Thoughts for Today: From the pocket testament league

There are numerous scriptures that teach against drunkenness. However, wine itself is not forbidden. In fact, Jesus drank wine (see Mark 14:23-25). Jesus even turned water into wine (see John 2:3-11). Paul also instructed Timothy to not drink the water; rather, he was to use a little wine to provide help for his stomach. (1 Timothy 5:23: "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.")

Some people use the forgoing passage to support their theory that the Bible prohibits the use of any form of alcohol (fermented or distilled). How so? Because in biblical days the water quality was so poor that it was necessary for health reasons to drink wine (although containing a lower alcohol content). In modern times, we have "good water" in most places, therefore the anti-alcohol group proposes we no longer have the need to use wine for our health -- so its use in any form is a sin. While the water quality concept may be true, wine or strong drink is not forbidden on the basis of Scripture alone. What is wrong is drunkenness. In my opinion, drinking fermented beverages in moderation, is not a violation of Scripture.

Prayerfully consider what the Bible says about wine, strong drink and drunkenness. For example:

Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

Isaiah 5:11: "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine."

Isaiah 5:22: "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks."

1 Timothy 3:8: "In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

Luke 21:34: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap."

Titus 2:3: "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good."

Habakkuk 2:15: "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!"

1 Corinthians 6:19-21: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Questions to Ponder:
Have you been taking your freedom in the area of alcohol consumption too far?
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"Out of Focus With God's Eternal Purpose"Ephesians 1:10
...to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul uses the phrase: "...when the times reach their fulfillment." This is a reference to the fact that all events throughout history (whether good, bad or indifferent) have been building toward the climax God has planned. And it's all happening according to the schedule He designed before time began. So what's the plan? Paul gives us the answer: "...to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."

Take a moment to be amazed at the implications of Paul's statement. The ultimate victory of Jesus Christ will impact more than simply humanity. In Philippians 2:10 he tells us: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Everything and everyone from the beginning of time will be compelled to recognize and acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that all people will enter into heaven. Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

As believers, we also know this to be true in our daily walk with the Lord. How so? Whenever we're focused on Jesus, and bringing our thoughts and activities under His authority, we're right in the center of what God says life is all about. And it doesn't matter whether we're driving to work, completing a list of chores on the weekend, reading a Bible story to our children, or discussing a particular section of Scripture with a friend -- everything we say and do is to be placed under His Lordship and direction. Unfortunately, those of us who fail to make Jesus Christ preeminent and Lord over lives are out of focus with God's eternal purpose.

Questions to Ponder:Are you full of joy, peace and contentment? If you are, then you probably have a pretty good understanding of how to apply the mystery of His will in the present. On the other hand, if you're feeling angry, frustrated or discontented, then you might need to examine, study, meditate and pray about gaining a greater understanding of God's present and eternal purpose in Christ. Is your present life in focus with God's plan for eternity?

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​"Historical Reaping and Sowing"Galatians 6:8
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Thoughts for Today:From the beginning of humanity's creation, the principle of sowing and reaping has been in full force and effect. What was true for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is true today. Adam reaped what was sown -- as has every single person since. So it doesn't matter if you're a saint, sinner, believer, or non-believer; and it's true for every race, sex, nation and society. No one escapes from the law of the harvest. Not even the most powerful empires -- not the Romans, Persians, Mongols, Russians, Byzantines, British, or even the Hans (Chinese). And it its equally true for the United States of America and each of us personally.

The Old Testament taught repeatedly on this subject. For example:

Job 4:8: "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."

Proverbs 11:18: "A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward."

Hosea 10:13a: "But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception."

Isaiah 17:10-11 (RSV): "For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge; therefore, though you plant pleasant plants and set out slips of an alien god, though you make them grow on the day that you plant them, and make them blossom in the morning that you sow; yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain."

In the New Testament, Jesus taught the principle of the harvest in different applications, as did Paul and James (James 3:18: "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness"). Although our actions are extremely important, we must also realize they are simply the result of our thoughts. (James 1:14-15: "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived [thoughts], it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.") Therefore, if we want to control our actions we must first gain control over our thoughts. How? Paul explains in Romans 8:6 (RSV): "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." Which is the same general concept Paul is teaching in our passage today.

Questions to Ponder:On what is your mind set? Is it on the desires of the flesh or is it on the mind of the Spirit? Has the constant pressure and routines of life taken you away from the Lord's will? What does the Bible say is the consequence of separation from God? How will you change your thoughts today?

"What Seeds are you Sowing?"Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Thoughts for Today:The law of the harvest is irrefutable, irrevocable, incontestable and undeniable. And it does not have to be believed in to work. Just remember this: If we go out and become involved in some sort of sinful activity and then come to the Lord in humility and repentance to say, "Lord, forgive me, I know I shouldn't have gone there, done those things, or said that," He forgives us. However, the sin we planted will still have consequences -- and a final result that may be very unpleasant.

This law of planting and the harvest applies to much more than just sin and a lack of righteousness. How so? If we want friends then we must be friends. (Proverbs 18:24: "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.") If we want life and peace, then we must think on the things that produce life and peace. (Romans 8:6: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace," and Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.")

We would think someone a fool if they complained about a lack of crops to harvest if they never planted any seeds. But in the church and the world in general, I hear people complaining all the time about not receiving anything when they haven't taken the time to plant a single spiritual seed. Doesn't it make logical sense that we first need to sow before we reap? Natural seeds take time to germinate, grow and then produce a harvest. Therefore, it wouldn't be wise to wait until we are in desperate need to begin sowing.

Questions to Ponder:We're all planting all the time. The question is: Are the seeds, and therefore harvest, going to be positive or negative? What have you been planting lately? Are you intentional?

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​"Who is in Control?"Galatians 5:22b-23a
...love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Thoughts for Today:In John 15, Jesus spoke of bearing fruit. And then in verse 5, He said something we must pay especially close attention to: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." A lot of people forget this very simple concept. The fruit Jesus spoke of, and Paul references in our passage today, is not produced by the believer, but by the Spirit of the Lord, as we live in harmony and union with Him.

The Living Bible paraphrases Galatians 5:22-23a: "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Our part is simply to yield and trust; God's part is to produce the fruit.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:17: "But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit." I think his point is that our born again spirits always enjoy the fruit of the Spirit regardless of what we may be emotionally feeling from time to time. Unfortunately, we can think we're being hypocritical if we express joy when we really feel angry or depressed. But it is only the emotional aspect of our flesh that feels this way. Our spirits are always producing and desiring to reflect the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). The truth is our spirits never get angry, depressed, jealous or suffer from any of the other maladies Paul described. Therefore we have a choice: Will we allow our flesh-oriented emotions to dominate us, or will we permit the Holy Spirit to lift us (through our born again spirits), and release His joy and peace in our lives?

Questions to Ponder:Does your life and attitude reflect your flesh or born again spirit? In what ways? Will you yield to His Spirit? Will you allow Him to control your life?

"Reflecting the Spirit"Galatians 5:22a
But the fruit of the Spirit is…

Thoughts for Today:So often, when we read today’s passage, we immediately begin to think about the fruit. However, before we discuss the fruit, let's first notice that the word "fruit" is singular, not plural. Yet, there are nine different characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Why? Because the Holy Spirit produces all of these characteristics simultaneously and constantly. All together, they are the fruit (singular) of the Spirit.

Recently, my thirteen year old daughter Amanda, asked me to help her study for her science test. The chapter had to do with light. Amanda explained, "Dad, did you know that light has every color present in it?" I nodded, and then asked, "So why are some things blue and others red or orange?" She answered, "Our eyes only see the color an object reflects. If something looks blue, it's because all the other colors from light are absorbed, so only blue is reflected. Isn't that interesting?" I said, "Yes, it is. I think you're going to do really well on your test." Amanda said, "I think so too. Isn't it amazing what God has created?" "Yes it is!"

I couldn't help but think of the many spiritual applications of this principle. Here's one: In the same way that light comes complete with all the different colors of the light spectrum, so too the Holy Spirit is complete with all the "fruit of the Spirit". Soon Paul will explain that it's one Spirit with many different aspects reflected by His presence in us. Over the next few passages, Paul will provide a breakdown of this fruit into individual elements or characteristics -- somewhat similar to the way a prism separates the various colors of light so we can see them.

Questions to Ponder:Are you reflecting a fruit of the Spirit? Which one? Don't know? Read on.

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"Once Saved Always SavedNo Humans in Heaven?"Galatians 5:21b
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Thoughts for Today:Our passage today provides a source of contention among many Christians, religious leaders, and Bible commentators. Depending upon how one reads Paul's statement, the question might be raised: Is it possible to lose salvation if a Christian falls into sinful activity? After all, Paul states quite clearly, "Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The "acts of the flesh" listed by Paul in verses 19-21a are the characteristics of unsaved people. We also know Christians sometimes commit these same acts. So does this mean that any Christian who is guilty of something on Paul's list has lost his or her salvation? Definitely not! The sins of a Christian won't invalidate his or her salvation, any more than the righteous acts of a sinner can make them holy before God. Sin is a very deadly thing which even Christians must avoid at all costs, but it does not determine our standing with the Lord. Those who are "born again" are not "in" the flesh any more, even though they may walk in error after the flesh from time to time.

Paul is speaking to the people who perpetually, habitually, blatantly, stubbornly and arrogantly practice these things. The ones who have no real desire to be set free from the flesh. In my opinion, Paul is addressing those who have developed a mindset of "once saved, always saved -- so I'm doing whatever I want no matter what the Lord says." They are the ones who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Questions to Ponder:It's a really good thing that we don't lose our salvation any time we fall into some sort of sinful activity. If that were the case, none of us would make it to heaven. However, it is wise for us to take Paul's words at face value -- as a warning. So let us pray together, "Lord, forgive us and help us, we want to be full of Your Spirit, and we certainly don't want to miss out on heaven!"

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"The Flesh is Weak"Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Thoughts for Today:How many times have you struggled with your New Year's Resolutions? You may write them down, know you really need to keep them (this time), but still fail. The flesh is like that. It works in opposition to our best intentions when we try to overcome it in our own power. The fact is, we will never truly overcome the flesh in the strength of our own effort. Why? Because even though our spirit may be willing, the flesh is simply too weak. (Matthew 26:41: "[Jesus speaking] Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.")

Unfortunately, our fleshly tendencies are not overcome by our resolve or even our religion. So trying to gain victory over the flesh by keeping a set of religious do's and don'ts (the law) is equally futile. In our passage today, Paul uses the word "but". I really like that because it gives me hope. "But" if we're led by the Spirit we're not under the Law -- not theologically or practically. The Galatians were still trying to live the proper Christians life, "but" they were going about it in the wrong way. Just like we do from time to time.

Questions to Ponder:The Spirit's ability to deliver us from sin, and as a result, discover the freedom and victory that Paul speaks about, is quite different than the failure we will experience when we try to control our fleshly desires solely with self-effort and self-dependence. Which direction are you taking? Your own rules, regulations and intentions, or the Spirit's?

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"In Conformity to the Word of God"Galatians 5:16
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Thoughts for Today:The Greek word PERIPATEO, translated as "walk", means "to make one's way or progress; to make due use of opportunities; and to regulate or conduct one's life" (Strong's Concordance). So how do we "walk by the Spirit"? In essence, Paul is telling us that it is by living and conducting our actions according to and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit and the Word of God agree perfectly. Why? Because it is the Holy Spirit who inspired the written Word of God (2 Peter 1:21: "For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."). The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6b: "And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth"); and God's Word is truth (John 17:17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth"). As a result, when we live our lives according to the Word of God, we are also walking in the Spirit.

However, it is critical to understand that the freedom from sin and its influence does not come from ourselves. It only comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Spirit to control us, He breaks "the desires of the flesh." This is one of the greatest differences between Christianity and other religions. Other religions teach that God will only accept us to the degree that we are able to overcome sin. In contrast, the Bible tells us it is God who provides His power (through the Holy Spirit) that enables us to do His will. What a difference!

Questions to Ponder:A battle with our sinful nature will not produce walking in the Spirit; however, walking in the Spirit will result in overcoming sin. It is the difference between defeat and victory. Are you living a victorious life? Have you given control of your life to the Spirit? Are you living in conformity to the Word of God?

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