PATrobas

Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. :30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 2Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Reminders - Contextual Interpretation The Scriptures are the basis and standard by which we can know about and then personally relate to God. Being familiar with them is very good, but it is not enough. Sometimes, a little knowledge can be dangerous, especially when combined with religious instruction from human authority. Thus, we are encouraged to individually “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 But when we study, (which means to exert much effort and be diligent in our pursuit,) we must do it by “rightly dividing the word of truth” as opposed to wrongly dividing it. Ascertaining the context of what and where we are studying is crucial to correctly understand and obey God’s communication to us. For example, let’s look at three familiar verses that speak about faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 “But without faith it is impossible to please God…” Hebrews 11:6a and “For whatever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:23b If we take these verses out of context, we might believe the words of this false prophet. “Hear me and listen to all my anointed words which reveal to you all the faith secrets found only in our ‘New Woke, Brother Bob Study Bible.’ But don’t doubt, or you will surely displease the Almighty and will be on the wide path to hell. To avoid that, brothers and sisters, send your tax deductible gift of $99 or more to: ‘Brother Bob c/o Beth-Hell Ministries’ PO Box 666 Faith City, Oklahoma.” This might sound silly to you, but there are plenty like this, who elevate themselves, wrongly interpreting, then perverting the word of truth for their own gain. These deceiving wolves appear as angels of light to lead vulnerable, unsuspecting sheep to their destruction. 2 Peter 2:1; 3:16 Beware of their tactics and avoid them. Final Thoughts: We take seriously the things we teach here, understanding that we are held to account by God when speaking in His name. James 3:1 But whatever you are taught, and by whomever is teaching you, be sure you study the scriptures in context as the Holy Spirit leads. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 Do not isolate any one verse from the others or hang any belief on any singular teaching. Those of the city of Berea were said to be more noble than others because they “…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether [the things Paul and Silas taught] were so.” Acts 17:11 We should do likewise. As to the three verses I quoted, when examining them in context, we learn this. All of scripture affirms that faith comes not of ourselves, but from the living Word of God, Jesus. Romans 10:17 God is pleased with us when we trust Him and believe what He says. Hebrews 11:6 And don’t doubt the things God has taught you in your spirit concerning His grace and truth. Romans 14:23 Finally, as is often quoted, remember that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16 ph

Besides the 2 verses I quoted above I'll add this: Mrk 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. Speaking of mixing old with new. Blessings.

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. These two verses pretty well sum it up for me.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Acts 10:42 Jesus being the Word will judge righteously. I believe according to the measure of faith to which we have received. (Rom. 12:3, 2 Cor. 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.) The later speaking of giving but I think the principle applies to knowledge/understanding of His Word. We mustn't beat ourselves up for what we don't know but continue to seek Him, not so much about Him (although both walk hand in hand.)

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Cor.8:1-2 But All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim.3:16-17 So, if we lack understanding of God, it must come from God, because "...He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6 But we must wait for the HS to reveal what we seek. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Cor.2:9-13 Waiting is something hard for us to do and it is line upon line, here a little there a little.

Reminders – Complete in Him None can deny the importance of the Holy Scriptures, the written Word of God. Also referred to as the oracles of God, they are the recorded utterances of the creator. Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit and wrote those words down for men to read. 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16 Yet as important as the Scriptures are, knowledge of them is incomplete without the manifestation of the Living Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the whole Bible that we hold in our hands is the revelation of Jesus, who is the Word of God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9 Jesus placed extreme importance on the Word, describing it as the nourishment of life saying, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4 But Jesus also recognized that just having an intellectual knowledge of the Scriptures was like eating air, worthless without the Holy Spirit giving understanding of them. He often spoke in parables that even His disciples did not understand without His explanation. The Pharisees took great pride in their knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, having memorized large portions of them, and yet Jesus said this to them, “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life.” John 5:39 The Scriptures are the words of life, and those words tell us of God’s singular message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said no one could come to the Father except by Him. John 14:6 After His resurrection, Jesus spoke with two of His disciples on the way to Emmaus, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” “And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.” Luke 24:27, 31 Final Thoughts: There are four truths we can glean from this. 1) Our knowledge of the Scriptures is not complete without the Holy Spirit teaching us what is written there, “…that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 2) The Holy Spirit’s work is not complete without the revelation of Jesus Christ to us, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me:” John 16:13-14 3) The body of Christ is not complete until those whom He calls receive Him by faith. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 4) We are now the sons of God, the body of Christ and “We are complete in Him.” Colossians 2:10 Hallelujah! ph

Reminders – What we received, have now, and will receive then. When someone becomes a Christian, a whole host of things happen in an instant. A change of mind and direction occurs (called repentance.) The payment for sins at the cross takes on new significance, as we understand that now our sins are forgiven, and we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness. Control and authority of self is given to the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in our bodies. Gifts and ministries are received. Our spirit becomes alive for the first time, and we are made brand new creatures. We are now members of one another as God unites us and baptizes us into the universal Body of Christ. Most importantly, these changes took place by an act of God, not by something we did. We are declared by God to be justified, that is, to be declared perfectly righteous, because we believed the Gospel. This act of God called salvation comes by faith, not by good works. The law, (which we were never able to keep,) was replaced by Jesus, the Living Word of God, administered and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are now able to continue to believe and obey the things that He tells us to do. Salvation isn’t something you receive one time like a get out of jail free card, to be taken out and presented when you die and go to see St. Peter at the pearly gates. Salvation for eternal life does come in an instant and lasts forever, but unlike a one-time ticket, it is also a process (called sanctification) which is God working in us to make us more like Jesus on a day-to-day basis. Thus, we’re told that we are “…created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 and to “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 Some would tell us that we must work for and sustain our salvation lest we stumble into hell. But the whole of Scripture assures us that it is God who keeps us safe until the end, as we’re told in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Final Thoughts: Christianity is the only religion in the world by which to be a member you must believe in what God has done for you; not believe you must do something for Him. When Jesus uttered His last words on the cross, “It is finished.” John 19:30 the work FOR salvation was complete. Today, God continues to do the work OF salvation both in us and through us. This will sometimes look like miracles of healing and deliverance. At other times it will look like suffering and tribulation. Whichever way it looks in your life right now, God will continue to conform us to the image of His Son. Romans 8:29 When all is done, we will receive a glorious reward and inheritance, “…reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4-5 ph

Reminders – Yes, He can even use me. I received diverse reactions and responses to last week’s message (Reminders #56 - Foreigners in our Neighborhoods.) Those who reacted negatively, mostly took offense with my lack of addressing the illegal immigration issue, from a right vs. wrong standpoint. But the fact that they responded in such a way simply re-enforced the point. My exhortation was not to look at the issue with worldly, political eyes, but rather see it from a spiritual viewpoint - with whom and how should we be sharing the Gospel? So now, instead of embarking on a new subject this week, I’d like to share a couple of positive testimonies I received, telling of God using ordinary Christians (like you and me) to touch people’s lives. Testimony #1) “We had a guy rob a store nearby and fled on foot through the woods. The local sheriff drove up and informed me of what was happening. I then went out to my shop and the robber walked in. I offered him some cold water, then asked if the police were looking for him. He said yes, and that he was in big trouble. I told him he needed Jesus. He agreed. We talked some more of how he needed to change. He was scared, I was totally calm. He then left and was soon arrested. I have no idea why I tried to witness to a known felon during an escape from a robbery. It just came out. He is in prison now. I wonder if I should write to him. Well, it’s in God's hands, so maybe we can continue our discussion. God is merciful.” (Sower) (edited for space considerations-ph) Testimony #2) “I have a new neighbor, right next door. He is a 300 pound, 6'-4" biological male who claims to be a woman and does yard work in a dress. I attended his housewarming and brought a gift. I've helped him with yardwork, and when his water froze, we invited him to use our shower (which he did). On that occasion, I was able to share my testimony with him. We have neighbors who are black, Hispanic, Muslim, Vietnamize, Hindu, Atheist, etc., and nearly all of them are friends. Last week we had Mohammed and Itab over for the evening. They have become friends and are open to discuss spiritual things. They told us during their visit that they appreciate that we talk about real-life issues with them. They have told us how they met, their family history, their struggles with their children and how they dealt with the aftermath of 9/11. It's so important for us to be real with all people, regardless of external appearances. Underneath, we are all the same -- people cursed by Adam's fall, loved by a gracious and forgiving God.” (Jack) Final Thoughts: I am so encouraged when hearing of God’s people being obedient tools in His hands. God arranges these divine appointments to ensure that all parties will be in the right place, at the right time, with the right message. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 ph

I wrote this because I see way too many Christians taken up with the affairs of this life, instead of the affairs of God. I hear too many complain about how corrupt and evil our government is, how unjust, how unfair, how our "hard earned tax dollars" are spent supporting the illegals. I agree, but that is not what Christ calls me to be concerned with, hence the point of my OP. Let the unbelievers and the world deal with those issues. My obligation is to listen to the Lord and do what He tells me to do, and that is to preach the Gospel to every creature. Instead of worrying about who I'm talking to, or why they're here, we should see it as a divine appointment that God has arranged and share the way to eternal life with them. If not me, then who? I don't want to talk about politics or anything that isn't related to Jesus. It is why I am here. I am a new creation and I want others to become new. Time is short and there are many headed to an eternity without Christ. I don't want to miss an opportunity. I'm only encouraging others to do likewise. Blessings.

I don't think an open border policy is a good idea for us from a human perspective. There should be criteria that screens who gets in and who doesn't. And even spiritually, the principle applies because God's kingdom is that way. He doesn't let everybody in no matter what they believe, as Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father but by me." (see Matt.22:1-14) But immigration isn't the point. Preaching the Gospel wherever you are to whomever you come across is my point. It is also to re-focus our point of view from an earthly hope to a heavenly one, and to take advantage of the daily situation we find ourselves in. The unsaved are coming to us and we have an opportunity to make a difference for eternity. Do illegals deserve it? No. Do you deserve it? No. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

I'm not disputing the evil that abounds. It's there. What I'm encouraging us to do is let the government do their role and we do ours. Our kingdom is above. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, We are to pray for our leaders that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. Let the world get involved. Paul told Timothy, 2Tim 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Look at Jesus' example. Did He lead protests, give sermons on the evil of governments, put up arguments that the image on Roman coins was not God as Caesar claimed? No. What did He do? Preached the Gospel. That is, or should be our emphasis, not government protests. I'm speaking about you and me personally. What can or should we do to fight evil? Shall I pick you up and take you with me to the border to help stop them from coming in? No? Then what can we do? We can preach the Gospel to all. We are to Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps::22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth::23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously::24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I'm not denying the wrong of how our government is operating right now, but I am drawing our attention to what we can change by walking by faith and doing what Jesus called us to do. That will change the world one person at a time and that change will not be temporary until the next politician gets into office. It will be a change that lasts for eternity. Do what is in front of you today. Share with those God puts into your path and let the government take care of the affairs of this life.

That is the government's role to deal with those issues. I'm speaking to Christians and what our role should be.

Reminders – Foreigners in our Neighborhoods What would you do and how would you act towards a notorious gang member who moved in next door to you? Would you beef up your home security? Would you avoid all eye contact as he came and went, or would you take him a plate of cookies? If the cookie part of this scenario sounds ridiculous, let’s back up a step and examine our own selves. How do you know he’s a gang member? Is it his tattoos and shaved head? By what standard are you judging him? By his clothes or his apparent nationality? You really know nothing about him, yet you fear for your safety because of outward appearances. Is this how we are told to reach the world with the Gospel, by suspicion and fear for our lives? Are we less trustful of people that don’t come from the same part of the world that we come from? How do you know they don’t? Are you shocked when you hear them speak without an accent and with better grammar than you? James tells us not to claim Christianity and then judge people by their outward appearance. James 2:1-13 How did Jesus act towards the sick, the lame, the mentally disturbed, the demon possessed, the downtrodden, the different? When people came to him for healing or to hear Him speak, He didn’t question the Father’s sovereignty or will in calling each one of them to Him. He accepted the divine appointment and ministered to their needs as God gave Him ability. Acts 2:22 Shouldn’t we do the same? 1 Peter 4:10 Will we touch the leper as He did? Will we feed those that have need in our midst? Will we bless them that curse us as He told us to do? “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 “For to this were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 Final Thoughts: Right or wrong, legally, or illegally, our country is being flooded with people who need to hear the Gospel. They are coming to us. We don’t have to become missionaries to a foreign country to minister to them. We are already called to be missionaries right here and we get to minister the Gospel to a multitude of different people groups who are among us every day. At the grocery or hardware store. At school or the hospital. At a restaurant, or a kid’s soccer game. Be friendly. Be kind. Smile. Speak. Take an interest in them. Ask how they are and where they are from. Ask if they’ve ever heard of Jesus and what He did for us. Yes, you can ask that question. Be bold. Someone was bold with you before you were saved. You needed forgiveness then, they also need forgiveness now. Will you risk rejection from many so that a few might receive eternal life? Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 “and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard, and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 ph

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Hey brother, thanks. I was also surprised to see that the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the poor...etc." are tied to happiness and contentment; blessed meaning happy/well off. But I think our definition of happy today is different than that which was spoken of then. Joy seems to be tied to inner peace of the spirit/soul and happiness to the emotions. In any case, I am joyfully awaiting the appearance of our Blessed Hope, occupying until He comes, whatever the definition. Blessings.

Reminders – Joy The Greek root word for Joy is “Charis,” from which we get the English translation “Charisma.” Also translated as “Gift,” “Thanks,” and “Grace,” these words sum up the substance of joy in our hearts. The following are distinctive aspects of joy. First, there is both a present and a future joy we can experience. “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:11 “[Jesus,] who having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 5:11 Then, there is a future joy awaiting us, “His lord said unto him, Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23 Speaking of the believers in Thessalonica, Paul says, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Next, we find that the Holy Spirit is the source of joy. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Galatians 5:22 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing… through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 “And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Lastly, we see that joy is the evidence of supernatural faith and life via the afflictions we suffer. Jesus is the perfect example in Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross…” Then He told us, “Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Luke 6:22-23 James and Peter round it out by saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations.” James 1:2 and “…rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 Final Thoughts: It is called “joy unspeakable” because our flesh cannot produce it nor describe it. It is the “fruit of the Spirit.” It is different from happiness (which is dependent on external circumstances,) but comes from within our spirit by faith, and lives alongside of peace and rest. Knowledge of Jesus and the Word of God fills us with joy. These final verses sum up our joy nicely. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11 And John repeats, “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1John 1:4 The book of Jude ends this way, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 ph

We're all here just to learn, so thanks for your perspective. There are some things that are assumed that may not be correct so these things are not "thus saith the Lord," however, there are some things we can know although not specifically said. We know they covered themselves with fig leaves (Gen. 3:7) and that later, Gen 3:21 "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." The assumption here is that He took the fig leaves from them before covering them with skins of animals. Did He leave the fig leaves on on? I don't think so but I wasn't there. Based on other scriptures, I think He removed them, but whatever. As to the conscience, we know they knew not "good and evil" before the fall and that they had a human spirit that was alive towards God. It was the seat of righteousness in man. When they fell, their spirit died, they knew between "good and evil" now, righteousness left them, they hid, and God had to come looking for them. It is the conscience that all men have that tells them between good and evil, not their spirit. Their lives after were a type of all mankind. Once we are born again, it is our spirits that are made alive and new. Our bodies nor our souls (mind, will, emotions) are born again but our spirits are. It is where the H.S. comes to reside. A saved Man still has a conscience but that shouldn't be the guiding factor in our walk, but rather the H.S. now is our guide along with the Word of God. It would take much more space than we have here to get in to more detail, but that in a nutshell is how I see things. Blessings brother. Keep seeking truth.

Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, Rom 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? It'd be pretty tough to put an animal skin on somebody before the animal was dead. Blessings to you.

Reminders – Bearing His Image On the sixth day of creation, God created Adam and Eve in His own image. Their body, soul, and spirit, lived in perfect harmony with God, always submitting to His perfect will. Genesis 1:24-31 When they decided to obey Satan instead of God, their human spirit died, Genesis 2:17 and in its place a conscience was born, where they processed this new knowledge of good and evil. This conscience became the seat of guidance and awareness of moral good and bad. It was the place that Adam made decisions (by his free will) to either follow his conscience or obey the desires of the flesh. It works the same way today as it did then. There is a big problem though. God’s standard is not in a balance scale of good versus evil. That is Satan’s standard. Satan wants man to try hard to do good, in hopes that God will accept those good intentions and efforts. However, God’s standard is perfect righteousness and holiness, versus anything less than perfection. Uh-oh. If that is true, (and it is) we’re in big trouble, except for one thing. When Adam fell, he realized he was no longer perfect, and had lost the perfect and glorious covering of God. He saw that he was naked. He then did what his conscience prompted him to do, which was to cover his nakedness. But instead of turning to God, repenting, and asking Him to restore his former covering, Adam, by his own efforts, covered himself. That was not acceptable to God. God stripped him of his leaves, shed the blood of an innocent animal, and covered his nakedness with the skin of that slain animal. Now, being clothed in animal skins, he bore the image of God’s provision. Instead of Adam eternally dying for his sin, (“The wages of sin is death,”) God provided a sacrifice to die in his stead and give him a new life. Adam didn’t know it yet, but he was receiving the work and provision of God by proxy that would appear 4,000 years later in answer to God’s promise. Genesis 3:15 (“but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”) Romans 6:23 Final Thoughts: Adam is the titular head and father of all sin plagued humanity. When he sinned, all humanity was condemned with him. And with that condemnation we received his sin nature, which is the cause of our sinful actions. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Contrarywise, Jesus is called the last Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45 and is the true head of all humanity and the spiritual life giver of the redeemed. Jesus is the fulfillment of the shadow portrayed in Adam’s animal skins. Jesus’ innocent blood was shed, not only to cover our nakedness, but to clothe us in His perfect righteousness. Paul reminds us, “For he hath made Him, [Jesus,] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 For those who have not yet had their human spirits made alive by an act of God, that is, by being born again, they must do as Adam and Eve did to be accepted by God. They repented, quit relying on their own efforts to cover themselves by their good works, and received the provision of God by faith. That provision for humanity is, 1) To trust in the death of Jesus on the cross as payment for our sins. 2) Accept the fact that He was truly dead in a tomb for three days, and 3) that He was raised alive from the dead to give His eternal life to whosoever receives it. When we have done that, we will, like Adam, bear the image of Him who was slain for us. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD…for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10. (ph)

Your conclusion ignores #4 and Final Thoughts of my OP. Sometimes it is best to just plant a seed and leave it alone allowing God to water it instead of digging it up every 5 minutes to see if it has started growing. I concede.

When relying on our flesh we will surely not agree, but if we submit one to another, allowing God to do the teaching then yes, we will come to agreement. But that is a big IF, as our "flesh" has been trained well by Adam's nature. John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

This may be true for the un-believer but we who are saved have the unction of the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual illumination so that words do have meaning "...ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God...: 2Tim. 3:16 and 1Cor. 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. :14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. and 2Pet. 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. We must not pick and choose according to our particular whims.

Reminders – The Flesh We see the word “flesh” throughout the New Testament, and although it comes from only one Greek word, SARX, its meanings are quite different depending on the context of its usage. We need to seek the Holy Spirit’s intent to understand scripture correctly. If we do not carefully discern the context or proper definition, we will come to false conclusions. There are four basic uses of the word flesh. 1) The physical body. 2) Kinship. 3) Our human desires and weaknesses. 4) The Adamic, or sin nature we are born with as contrasted with the new, spiritual nature received at salvation. In addition, there are words used in conjunction with the flesh such as, “being in,” or, “walking after,” that modify its meaning. Let’s look a little closer at these four. 1) Flesh, meaning a physical body. We see Jesus has flesh because He was born human. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 When the Scriptures say that Jesus was in the flesh, it is not telling us He was carnal, (which is another word for flesh) but simply that He had a human body. Jesus said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have.” Luke 24:13 He was 100% human as well as 100% God. 2) Flesh, meaning kinship. This simply has to do with genealogy. “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Romans 9:3 Here, Paul was speaking of his Jewish heritage. 3) Flesh, as to the weaknesses and desires of being human. These are not sinful qualities, but simply the desires of the flesh that humans are susceptible to, such as hunger, thirst, emotions, etc. “Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 Jesus, while in His flesh, was hungry, thirsty, tired, and expressed human emotions. The devil used some of these fleshly desires when tempting Him in the wilderness for 40 days. Matthew 4:3 4) Flesh, as in selfishness, stemming from the old nature. This is the negative aspect of the word and meaning of flesh. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing.” Romans 7:18 and “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” Galatians 5:17 Our physical bodies aren’t sinful; our old natures are. The actions of our bodies are just expressions of whom we are in, Adam or Jesus. Final Thoughts: Besides the context of the word flesh that we need to discern, there are modifying words used with it that can alter its meaning. For instance, there is a difference between “being in the flesh,” and “walking after the flesh.” Paul differentiated between them in his letters. Some examples are, “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.” Romans 7:5 “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Romans 8:8-9 Unbelievers are in the flesh; Christians are in the Spirit. In contrast, to walk after the flesh is to live by serving self. It is the opposite of walking after the Spirit. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4 Here, we have a Christian following the leading of the Spirit rather than his own fleshly desires. In conclusion, these seemingly insignificant word studies are not always edifying. Nevertheless, they are necessary, so that we will be found “rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (ph)