1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

Righteousness:

      What is righteousness? 1 righteous, observing divine laws. 1a in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God.  1a2 innocent, faultless, guiltless. 1a3 used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God,

state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God. 1a the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God. 1b integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting. There is a phrase in an old spiritual song that says, “Ev’ry body talking bout goin to heaven ain’t goin” John says that the Christian will live a righteous life even as Christ lived a righteous life.

A righteous man knows he is righteous:

      We know whether we are living a righteous life or not. As the definition says we can know if we are leading an upright life, virtuous and keeping God’s commands. We also know if our thought life is pleasing to God

Proverbs 4:18   But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

The Shining Path:

      The promise given to us here is sandwiched in between a warning against taking the broad, well traveled path of the ungodly (Prov 4:14-15, 19). In contrast to the path of darkness, there is a shining path of the just, leading to the “perfect day” where there will be no more night (Rev. 22:5).

      The light that keeps the pathway shining is given to us of the Lord (Psa 119:105; 27:1, 11). The dark is frightening to many people – whether we drive on a dark highway or walk along a dark path. There are perils and dangers that are not seen in the dark and just as this is the case in the physical, so it is in the spiritual. The soul that walks without Christ is in spiritual danger (1 Jn 1:7). Jesus said He is the light of the world (Jn 8:12) and if we walk in His light we will not stumble spiritually.

      According to this

Mark 1:13   And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Ten different forty days:

      There are ten forty day periods mentioned in Scripture. Looking at them, we sense that forty days is a time of testing or sorrow. One period is not necessarily a time of testing or sorrow but of joy accompanied by instruction and testing. Those forty day periods are: length of flood (Gen 7:17); sending forth of birds from ark (Gen. 8:6); Israel’s embalming (Gen 50:2,3): Moses on the Mount (Ex 24:18); spies in Canaan (Num 13:25); defiance of the Philistines (1 Sam 17:16); Elijah’s journey to Horeb (1 Ki 19:18);; Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:4); Christ’s temptation (Lu 4:1,2); Christ’s post resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3). Moses was in the mount two times to receive the law so you could say there are eleven forty day times of testing.

Different types of testings:

      Each period had it own particular type of testing – either for the individual

Romans 8:14-17  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
¹⁵  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
¹⁶  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
¹⁷  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

  Indwelling: various methods – our conscience being one of the methods to guide us.

            At conversion the believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God (2 Pet 1:4; Jan 14:16, 17). We are made alive spiritually by the Spirit (Eph 2:1). The Spirit gives us understanding (1 Jn 2:20). The Spirit within speaks to us through our spirit (Jn 8:9; 1 Tim 1:5; Ro 9:1). The Spirit will guide using

David and the Spirit:

            Four evidences that he was influenced by the Spirit:

1. His conscience was smitten (1 Sam 24:6,7)
2. His behavior changed

2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:           

Ignorant:

        The word means to not know, understand; to be ignorant of and the root word is ignore. It mainly emphasizes the lack of knowledge but also carries the idea of erring or sinning through not knowing. Paul mentions six times things he does not want us to be unknowledgeable able about.

Our plans:

        Our plans may not always materialize as we want – Paul’s did not (Ro 1:13; 2 Cor 1:15-24). This does not mean that we are not to make plans, but we must remember what James said (Jam 415).

Rejection our benefit:

        Paul wants us to realize that the opportunity for us being saved is because of Israel’s rejection (Rom. 11:25). We are not to think that salvation is come to us because we are favored of God but because Israel rejected it. (Jn 4:3).

Similar past situations:

        The providence of God is

Ephesians 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 

The call:

            The word “call” is: to invite, to call to bear a name and is used of our invitation by God to all. God is not willing that should any perish but that all should come to repentance, therefore He calls people to Him through His Son to receive forgiveness of their sins and become a part of His family – to bear His name. Jesus issued the invitation to “come unto Him” and said that as “many as receive Him are given authority to become the sons and daughters of God. Our call as Christians then, is God’s invitation be part of His blood washed family, the redeemed of all earth. Paul tells us to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, so it behooves us to examine our call lest our lifestyle bring reproach to the One Who has called us.

The calling is “of God”:

            There can come no higher calling than that of the Sovereign God of the universe, the One Who created all things and sustains all

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
⁶  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
⁷  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Happiness and joy:

God does not want His children to be mule faced about serving Him. It is also Paul’s desire for us to be rejoicing in our Christian experience (Phil 4:4). We often see this theme in the New Testament teachings – exhortations to be overcomes. Even in the Old Testament passages speak of overcoming circumstances through God (Psa 3:5; 4:8). People do not want to hear what we have to say about our faith if it does not keep us through the difficult times of life. Do we get stressed out? Can we sleep well? Is the joy of the Lord our strength?

Paul’s exhortation:

      Be careful for nothing – don’t be anxious or full of care. It means anxiety or harassing care, nervous solicitude, brooding over the matter. Jesus taught that we are not to take thought for certain items. It has the same meaning

Philippians 4:10-12  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
¹¹  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
¹²   I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul’s thanks to the Philippians:

      When Paul expresses his thanks to the Philippians, he does so in such a way that shows his appreciation for the gift, but also his dependence upon God and not the gifts.  He tells them in such a way that he was not sitting waiting for their support or wandering why they had not sent anything prior to it. He wants them to know how grateful he is but also that his happiness is not dependent upon it.

      Paul said that he learned to be content – independent of circumstance, or conditions or surroundings; having sufficiency in oneself. Paul had

Matthew 5:38-42 (KJV)
³⁸  Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
³⁹  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
⁴⁰  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
⁴¹  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
⁴²  Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Putting others first:

            Putting others first is not popular in our world today. The other way is the way of the world -- me, myself and I -- know yourself, be yourself, express yourself, respect yourself, be honest with yourself, and stand up for yourself. We value independence, not sharing -- we have our own phones, cars, TVs, etc. We have the fastest internet service, online shopping, chatting and mews. Our default setting seems to be "self first".

Unselfish Ruth:

            Ruth loved and provided for her mother-in-law and at the same time

Proverbs 26:4-5  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
⁵  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Contradictory advice:

            Some times we are confronted with good advice from “folk proverbs” as well as Scripture, but they seem to be giving us opposite and contradictory counsel. An example of folk proverbs is: “look before you leap”. It is good advice that we should all heed. But, then you have a seemingly opposite one: “strike while the iron is hot”. Equally good advice and true, but can they both be true? When we place them in proper context they are both true and beneficial.

            In the same way there are seemingly contradictory Scriptures that are equally true and equally beneficial, but they must be placed in proper context. Our text tells us opposites in two verse following one the other.

            “A mean second grader told her classmate, “I can’t hang out with you because you stink”. If she replies, “You stink too” she would be answering according to her folly. However, if she replies, “Now that I see how you are, I

Matthew 5:39  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction of Scripture:

      Is Jesus teaching us that we are not to resist doing wrong or sinning? Resist is to stand against, so to wrongly interpret or put into proper context this could easily be used to excuse committing sin. The Bible never contradicts itself; it always is in agreement with the whole. Jesus is God and He is the Author of both the Old and New Testament writings. Any interpretation of seemingly opposing verses that nullifies one to the other is not a true interpretation.

The context of Jesus’ teaching:

      In order to understand Jesus’ teaching we must examine the context of the verses in question – this is the verse before or after it or both; we must also examine parallel passages and accompanying passages from both testaments to reach the truth being taught. One other area to consider is the original language which often sheds light upon and clarity to our understanding.

      In the context (Matt 5:38-48) Jesus is addressing teachings of His

Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

Fourfold warning:

      In Mark’s gospel of Christ’s prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives, Jesus warns us no less than four times to “take heed” and since it comes from Jesus we should pay attention to it. Take heed is one word in the Greek and carries the idea of looking at with our eyes, discerning with our eyes and mind what we see; carefully examine and weigh.

Deception: (Mk 13:5)

      First, Jesus warns us not to be deceived by those that try to keep us from Him and also prophetic signs. In Matt 24:4-5 Jesus told of those who would come either posing as Christ or His representative and deceive people into going away from God and His Word. Paul warns of some of the things that deceivers will try to beguile to accept (Eph 5:3-7; Col 2:8). John warns of deceivers as well as Peter and Jude (1 Jn 4:1-2; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Jude 4).

Persecutions: (Mk 13:9)

      Jesus warns us to be prepared for probable persecutions. We live in a

Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
³⁶  And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
³⁷  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
³⁸  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
³⁹  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
⁴⁰  And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
⁴¹  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

The Sea of Galilea lies over 600 ft. below sea level in a trough type basin and has a natural wind tunnel effect. It is

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

What is a “shadow government”? This is a term used to refer to the real power behind any government. We have presidents, pime ministers, kings, etc. and they are presented to the punlic as the leader. But there is a force behind the scenes that are really the ones who are ruling, controlling and puling the proverbial strings that run the government.

The Bible tells us that the powers that are in authority are ordained of God Rom 13:1. In Daniel the prophet said Daniel 2:21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:

This does not mean that God does not want Godly rulers and people to establish them. But it means that He rules among the world and runs it after His desire.

Even in the days of monarchs there were advisors and others who ran the government thru their influence over the monarch.

Today this shadow government is also referred to as the “deep state” which means

Genesis 18:20-21  And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

21  I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

The Scripture verses says that God came down to see if the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were really as bad as reported. But God doesn’t have to come down and inspect – He knows everything and there is nothing that is hid from Him -- Psalm 139:12, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

God came to Abraham and allowed him to intercede for the cities and people in them. Abraham did so and “bargained” with God that if He could find ten righteous people in the cities then God would spare them. But as we read, there were not ten righteous people to be found and the cities were so destroyed that until this day there has not been any evidence of there existence (except in tablets from other cities

Seek first the kingdom 8-9-24

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added

          There are two aspects to the Kingdom of God. First is His present rule in the lives of men and women. The second is His rule on this earth in the Person of Jesus Christ over the kingdoms of the world. Jesus’ command to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness involves His present rule in the lives of believers. This involves the qualifications outlined in Scripture for Godly living that will be rewarded in the kingdom and also go toward ruling with/for Christ in the coming kingdom on earth. Peter gives a list of ways that involve seeking the kingdom (2 Pet 1:3-10) and says entrance shall be granted 2 Peter 1:11   For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized allowing God’ kingdom rule in our lives when He taught the model prayer to us. The challenge in teaching the Kingdom of God was the understanding of the Jews in reference to the

2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

In recent days we have seen the work of evil men and women in the assassination attempt of Donald Trump. The fear and panic of a possible return to American values (at least a little) is seen in these events.

A return to even a little of what America was founded upon brings the true color out in he liberals and radical left. They are like the people at the Tower of Babel who wanted to be their own god and set their own values and standards – just like the WOKE, PC, BLM, LGBTQ and others do today.

The text says evil men – these are those who desire to cause hurt or pain to others.  We have seen this in the last four years. The insane ideas of global warming and the push to worship “Mother Earth” and nature have put tremendous strain upon most people – except the wealthy.

Seducers is a word we rarely use today but it ,meas “imposter” and also “wizards”.-- we certainly don’t have to look far in DC to see multitudes of those. Many of

Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

          America was founded upon Christian principles and ideals. Although not all the Founding Fathers were Christian they were all God-fearing men and women. Some in recent years have tried to change history to tell us that they were all atheists and unfortunately there are those who actually believed this lie. The Fathers prayed for three hours before their congressional meetings, asking for divine help and guidance. If they were all atheists they would not pray at all let along for three hours.

          The Founding Fathers knew the text verse and its implications for our nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. The word LORD is Jehovah, the great I AM of the Old Testament times and especially the God who met with Moses to bring Israel out of Egyptian bondage and into the Promised Land. They knew which religion was being expressed by this passage and what the implications of it were. They were convinced that the God of the Bible was being identified as the One who blesses any nation that

tthew 7:15-16 (KJV)

Mat15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

  Old Testament:

            There were false prophets in the OT that God warned about and spoke to the people giving instructions about them. The enemy made sure there were many false prophets during times of apostasy. People did not want to give up their sin and the devil made sure his prophets were present to keep them in their sin. God’s judgment would loom over the nation because of sin and the false prophets would assure the people that there would be no judgment because of their sin. (Jer 14:13-15).

God told the people that they should follow His guidelines concerning false prophets Deut 18:22. He also told them that he would allow predictions to come true in order to test them concerning what he had told them Deut 13:1-5.

New Testament:

            There is an unusual emphasis on false prophets in the New Testament. The Greek word pseudoprophetes appears 11 times and has no corresponding word

Ask, seek, knock

Matthew 7:7-8  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Purpose of payer:

            Too often praying to many people is simply making requests of God. Prayer should include not only petitions but also praise, thanksgiving, worship, and confession. God enjoys fellowship with His creatures and just as He came to Adam and Eve in the garden, so He desires to come and have fellowship with us as well. James says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Effectual fervent is one word in the Greek and means active, serious and comes from the word energeo. This sounds similar to our word “energy”. James says not only efeectual and fervent but also from a righteous person. Righteous refers to our standing before God – what our life is like. Prayer is also building a relationship with the eternal God.

Factirs fir asking:

            The word used for requests is aiteo and carries the idea of one who is lesser