating a legalistic system here; instead, he is focusing on making people feel what God feels when they sin. They shouldn’t be consumed with guilt, but they should feel enough shame in their actions to realize that they need grace—that they need to step out of a leadership position if they misuse their power. Paul doesn’t demand that these people be cast out of the community. He requires that such leaders be reconciled to the faith community and be made an example so that others don’t do the same. Paul’s entire framework is based on his assumption that leaders will be godly; he provided details for determining that standard earlier (e.g., 1 Tim 3:1–12). Leaders who fall short must be held accountable. And above all, leaders must be chosen wisely. If they live and conduct themselves in line with God’s work, they will have no need to fear accusations against them. How can you help establish and support a correct leadership structure in your faith community? How can you help stop any false accusations or gossip? PEOPLE NEED TO STOP SITTING STILL AND BEGIN TO DO SOMETHING. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD IS TAKING TIME TO TALK TO US THROUGH HIS WORD. The Wordy Tongue “The mouth of fools poureth out foolishness” (Proverbs 15:2). Fools talk too much, and since they have little substance in what they say, their talk is an abundance of foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity. Unrestrained Rhetoric “A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11). A fool talks too much. Wise men restrain their tongue. Proverbs 29:11 A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them. A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them. Gossiping Since gossiping betrays a confidence (also stated in 11:13a), a person ought to be careful with whom he shares secrets. Gossiping is also denounced in 16:28; 18:8; 26:20, 22. So people who talk too much should be avoided because they will probably divulge information that should be kept confidential. Proverbs 20:19 Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open. DON’T BE ONE THAT TALKS TOO MUCH AND BE CAREFUL OF DRAWING TOO CLOSE TO PEOPLE THAT TALK TOO MUCH. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD IS STILL A MIRACLE WORKER Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:50 For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37 OBEY, TRUST, BELIEVE, AND RECEIVE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR GOD WILL GUIDE US IF WE ALLOW HIM TOO. Psalm 25:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 48:14 For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Exodus 23:20 “Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. ALLOW GOD TO GUIDE YOUR FOOTSTEPS. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
HOW CAN WE WHO HAS DIED TO SIN STILL LIVE IN IT? Romans 6:1-7 GW [1] What should we say then? Should we continue to sin so that God’s kindness will increase? [2] That’s unthinkable! As far as sin is concerned, we have died. So how can we still live under sin’s influence? [3] Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] When we were baptized into his death, we were placed into the tomb with him. As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. [5] If we’ve become united with him in a death like his, certainly we will also be united with him when we come back to life as he did. [6] We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin. [7] The person who has died has been freed from sin. AGAIN, HOW CAN WE WHO HAS DIED TO SIN STILL LIVE IN IT? THINK ABOUT IT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD TEACHES US ABOUT SPIRITUAL WARFARE There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10–18). Ephesians 6:10–12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This text teaches some crucial truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual forces of evil in the world. Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we face. We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God’s promises no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Each temptation was combatted with the words “it is written.” The Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? We rely on God’s power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2). Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Be Skillful The Lord expects us to apply ourselves intellectually and do some serious thinking as we study His Word. We should love the Lord with our minds as well as with our hearts and souls. Matthew 22:37 Jesus answered him, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ DON’T JUST READ THE BIBLE, STUDY THE BIBLE, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU READ, AND APPLY IT TO YOUR LIFE. THAT IS WHAT GOD WANTS AND EXPECTS FROM US. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
OUR PEACE COMES FROM GOD. Ps 4:8 I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely. Is 26:3 With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you. Lk 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!” Jn 14:27 “I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my peace. I don’t give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don’t be troubled or cowardly. Ro 5:1 Now that we have God’s approval by faith, we have peace with God because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. Php 4:7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. A relationship with God marked by loyalty and love is also described as a relationship of peace. Although it appears sometimes as if the wicked have peace (Job 21:9; Psa 73:3), in reality peace with God is the possession not of the wicked (Isa 48:22; 57:21) but of those who are meek (Psa 37:11) and righteous (Isa 57:1–2), who serve Yahweh (Psa 35:27), who love the law of God (Psa 119:165), and who please the Lord (Prov 16:7). I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK REFRESHER. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WE CAN’T TRUST MAN, BUT WE CAN TRUST GOD. John 18:17 GNB The girl at the gate said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of the disciples of that man?” “No, I am not,” answered Peter. JUST BECAUSE A PERSON SAY THEY LOVE YOU, JUST BECAUSE A PERSON HANG OUT WITH YOU EVERYDAY, DON’T THINK THEY WON’T TURN THERE BACK ON YOU. THINK ABOUT IT. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. WE CAN TRUST GOD TO TAKE CARE OF US. LIVE GODLY, TRUST GOD AND BE BLESSED BY GOD. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
