We Have No Power of Our Own 2 Chronicles 20:12 You’re our God. Won’t you judge them? We don’t have the strength to face this large crowd that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, so we’re looking to you.” John 15:5 “I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me. We can have no power from Christ unless we live in a persuasion that we have none of our own. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT ABOUT US, IT’S ABOUT GOD. WE CAN’T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT GOD. WE NEED GOD. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
Sexual sin is gradually destructive (Prov. 6) Chapter 6 deals with three enemies that can destroy a person financially, physically, morally, or spiritually: unwise financial commitments (vv. 1–5), laziness (vv. 6–11), and lust (vv. 20–35). It is not unusual for one person to be guilty of all three, because laziness and lust often go together; people who can easily be pressured into putting up security for somebody can be pressured into doing other foolish things, including committing adultery. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). We will consider Proverbs 6:1–11 in our study of wealth and work. Verses 12–19 will be included in chapter 5, in our study of “the wicked people” mentioned in the Book of Proverbs. In verses 20–35, Solomon deals with adultery and points out what people will lose who commit this heinous sin. They lose the Word of God (vv. 20–24). In chapters 5–7, each of the warnings against adultery is prefaced by an admonition to pay attention to the Word of God (5:1–2; 6:20–24; 7:1–5). It is by our trusting and obeying His truth that God keeps us from believing the enemy’s lies. Certainly children have the obligation to honor their father and mother (6:20; see 1:8), and God’s children have the responsibility and privilege of bringing glory to their Father’s name. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4, NKJV). The Word should be bound to the heart (Ps. 119:11), because the heart is “the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23, NIV). God’s truth should also control the neck, because a man might be tempted to turn his head and look at a beautiful woman for the purpose of lusting (Matt. 5:27–30). He may not be able to avoid seeing the woman the first time, but it’s looking the second time that gets him into trouble. The Word of God in the mind and heart is like a guide who leads us on the safe path and protects us from attacks. It’s also like a friend who talks to us and counsels us along the way (Prov. 6:22). We walk in the light because the Word is a lamp (v. 23; Ps. 119:105, 130). If we listen to God’s voice in His Word, we won’t fall for the enemy’s flattery (Prov. 6:24). Read 1 John 1:5–10 and note that “walking in the light” assures us of hearing the Word of God, while “walking in darkness” causes us to lose His Word. If we disobey Him, we don’t do the truth (1 John 1:6), we don’t have the truth (v. , and His Word is not in us (v. 10). There is a gradual erosion of the spiritual life, from light to darkness, and with this erosion comes a deterioration of Christian character. They lose wealth (vv. 25–26). This parallels 5:7–14, and see 29:3. To be “brought to a piece of bread” means to be degraded to the lowest level of poverty (see Luke 15:13–16, 30). If the adultery results in scandal, a lawsuit, and a divorce, the price will not be cheap; in this day of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, the adulterer is taking chances with his health and his life. They lose enjoyment (vv. 27–31). Fire is a good thing if it’s confined and controlled. It can keep us warm, cook our food, drive our turbines, and manufacture our electricity. Sex is a good gift from God but, like fire, if it gets out of control, it becomes destructive. What begins as a “warm” experience soon becomes a burning experience, like holding a torch in your lap or walking on burning coals. “But sex is a normal desire, given to us by God,” some people argue. “Therefore, we have every right to use it, even if we’re not married. It’s like eating: If you’re hungry, God gave you food to eat; if you’re lonely, God gave you sex to enjoy.” Some of the people in the Corinthian church used this argument to defend their sinful ways: “Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods” (1 Cor. 6:13, NKJV). But Paul made it clear that the believer’s body belonged to God and that the presence of a desire wasn’t the same as the privilege to satisfy that desire (vv. 12–20). Solomon used a similar approach in Proverbs 6:30–31. Certainly hunger is a strong force in human life, and the only way to satisfy hunger is to eat, but if you steal the bread that you eat, you’re breaking the law. You’ll end up paying more for that bread than if you’d gone out and bought a loaf at the bakery. As you sit in jail or stand in court, the enjoyment you had from that bread will soon be forgotten. Adultery is stealing. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality … and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter” (1 Thes. 4:3, 6, NASB). When adultery enters a marriage, everybody loses. They lose their good sense (v. 32). King David was a brilliant strategist on the battlefield and a wise ruler on the throne, but he lost his common sense when he gazed at his neighbor’s wife and lusted for her (2 Sam. 12). He was sure he could get away with his sin, but common sense would have told him he was wrong. Every stratagem David used to implicate Bathsheba’s husband failed, so he ended up having the man killed. Surely David knew that we reap what we sow, and reap he did, right in the harvest field of his own family. They lose their peace (vv. 33–35). The angry husband will use every means possible to avenge himself, for a loving husband would rather that his neighbor steal his money than steal his wife. “For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame” (Song 8:6, NIV). The offender will have no peace, and no amount of money he offers the husband will be accepted. The adulterer loses his reputation in the community and might actually suffer physical punishment. Of course, he and the woman were supposed to be stoned to death (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22), but we’re not sure this penalty was always exacted. In today’s society, if a person has enough money and “clout,” he or she might be able to survive an adulterous scandal, but life is still never quite the same. Whether in this life or the next, sinners can be sure that their sins will find them out. Indulging in sexual sin is always a losing proposition. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS DEEP STUDY. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
A WORD FROM GOD Acts 16:31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Psalms 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. A QUICK REFRESHER FROM GOD. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED THIS WORD FROM GOD. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
LET US DEPEND ON GOD 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. Mark 10:52 KJV And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. WE CAN RECEIVE OUR HEALING THROUGH OUR FAITH IN GOD TO HEAL US. GOD IS OUR HEALER, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH AND BE HEALED BY GOD. Revelation 1:8 KJV I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. OUR GOD ALWAY HAS BEEN, OUR GOD IS NOW, AND OUR GOD ALWAYS WILL BE ALMIGHTY. IF YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. OUR GOD HAVE OUR BACK FOREVER!!!! GLORY!!! HALLELUJAH!!! OUR GOD IS ALMIGHTY!!! ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD TEACHES US TO BEWARE God’s commands remind us of our responsibilities. Beware of— 1. The Bane of Covetousness. “Beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15). 2. The Dogs of Evil. “Beware of evil workers” (Phil. 3:2). 3. The Traditions of Men. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men” (Col. 2:8). 4. The Leaven of Self-righteousness. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees” (Luke 12:1). 5. The Blight of Forgetfulness. “Beware lest thou forget the Lord” (Deut. 6:12). 6. The Concision of Judaism. “Beware of the concision” (Phil. 3:2). 7. The Error of the Wicked. “Beware lest ye also be led by the error of the wicked” (2 Peter 3:17). ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. BE ALERT, BE ON GUARD, BEWARE AT ALL TIMES. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t answer people’s prayers to win the lottery? James 4:3 gives us insight: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Try asking God for blessings that will help you bless others. Or try asking Him to bless others first, rather than yourself. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” If He is your desire and your delight, it will delight His heart to grant your desires. God is not a glorified Santa Claus. Nor is He obligated to bless any of us. If you’re all about you, and what God is or isn’t giving you, God might be choosing not to bless your life until you become all about Him (Luke 9:23). When you die to self (Galatians 2:20), your focus won’t be on whether or not you’re being blessed, but on how to be a blessing to God. How many times do we get disgruntled at God because He hasn’t provided for us when we haven’t taken the time to even ask Him for what we specifically need? Sure, God knows our needs. But He wants a relationship with us in which we come to Him, in faith, and ask for what we need. Scripture says, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). And Jesus told his followers: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). Start asking specifically and see what God wants to teach you about asking, trusting, and being thankful. FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
COMMITMENT TO GOD Commitment to God arises from faith in his promises, is expressed in worship and adoration and leads to obedience to his commands. Romans 12:1–2 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God’s compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Now then, brothers and sisters, because of the Lord Jesus we ask and encourage you to excel in living a God-pleasing life even more than you already do. Do this the way we taught you. 2 Timothy 2:22 Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God’s approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart. CHECK YOURSELF: ARE YOU COMMITTED TO GOD? IS YOUR LIFE PLEASING TO GOD? LET US STRIVE TO GIVE ALL OF OUR LIFE TO GOD. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
The Blessed Ones The word “blessed” in the following passages means “happy.” The soul of happiness may be summarised as contentment, peace, and joy. The blessed or happy ones are those: 1. “Whose robes are washed in the Blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:14, R.V.). 2. Whose iniquities are forgiven through God’s grace—Rom. 4:7, 8. 3. Who obey Christ’s Word to minister to others—John 13:17. 4. Who endure temptation by getting the victory—James 1:12. 5. Who give of their substance rather than receive—Acts 20:35. 6. Who have not seen Christ, and yet believe in Him—John 20:29. 7. Who fulfil the conditions embodied in the twelve Blesseds of Christ found in Matthew’s Gospel—Matt. 5:3–11; 11:6; 13:16; 24:46. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
The character of believers: Believers should be compassionate Colossians 3:12 As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. Believers should be humble 1 Peter 5:5 Young people, in a similar way, place yourselves under the authority of spiritual leaders. Furthermore, all of you must serve each other with humility, because God opposes the arrogant but favors the humble. Philippians 2:3 Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Believers should be joyful Philippians 4:4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Romans 12:12-13 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable. Believers should be loving 1 John 4:7 Dear friends, we must love each other because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. Galatians 5:22–26 But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires. If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other. ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
THE BIBLE TALKS TO US ABOUT LOVING GOD. To love God is better than all sacrifices. Mark 12:33. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself is more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” To love God is a characteristic of believers. Ps. 5:11-12. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them sing with joy forever. Protect them, and let those who love your name triumph in you. You bless righteous people, O LORD. Like a large shield, you surround them with your favor. To love God is commanded Deut. 11:1. Love the LORD your God, and do what he wants you to do. Always obey his laws, rules, and commands. Josh 22:5 Carefully follow the commands and teachings that the LORD’s servant Moses gave you. Love the LORD your God, follow his directions, and keep his commands. Be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul.” Encourage one another to love God. Ps. 31:23. Love the LORD, all you godly ones! The LORD protects faithful people, but he pays back in full those who act arrogantly. God is faithful to those who love Him Deut. 7:9. Keep in mind that the LORD your God is ⸤the only⸥ God. He is a faithful God, who keeps his promise and is merciful to thousands of generations of those who love him and obey his commands. LOVING GOD COMES WITH BENEFITS. FOOD FOR THOUGHT. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
, and His Word is not in us (v. 10). There is a gradual erosion of the spiritual life, from light to darkness, and with this erosion comes a deterioration of Christian character.
