Circumcision of the Heart Ministry
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit,
and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians 3:3
and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians 3:3
In this lesson I want to illustrate some biblical principles that govern the believer' life, whether bond or free.
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:26-28)
Emphasis on verse 28, "There is neither bond nor free" ... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus". This verse illustrate that there is no partiality in the body of Christ. Whether we are in prison or out of prison we are one in Christ. Therefore, being in Christ he has empowered the believer to live a godly life, even In prison.
A. The Equipping of the believer:
For it is written, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1 :3)
The genuine Christian is eternally secure in his salvation and will persevere and grow because he has received everything necessary to sustain eternal life through Christ's power. We have all things, through Christ Jesus, that pertain unto godliness to live reverently, loyally, and obediently toward God. Also, we are complete in him (Col. 2:10).
Believers are complete in Christ, both positionally by the imputed perfect righteousness of Christ and the complete sufficiency of all heavenly resources for spiritual maturity. Genuine believers ought not to ask God for something more to become godly, because he already has every spiritual resource to manifest, sustain, and perfect godly living. Now, seeing that the believer is equipped with all heavenly resources it is imperative that the believer lives a godly life.
Let's get practical
We as prisoners are also commanded to live a godly life before God. Subjecting ourselves to the lordship of Christ by obeying his word. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).
Submission to the authority of scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christian's testimony. This leads us to our next point.
B. The Submitting Believer:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but the power of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Roman 13: 1-2).
"Be subject" (v. 1) this Greek word was used of a soldier's absolute obedience to his superior officer. Scripture makes one exception to this command: when obedience to authority would require disobedience to God's word (Ex. 1 :17; " Dan. 3:16-18; 6:7, 10; Acts 4:19). The text in Romans is practical to our everyday living in prison, being under authority.
Human government's authority derives from and is defined by God. He instituted human government to reward and to restrain sin in an evil, fallen world. Because of man's rebellious nature there have to be a form of government (supervision), "Lest man do that which is right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).
Since all government is God-ordained, disobedience is rebellion against God. "Wherefore ye must be subject (obedient), not only for wrath (human judgment), but also for conscience sake" (Romans 13:5).
Out of a sense of obligation to God and to keep a clear conscience before him. The believer is commanded to be obedient! Also, in order for the conscience to work as God designed it, the conscience must be informed to the highest moral and spiritual level and best standard, which means submitting it to the Holy Spirit through God's Word.
Our conscience is a court that is continually in session, condemning or exonerating us. It is imperative that the believers don't offend God or his conscience. For example: "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1).
"And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man" (Acts 24:16).
There are two Greek words in this chapter and verse (Acts 24:16) I would like to place emphasis on.
The first one is the Greek word for "exercise": meaning to train.
The other is "void of offence": It is interesting that in the English text it is translated as three words, but in the Greek it is actually one word meaning inoffensive, faultless (i.e. not leading or led in to sin).
Through practical godly living the believer is training himself to live a life not led into sin, well pleasing and without offence before God and man. This is the doctrine of sanctification, which is a process
(1 Thess. 4:3-4).
Godly living matures the believer. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are or full age (mature), even those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised to discern (separate) both good and evil (Heb. 5:14).
The believer's life is a representation (Ambassador) for God as a testimony unto man. "Having your conversation (conduct) honest among the Gentiles (Nonbelievers): that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the King, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
(1 Pet. 2:12-15).
Let's examine a few key points in this text. Historical background: This was a book written to a group of believers under intense persecution by Pliny the governor and the Roman Emperor Trajan. Peter called his readers to a righteous life in a hostile environment.
I know by experience that the environment in which we live can also be very stressful and hostile at times. In this text the Apostle Peter exhort the believers in whom he is writing and the body of Christ as a whole to submit ourselves unto authority, even in the midst of a stressful situation.
Apostle Peter admonishes the believer to suffer as "Christians" not as lawbreaker. "Having a good conscience; that were as they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation (conduct) in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing (1 Pet. 3:16-17).
Let's look at our text in discussion 1 Pet. 2:12-15.
Key points:
(1) verse 12, "Conduct honorable"- Christian must outwardly live a life discipline before non-believers;
(2) verse 12, "Day of visitation" -Peter was teaching that when the grace of God visits the heart of an unbeliever, he will respond with saving faith and glorify God because he remembers the testimony of believers he had observed. Those who don't believe will experience the visitation of his wrath in the final judgment;
(3) verse 13, "Submit yourself" - Submit is a military term meaning to put oneself in an attitude of submission. As citizens in the world and under civil law and authority, God's people are to live in a humble, submissive way in the midst of any hostile, godless, and slandering society;
(4) verse 13, "For the Lord sake" - Though the Christian's true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), he still must live as an obedient citizen in this world so that God will be honored and glorified. Rebellious conduct by a Christian brings dishonor on Christ;
(5) verse 14, "For the praise of them that do well” -Godly living before God and man will bring honor to you;
(6) verse 15, "Silence .. .foolish men" - Here is the purpose for submission to authority, in order that one should avoid condemnation and win commendation that shuts the mouth of those set against the faith who are looking for reasons to criticize believers.
(7) Christian "bond or free" are to exemplify godly virtues in their dealing with everyone. Thus, being a man of integrity you will find favor with God and man. This leads us to our next point.
C. Benefits for living a righteous life even in prison:
In conclusion, I would like to take a look at a biblical model "Joseph." Joseph being under the authority of another lived a life of integrity before God.
Let's do a summary of Joseph life and the benefits he attained for living righteously, even in prison. Joseph being a man of integrity refuses to commit sin and do wickedness in God's sight. "And it came to pass after these things, that his master' wife cast her eyes upon Joseph: and she said, lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, behold, my master knows not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I, neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Gen. 39:7-9).
Potiphar's wife has her revenge on Joseph for his refusal to give in to her adulterous requests, she tells the men of the house that it was Joseph that came to her, and tried to force himself upon her, and that she cried out for help, and he ran away leaving his garment behind. Oh the depths of depravity that a woman scorned will go to, especially one such as Potiphar's wife, who was of such immoral character. And when Potiphar's came home, she blames her husband by saying "the Hebrew servant, which thou has brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me". (Gen 39:17)
I am reminded of Adam, after giving in to Eve and partaking of the forbidden fruit, blamed God by saying "the woman, whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Gen 3:12)
When they are guilty, they blame others to try and take the guilt off of themselves. How else could Potiphar's wife explain having Joseph's clothing in her possession? (James 3:6,8) "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell...But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
And so Potiphar believes his wife, and he was very angry with Joseph, and put him in prison. But "the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison..." (Gen 39:21) (Proverbs 16:7) "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." By implication of this text we can glean from it that Joseph was a man of integrity, loyalty and purity.
Even though he resisted Potiphar's wife she wrongly accused him of attempted rape and being a victim of injustice, he was still obedient to God. We know that ultimately Joseph was delivered from prison to a position of high importance in the house of Pharaoh.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service Act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
Living a righteous life, even in prison. Amen!
Comments Write:
Ronald A. Glinton, 27985-004
FCI - Coleman - Medium
P. O. Box 1032
Coleman, Florida 33521-1032
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:26-28)
Emphasis on verse 28, "There is neither bond nor free" ... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus". This verse illustrate that there is no partiality in the body of Christ. Whether we are in prison or out of prison we are one in Christ. Therefore, being in Christ he has empowered the believer to live a godly life, even In prison.
A. The Equipping of the believer:
For it is written, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1 :3)
The genuine Christian is eternally secure in his salvation and will persevere and grow because he has received everything necessary to sustain eternal life through Christ's power. We have all things, through Christ Jesus, that pertain unto godliness to live reverently, loyally, and obediently toward God. Also, we are complete in him (Col. 2:10).
Believers are complete in Christ, both positionally by the imputed perfect righteousness of Christ and the complete sufficiency of all heavenly resources for spiritual maturity. Genuine believers ought not to ask God for something more to become godly, because he already has every spiritual resource to manifest, sustain, and perfect godly living. Now, seeing that the believer is equipped with all heavenly resources it is imperative that the believer lives a godly life.
Let's get practical
We as prisoners are also commanded to live a godly life before God. Subjecting ourselves to the lordship of Christ by obeying his word. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).
Submission to the authority of scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christian's testimony. This leads us to our next point.
B. The Submitting Believer:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but the power of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Roman 13: 1-2).
"Be subject" (v. 1) this Greek word was used of a soldier's absolute obedience to his superior officer. Scripture makes one exception to this command: when obedience to authority would require disobedience to God's word (Ex. 1 :17; " Dan. 3:16-18; 6:7, 10; Acts 4:19). The text in Romans is practical to our everyday living in prison, being under authority.
Human government's authority derives from and is defined by God. He instituted human government to reward and to restrain sin in an evil, fallen world. Because of man's rebellious nature there have to be a form of government (supervision), "Lest man do that which is right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).
Since all government is God-ordained, disobedience is rebellion against God. "Wherefore ye must be subject (obedient), not only for wrath (human judgment), but also for conscience sake" (Romans 13:5).
Out of a sense of obligation to God and to keep a clear conscience before him. The believer is commanded to be obedient! Also, in order for the conscience to work as God designed it, the conscience must be informed to the highest moral and spiritual level and best standard, which means submitting it to the Holy Spirit through God's Word.
Our conscience is a court that is continually in session, condemning or exonerating us. It is imperative that the believers don't offend God or his conscience. For example: "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1).
"And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man" (Acts 24:16).
There are two Greek words in this chapter and verse (Acts 24:16) I would like to place emphasis on.
The first one is the Greek word for "exercise": meaning to train.
The other is "void of offence": It is interesting that in the English text it is translated as three words, but in the Greek it is actually one word meaning inoffensive, faultless (i.e. not leading or led in to sin).
Through practical godly living the believer is training himself to live a life not led into sin, well pleasing and without offence before God and man. This is the doctrine of sanctification, which is a process
(1 Thess. 4:3-4).
Godly living matures the believer. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are or full age (mature), even those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised to discern (separate) both good and evil (Heb. 5:14).
The believer's life is a representation (Ambassador) for God as a testimony unto man. "Having your conversation (conduct) honest among the Gentiles (Nonbelievers): that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the King, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
(1 Pet. 2:12-15).
Let's examine a few key points in this text. Historical background: This was a book written to a group of believers under intense persecution by Pliny the governor and the Roman Emperor Trajan. Peter called his readers to a righteous life in a hostile environment.
I know by experience that the environment in which we live can also be very stressful and hostile at times. In this text the Apostle Peter exhort the believers in whom he is writing and the body of Christ as a whole to submit ourselves unto authority, even in the midst of a stressful situation.
Apostle Peter admonishes the believer to suffer as "Christians" not as lawbreaker. "Having a good conscience; that were as they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation (conduct) in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing (1 Pet. 3:16-17).
Let's look at our text in discussion 1 Pet. 2:12-15.
Key points:
(1) verse 12, "Conduct honorable"- Christian must outwardly live a life discipline before non-believers;
(2) verse 12, "Day of visitation" -Peter was teaching that when the grace of God visits the heart of an unbeliever, he will respond with saving faith and glorify God because he remembers the testimony of believers he had observed. Those who don't believe will experience the visitation of his wrath in the final judgment;
(3) verse 13, "Submit yourself" - Submit is a military term meaning to put oneself in an attitude of submission. As citizens in the world and under civil law and authority, God's people are to live in a humble, submissive way in the midst of any hostile, godless, and slandering society;
(4) verse 13, "For the Lord sake" - Though the Christian's true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), he still must live as an obedient citizen in this world so that God will be honored and glorified. Rebellious conduct by a Christian brings dishonor on Christ;
(5) verse 14, "For the praise of them that do well” -Godly living before God and man will bring honor to you;
(6) verse 15, "Silence .. .foolish men" - Here is the purpose for submission to authority, in order that one should avoid condemnation and win commendation that shuts the mouth of those set against the faith who are looking for reasons to criticize believers.
(7) Christian "bond or free" are to exemplify godly virtues in their dealing with everyone. Thus, being a man of integrity you will find favor with God and man. This leads us to our next point.
C. Benefits for living a righteous life even in prison:
In conclusion, I would like to take a look at a biblical model "Joseph." Joseph being under the authority of another lived a life of integrity before God.
Let's do a summary of Joseph life and the benefits he attained for living righteously, even in prison. Joseph being a man of integrity refuses to commit sin and do wickedness in God's sight. "And it came to pass after these things, that his master' wife cast her eyes upon Joseph: and she said, lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, behold, my master knows not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I, neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Gen. 39:7-9).
Potiphar's wife has her revenge on Joseph for his refusal to give in to her adulterous requests, she tells the men of the house that it was Joseph that came to her, and tried to force himself upon her, and that she cried out for help, and he ran away leaving his garment behind. Oh the depths of depravity that a woman scorned will go to, especially one such as Potiphar's wife, who was of such immoral character. And when Potiphar's came home, she blames her husband by saying "the Hebrew servant, which thou has brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me". (Gen 39:17)
I am reminded of Adam, after giving in to Eve and partaking of the forbidden fruit, blamed God by saying "the woman, whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Gen 3:12)
When they are guilty, they blame others to try and take the guilt off of themselves. How else could Potiphar's wife explain having Joseph's clothing in her possession? (James 3:6,8) "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell...But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
And so Potiphar believes his wife, and he was very angry with Joseph, and put him in prison. But "the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison..." (Gen 39:21) (Proverbs 16:7) "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." By implication of this text we can glean from it that Joseph was a man of integrity, loyalty and purity.
Even though he resisted Potiphar's wife she wrongly accused him of attempted rape and being a victim of injustice, he was still obedient to God. We know that ultimately Joseph was delivered from prison to a position of high importance in the house of Pharaoh.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service Act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
Living a righteous life, even in prison. Amen!
Comments Write:
Ronald A. Glinton, 27985-004
FCI - Coleman - Medium
P. O. Box 1032
Coleman, Florida 33521-1032
Living A Righteous Life Even In Prison
By Minster Ronnie A. Glinton Jr.
By Minster Ronnie A. Glinton Jr.
