Living A Godly Life

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

 

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

(Romans 8:6)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(John 17:17)

What should we do when there is worldliness in our surroundings?

I. Cleave to the Word

 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

(John 15:5)

A. The Word will:

1. Keep us away from sin — “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

 2. Help us see our paths — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105,133)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

(Psalms 119:133)

3. Make us strong against temptation — Jesus overcame the devil by saying, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4,7,10)

4. Give us wisdom in every decision — “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” (James 1:5)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

5. Convict our lives — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 II. Pray for One Another

1. It’s an expression of concern — “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” (James 5:16)

2. It is needed in the ministry. 

 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:(2 Thessalonians 3:1)

3. Prayers help solve problems — Example: Rhoda (Acts 12:12–16) when the church prayed and Peter was miraculously released.

 4. Instead of criticizing your pastor, pray for the pastor — “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17)

  • Example of Hur and Aaron (Exodus 17:10)

5. Sometimes we tend to blame someone and fail to see our own faults and shortcomings:

Pray for ourselves — “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

Examine yourself — “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Don’t have just “a form of godliness but denying the power” — (2 Timothy 3:5)

If you want to strengthen others, you must first be corrected — “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

 III. Be an Example

 A. If you want others to follow, be an example.

  1. An example of faith and giving — “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) (Bacoor)

2. An example of humility (Christ) — “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5,8)

 3. An example of concern for others — “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

 4. An example of conversation and purity.

  • Don’t put down others — “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.” (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Why do these?

a) God wants to bless you — “The LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

b) God wants to use you — “Ye are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16)

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GOD WILL SAVE THE AFFLICTED PEOPLE

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

“GOD WILL SAVE THE AFFLICTED PEOPLE BUT BRING DOWN HIGH LOOKS”

“Thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.” (Psalm 18:27)

I. GOD WILL SAVE THE AFFLICTED PEOPLE

1. Afflicted – affected or troubled (as by disease), ill, suffering, oppressed.

2. People – those in need of God’s help and salvation.

3. Save – It is deliverance from suffering, affliction, or punishment.

B. Who Are the Afflicted People?

1. Believers Have Many Afflictions – Ps 34:19; 2 Cor 1:5

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
(Psalms 34:19)

2. All Men Have Troubles – Job 5:7; Ps 32:10

Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
(Job 5:7)

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
(Psalms 32:10)

3. Lost people convicted by the Holy Spirit, burdened by sin – Jn 16:8; Isa 55:1; Mt 11:28; Mk 2:17; Lk 18:13; 2 Cor. 7:10; Jam 2:5

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
(2 Corinthians 7:10)

II. GOD WILL BRING DOWN HIGH LOOKS

A. The Bible Warns That Pride Leads to Downfall

1. Prov 16:18; Isa 10:12

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(Proverbs 16:18)

Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. (Isaiah 10:12)

2. Example: Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4)

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
(Daniel 4:25)

B. What Is Pride?

1. Boasting – Rom 1:22; Eph 2:8–9; 2 Cor 12:5

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(Romans 1:22)

2. Exalting Self – Lk 18:10-14

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
(Luke 18:11)

3. Thinking of Self Beyond One’s Measure – Rom 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

4. Not Realizing One’s Limitations – Rom 2:23

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
(Romans 2:23)

5. Not Seeing One’s Need of God – Ps 17:10; 10:17

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
(Psalms 17:10)

6. Being Ungrateful and Dishonorable – Rom 1:21

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.
(Romans 1:21)

7. Judging Others Easily, Ignoring One’s Own Errors – Mt 7:1–3; Jas 4:6–12

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
(Matthew 7:1-3)

8. Rejecting God – Rom 1:28–30; Ps 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
(Psalms 10:4)

9. Not Seeking Counsel, Wisdom, Knowledge – Prov 8:33–36; Hos 4:6; Prov 9:7–10

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
(Proverbs 8:33)

10. Not Trusting God – Ps 97:7 —

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. (Psalms 97:7)

III. WHO WILL GOD BRING DOWN?

A. Unsaved People (Rejectors of God)

1. Unbelievers – Jn 3:36, 18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(John 3:18)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(John 3:36)

2. Those Who Die in Their Sins – Jn 8:24; Rev 21:8 (includes sin of unbelief)

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
(John 8:24)

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
(Revelation 21:8)

3. Those Who Do Not Admit Themselves as Sinners – Mark 2:17; Lk 18:14, 12

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(Mark 2:17)

4. The Self-Righteous – Mk 2:17; Mt 9:12

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.(Matthew 9:12)

5. Haters of God – Jn 15:23; Rom 1:30

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(Romans 1:30)

He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
(John 15:23)

6. Those Who Forget God – Ps 9:17; 50:22

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
(Psalms 9:17)

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
(Psalms 50:22)

7. Those Who Do Not Think of God – Ps 10:4; Ps 53:1b–6

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
(Psalms 10:4)

To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Psalms 53:1-3)

8. Those Who Disobey the Gospel – Acts 20:21; Mk 1:15; 2 Thes 1:8 Arrogant – 1 Sam 15:23; Prov 17:11

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Acts 20:21)

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
(Mark 1:15)

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(2 Thessalonians 1:8)

The unbelievers will suffer punishment in hell. God will bring them down to eternal suffering so they will realize that God is God and is sovereign.

B. Believers who are living in sin will be chastened or disciplined only in their earthly life. God’s children will not go to hell.

1. God Disciplines His Children when they commit sin– Heb 12:6; 1 Cor 11:32

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (Hebrews 12:5-9)

2. Unrepentant Children of God – Rev 3:19; Heb 12:6 Repent & Confess – 1 Jn 1:8–10

Examples of Contrition – Ps 51:12; 32:25; 34:8; Ps 38:18 —

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
(Revelation 3:19)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
(1 John 1:8-10)

IV. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

1. If you are not saved yet, God Commands the Wicked to Repent – Isa 55:7; Mk 2:17

2. If you are already a child of God and you displeased him, confess your sins. 1 John 1: 9

Self-Examination & Repentance – 2 Cor 13:5; 1 Cor 11:28; Ps 139:23 —

(Other Scriptures to read: 2 Sam 22:28; Job 22:29; Ps 16:6–7; Ps 119:69, 75; Isa 58:10; Zeph 3:12; James 4:9)

“Given Thee by Prophecy”

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

The phrase “given thee by prophecy” in 1 Timothy 4:14 comes from Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. Here’s the full verse in the KJV for context:

> 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

Explanation of “given thee by prophecy”

1. “Given thee”

This refers to a spiritual gift or ministry role that Timothy received. Paul is reminding Timothy not to ignore or set aside this gift.

2. “By prophecy”

This indicates that the giving or recognition of Timothy’s gift came in connection with prophetic revelation — that is, through a prophetic word or message from God, likely spoken by inspired leaders or prophets. It doesn’t necessarily mean the prophecy caused the gift, but that the gift was identified or confirmed by prophecy.

3. Biblical background

In the early church, prophets often played a role in guiding church leadership and confirming spiritual callings. This seems to have happened when Timothy was being commissioned or set apart for ministry.

> Compare 1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV):

“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.”

This supports the idea that Timothy’s calling was confirmed through prophecy — possibly during a church gathering or ordination event.

4. With the laying on of hands of the presbytery

This refers to the elders (presbyters) of the church laying hands on Timothy, a biblical act of commissioning, blessing, and setting apart for ministry (similar to ordination today). The gift was recognized during this moment of prayer and prophecy.

—

Summary

“Given thee by prophecy” means that Timothy’s spiritual gift or ministry role was confirmed or revealed through prophetic words during a formal church setting, likely accompanied by the laying on of hands by church elders. Paul is urging Timothy to steward that gift seriously and not neglect it.

How to overcome fear?

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
  1. Understand your life’s purpose. — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
  2. Realize your goals and direction in life. — 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
  3. Meditate on God’s Word always –– There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:5-9)
  4. Trust God always –– And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

Overcoming Our Fears

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7)

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
(Psalms 56:11)

REASONS FOR OVERCOMING OUR FEARS

FEAR WILL ENSLAVE US

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
(Proverbs 29:25)

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.
(Romans 8:15)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(Galatians 5:1)

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
(Galatians 4:9)

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(2 Peter 2:19-20)

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
(John 8:34)

WE HAVE FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(Romans 6:13-14)

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(Romans 6:17-18)

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
(1 Corinthians 7:21-23)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
(Psalms 111:10)

WE NEED TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:18)

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 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.
(Hebrews 5:13-14)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22)

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
(Genesis 30:27)

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
(Romans 5:4)

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
(Ecclesiastes 1:16)

WE CAN OVERCOME FEAR BY FAITH

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:29-31)

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
(Philippians 1:14)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13)

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Mark 9:23)

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
(Joshua 1:6-9)