“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus had revealed several facts that could trouble the heart.  However, the troubles about to come would not create despair if the disciples held on to what Jesus said to them that very night.  The pressures or tribulation that would be true of the world could not overcome the peace that Jesus would provide in the coming days.  His resurrection from the dead would be the fact of all facts to turn cowardly disciples into courageous ones.  Nevertheless, they would need his words to sink deep into their memories for the crisis at hand.  Consider some of the encouraging words that were given to give courage in the middle of crisis.

1. Faith in Deity. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).  The foundation of virtue or moral courage is faith.  Peter wrote, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; . . .” (2 Peter 1:5).  John wrote in one of his letters, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5).  Paul wrote of faith, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16).  Too many in the world find themselves trying to deal with personal crisis with little or no faith in God.  Such does not have to be the case where the Bible is read and respected.
2. Faithfulness to the Word. Jesus said, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:19-21).  The love of God (cf. John 3:16) and the love of Christ (cf. John 15:13) were about to be fully shown in the death of Christ.  The love of the disciples is highly dependent upon their love for the word Christ gave and their keeping it.  How one treats the word has everything to do with dealing with crisis.  Jesus again stated, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).
3. Focus Together on Their Love for One Another.  Jesus stated, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come: so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:33-34).  After the death of Christ, they are going to need to stick together like never before.  Judas Iscariot will hang himself (cf. Matt. 27:5).  Peter will go out and weep bitterly having denied knowing Jesus (cf. Matt. 26:75).  All of the disciples will forsake him (cf. Mark 14:50) as Jesus foretold (cf. Mark 14:27).  However, the record shows that they stayed together through the hardest of times (cf. Luke 24:9).  The church is truly a remarkable group of people who band together in times of crisis due to the love of Christ within.                         

Jimmy Clark

“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:3-4 NKJV).

The life of a Christian is as different as light is to darkness (cf. Rom. 13:12).  The world sees it and sometimes lets the Christian know that it is seen as distinctively different.  Peter addressed the fact that the unconverted world will not like such a distinctive lifestyle.  The Christian must clearly understand the nature of living the godly life in the midst of a “crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Eph. 2:15).  The Christian’s pure life is not popular with the world.  Consider three thoughts from this distinctive yet unpopular lifestyle.

1. The Past. The Holy Spirit through Peter does not ignore nor deny that the lifestyle of a Christian before conversion is one of the world.  He specifically states, “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3).  Peter lists some of the former practices in that same verse.  It is interesting to note that the Gentile practices were a lifestyle mirrored in idolatrous activities.  Various works of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:19-21) are given to paint the picture.  One interesting item of note is the listing of the terms “ drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties” (1 Peter 4:3 NKJV).  Sometimes the question is asked, “Where in the Bible is social drinking condemned?”  This is the passage that I reference to answer that question.  Drinking parties were just that.  Beverage alcohol as a social drink was and is a commonplace practice of the world.  The very phrase “let’s party” to someone of the world is considered to be synonymous with the presence of alcohol.  Today, alcoholic drinks are called “adult beverages.”  The list of practices in verse three are distinctive of a lifestyle of the world.
2. The Present. Verse four shows a stark contrast of lifestyle keenly noticed by the world.  “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” (1 Peter 4:4).  It must be clearly seen that a Christian lives a 180-degree change from its former lifestyle.  The Christian no longer runs with that crowd but it trying to show the unconverted a better life to live.  Paul knew the danger of Christians trying to mix the world with the Christian lifestyle (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-16).  He wrote to the Corinthians, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Cor. 6:17).  Conformity to the world is forbidden (cf. Rom. 12:2).
3. The Perception. The world calls the lifestyle of the Christian “strange” (1 Peter 4:4), “speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4).  Why would a Christian think that odd?  Ignorance and self-indulgence has never understood the converted life to Christ.  The perception of the Christian is seen in the words “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).  A purified soul (cf. 1 Peter 1:22) does not desire to go back into sin (cf. 2 Peter 2:22).  While the Christian is persecuted for his lifestyle, he is not ashamed (cf. 1 Peter 4:16).  His life is for pleasing God.

Jimmy Clark

“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).

Here is a clear example of ignorance about the Holy Spirit.  There is so much confusion in the religious world today about the Holy Spirit that there are times when such must be addressed.  Calvinistic teaching has led people to believe things about the Holy Spirit that do not harmonize with the teaching of the Bible.  Consider three areas concerning what the Holy Spirit does not do.

1. The Holy Spirit Does Not Contradict the Teaching of the Bible. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit brought divine revelation into existence.  Peter wrote, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).  Paul wrote to Timothy, “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 Tim. 3:16-17).  Paul wrote previously to the church at Corinth, “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. 2:13).  Since the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17) and the word of God is truth (cf. John 17:17), then it follows that the Holy Spirit cannot contradict the word of God.  Therefore, any doctrine or interpretation that clearly contradicts the Bible cannot be from the Holy Spirit.  Those who claim to be directly guided by the Holy Spirit today will find themselves in a self-contradictory position when their teaching is compared to what the Holy Spirit actually does say through the Scriptures.
2. The Holy Spirit Does Not Comfort Apart from the Scriptures. It is a common teaching among some that the Holy Spirit will bring comfort to people separate and apart from the Bible if one will let the Spirit come into their heart.  This is termed as a direct working of the Holy Spirit on the heart.  Passages like John 14:16, 26; 15:26 and 16:7 are abused to press the direct leading argument.  The context of those passages deals with the work of the apostles after Jesus had ascended into heaven.  The Holy Spirit would be the agent through the apostles to defend and bear testimony of the truth.  Paul wrote of comfort to the Thessalonians who were troubled about their dead.  At the close of the section he stated, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18).  Read also Psalm 119:50 to find a parallel thought.  It is the Holy Spirit’s words that comfort.
3. The Holy Spirit Does Not Continue to Perform Miracles Today Now That the Bible is Complete. Paul wrote, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10).  The Holy Spirit by miraculous power both revealed and confirmed the inspired words that were given in the days of revelation (cf. Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4).  Once revelation was completed, then miraculous powers ceased (cf. 1 Cor. 13:10; Eph. 4:11-13).  “Modern day miracle” claims deceive ignorant people and produce confusion.

Jimmy Clark

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21).

The Holy Spirit through Paul is declaring the facts about a world that rejects the true and living God.  Rome was a haven for paganism and political power.  It was also a microcosm for the rest of the Roman dominated world.  If one were not a Jew or Christian who believed in one God (cf. Deut. 6:4; Eph. 4:6; James 2:19), then paganism in some form was the dominate worldview.  There are consequences that come with choices and rejecting God has its consequences.  Consider three points made about a world that knew about God but did not choose God.

1. They Pronounce Themselves Wise Anyway. The Bible clearly states that they “became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21).  In spite of all their lack of wisdom in rejecting God the Bible still states, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22).  Choosing not “to retain God in their knowledge” (Rom. 1:28) brought on a foolishness that they were not willing to accept.  Therefore, they would keep telling themselves and others like them that they were the wise ones of their day.  Pagan Egypt in the days of Moses had its education (cf. Acts 7:22) with its wise men (cf. Ex. 7:11) but such did not yield to the truth of the living God.  Babylon had its wise men (cf. Daniel 2:27) but such did not turn the nation unto the truth of the living God.  “Freethinkers” and those who believe that one is truly free and intelligent when unshackled from the trappings of religions abound in many corners of the world.  All, like Timothy, would be wise to continue in the Bible that truly makes one wise (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15).
2. They Produce Their Own Object of Worship and Service. Paul wrote further, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25).  Humans realize that there is some power greater than themselves (cf. Eccl. 3:11).  Whether that object become a tangible object like a man-made idol (cf. Rom. 1:23) or an ideology that is just as powerful as a tangible object (cf. 1 Sam. 15:23; Col. 3:5), adoration and service are turned unto some direction.  Rebellion often seeks to find an imaginary “god” to channel its affections and hopes.
3. They Pervert the True Morals of Life. The Holy Spirit disclosed the real reprobate mind (cf. Rom. 1:28) of a rejection of God in the characteristics of that thinking that magnifies fleshly gratification and fleshly lifestyles.  Their uncleanness of life was seen where they “dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:24) with “vile affections” (Rom. 1:26-27) which today would be classed in the LGBTQ communities.  Beyond the sexual perversion would come “being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, implacable, unmerciful” (Rom. 1:29-30).  Is there any wonder today that the people who currently reject God turn to the same thinking and lifestyles that were present in the first century?  May all clearly see that a people who reject God do so to their own peril (cf. Ps. 9:17).

Jimmy Clark

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:23-25).

Mirrors are a commonplace item.  Shops even have mirrors so that the customer can see himself or herself when trying on the product.  James describes the Bible as a mirror for man to see himself.  It is written in another place, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).  Consider three spiritual concepts of looking at the Bible like one is looking in the mirror.

1. Capacity of Time While Looking in the Mirror. How much time does the average person look into a mirror on a daily basis?  That probably varies from survey to survey.  How much time does the average person read the Bible to truly see himself as God sees?  That is a much more important question.  The Holy Spirit through James uses words like “beholding” (James 1:23), “beholdeth” (James 1:24) and “looketh” (James 1:25).  These words denote more than just a casual glance.  The word in verse 23 is in the tense that means to continually look as in a long look in the mirror.  The longer one looks into the pages of the Bible the more likely one is exposed to the truths God wants man to know about himself.  Some may not look long due to the fact that they are seeing things they may not like (cf. John 3:20).  Regardless of what the Bible may reveal to a person, looking within from the reflection of the Bible over time is a good thing.
2. Consideration When Looking in the Mirror. The references to looking as in a mirror entail some interesting thoughts from the original words.  The word translated “beholding” (James 1:23) and “beholdeth” (James 1:24) is from the word meaning “to consider attentively, fix one’s eyes or mind upon” (Thayer, p. 334).  The word translated “looketh” (James 1:25) means “to look carefully into, inspect curiously” (Thayer, p. 484).  Looking into a mirror involves the intent to see what is really there.  One may not like what he sees but the mirror does not lie.  The Bible speaks the truth (cf. Ps. 119:160).  Man who deceives his own heart by denying what the Bible says does such to his own ruin.  One who seeks to know the truth will see things like God says in the Bible (cf. Prov. 28:5).
3. Conviction After Looking in the Mirror.  Once one looks at his reflection in the mirror of the Bible, he then has a choice.  The blessed man is not forgetful of his need and is a doer of the work (cf. James 1:25).  The deceived man quickly forgets what he has learned about himself and goes his way living life on his own terms (cf. James 1:24).  Most people would quickly fix something out of place in their physical appearance when exposed to the reality in the mirror.  The convicted, contrite child of God wants to come to the light and see accurately so that life may be beautiful inside and out (cf. John 3:21).

Jimmy Clark