“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:19, KJV
Oh that this text would take root in every heart and rid us of the scourge of prosperity theology. Many people are suffering under the delusion that they are not good enough or God does not love them because they do not have all they “want.” They have been told by far too many preachers that God will give them ALL they ask for and desire if they will just be faithful enough.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13, NKJV
As I begin this post I want to give a special greeting to those reading from the Georgia-Cumblerand Academy Church. I was informed today that I need to be more prompt with these as my friend and GCA Pastor Greg Hudson is linking to them in his weekly church newsletter. So greetings GCA family, miss y’all there in Georgia, cannot believe it was over ten years ago I served in the wonderful Calhoun community.
Now to the text. I would dare say if you are reading this and you grew-up around a church this text is familiar to you. In fact there are probably a great number of you that already have it memorized. If that is you I am so glad you have it memorized, but I want you to un-memorize what has likely been the misapplication of this text you have been taught.
I hate to break it to anyone, this text is not about taking a test and doing well on it.
***Late last night it suddenly dawned on me that I had not written my scripture memorization blog for this week. I do apologize for the three day delay!***
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” -Luke 12:34 ESV
The application of this text is very straight forward but easily forgotten so this week let us check in with ourselves and see where our treasure is.
Seven questions to ask yourself to know where your treasure is?
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
-Colossians 3:23
If you don’t have a life text, which is a text you set as your standard to live life by, then may I recommend this one.
Quick side note my life text is Acts 20:24: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
But back to today’s memorization text Colossians 3:23. Many of us, maybe even most of us operate segmented lives. What do I mean by that?
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
-1 Corinthians 16:13
I apologize for the late arrival of this weeks memory verse blog. Christina flew to Ohio for a quick trip and I was on Daddy duty all day and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to sit and write at my computer.
In this passage there are four imperatives or what we would call in our modern day vernacular “commands”: Be on your guard” “stand firm” “be courageous” “be strong”
These four commands could be perceived by just a reading of the one text to indicate encouragement to a group that is being persecuted or encouragement to remain strong ’till the end times.
You and I would never be tempted to turn a stone to bread. Why? Because the devil knows it is outside our power to do so. You and I would never be tempted to bow down and worship satan in order to receive a kingdom (thought maybe in other areas). Why? Because we know that it would not be in our power to just suddenly be given a kingdom. You and I would never be tempted to throw ourselves off a tall building in order to prove that angels could catch us? Why? Because we know it is not within our power to call down angels to protect us in our presumptuous acts…well maybe we don’t know this one as well.
But my point is this, Jesus was tempted as we read at the beginning of Luke chapter 4 in the areas in which He had POWER to act and actually have the temptation become reality.
Our temptations thought different in actual outward action are no different in manner, in as much as most of us are only tempted to the degree we are able to achieve the sin.
Luke helps us to understand this in John chapter 3,
“And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” -Luke 3:10-14
The issues John the baptist addresses with these people are directly related to the areas in which they have power to act or not act as the case may be. If a person has two tunics they then possess the power to either share with one who has none or to hoard selfishly for themselves. That decision is within their power and this therefore is an area where satan would tempt them. Tax collectors they had the power to rob from the people. The soldiers likewise. So these are the areas they would be tempted.
Let me give another example a modern example. Someone that has a temper is likely NOT going to be tempted be verbally or physically abusive to their employer, because they do not possess the power to ultimately control the situation. That individual will hold their tongue and watch their words in the company of their boss. This same person though may go home and berate his or her children or his or her spouse. Why? Because we are tempted in the areas we are most likely able to be in the position of power or control.
Most right thinking individuals are not tempted to pursue an illicit relationship with their favorite actor or actress. But many right thinking individuals are tempted to lust over their favorite actor or actress. Why? Because they know one is not realistic but the other they can control.
Where are you most secure? Where are you most comfortable? Where do you have the power?
This is likely the area you will be most tempted!
Next Reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13