THAT I MAY KNOW HIM

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Knowing Christ in “the power of his resurrection” requires a death-life! The Apostle Paul said that it was necessary for him to die daily to his own desires, in order for Christ to be seen living for him. He said that he was always bearing about in his body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus might be manifest. (2Cor. 4:10-13).

John Calvin said, “But it is not enough to know Christ as crucified and raised up from the dead, unless you experience, also, the fruit of this, he speaks expressly of efficacy. Christ therefore is rightly known, when we feel how powerful his death and resurrection are, and how efficacious they are in us.”

“We must all therefore be prepared for this — that our whole life shall represent nothing else than the image of his death, until it produce death itself, as the life of Christ is nothing else than a prelude of death.” (Commentary on Philippians, Vol XXI.)

The life of the resurrection is a new life which is alive unto God. Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Lord Jesus Christ did not conduct himself in the same way after his resurrection, and prior to his ascension as he had before his death and resurrection. He did not feed, nor heal the masses. He was not even seen by anyone except his own elect people! (John 14:19, 1Cor 15:3-9). Therefore neither will a true Christian act the same after being effectually mortified by the application of the cross of Christ within his own heart!

If our generation is to experience the effect of true, spiritual Christianity, we must see some sovereign resurrections! Calvinists must be made Christians! Head knowledge must be appropriated into the hearts, the hands, and feet by the power of the cross of Christ! If ever resurrection souls were needed, it most assuredly is now!

Pastor Gene Breed

PERFECT MINDED

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul refers to three conditions of the Christian mind. There is the Perfect Mind, the Otherwise Mind, and the Same Mind. Let us look at these and see what we may learn of them.

The Perfect Mind

First of all, let us take the sting out of that word, “perfect!” It certainly is not speaking of sinless perfection! For we see the Apostle stating in verse 13, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:! For our sinless perfection will only be handled by our glorification at the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ! 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The Greek word here translated, “perfect,” is translated, “are of full age” in Hebrews 5:14. Those to whom he is referring  as, Perfect Minded, are those believers who are acting their age in their spiritual maturity!  Let us look at that Hebrews 5:14 verse.

Heb. 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. This “strong meat” of which he speaks, is referring to the “word of righteousness,” or, the strong doctrine of the Holy Scriptures! And just what is the result of chewing up and fully digesting the Word of God? It brings the believer an exercise of his senses, so that he may more fully discern both good and evil! That is what he means when he speaks of perfection!

We also read in Hebrews 4:12 of this same effect upon those who are exposed to the effectual word, receiving it by faith! 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.

This perfection was first spoken of by our Lord Himself! Matt. 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. The word, “therefore” leads us back to the preceding verses to learn of what our Lord meant. And we see that he was teaching concerning our being like God in the relating to our enemies. To those who curse us, we are to bless! To those who hate us we are to do good! And for those who despitefully use us we are to pray! Only in this way may we show that it is the Father’s inner grace and Spirit manifesting our new birth outwardly, revealing that we are like Him! For we are not doing these things in order to become gracious! But we are doing these things because His atonement has made us gracious!

Those who do these thing, therefore, are said to be “perfect” even as the Father is perfect!

Let us look at some other passages that relate to those who are “Perfect Minded!”

1Cor. 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Here the Apostle relates that the glorious gospel, previously hidden by the Lord, is now only revealed to those identified as “perfect!”  It is not revealed to the worldly wise, but to those who will make it their rule and practice. And it will result in bringing them to a “glory” here on earth!

Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. The Apostle is impressed to include this praying brother in this Epistle. For he has come to personal experience himself of perfection, therefore seeking the Lord in prayer for others to attain it as they come to know “the will of God.” He seeks spiritual help in desiring that those who hear, and come to know God’s will, shall put it into practice in order for them to attain that perfection of maturity!

2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Perfect Mind’s Actions

What does the Perfect Mind do? First of all, It Forgets! -  forgetting those things which are behind, – The list of things the Apostle Paul counted as trash and put out of his consideration is set forth in verses eight and nine! Phil. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Surprised? You thought it would be a list of terrible sins, right? Well, these things are terrible sins when depended upon for justification! They are an offense to God, for they seek unto religious works for salvation! And nothing offends God more!

Isaiah 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Then, Secondly, the Perfect Mind reaches forth! – and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Like a runner in the public games, the Apostle Paul states that he presses forward for the goal to attain the award, having been called to the heavenly vocation (high calling), by the Holy Spirit. 1Cor. 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

The English word, “high,” is from the same Greek word translated, “above” in Colossians 3:1,2. We are told to seek those things which are spiritual; things which are heavenly and holy, where Christ sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high! We have a work to do in this! And it requires a forgetting of our supposed righteousness by works, and a running forward with a heavenly consciousness! 1Th. 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

2 Thess. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory is involved, so let us press forth unto it’s obtainment!

The Otherwise Mind

… and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Not all Christians are on the exact same page, as far as their spiritual growth is concerned! The Apostle John writes to both, little children, young men, and fathers of the faith! (1 John 2:12-14). And instead of faulting the children for not being young adults, he calls them “perfect” who are walking in all the light God has revealed to them!

Ministers are not to be criticizers, but helpers! 2Cor. 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. They are not to lord over God’s peoples, but be examples unto them! 1 Pet. 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Inner spiritual growth is the sovereign work of grace from God! Rom. 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Phil. 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Those ‘preachers’ who would force the people to be like them, are more like cowboys, driving cows, than shepherds, leading sheep!

Dear soul, if the Holy Spirit is within a believers heart, what better agent could you wish for to fully develop them into full spiritual maturity? This was the Apostle Paul’s confidence towards those who, at present in their stage of development of maturing! Gal. 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

Is God sovereign? Do we only have selective sovereignty? Is God just sovereign over the birds in the trees, and the clouds in the sky? Is he not sovereign over political elections, and your child’s sickness?

And as the country boy said, “God don’t make no junk!” Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Pastor Gene Breed

A KING’S HOUSE

2 Samuel 5:9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. 10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. 11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

David’s Inward Perception

It is one thing to see Providential events happening in your life, but it is quite another to have an inward assurance of what they mean as to the Lord’s statement of his spiritual purposes for you! And here we see that with the events recorded in 2 Samuel, chapter five, there came also an inward perception to the heart of David, providing a personal understanding from God! He was not just a king by the falling out of events! He was not just king because he got the most votes! He perceived that he was king over all Israel because the Lord had established him to be so, and that it was the Lord that had exalted his kingdom! And he also had it revealed to him the purpose for the entire matter! – It was done for God’s people’s sake!

What a clarity to simplify the mind and heart of God’s servant as to his purpose! All ministers sent forth by the Lord should understand this! For all ministers are for the good of the people, unto their edification! 1 Corin. 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Ministers are raised up for the saint’s benefit! 2 Corin. 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. The Lord sent his seven letters to the churches in Asia addressed to the angel of the church! (Rev. 2 & 3). And we know that angels are ministering spirits to those who are the heirs of salvation. (Heb 1:14).

The Sovereign Spirit who dwells within every true believer is certainly sufficient to get every last one of them into eternal glory without ministers!  1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. But it is by the foolishness of preaching that God has ordained to save them that believe! (1 Corin. 1:21). And God’s true ministers are given the privilege to minister the preached word as water that washes their souls! (Ephes. 5:26).

But let us never forget that natural creation and Providence are by the same Hand that created us  in Christ Jesus unto good works! And therefore we read, Doth not even nature itself teach you…? (1 Corin. 11:14). And in Psalm 19 we definitely read that the heavens declare; the day utters speech; that night showeth knowledge; that their language is of a universal voice; and that their words go to the end of the world! So the Providence of the Lord was used in the inward perception in David’s heart that God desired him to be king!

Have you perceived that the Lord has established you as a king? Can you look within at God’s revelation to you by the Holy Spirit and see that it is so? And can you look without and see the confirming voices of Providence sustaining your perception?

Rev. 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rom. 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

But what were these Providences?

God’s Outward Providence

1. His Relation to the Body of Believers! – 2 Sam. 5:1-3

In these verses the tribes of Israel reveal to David of their inner spiritual perception of what they saw him to be before the Lord! 2 Sam. 5:2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

Notice the word “So” that begins verse three! That word reveals that what was stated in the preceding verse is the reason they anointed him! And that which we read in verse two is that they had a spiritual awareness from David’s past conduct which made them know within their hearts the Lord has made him a captain over Israel! And this was confirmed by the Lord’s word to David!

In 1 John 3:18-24 it is revealed to us that loving the Lord’s flock in deed and in truth assures our hearts before God that we are of the truth! And this assurance brings us great confidence toward God. This is also confirmed in that our petitions in prayers are granted. For our hearts being purified by the Spirit’s love of the brethren in us, only directs us to pray for that which is glorifying to God, and not to be consumed upon our own lusts! And those petitions are always granted! So love of the brethren brings assurance of God’s inner presence!

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

2. His Hatred of Evil! – 2Sam. 5:6-10

In these verses we see that David, along with all Israel now confronts a common enemy. They are seen as the mocking Jebusites who inhabit that which shall come to be called, the city of David! Every true Christian has the same enemy! – Sin! Although we all, in times past, were sometimes darkness, we all now are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness! (Eph. 5:8,11).  For it was our sin that separated us from dwelling in the place where God now calls his name!

But what of that Jebusite mockery that said, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither:? And what does it mean that they are hated of David’s soul?

These Jebusites were so confident of their safety in their high fortress, so assured that David could not conquer them, that they used Israel’s terms to describe their idol gods, to mock David! In both Psalms 115 and 135 David clearly refers to the heathen idols as having eyes, but seeing not, and as having feet but walking not!

So the Jebusites mockingly tell Israel that what you call our blind and lame gods are plenty enough to protect us from you invasion! But all spiritual Israel have turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (1Thes 1:9). So the hatred of idolatry, coupled with turning to God is a confirming Providence to David’s perception! And David’s Living God revealed to him the way to conquer the city!

3. He Transformed an Enemy Fortress into His Home! – 2Sam 5:9

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 we are told that the ministries spiritual weapons, (such as the gospel), which are mighty through God, pull down every strong hold, and make that which was previously exalted against God, now to be brought into the obedience of Christ! And should not this providence speak to you, confirming your perception that God has establish you as kings and priests before Him?

Do you not recall that while you were yet enemies, Christ died for you? (Rom 5:10). And that heart, that fortress of disobedience, has now become the seat of Christ? We no longer walk, as others in the vanity of our minds. But we have put on the new man and have been renewed in the spirit of our minds! (Eph. 4:17, 23).  We were once conformed to this world, but now are transformed by the renewing of our minds! And that strong hold of our sin, now proves what is that good and acceptable will of God! (Rom. 12:2).

Can you perceive that about yourself?

4. An Established King Built Him a Home! – 2Sam 5:11.

The first words we read after this verse that states that Hiram king of Tyre built David a house are, And David perceived! Dear reader, if you are Christ’s, you have been built as a living stone into the house of God! (1 Pet. 2:5). Christ has taken up us Gentile stones to raise up children unto Abraham! (Luke 3:8).

Christ is the established king, represented by Hiram, who Himself is King of Kings, and has builded the house of God, the church! 1 Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Have you perceived that Christ has built you upon Himself as the foundation, and incorporated you into the body of Christ, His church?

God told David that his son, Solomon, shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. (2 Sam 7:13). And the Apostle Peter preached in the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that David being a prophet knew that of the fruit of his loins He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;! (Acts 2:30). So Christ, at Calvary, by his own blood, purchased the church and established his kingdom as an everlasting kingdom. He built the house of God, for he that built all things is God!

Pastor Gene Breed