Spiritual Discernment

-A gifting from God….. the ability, influenced by the Holy Spirit, that provides insight, clarity, or direction…usually exposing truth from falsehood or revealing previously unknown information. Discernment includes, but is not limited to:
* exposing spirits that hold a motivating influence (Mark 5: 2-13)
* revealing actions or intents that are not what they seem (Acts 5:1-5)
* personal detail revelations (John 4:16-19)
* identifying other Christians (Malachi 3:18 and chapter 4)
* a warning system to be on guard (Luke 13:56-57 and Matthew 16:3)
* judgment of fellow believers (Hebrews 4:12)
* common good and cohesiveness within the church body (1Corinthians 12:1-11)

Discernment and prophecy often lapse over each other, but they are not the same. Discernment does not hold as much detail. Discernment will give you a glimpse of something, whereas, Prophecy may give you the bigger picture or a vision with more details. Discernment can not be called forth on anyone, at any time, on any topic. It is insight that God bestows upon us as it pleases Him, we can pray for discernment in a certain situation, but it is not a guarantee that it will happen instantly. We rarely get the whole picture, as this would promote pride and self worship. God’s gifts are designed to glorify HIM, so any knowledge or insight should point us back to God and the Bible, not draw undue attention to the messenger. (Deuteronomy 13:1-11)

Discernment is a command. As Christians, we are commanded to test everything of a spiritual nature. We are warned repeatedly that we are easily deceived if we let our guard down.
* 1John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world
* Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The ability to use Discernment can be taught. It begins with knowledge of God’s Law, Prayer, and Scriptures. It is something that increases with spiritual maturity and grows stronger the more it is used.
* Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
* Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are full of age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Miscellaneous facts on Discernment:
Discernment is two pronged, one can study God’s word to better learn the heart of God in all matters…..but some of discernment is hidden info that God alone provides into a situation.
It pleases God when we seek discernment (1Kings 3:9-11)
Job possessed discernment of calamities, yet God allowed him to suffer and try to make sense of things for a time. (Job 6:14, 30)
God shows compassion to those that lack discernment and don’t know better. Those with higher understanding, He holds to a higher level of responsibility (Luke 12:47-49 and Jonah 4:11)
The ability to discern may fade with age. Speculation: too taxing, senses dulled, or lax in spiritual growth/walk? (2Samuel 19:35)

Question:
“Before I sign off I have a Biblical question for you…do you have any
notes about divorced people teaching in the church? The man teaching prayer
meeting is divorced and the Pastor’s wife said, “Well, you’re forgiven,” obviously the church is ok with it. It is so sad how high the divorce rate is, even in churches! …….I can’t help to think divorce has consequences. Let me know your thoughts when you get a chance.”

Answer:
God gives us several guidelines for church leadership in Titus 1:6-9 and 1Timothy 3:1-7. These guidelines are for overseers, or people that are the front runners of the flock. (In my interpretation, I would see that as any position that, once established, has the ability to lead counsel and influence members without gaining someone else’s approval to do so.)

Titus 1:6-9 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

1Timothy 3:2-12 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

We all have sin in our lives and God’s grace does, indeed cover them, however, actions do have consequences that need to be considered when pursuing leadership roles in the church. The point of Christian service is to bring others into knowledge of Christ through teaching and example. If one’s past history could hinder this endevor, one needs to rethink his position. This does not exclude divorced Christians from serving in the church in other capacities. They must find positions and activities that are supportive and not leadership roles, where they are under a more mature Christian’s tutelage and observation to prevent their perspective from clouding the judgement of weaker breatheren. The point of Christian service is to benefit others and glorify God……it shouldn’t be about “us”.

Divorce and remarriage most often spark debate and strong feelings in Christian circles. We want to love and support family, but the circumstances surrounding many marriages are clearly going against Scriptures. Should we attend the function to show God’s love and maintain the relationship, or do we abstain because it is more important to to stand for what’s right? Regardless of what you choose, you won’t please everybody. As a Christian, our first point of concern should be with honoring God. Let’s seek out what God has to say on the matter, so that we can give a response for our decision and be consistent in future circumstances.

The whole divorce issue is not as complicated as one would think. God hates it. He designed marriage to be a blessing and precious thing between a man and woman, both for companionship, pleasure, and procreation.

Matthew 19:3-6 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Matthew 19:8-9 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

Mark 10:9-12 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

These verses have clearly established that divorce is not acceptable except in the case of adultery. The passage also outlines the parameters of which individuals are not even available for remarriage. With this information, we move on to things like attending weddings of non believers, or second weddings for divorced Christians. We must base our response only on God’s Word. Substituting cultural mores does not make sin acceptable. Society changes but God does not.

When trying to decide how to respond to invitations, we first need to look at the couple getting married and determine if they are both Christians. This determines the way we are to respond to their request.

1 Corinthians 5:11-12 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner–not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?

This whole chapter should be read for context and clarification. This is the summation; If another Christian has made the choice to habitually sin, we should not hang out with them! The chapter also explains that we should not hold non-believers to the same standard since they are of the world. But what if one individual is a Christian and the other is not, where is the line then?

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

God makes it clear that the Christian has no business marrying the unsaved. The wedding should not happen. God does not condone “showing His love” by missionary dating and marriages. Rather than attend the wedding, we should use the steps to lovingly admonish the believer to stop pursuing what is forbidden as outlined in Matthew 18.

Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Loving correction, even practiced as instructed, will not always be well received. If you have gone to them lovingly and they have hardened their heart toward Truth, it becomes an issue between them and God. Your part is finished and you are instructed to distance yourself with civility and lay the matter before God. “But isn’t it better to restore the relationship, than to be right?”

Proverbs 24:23-25 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Going along with something even though it is wrong implicates us into their sin. We become hypocritical and untrustworthy, damaging our testimony for Christ before others. Why should the world seek Christ when the Christians are just as duplicitous as the unsaved? We were called to live set apart, living in the midst of sin, but choosing to behave differently.

“But aren’t Christians are to show compassion and not pass judgment.” Compassion for another Christian is to have them turn away from anything that keeps them from God’s will and damages their testimony for Christ before others. Judgment of non-Christians belongs to God, but believers are instructed to hold each other accountable and to seek to restore our church members when they are off track.

Proverbs 27:5-6 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

James 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Malachi 2:8-9 But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the Lord of hosts. 9″Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”

Seeking to keep the peace and favor of someone claiming to be a Christian but choosing to openly sin, is not supported by the Bible. Yes, we are instructed to be loving, but loving does not mean supporting bad choices to build up a false sense of self esteem. Rather, we are to beseech the person to abandon their path toward sin. If the person then chooses to go ahead and in sin anyway, you will not be a part of their sin. After the marriage, our responsibility is to behave with civility toward the couple, avoid interactions which would influence us to sin, and leave it with God.

Before the Christmas holiday, the children and I went out to finish our shopping. We hit a Christian book store to pick up a study Bible for someone and on the way out a homeless man stopped the kids and I to ask if we could spare any money. We had given our “church-budgeted” money a day earlier so I had no cash on me. I apologized and continued on to my car. It seemed like a non-event at the time, but then it kept replaying. I kept thinking about the, “if you did it unto the least of these, you did it unto ME,” verse. My arguments sounded good in my head,” At least I didn’t tell him I would pray for him as I walked away……But I had given our “abundance” to the church already, isn’t that where it should always go? They know of needs I don’t, they have connections to get Bibles to Africa at a discounted rate! Aren’t we just to give to God through the church?” The more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. The guy had probably shook his head and made some comment about “those Christians.” I felt convicted that I had chosen to represent God so poorly.
In the future, I think I would offer to buy the man a meal and bring it back to him. (It goes without saying that women should not take strangers in cars or into unpopulated areas.) I asked for forgiveness from God, since I was clearly getting a message to help this man by the time I got to my car but I chose “not to get involved.” I also brought it up to my children and we discussed how we might have shown God’s love in a safe way. My son thought of carrying gift certificates for a fast food chain or some cans of soup in the car to give. Every homeless person I encounter does not cause the voice in my heart to convict me, but there have been times when I’ve been moved, but haven’t had the means because we do not carry cash or we had already given what we had set aside for the church. I discussed this with a friend and she listed all the reasons why not to give to anyone but the church. (What if the man had a drug habit and was getting money to support it? Etc..) Our discussion prompted me to look further into the matter. Scripture certainly is not silent on the aspect of giving. While Christians are not expected to tithe, we are commanded to give generously!

Why Give?
Giving back to God what was His to begin with, serves one purpose. Giving is done for God’s glory (not ours) as we display our thankfulness to Him. He gave it and we are to give it back to glorify Him. We have nothing worthy to give God that He hasn’t provided for us. It’s all about His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 8:19, and 9:11-13)

How to Give?
1Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

This verse is being written by Paul to the church in Corinth. Saints refers to fellow Christians. He is encouraging them to take care of other Christians. “On the first day of every week,” implies gifts should be put aside regularly and deliberately, not as a whatever-is-left-at-the-end-of-the-week-is-God’s, method. Paul also is making a point that NO collection should be made while he is there with them. Why would he do this? He did not want them to listen to his stories and sway them emotionally. Giving should be planned, prayed over, and intentional.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

“As he has purposed in his heart,” signifies that there was forethought before the act of giving. Giving should never be out of duty, because of manipulation, or emotional heart-string tugging. The need is known, prayed about, and planned ahead of time within your means.

2 Corinthians 8:11-12 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

“Out of what you have…… not according to what he does not have,” if you have been blessed abundantly you are expected to use it wisely and be generous. If you are in debt and living frugally, give of time or services……NOT of money that you don’t have!

I’ve always been under the impression that the story of the widow that gives her last two coins is a benchmark for us to give first and pay off debt later. (Mark 12:41-44) According to the law of the day, the widows and orphans were to be cared for by the church. If this is the case, she was not going into debt, she was trusting that God would continue to meet her needs and gave back to God that someone else may benefit, as she had. This is showcasing her faith and willing heart. The same could be said for Jesus telling the man to count the cost and give up everything and follow Him . (Mark 10:21-27) Did he have a willingness to leave his security and comfort zone? Jesus is questioning his faith not his financial standing. Jesus wants him to be WILLING to give it all, it’s an attitude thing that is tied to the realization that it isn’t ours to begin with. God is VERY interested in our attitude while giving.

Matthew 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

God warns of giving for social approval. God even killed a couple that sold land and gave a portion of it to the church, but lied and said they had given the whole amount. Ananias and Sapphira were seeking to look righteous to others and they lied to do it. (Acts 5:1-11) Good outcome does not justify reproachful means and origins.

2 Corinthians 8:20-21 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Remember that everything we do in the name of God, will represent Him to the unsaved. Search out motives and be sure they bring glory and not reproach to the name of God. We need to check our attitudes. Churches need to reject questionable funds. We all need to represent the One Who Redeemed Us, well.

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

This is a verse thrown around quite often. “You can’t out give God, if you give, He will bless you with untold riches!” If you read the verses preceding and following this verse, you will find that it is talking about how we treat others. Read in context, there is NO WAY that it could be speaking about monetary gains.

2 Corinthians 9:6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

This verse is written by Paul to the church in Corinth. They had volunteered a specific and sizable gift to another church that was being persecuted. Paul was letting them know he was ready to gather their generous gift to distribute to the other church. The reference to sowing is common language since many of the day were farmers. When a farmer sows grain, he takes a handful of seeds and aims it at the soil he hopes to farm. He does not expect to get the seeds back as seeds. He knows that not all of the seeds will grow. He knows that God will have to provide the sun and rain. He has no control over the bug population that wants to eat his produce. He may get a good crop back and he may not. But he won’t be getting those exact seeds back and he doesn’t expect to. Likewise, when we give back to God, we do not get it back “ten fold in cash”. We are blessed, for sure, but through spiritual gains, not gains of man.

2 Corinthians 9:10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;

“Increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Merriam Webster defines Righteousness as, acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin. Spiritual gains have to do with contentment, inner peace, and deeper knowing of God! It has nothing to do with man’s measure of wealth. “Increasing seed for sowing” refers to opportunities to glorify God by giving back to God.

To Whom do we Give?
1Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

Those who “rule well” are to be considered. Give to pastors and leaders that are making a difference vs. pastors and leaders that are entertaining but empty. This is a method to support those who are working within God’s will and discourage those ministries/projects that are frivolous.

Philippians 4:15-19 vs.16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs….vs.18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

Missions and missionaries should be considered. This church was supporting Paul completely.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Widows and orphans should be considered. (1Timothy 5: 3-16 clarifies true widows, in a culture of divorce and remarriage.)

Luke 10:30-37 lays out the story of the good Samaritan. This passage encourages us to consider our enemies as a target for God’s love.

Matthew 25:35 `For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

This gives several categories to consider, but also note that the giving is not only in money. Our time, companionship, meals, and drink are gifts too. This is such a blessing for those who are barely making ends meet or a good starting point to teach children who may not have their own money yet. Give of your time! Teach a class, visit the elderly, rake a yard, watch a child, pass on baby clothes, or take meals to the sick.

Giving is no longer a legalistic mandate with a specific amount. The funds should help to support your local assembly if they are serving well, but that does not preclude giving to other ministries/those in need as God lays it upon your heart. Everything that we have has been given to us by God! That means we should be giving of our finances, our time, our children, our homes, our healthy bodies, our skills, and our resources. We need to find the areas where we have been blessed and give from them! We should review our circumstances periodically to ensure we are giving from all areas that we’re able. Lack of funds does not mean we cannot show our thankfulness back to God. God cares GREATLY about the attitude in which we give, just as much, if not more than what we give. There may be times when God requests us to step out in faith and give beyond what we feel comfortable. That is a prompting which we must be sensitive to coming from the Holy Spirit, not from a leader trying to start a gymnasium fund!

(Side note of warning from experience~Wives, be subject to your husbands. They have the final say and you should honor the head God has placed over you. Giving of things your husband disagrees with is sin, seek his council before over committing your family time! But I digress, LOL.)

Our family usually sets aside money to give to the church as we are able. Some years we do it consistantly, others years we struggle. During times of financial hardships, we felt guilty and worried that we were robbing God. On some occassions, we would use credit cards and creep further into debt, to free up cash to give, fearing that we would incur the wrath of God if we couldn’t make a concerted effort to meet at least a portion of the 10% tithe. This discouraging debt-guilt-fear cycle caused us to avoid church on more than one occassion. I struggled to see how this was a form of worship to be done with a happy heart. When things were bountiful, sure, but what about the times when we were digging ourselves deeper into debt to keep a car running so that we didn’t have to make car payments on a new car?

I’ve ALWAYS been taught 10% tithe, from churches, Christian school, and college. I’ve been reading a lot in the Old Testament lately, and noticed that sometimes tithe was not treated as a gift to God and the amounts were closer to 20-27% since the Israelites were required to give multiple times a year and then a third Festival was also mentioned. For the festival tithe, they had to go to a place God revealed to them and spend the tithe on food and wine for the party. Um….that didn’t sound like anything I had ever been taught about tithe! I was concerned that we had set the amount way too low and that I taught the kids wrong in our Bible class, so I started digging. What I had been taught wasn’t what I was reading. This is what I found in the Bible.

Leviticus 27:34 Tithe is for Children of Israel under the law of Moses (Mosaic law was a temporary covenant between Jews and God only)
Leviticus 27:32 Tithe was land, beast, grains, and fruits it was NOT traditionally money unless they needed their food/animals to survive, then they could “buy back” their tithe for 5% interest

*Note* this kind of tithe did not take into account that not all Jews were farmers or sheep herders, the tithe seemed aimed at the “food industry”

Numbers 1:48-50 Levites were set up to act as political tribe in charge of sacrifice, laws, and judging (this is carried through Old Testament from Numbers on)
Romans 7:7-6, Galatians 3:10-13 (read the entire chapter 3) Both speak of the old law being put away (that is the Mosaic Law which was temporary)

*Note* Further down in Galatians 3:17 it talks about the new convanent not replacing the old, this is the Abrahamic Covenant, which is clarified by the verses that follow vs.17, this was a permanent covenant between God and Jews)

Galatians 3:13 shows where the Mosaic Law ended
Luke 10:25-28 Under the New Covenant, the laws that we are being held to now are Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind and Love thy neighbor as thy self

I also am very interested in understanding Jewish laws, customs, and thinking. To understand the Jewish laws and references, we have to keep in mind that God made 4 permanent covanents. They are Abrahamic, Land, Davidic, and New. The first 3 were for the Jews only. The fourth was inclusive of the Gentiles, that is why God sent Paul to go preach to the Jews and the Greeks (Gentiles) and why the Jews were upset that they no longer enjoyed exclusivity. (Ephesians 2:11-16, 1 Corinthians 12:13) We (Gentiles), were not called to be under the Mosaic Law in the first place. If we are to be held to the Mosaic practice of tithe, then we should also be stoning adulterers, offering heave and wave sacrifices, not wearing clothing made of blended fabrics, and stoning disrespectful children. That is why Paul acknowledges that the Law is a curse unto us because if we fail in one point, we’ve broken the entire Law and we were not called to obey it in the first place!

The Jews never could figure out why Gentile churches preached tithing. Under Jewish law, the Levitcal tribe acted as the political branch of our society now. They were judges, lawyers, priests, and mediators. They enjoyed special privileges, but they were also held liable when the people went off track. The tithe God established was literally a tax. One had to pay it. God clearly set love gifts/offerings aside from the tithe. Things that were consecrated or set apart for God as a love gift could not be bought back. Things that were part of the tithe could be. The tithe could only be paid to a Levite, unless it was a tribute tithe to a king or conquering ruler.

Yes, as Christians we are called to give generously to God. If we practiced giving as God instructed, we would see that many of the mega churches aren’t being as blessed by God as they seem. Satan has taken a bit of truth and mixed it with lies to keep many of these misleading churches open to spread lies and watered down sermons for his (Satan’s) purpose. I believe many ministers don’t even realize that it’s not right. That’s not the case with all though, several will agree that while not Biblical, it is a “good starting point” for giving, so they don’t talk about it from the pulpit and let the preconceived views continue (to their ministries benefit). I went to several of the big preachers sites and did a search on tithing, it is interesting how some lie, some tell the truth, and some dance around it very carefully!

For extremely in depth coverage of tithing check out this site

For overview of Jewish perspective Dr. Fruchtenbaum is a Christian Jew and a part of Ariel Ministries. I have found him very Biblically based and knowledgeable. Go to this link and then click on the left hand column and scroll down to “tithe” there are several comments to questions there.

Recently I was studying in Matthew and came to some information about Judas, the disciple that betrayed Christ. I wanted to look further into his life, his choices, his demise, and what information can be applied today.

1. Judas Iscariot was called to be a disciple of Christ and given authority by Christ to cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, and to
preach, “The Kingdom of God is at hand,” to all who would listen (Matthew 10:1-4).

2. Judas went to the Chief Priests to initiate the betrayal of Christ, they did not corner him first. (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10) There is
some speculation as to why he began to choose wrongly which I will get to next.

3. Satan enters Judas and causes him to go to the Chief Priests (Luke 22:3, John 13:2)

a. Gill’s Exposition of the Bible states that Satan physically possesed Judas, entered into his heart, whispered into his
ear, caused a spirit of madness, and encouraged wicked thoughts that lead to sin due to a weakness in Judas’ character.

b. The character flaw was greed. Judas was in charge of the money purse for the group (John 13:27-29) and All of the disciples
had been chastised by Christ earlier for grumbling against a woman who anointed Christ with expensive perfume. They had all
been discussing that it would be better to sell the perfume and then give the money to the needy. Christ scolded them, and Judas
left to the Chief Priests. (Mark 10:3-10)

d. Jamieson, Fausset, Brown’s Commentary states that Judas was struggling with his choice, but hell was already in his heart. At the
meal where Jesus dipped bread and named him as the betrayer, he had his final chance to change his mind. At that point he
was “severing himself forever from that holy society with which he never had any spiritual sympathy.”

e. Matthew Henry Complete states that Judas was chosen by Christ to fulfill the foretelling of the betrayer in the Scriptures
(Psalm 41:9). It had to happen this way to fulfill prophecy. Judas was chosen before he was born for this purpose.

4. Jesus warns Judas that it would be better if he hadn’t been born, than to betray Him (Matthew 26:24-26)

5. Jesus tells Judas to do what he must quickly, the other disciple are not sure what Jesus means. They speculate that it has to due with his
duties as their treasurer. Christ is, in essence, telling Judas to drop the pretense of being His friend and get it over with. Judas leaves.
(John 13:27-30)

6. Judas returns later with the soldiers, greets Jesus as a friend with a kiss, and the soldiers arrest Him. (Matthew 26:47-49)

7. Judas becomes remorseful after he saw that Jesus was condemned and was not going to go free (Matthew 27:3)

a. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible states, “It was not such a repentance by which he became wiser and better; but an excruciating,
tormenting pain in his mind, by which he became worse; therefore a different word is here used than what commonly is for true
repentance.” He was not sorry, he was horrified with the knowledge that his actions would lead him to eternal damnation. The
consequences of his choices had caught up with him.

b. Jamieson, Fausset, Brown states that Judas very well may have believed that Jesus would get out of this. He had witnessed first
hand, Jesus in His dealings with the religious leaders in the past. Jesus had always shut them down and walked away. Judas may
have believed that this was a way to make quick money with no harm done in the end. Dark thoughts and lack of scruples led to
the betrayal of Jesus, but finding out that He wasn’t going to walk away this time, brought fear and the realization of what he had
just done and the fact that it would not be undone.

8. Judas tries to return the money to the Chief Priests but they reject it because it is blood money and they call it as such. They also argue
with Judas that innocent or not, they don’t care because they have Jesus. Judas throws it at their feet to rid himself of the evidence of his
evil doing. (Matthew 27:3-9 and Acts 1:16-18)

a. A field is bought, either by Judas himself or by the Chief Priests using the blood money because the money can not be put in the
temple treasury. The field is to be used to bury strangers so that they would not be buried amongst the Jews, because even in death
they did not want to be around these undesirables.

b. Judas fell headlong and burst forth in the air. (following are from John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible)
– hung himself and rope broke (most common interpretation)
– Satan, being done with Judas, throws him down and bursts forth from his bowels before Judas hits ground
– Judas is strangled by squinancy, a throat affliction that cuts off airway and falls to ground, (Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions)

c. Judas’ body was buried or left to decompose in the field for strangers and undesirables, called Akeldama, or “field of blood.”

9. Prophecy was fulfilled.

Thoughts:

1. Possession- Judas was acting under the power of God doing miracles and healing the sick.(Matthew 10:1-4) With that kind of authority granted directly from Christ, how can he then be possessed by Satan?

a. Matthew 7:21-29 discusses how many will cry out to God and say,” Lord, didn’t I do miracles, prophesy, and cast out demons in your name? Christ’s answer is, “Depart from me I never knew you.” evidence of spiritual gifts does not mean you are saved, rather, “he who does the will of the Father.”

b. If Judas was fully possessed by Satan, then under Old Testament law, when he died and had not sacrificed appropriately, he would have been bound for hell. Then Judas would be held responsible for Satan’s actions. I don’t think the full possession thing works. It is my opinion, that he was dealing with Satan directly but he was choosing his courses of action.

2. Free Will – Judas had free will to direct his course of action in response to Satan’s temptations and having had Jesus as a mentor for all this time. If Judas had free will, why could he not repent of this sin to save his soul. The betrayal of Christ had to happen in a way that fulfilled prophecy. That meant someone was going to be in Judas’ position as the betrayer. Someone would be sent to hell for the act of rejecting the Son of God. Free will leaves a lot of unanswered questions in my mind. I believe we do have free will to some degree, but it could not be complete free will. Just as a parent lets a child make decisions based on maturity levels, but steps in where the child is not ready to handle. That same parent also must allow the child to make poor decisions in some instances, when the child refuses to heed the parents’ instruction.

3. Predestination –

a. Lucifer, the angel of light rejected his position in the presence of God to try to usurp God and His power. God knew it was going to
happen, yet, he chose to allow it. (Revelation 20:1-2, 10, 15 and James 2:9) God will loose Satan after Christ’s 1000 yr. reign
(end times), so that those living may chose or reject God with full knowledge of both, during their lifetime. (Revelation 20:1-10)

b. (Romans 9 read entire chapter for clarity) this chapter discusses that God hated Esau (the older twin of Isaac and Rebekah) but
loved Jacob (the younger twin) before they were born and had done anything good or bad. It discusses that God chooses whom He
chooses, and uses those who are not chosen to work toward His ends, in the life of those around them.

c. This choosing has something to do with God knowing our entire life before we are born. He knows the ending, He knows how we
will react when pushed, He longs for all of us to come to Him, but He will not force us. He gently woos our mind and spirit with the
Holy Spirit. But He ultimately knows who will choose to come to Him and who will reject Him. If by predestination it means God
has fore-knowledge, I think there might be something to this.

d. We see this with Judas. Judas is making choices. Satan is whispering to his heart. Christ is sad to watch the path that will lead him
to destruction. He does not confront, embarrass, or stop Judas, He knows the ending, He is sad to watch this happening, but He
allows Judas to make choices. Choices that will fulfill prophecy, but with a sadness of watching a child go down the wrong path.
He taught Judas and lived with them for a time. But he still allowed Judas to make his own choices full well knowing what they
would be.

This began as an effort to prove that predestination was false. That salvation was more dependent on MY choice, than on God exercising His choice. This is what I had always learned in church, in a Christian School, and in a Christian College. “Predestination was the theology of zealots and cults.” Then I began to search scripture for myself and realize that there was a lot I was overlooking or just plain ignoring!

This is NOT a comprehensive list of verses. The Old Testament contains many references to God choosing Angels, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Israel, etc… I had no problem with those. However, I struggled to accept that God could elect those for salvation. It just didn’t seem fair. Until you realize that God’s purpose in creating man was to have us fulfill his purposes and bring HIM glory. (How does my choosing HIM, glorify Him?)

One struggles with the issue of free will. I heard one pastor explain that we have free will, but it is free will to choose which vice will be our primary downfall. We are incapeable of choosing righteousness because of our sinful state. But because God chose us first, we can live life with the help of the Holy Spirit, that better reflects our redeemer. (John MacArthur, Grace to You Ministries)

Another pastor explained it this way, “There is a narrow gate to get into heaven. Some will find the gate but see no need to go through it. Others will be content where they are and not bother to even look for the gate. Others will be compelled to find it and struggle to make the journey at any cost. When they do find it, they will read the sign above the gate that says ‘For whomever will come,’ and will walk through the gate. As they turn around to look back, they will see the back of the sign reads, ‘For those I have chosen’. ” (unknown pastor)

My favorite explaination is that of 3 men that disregarded the warning signs on a river that boaters should turn back. They merrily head their boat past the signs choosing not to heed them. The waters get churning and rough but they continue to ignore the bigger signs and more urgent warnings. Finally, the boat capsizes and the men are sucked under the waves and about to drown. A man in a helicopter spots them and throws down a ring to pull the one man to safety. Does the man protest loudly that his free will is being violated or does he grab the tow line gratefully? Was the helicopter pilot obligated to pull any of them out of the water in the first place? Are the boaters justified in being angry that some in their party didn’t make it danger signs were posted for ALL to read? (Pastor Dan- Calvary Bible)

But that’s not fair, I had to do the choosing to get to that point! There is no such thing as double predestination. We can’t choose God first, if Scripture says He already chose us before the beginning of the world. Scripture is truth. We were chosen, called, elected. God doesn’t have to be fair in our eyes. He is Just, He is GOD! How arrogant of us to try to mold God into our view of how He should be. We may not fully understand it, but Scripture says it is true.

***Please, don’t take my word for it, I provided these verses as a starting place for your own research and for quick reference. This is NOT a comprehensive list of verses. ****************

——-Elect—–
Matthew 24:22 Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.

Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Mark 13:22 for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Mark 13:27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.

Luke 18:7 now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?

Romans 8:33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;
——–Chosen——
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Romans 11:5-11 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;

Colossians 3:12-13 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory

Titus 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

Revelation 17:14 These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

—————Chose—-
John 15:16 “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love