In our first conversation we spoke about the nature of the ten commandments in Solemn charge #1 and how they reflect the core of God – and our path to freedom. We then discussed the doctrines of demons in Solemn charge #2 and how they oppose God and entangle humans, bringing us into bondage. We discussed the fact that demons twist and men suppress (1 Timothy 4:1-5; Romans 1:18). Neither is endearing to our Creator.
While this paints a grim picture, it is consistent throughout the Word. Genesis 6 sets the scene, Jesus comments on it in Matthew 13:41-43, and Revelation 19:20; 20:14 completes it.
We now find ourselves in the middle of it. Not to worry! God has poignant teaching for us – and His great Spirit of grace is here to lift us up and strengthen our resolve.
“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also. Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
– 2 Timothy 3:1-17
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
– 1 Peter 4:12-13
Not easy. But crystal clear friends.
Hebrews 12:18-29 is on point here
Dave & Burney
A consideration of solemnity
A Difficult Days Song
God’s Commands/Doctrines of demons think sheet
What about me as a believer – where does God’s Law come into my personal picture? Am I supposed to be a Law-keeper? How can this even be done? Won’t I fail? Where does grace fit in?
Owning and teaching our family values. Out-of-date? Undoable? Unproductive?
I would like to observe a few passages to form the basis for our look into the Law of God (the ten commandments) and the Law of Christ. This subject is key to the success of Christ-followers now and through the end of the age. We will place it alongside a consideration of the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) to better prepare us to apply the grace of God’s Law in the midst of massive false teaching (2 Timothy 3:1-9).
One beautiful vision for a family is cultivating the heart to reach out to others who need encouragement, caring, and certainly including physical needs to be met. To look beyond ourselves is a great way to train the hearts of our kids.