Daily Bread - NOV/16/07
2 Peter 3:17-18 17 - You then beloved knowing beforehand beware that you be not led away with the error of iniquity falling from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be glory both now and forever.
All of God's children should be comfortable and feel the love and acceptance of the Father as they grow up in His house (1 John 4:16; Ephesians 1:6; John 1:12; 10:28-29). Yet at the same time we must realize that there is a gross error being propagated that results in God's people having no power to overcome iniquity. God's grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and at the same time provides for us the ability and the strength to do it (Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 John 2:14). We must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our own failures but must remain steadfast in God's commitment to us even more than our commitment to Him. Through our reliance upon the grace of God we will grow spiritually, and the result of that growth will be a steadfastness against all the things contrary to the will and the nature of God. We will grow as we desire the sincere milk of the word and as we speak the truth in love (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). As we exercise godliness we will get strong in godliness. Through the action of resisting the powers of darkness and the sin and iniquity that dominate that realm we will find ourselves growing in strength and spiritual authority (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). God who gave the grace will never take it away, and He who gives the knowledge of salvation will never withhold it so long as we are willing to embrace His will.
The one thing that we must watch out for is that we do not listen to false teachers. Remembering what Peter said previously: "they speak nonsense and with licentious desires of the flesh entice people; they promise freedom but they themselves are the slaves of corruption" (2 Peter 2:18-19). We must not compromise with the world and with the sin that rules it. If someone comes along and teaches that sin is an understandable part of your everyday life, reject it. If we sin it is disastrous and we must think of it as such. We are to repent knowing the terror of the Lord and ask God to both cleanse us and strengthen us (2 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). There must never be an acceptance of the realm of iniquity as though it is something that is to remain a part of our lives (2 Peter 1:9; 1 John 2:10; Romans 6:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19). If we remain steadfast in the truth that is in Christ Jesus then we will discover that it is God who is perfecting everything that concerns us (Psalms 18:32; 138:8). God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will stand faithfully by our side so long as we are willing to walk with Him (Romans 8:35- 39; Psalms 94:14; 36:5; 92:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 2:13; Amos 3:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/15/07
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober be watchful your adversary the devil as a roaring lion goes about seeking whom he may devour.
If there is any one thing that God's people need to sober up about it is that they are in the midst of a conflict over good and evil (Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Isaiah 55:7). This is a battle between the sons of God and the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 2:11; 3:11; 4:1; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:1- 10; 3 John 11; Hebrews 5:14; John 5:29; John 1:12). The captain of our salvation has totally defeated Satan in his reign of terror over all mankind yet a battle still rages (Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:11-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3). You may ask how can it be both? How can Satan be defeated and yet still be in the fight? There are two parallel kingdoms that run side by side at the present time: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of the Dear Son (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-11; John 16:11; Acts 26:18; 1 John 2:16; 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 14:30).
Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of darkness and in so doing He destroyed the devil who has the power of death. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 12:31). Yet at the same time Satan is still at work for a period of time exercising his dominion over those who are lost. Satan also desires to overthrow the faith of those who belong to the Kingdom of the Dear Son (Luke 22:31; 2 Timothy 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:19; Revelation 3:14-22). If we walk in obedience to God, Satan cannot exercise any form of dominion over us nor can he even touch us (Romans 6:1-22; 1 John 5:18; 5:4; 2:13). We have been given power over every one of Satan's works insomuch that we can trample his works under our feet by the authority that we have been given in Christ Jesus (Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
The name Satan means enemy or adversary. He is a formidable foe with a power of deception and deceit that could even overthrow the very elect if it were allowed to be unleashed without restraint upon the saints (Matthew 24:24; 24:11; Mark 13:22; 2 Peter 2:1- 3; 3:17). The Holy Spirit warns us by Peter to be continually aware of the attack that Satan attempts to launch against us (2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We are to be strong in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might to stand against all of the deceptive tricks that Satan attempts to use to devour and to destroy (Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:26-27). As our adversary he is a devil set against all mankind to slander and to accuse. The weapon that he uses to destroy man is sin. It was through the act of sin that this battle was set into motion and it remains central to the conflict today. If we do not observe the fact that sin is far more than something we choose as an alternative to righteousness there is no way that we will be sober about this battle that we are engaged in. We need to feel the same way about sin that God does: He hates it! (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalms 97:10; Proverbs 8:13). God so hates sin that He has judged that it is worthy of an eternal torture in a place called Hell (Luke 16:22; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; Mark 9:44-48).
So many people have a difficult time understanding how that a loving God could create such a terrible place like Hell. What they fail to understand is how awful sin is to God and what a terrible offense it is against life. We need to have the same insight and revelation as to what Satan's devices are and see it as the weapons of the powers of darkness that are set against us to destroy all mankind.
As soldiers of the Kingdom of God we have been given weapons and authority to destroy every work of darkness (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 1:2). We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God to destroy every one of Satan's lies. We have been given the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left to overthrow all unrighteousness. Like the mighty men of David's army we are trained up by the Holy Spirit to use both the right hand and the left hand equally effectively in this battle against sin (2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 13:12; Luke 10:19; Ephesians 6:17). We are to yield our members as weapons of righteousness against sin (Romans 6:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober be watchful your adversary the devil as a roaring lion goes about seeking whom he may devour.
If there is any one thing that God's people need to sober up about it is that they are in the midst of a conflict over good and evil (Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Isaiah 55:7). This is a battle between the sons of God and the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 2:11; 3:11; 4:1; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:1- 10; 3 John 11; Hebrews 5:14; John 5:29; John 1:12). The captain of our salvation has totally defeated Satan in his reign of terror over all mankind yet a battle still rages (Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:11-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3). You may ask how can it be both? How can Satan be defeated and yet still be in the fight? There are two parallel kingdoms that run side by side at the present time: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of the Dear Son (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-11; John 16:11; Acts 26:18; 1 John 2:16; 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 14:30).
Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of darkness and in so doing He destroyed the devil who has the power of death. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 12:31). Yet at the same time Satan is still at work for a period of time exercising his dominion over those who are lost. Satan also desires to overthrow the faith of those who belong to the Kingdom of the Dear Son (Luke 22:31; 2 Timothy 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:19; Revelation 3:14-22). If we walk in obedience to God, Satan cannot exercise any form of dominion over us nor can he even touch us (Romans 6:1-22; 1 John 5:18; 5:4; 2:13). We have been given power over every one of Satan's works insomuch that we can trample his works under our feet by the authority that we have been given in Christ Jesus (Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
The name Satan means enemy or adversary. He is a formidable foe with a power of deception and deceit that could even overthrow the very elect if it were allowed to be unleashed without restraint upon the saints (Matthew 24:24; 24:11; Mark 13:22; 2 Peter 2:1- 3; 3:17). The Holy Spirit warns us by Peter to be continually aware of the attack that Satan attempts to launch against us (2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We are to be strong in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might to stand against all of the deceptive tricks that Satan attempts to use to devour and to destroy (Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:26-27). As our adversary he is a devil set against all mankind to slander and to accuse. The weapon that he uses to destroy man is sin. It was through the act of sin that this battle was set into motion and it remains central to the conflict today. If we do not observe the fact that sin is far more than something we choose as an alternative to righteousness there is no way that we will be sober about this battle that we are engaged in. We need to feel the same way about sin that God does: He hates it! (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalms 97:10; Proverbs 8:13). God so hates sin that He has judged that it is worthy of an eternal torture in a place called Hell (Luke 16:22; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; Mark 9:44-48).
So many people have a difficult time understanding how that a loving God could create such a terrible place like Hell. What they fail to understand is how awful sin is to God and what a terrible offense it is against life. We need to have the same insight and revelation as to what Satan's devices are and see it as the weapons of the powers of darkness that are set against us to destroy all mankind.
As soldiers of the Kingdom of God we have been given weapons and authority to destroy every work of darkness (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 1:2). We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God to destroy every one of Satan's lies. We have been given the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left to overthrow all unrighteousness. Like the mighty men of David's army we are trained up by the Holy Spirit to use both the right hand and the left hand equally effectively in this battle against sin (2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 13:12; Luke 10:19; Ephesians 6:17). We are to yield our members as weapons of righteousness against sin (Romans 6:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/14/07
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not of human ability but of God's ability to destroy strongholds, to destroy imaginations and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God and to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The battlefield that we are engaged upon is the battlefield of the thoughts. Thoughts are the inspiration behind our decisions and our decisions set the course of our actions. Our actions will determine our success or our failure now and throughout eternity. God has not left us to our on ability to deal with this complex matrix of reasoning and thinking, but has given to us His thoughts (through His word) and His divine assistance to destroy the influences of man and the demonic realm every time they arise in our thinking. We must be wise enough to take our position upon this battlefield with a determination to stand against all those things that oppose the knowledge of God (Ephesians 6:10-11). If we do not sober up and realize that this is a real war then we will constantly be overthrown by our own neglect. We must place God's word in its rightful position as the supreme knowledge and insight. If you want to be successful and have those things that God has promised then every opposing thought must become the enemy and must be destroyed.
Both Satanic forces and natural events attempt to act as a blockade between us and the promises that God has given. These "high military works" that are thrown up to prevent us will not be able to stand against us as we move in the knowledge of God. Yet at the same time we must recognize that the knowledge of God will run contrary to what we have come to learn and believe about the world that we live in. God's knowledge says to raise the dead, man's knowledge says impossible! God's knowledge tells us that whatever we ask Father He will do it, whereas man's knowledge says "God helps them that help themselves." God's knowledge says give and it shall be given to you, man's knowledge says save it and you will have more.
Imaginations that come out of a logic inspired by fear and self-preservation will always lead us in a direction opposite of faith. Imaginations begin where knowledge ends. Knowledge allows us to understand the situations and challenges that we are faced with and derive a plan of action to deal with them. Imaginations are never based upon truth but upon fantasies; it is a kind of "false logic" that has no substance in reality. To be so naive and ignorant as to think that our imaginations are worth the time and meditation that we give to them is self-destructive. When you lack truth and knowledge, imaginations set in; therefore turn to the source, the word of God.
If we are going to be obedient to God then we are going to have to allow God's Word to dominate our thoughts. God's instructions must be the knowledge that we base all of our decisions on. There is no weapon like the sword of the Spirit, or the word of God because the knowledge of God will cut off every false thing. Those who walk in the knowledge that the Word of God gives will have those things that God has described and the blessing that its wisdom brings. It is the truth that sets free and the power of God that overthrows every lie and deception. It is the means to discern good and evil and the revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not of human ability but of God's ability to destroy strongholds, to destroy imaginations and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God and to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The battlefield that we are engaged upon is the battlefield of the thoughts. Thoughts are the inspiration behind our decisions and our decisions set the course of our actions. Our actions will determine our success or our failure now and throughout eternity. God has not left us to our on ability to deal with this complex matrix of reasoning and thinking, but has given to us His thoughts (through His word) and His divine assistance to destroy the influences of man and the demonic realm every time they arise in our thinking. We must be wise enough to take our position upon this battlefield with a determination to stand against all those things that oppose the knowledge of God (Ephesians 6:10-11). If we do not sober up and realize that this is a real war then we will constantly be overthrown by our own neglect. We must place God's word in its rightful position as the supreme knowledge and insight. If you want to be successful and have those things that God has promised then every opposing thought must become the enemy and must be destroyed.
Both Satanic forces and natural events attempt to act as a blockade between us and the promises that God has given. These "high military works" that are thrown up to prevent us will not be able to stand against us as we move in the knowledge of God. Yet at the same time we must recognize that the knowledge of God will run contrary to what we have come to learn and believe about the world that we live in. God's knowledge says to raise the dead, man's knowledge says impossible! God's knowledge tells us that whatever we ask Father He will do it, whereas man's knowledge says "God helps them that help themselves." God's knowledge says give and it shall be given to you, man's knowledge says save it and you will have more.
Imaginations that come out of a logic inspired by fear and self-preservation will always lead us in a direction opposite of faith. Imaginations begin where knowledge ends. Knowledge allows us to understand the situations and challenges that we are faced with and derive a plan of action to deal with them. Imaginations are never based upon truth but upon fantasies; it is a kind of "false logic" that has no substance in reality. To be so naive and ignorant as to think that our imaginations are worth the time and meditation that we give to them is self-destructive. When you lack truth and knowledge, imaginations set in; therefore turn to the source, the word of God.
If we are going to be obedient to God then we are going to have to allow God's Word to dominate our thoughts. God's instructions must be the knowledge that we base all of our decisions on. There is no weapon like the sword of the Spirit, or the word of God because the knowledge of God will cut off every false thing. Those who walk in the knowledge that the Word of God gives will have those things that God has described and the blessing that its wisdom brings. It is the truth that sets free and the power of God that overthrows every lie and deception. It is the means to discern good and evil and the revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/13/07
Romans 10:8 - But what does it say, The word is near you in your mouth and even in your heart, this is that word of faith that proclaimed.
The Psalmist said, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14). When we recognize that by our words we are condemned and by our words we are justified then we will take better thought of those things that we allow to come forth from the chambers of our lips (Matthew 12:37; Proverbs 13:3). Once we believe something then we can speak it. Belief is an event that starts in the heart and is completed by the action of confession. God's word is like a seed of faith that goes down into the heart when it is heard. If a person will respond to the word of faith it will spring up with the life of God and produce a confession that will bring forth our salvation. Once salvation comes, a new creation arises with a new heart that has the word of God inscribed upon it. The words of God that are written in our hearts (being the same words also that are written in the Bible) are to be the source of inspiration for everything we say and do.
Paul reveals to us that word of faith is standing poised in our hearts and mouth which will produce the miracle of miracles: the presence of Jesus and the salvation that He brings. The words of faith are the words of God. And these words that have been written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit and are to be yielded to and uttered by our lips. All of Israel audibly heard the words of God who had accompanied them to Sinai. The word of God was not hidden from them; they knew first hand that God had spoken and not man (Deuteronomy 30:1-14; Exodus 13:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-9). All they needed to do was to simply agree with what God had said and all of the blessings that He had promised would have been theirs.
Today, the word of God is present in our hearts and in our mouths if we have been transformed by the word of God. All we need to do is to speak out those things that the word of God proclaims and the blessings of salvation will be revealed in our lives. It was the word of faith that created the vast expanse of the Universe. It was the word of faith that brought forth our salvation and it is the word of faith that will cause us to possess all those righteous things which God has promised (Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3). So, keep your tongue from evil and do not allow your lips to speak any disappointment, depart from evil and pursue His peace (1 Peter 3:10; Psalms 34:13). Let us say with the men of faith and wisdom that "All of the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing arrogant or perverse in them" (Proverbs 8:8). God is a God of faith and without faith we cannot please Him. There is no good thing that He will withhold from those who walk uprightly so be in expectation that all that God has promised will be fulfilled in you (Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 28:10).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 10:8 - But what does it say, The word is near you in your mouth and even in your heart, this is that word of faith that proclaimed.
The Psalmist said, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14). When we recognize that by our words we are condemned and by our words we are justified then we will take better thought of those things that we allow to come forth from the chambers of our lips (Matthew 12:37; Proverbs 13:3). Once we believe something then we can speak it. Belief is an event that starts in the heart and is completed by the action of confession. God's word is like a seed of faith that goes down into the heart when it is heard. If a person will respond to the word of faith it will spring up with the life of God and produce a confession that will bring forth our salvation. Once salvation comes, a new creation arises with a new heart that has the word of God inscribed upon it. The words of God that are written in our hearts (being the same words also that are written in the Bible) are to be the source of inspiration for everything we say and do.
Paul reveals to us that word of faith is standing poised in our hearts and mouth which will produce the miracle of miracles: the presence of Jesus and the salvation that He brings. The words of faith are the words of God. And these words that have been written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit and are to be yielded to and uttered by our lips. All of Israel audibly heard the words of God who had accompanied them to Sinai. The word of God was not hidden from them; they knew first hand that God had spoken and not man (Deuteronomy 30:1-14; Exodus 13:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-9). All they needed to do was to simply agree with what God had said and all of the blessings that He had promised would have been theirs.
Today, the word of God is present in our hearts and in our mouths if we have been transformed by the word of God. All we need to do is to speak out those things that the word of God proclaims and the blessings of salvation will be revealed in our lives. It was the word of faith that created the vast expanse of the Universe. It was the word of faith that brought forth our salvation and it is the word of faith that will cause us to possess all those righteous things which God has promised (Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3). So, keep your tongue from evil and do not allow your lips to speak any disappointment, depart from evil and pursue His peace (1 Peter 3:10; Psalms 34:13). Let us say with the men of faith and wisdom that "All of the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing arrogant or perverse in them" (Proverbs 8:8). God is a God of faith and without faith we cannot please Him. There is no good thing that He will withhold from those who walk uprightly so be in expectation that all that God has promised will be fulfilled in you (Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 28:10).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - NOV/12/07
Philippians 4:8 - Finally brethren whatever is true whatever is honorable whatever is upright whatever is pure whatever is pleasing whatever is of good report if there be any excellence if there be anything worthy of praise think on these things.
If you want to have the right results then you are going to have to think the right thoughts. As a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore we need to think according to the things that God has said (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 17:3;19:14; Romans 10:10) . We need to think after the manner of the word of God which has been written in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). The word used here for think is 'logitxomai', referring to the logic that we use to predict the future. It may be translated 'calculate' or simply to 'think'. This Greek word is translated elsewhere as 'accredited' or the credit that one has in their account (Romans 4:8-10, 22-23; 8:36; Galatians 3:6) . Based on the credit that you have in your account you can predict whether or not you have any money to spend to obtained those things that you desire. God who is devoted to our success and who cannot lie has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and is providing for us according to His riches in glory.
If we are willing to mediate on the word of God we will find ourselves prospering and being successful (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2-3). If we would consider all the plans that God has for us and all the absolute success that he has promised us and choose to think on these things then the worry, stress, doubt and fear will begin to come to an end. When we consider what will happen in our tomorrows it should be predicted by the truth of God's word, the integrity of His promise, the uprightness of the situation, the purity of His purpose, the good report that He has given, the excellence that He has called us to, the success and conduct worthy of praise.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Philippians 4:8 - Finally brethren whatever is true whatever is honorable whatever is upright whatever is pure whatever is pleasing whatever is of good report if there be any excellence if there be anything worthy of praise think on these things.
If you want to have the right results then you are going to have to think the right thoughts. As a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore we need to think according to the things that God has said (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 17:3;19:14; Romans 10:10) . We need to think after the manner of the word of God which has been written in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). The word used here for think is 'logitxomai', referring to the logic that we use to predict the future. It may be translated 'calculate' or simply to 'think'. This Greek word is translated elsewhere as 'accredited' or the credit that one has in their account (Romans 4:8-10, 22-23; 8:36; Galatians 3:6) . Based on the credit that you have in your account you can predict whether or not you have any money to spend to obtained those things that you desire. God who is devoted to our success and who cannot lie has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and is providing for us according to His riches in glory.
If we are willing to mediate on the word of God we will find ourselves prospering and being successful (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2-3). If we would consider all the plans that God has for us and all the absolute success that he has promised us and choose to think on these things then the worry, stress, doubt and fear will begin to come to an end. When we consider what will happen in our tomorrows it should be predicted by the truth of God's word, the integrity of His promise, the uprightness of the situation, the purity of His purpose, the good report that He has given, the excellence that He has called us to, the success and conduct worthy of praise.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread - NOV/10/07
Ephesians 5:3 - But fornication and all impurity or greediness shall not be named once among you as proper holy ones.
There are three acts of iniquity named here: fornication (pornea), impurity (akatharsia) and the drive to have more (pleonexia). Once again, God defines the acts of sin so that we may be careful not to participate with these things that belong to the demonic and cursed realm (2 Peter 2:14). The acts of all impurity may be considered a very broad category of sin. This Greek word was first used in the New Testament by Jesus to compare the spiritual condition of the religious leaders to the decaying remains of a dead person inside of a tomb (Matthew 23:27). This Greek word is derived from 'akathartos', which means 'unclean' in a ceremonial sense and in a moral sense of thought and conduct. There is a corruption and decay that is found in spiritual impurity. It is a disease that will ultimately destroy everything that is good and that pertains to life.
The acts of impurity refer to every immoral act that man can commit. Paul used this word to refer to the acts that God gave men over to defile their bodies through practices of homosexuality and every type of destructive lust (Romans 1:24-27). Paul also uses it as a means to communicate the kinds of deeds that people do who are alienated from the life of God, through the hardness of their hearts (Ephesians 4:18- 19). The good news however is that as the saints of God we have received the divine nature, given to us by the Spirit of God and have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Ephesians 5:3 - But fornication and all impurity or greediness shall not be named once among you as proper holy ones.
There are three acts of iniquity named here: fornication (pornea), impurity (akatharsia) and the drive to have more (pleonexia). Once again, God defines the acts of sin so that we may be careful not to participate with these things that belong to the demonic and cursed realm (2 Peter 2:14). The acts of all impurity may be considered a very broad category of sin. This Greek word was first used in the New Testament by Jesus to compare the spiritual condition of the religious leaders to the decaying remains of a dead person inside of a tomb (Matthew 23:27). This Greek word is derived from 'akathartos', which means 'unclean' in a ceremonial sense and in a moral sense of thought and conduct. There is a corruption and decay that is found in spiritual impurity. It is a disease that will ultimately destroy everything that is good and that pertains to life.
The acts of impurity refer to every immoral act that man can commit. Paul used this word to refer to the acts that God gave men over to defile their bodies through practices of homosexuality and every type of destructive lust (Romans 1:24-27). Paul also uses it as a means to communicate the kinds of deeds that people do who are alienated from the life of God, through the hardness of their hearts (Ephesians 4:18- 19). The good news however is that as the saints of God we have received the divine nature, given to us by the Spirit of God and have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
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