How we respond to persecution. (2024)

12) How we Respond to Persecution

Before we respond to various forms of persecution, we must believe that despite these hardships, God will not leave us, and we cannot be separated from the love of God in Christ! God can deliver us, and many times will, but our believing plays a huge role in that also.

Romans 8:33-39 KJV

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the next few verses, we will look at the four responses that God’s word gives us to respond in a godly and righteous way. Matthew 5:44 being our key verse.

Matthew 5:44 KJV

44 But I say unto you, 1Love your enemies, 2bless them that curse you, 3do good to them that hate you, and 4pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

1.Love

2.Bless

3.Do Good

4.Pray

Romans 12:14 KJV

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Matthew 5:10-12 KJV

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

I have shared three of the four things listed below in chapter 10c-4. I now want to expand on these four ways to respond to hate or persecution. Many Christians will find these actions difficult to apply because of their old ways of dealing with those that hate them and intentionally try to injure them in their social life and personal life.

But these are God’s ways for us as believers to deal with them, God declares He will have justice on them in this life, or that which is to come. We are to respond righteously as an example to them. Psalm 94 is a great psalm on this! You live God’s word and become an example of grace, mercy, and justice, and as Paul tells us in Romans 12:19-21, we are to overcome evil with good. Allow God to deal with them in His way and timeframe. A person can always change and turn towards God. God will always provide a way for that person to change. You may be that person by your example, or one person in a series of believers that has become an example of God’s love that may cause them to turn to God. But, if they, after many chances, have hardened their heart towards God, then God will allow their own folly to befall them and lose God’s grace from them.

Psalms 94:1-3 KJV

1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?

Psalms 94:22-23 KJV

22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.

Hebrews 10:30 KJV

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Romans 12:19-21 KJV

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

So, the four basic ways we are to respond to those that hate us in various ways are listed below and worth studying in more detail. Here we will be working key words in the context of our response to those that hate us in various ways. I believe we will see in God’s word the true nature of “love your enemy,” “blessing them,” “doing good unto them,” and “praying for them.” We will see that it is NOT allowing them to walk all over us, and then we smile as we are persecuted, like that is a blessing from God to endure! NO, a thousand times NO!

1.Love your enemies

2.Bless them

3.Do good to them

4.Pray for them

12a) “Love Your Enemies,”

The phrase “love your enemies” is found in two verses of scripture, so it will be necessary to look up “signpost” words or phrases that are common in both verses to gain a fuller understanding of what “love your enemies” means. Love” is a signpost word for this phrase and we will look at related scriptures to gain a better understanding.

The first word we will look up is the word “love,” and is the Greek word “agapaō” (G25), God’s love, as opposed to man’s love.

The word translated “love” in Mathew 5:44 and Luke 6:27 is the Greek word “agapaō” (G25) and is pronounced “ag-ap-ah'-o,” this is the verb form and means generally: To esteem, love, indicting a direction of the will and finding one’s joy in something or someone. It differs from “phileō” (G5368), to love, indicating feelings, warmth, affection, the kind of love expressed by a kiss.

This kind of love is a choice to love regardless of lack of any feelings or emotions.

This word has a general meaning plus 5 categories according to “The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament” by Spiros Zodhiates, TH.D. 1992 AMG Publishers.

Here are the 5 categories in summary:

I.To love, to regard with strong affection: “his great love wherewith he loved us.” The direction of his love was towards us to fulfill God’s will for us! Jesus chose to love us, despite of us!

II.As referring to superiors and indicating the idea of duty, respect, veneration, meaning to love and serve with fidelity.

III.To love, i.e., to regard favor, goodwill, benevolence.

IV.Spoken of things, to love, i.e., to delight.

V.Contrast with “phileō” (G5368), to be content with, denoting common interests, hence, to befriend. Most scholars agree that “agapaō” is used of God’s love toward man and vice versa. But “phileō” (G5368), is rarely used by God for the love for men toward Him.

In Zodhiates “The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament,” category “III” has Mathew 5:43-44 referenced, indicating that this category’s nuance fits the type of God’s love we are to have towards that are our enemies.

(III).To love, i.e., to regard favor, goodwill, benevolence.

We are to have goodwill, benevolence, favor (kindness) towards our enemies. This sounds like grace (unmerited favor or kindness) doesn’t it? Grace is not earned; it is given regardless of the situation to show kindness which many times also shows mercy (withholding do punishment or retribution) towards a person. How many times has God shown us grace and mercy in our lives before we were His child through Jesus Christ? We are to show similar grace and mercy to our enemies. It is in this kind of kindness that is a witness of God’s love to them that will have an impact on them and may sway them to turn towards God and His word either immediately or eventually.

The word translated “love” (“agapaō”), is used 142 times in the New Testament. I am not going through all of them, but I will pick a few that pertains to our topic at hand; “loving our enemies.”

Matthew 5:43-45 KJV

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love (G25) thy neighbour, (fellow man) and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love (G25) your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: …

We love our enemy as we love our fellow man regardless of their nationality or religion! That you may become the children of your heavenly Father. (Not by working for the new birth, but in action towards others, that is; to imitate how God would act ).

Matthew 19:19 KJV

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love (G25) thy neighbour as thyself.

In the same context of loving your enemy as a neighbor, you are to love yourself likewise. You apply the same love to everyone; towards your neighbor (fellow man), towards your parents, and towards yourself. This is a determined choice you make to give out God’s love to others regardless of the circ*mstance being positive or negative.

Mark 12:30-31 KJV

30 And thou shalt love (G25) the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love (G25) thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

We are to love God with our whole being, our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength.

•The heart represents our inner most feeling and desires.

•The soul represents with all our breath life.

•The mind represents with all our thoughts.

•Our strength represents with all our ability. Our total being, with everything we’ve got!

This is the same kind of commitment we are to love everyone else with including ourselves and our enemies!

Luke 6:27 KJV

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love (G25) your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Luke 6:31-36 KJV

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32 For if ye love (G25) them which love (G25) you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love (G25) those that love (G25) them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love (G25) ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:27: Love your enemies, do good unto them. How? Keep reading!

Luke 6:31: The golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Jesus Christ said this in reverse… how interesting! Jesus Christ considered the response of those that he had dealings with before he determined the action he would take. He put himself in the other person’s shoes and pondered how he would like to be dealt with, then acted accordingly.

Luke 6:32-33: these two verses have similar outcomes but say it in different ways; “love your enemies,” and “do good.”

Luke 6:34: there is a repetition with the word “lend.”

Luke 6:35: has all three phrases “love your enemy,” and “do good, and “lend” from Luke 6:27, 32, and 33. They are the three things I highlighted with a black background that I have listed below, in which we need to consider each phrase as important as the last or next phrase. Why? The figure of speech “polysyndeton” or “many ands.” Which puts the emphasis on each phrase between each word “and,” continuing this figure of speech we see the benefits we will receive from God, then the conclusion or reasoning of this list!

Love your enemies AND

Do Good AND

Lend, hoping for nothing again (in return) AND

Your reward shall be great AND

Ye shall be the children of the Highest FOR

He (God) is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil (those that effect or influence hurtful harassing).

Ever hear or see the phrase on a yard sign? “Just be kind.” Well, here are three basic things on how to be kind God’s way, and you will be acting as God would act! That is one of the ways that gives God praise as chapter 10c along with the connected words in its sub-chapter’s details.

Let’s review Luke 6:35-36, then Luke 6:32-34

Luke 6:35-36: Recapped

Verse 35: a, b, c

35a: Love your enemy, and

35b: do good, and

35c: lend, expecting nothing again, or in return.

WHY? Verse 35d

35d: Because God is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

Verse 36:

This is how you can be merciful to others as God is merciful. Or “Be ye likewise merciful just as God is merciful.”

Now let’s look at the things in Luke 6:32-34.

•Verse 32: If you love those that love you, what thankfulness do you have?

oEven sinners have love for those that love them.

•Verse 33: If you do good to those that do good to you, what thankfulness do you have?

oEven sinners do the same.

•Verse 34: If you lend with the hope of gain, what thankfulness do you have?

oEven sinners lend to sinners to receive as much gain.

Do you see the pattern of a lesson here? We are to love without expecting anything in return from men. And when we love with this kind of love, God will reward us with blessings now, and in the future. This kind of love will show others that we are merciful like God is merciful, and that we are the children of God because we are living and loving God’s way. Jesus Christ loved like that, expecting nothing in return from men, but he did expect the hope from God that was laid out before him in scripture and by revelation.

When we confront our enemies, we are to speak the truth, but also do good unto them, but in such a way as to communicate God’s love and mercy.

•Verse 35: Love your enemies and do good, lend, hoping for nothing in return

oYour reward will be great

oYou shall be (become) the children of the Highest.

For God is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

•Verse 36: Therefore (Likewise), be merciful (undeserved kindness to others), as God is merciful.

Jesus Christ also spoke a similar message about how loving others with the love he gave you would show how you are his disciples. And Jesus Christ loved with God’s love. In these next two verses that I will be sharing on the word translated love, “agape,” is repeated 4 times: 3 as a verb, and once as a noun. Making these two verses a foundation for us on God’s love towards others. Why? Because the phrase “one another” is connected to the word “love” three times. Making this another repetition and sub-topic! Repetitions, as I have taught previously, is God’s way of giving the emphasis on the major topics that determine what is important to understand first and foremost when repetitions are utilized in scripture.

John 13:34-35 KJV

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love G25: (V) one another; as I have loved G25: (V) you, that ye also love G25: (V) one another.

35 By this (example of love) shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love G26: (N) one to another.

John 14:15 KJV

15 If ye love (G25) me, keep my commandments.

This also reminds me of these verses in 1st and 2nd John.

1 John 3:11 KJV

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love (G25) one another.

1 John 3:23 KJV

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love (G25) one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 4:7 KJV

7 Beloved, let us love (G25) one another: for love (G25) is of God; and every one that loveth (G25) is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:10-12 KJV

10 Herein is love, (G26:N) not that we loved (G25) God, but that he loved (G25) us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (Love is a deliberate choice you make towards anyone, including your enemies)

11 Beloved, if God so loved (G25) us, we ought also to love (G25) one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love (G25) one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love (G26:N) is perfected in us. (We should imitate the kind of love God has towards us, towards others also, including our enemies, this is how God’s love is made perfect in us! By renewing our mind to act as God would act)

2 John 1:6 KJV

6 And this is love, (G26:N) that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (the commandment: God’s word)

Loving your enemies will take an effort on your part to learn how to confront and love them with God’s love. Jesus Christ’s love being our example to follow. Love is a decision, not a feeling at first for us. Love is in the renewed mind category; we choose to love someone. We must decide to “love our enemies” the way Jesus Christ has taught us to love them. That is what chapter 12, and its sub-chapters are all about.

12b) “Bless Them That Curse You”

What does this phrase mean? Those that invoke (request, or declare) evil upon us are to receive a blessing from us, Huh? Well, we will need to look at the many different nuances of the definition of the Greek word translated “bless” in “Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament” to help us determine how it is used in Matthew 5:44. But first I want to list the various nuances in the E-Sword dictionary version, this is a direct copy and paste from E-Sword.

G2127

εὐλογέω

eulogeō

Thayer Definition:

1) to praise, celebrate with praises

2) to invoke blessings

3) to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers

3a) to ask God’s blessing on a thing

3b) pray God to bless it to one’s use

3c) pronounce a consecratory blessing on

4) of God

4a) to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on

4b) favoured of God, blessed

Part of Speech: verb

As you can see, there are 4 major divisions that are not similar in meanings.

1.To Praise, God or man

2.To invoke (request, or declare) blessings upon man

3.To consecrate (sanctify or set apart) with prayer

4.To prosper or be favored by God

So, in our quest to find out what it is to “bless them that curse you,” we will work the word “bless” in the Greek to discover what this phrase means for us as a response to those that invoke evil on us. I would suggest you re-read chapter 11a in this book before you read any further to refresh yourself on what the word “curse” means from the scriptures.

Now I want to go to a few verses of scripture that show you the different divisions I have listed above so you can see how the different nuances are used in scripture.

Definition: 3a: To consecrate (sanctify or set apart) a thing with solemn prayer: to ask God’s blessing on a thing. Here Jesus Christ asked God to bless the food so it would be enough to feed everyone.

Matthew 14:19-20 KJV

19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed,(G2127) and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

Definition: 1: to praise, celebrate with praises, Jesus was praised as the King entering his city.

Mark 11:9-10 KJV

9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed (G2127) is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10 Blessed (G2127) be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Definition: 4b: blessing of God: favored of God, blessed. The angel declared a blessing on Mary from God.

Luke 1:26-28 KJV

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed (G2127) art thou among women.

Definition: 2: to invoke blessings, Luke 2:34 (on a person). Simon gave a blessing to Mary when he saw the young Jesus, who was there to have the Bar Mitzvah ceremony at the age of 13. In verse 28 the word “blessed” is used as division 1, praising God.

Luke 2:27-34 KJV

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed (G2127: classification: 1) God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed (G2127: classification: 2) them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

With the examples of how the word “blessed” is used in the context to distinguish its exact meaning, we can go on and look for scripture that fits in classification #2 above: to invoke (request or declare) a blessing on a person. Matthew 5:44 is our principal verse for this sub-chapter, but it is also restated in Luke’s Gospel in Luke 6:28.

Luke 6:28 KJV

28 Bless (G2127) them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

This study will show us scripture where we can extract the principle that is taught and that we can apply to those that curse us. There are many examples in scripture where we can extract the principle that is taught if we have eyes to see past the example that is given. I will make a running list of the principles we encounter in this study.

In our next record we will look at, there is an interesting principle that can be a result of blessing those that curse you. When you ask God to bless them, you should ask God to open their eyes to understand their hate they have towards you. You do not need to do it to their face, unless you have guidance from God, you can request this silently to God and believe that God will open their eyes of understanding.

It may not happen right away, but your request has set in motion the spiritual wheels from God to work on that person’s heart in future instances that may help them turn their heart towards God. Look at how God worked with Paul while he was persecuting the new Christians. I am sure Paul (Saul before his conversion) saw and heard of many healings and miracles while he was chasing down the new Christians in their homes and other meeting places. But even though he ignored them outwardly, like all humans do, he had to remember them and wonder about what he saw and heard.

Now I realize Jesus blessed (praised) God for what the bread represented for the disciples. I would imagine that this ceremonial ritual was known to them, and as soon as they realized what Jesus did their eyes were opened and they recognized who he was. By giving a blessing where the result is that the person’s eyes of understanding are opened is a great principle in practice.

Luke 24:30-31 KJV

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

1.Bless them so God can open their eyes

In the next record, we will see another result after being blessed by a believer where those that were blessed witnessed the power from God being manifested. They worshiped or gave homage (a part of praising) to God and praised and blessed God for what they saw. The Greek word “eulogeō” (G2127) is used 3 times in Luke 24:50-53, and it is interesting to note that in Luke 24:53 the word “praise” and “blessed” are used as synonyms (blessed would be used as classification 1, to praise, in this context). Therefore, making these two words a repetition by use of synonyms that is adding force and fire to the passage as part of a larger repetition in this cluster of the 3 uses of “blessed (ing),” “eulogeō” (G2127).

Luke 24:50-53 KJV

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed (G2127) them.

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed (G2127) them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped (paid homage, a way of praising) him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising (G134: to praise, extol) and blessing (G2127) God. Amen.

Applying this principle in the context of blessing those that curse us, we should believe for the power of God to be manifested with the result being they will turn to God and praise God for His blessings.

1.Bless them so God can open their eyes

2.Believe for God’s power to be manifested so they will turn to God and praise Him.

In this next use we will look at, there is a major key to how those that hate us can be changed to follow God, because of what Jesus Christ has done for all of us. It is when a person finally decides to turn from their rebellious nature that was against God and turn to God for a lifestyle that is not hateful towards others, but to be caring and helpful, we will see the blessing that Jesus has blessed us with.

Acts 3:26 KJV

26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless (G2127) you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Jesus was sent to bless us so we could, “in turning away” (G654: remove) our iniquities. How? By making a choice to change our thoughts and actions to reflect his teachings of loving each other with God’s love. But more than that, Jesus Christ literally took away our sin (removed G654) by paying God’s price for our redemption. So, to experience those blessings of deliverance in our lives, (the spiritual reality of sin removal in our lives), we need to start making a choice to assertively change our lifestyle habits to reflect God’s word declaring that Jesus Christ did indeed spiritually remove our sins by his sacrifice and payment to God for us, so we could live in that spiritual reality.

I have underlined a phrase in Acts 3:26 that could have been translated differently for better understanding. The phrase “in turning away” is not bad but could be said differently to convey the meaning better. Here are some other translations that hit the mark more accurately in capturing the intent of the phrase from the Greek. Sometimes it is good to see how other bible translations or bible versions handle the same verse.

Acts 3:26 Rotherham

26 Unto you first, God—having raised up his Servant—hath sent him forth, ready to bless you, when ye are turning away, each one, from your wickednesses.

Acts 3:26 Weymouth

26 It is to you first that God, after raising His Servant from the grave, has sent Him to bless you, by causing every one of you to turn from your wickedness."

Acts 3:26 DRB (Douay-Rheims Bible)

26 To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his wickedness.

As you can see, the blessings are dependent on the person changing their ways by way of their actions. Jesus Christ has already blessed us with all blessings by his death and resurrection and the giving of the gift of holy spirit. It is up to us to claim them as we renew our mind to live God’s word. In Ephesians 1:4 the phrase “that we should” is in the category of the renewed mind; the choices we make to be “holy and without blame” in our actions. Notice the repetition of the three words that all come from the same root. We have already been blessed (past tense: hath blessed) by Jesus Christ’s past redemption (Ephesians 1:3) and now we must change our habits to experience that redemption (Ephesians 1:4).

Ephesians 1:3-4 KJV

3 Blessed (G2128: ADJ) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed (G2127:V) us with all spiritual blessings (G2129:N) in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

This is also available to those that hate us as we bless them and give them a chance to accept Jesus as Lord and live the more abundant life, as we do.

1.Bless them so God can open their eyes

2.Believe for God’s power to be manifested so they will turn to God and praise Him.

3.Believe as you have an opportunity to share God’s word that they will “turn away from their hateful ways” and accept Jesus as Lord so they too can receive God’s blessings on them.

It can be easy to return a wish for evil on a person who is wishing evil on you. Revenge (vengeance) is not for us to return to anybody for their actions against us. We are to give anger a space; that is, keep your distance from anger. We are to set an example of being a follower of Jesus Christ by our actions. This may be one of the hardest things we have to do, to allow God, in His timeframe to execute justice. There is a section in Romans 12 that has the next use of the word “blessed” (G2127) that we will be looking at, and it will shed some light on how we are not to “curse” those that hate us. This is number 4 in our primary principles on how to bless those that curse us.

12c) “Do Good Unto Them That Hate You”

This is one of the hardest things any man or woman can do! Why on this earth would we want to “do good” to those that hate us, that persecute us for what we believe and stand for? I will answer this question in this chapter. I will start with a generic phrase study and reference relevant verses on this topic. This will not take the Greek underlying words at this point. We can still learn important lessons with this kind of study though, because by using the King James Version of the bible, even the English translation will have a Greek word that means “good,” and may very well be a synonym for the Greek word we will study in a moment.

I will then do a word study of the Greek word translated “good” in Matthew 5:44 to see what else we find. I do not go to “outside sources,” like popular theologians or popular religious works that are widely accepted by many mainstream denominations. I go directly to God’s Word and let His Word define the terms for me. Yes, I use Greek and Hebrew dictionaries, and works by E.W. Bullinger for figures of speech. But not doctrinal explanations (exegesis) of one man’s or woman’s opinion of a section of scripture. If you have read this far, you fully understand my study and explanation methodology.

Some advice from God’s word on “doing good.”

Psalms 34:14 KJV

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

The words “and” are added in this verse from the Hebrew text. The Hebrew language uses a prefix added to a word to indicate that a conjunction is to be supplied by the reader. In English we have separate words for conjunctions (and, or but, for instance).

In Hebrew, a prefix is added in front of a word to add a conjunction and: “ו” The one for “and” is used in this verse, twice, I have highlighted the prefix “and” in Hebrew and English in BOLD in the two words below: H6213, H7291. Furthest letter to the RIGHT: ו

Psalms 34:14

Interlinear Hebrew Old Testament (In English order)

H5493סור Depart

H7451מרע from evil,

H6213ועשׂה and do

H2896טוב good;

H1245 בקשׁ seek

H7965שׁלום peace,

H7291ורדפהו׃ and pursue

The word “and,” makes this a repetition called “polysyndeton” or “many ands” where each thing in the list between the “ands” are emphasized. The “ands” will connect the phrases in an easily understood sentence that follows the structure of Psalms as a book for giving us sound advice on walking in the counsel of the Lord.

Psalms 34:14 KJV

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it

In Psalm 34:14 we see what we need to do to “depart from evil.” We see two things, one is a mental attitude, one is an action we take with that mental attitude.

•Depart from evil (HOW?)

oRun or seek earnestly after it – mental attitude- (How?)

odoing good, seeking (by desiring) peace – our action with that mental attitude -

Notice that to “do good” to those that hate us is to desire to “seek peace.” God wants us to “depart from evil.” HOW? By “doing good,” through seeking peace!” with them. Doing good is a way to seek peace, that will help us “depart from evil.” This is God’s primary way of “doing good.”

Loving your enemies would involve finding a way to seek peace with them as a second defense. Sounds like negotiations to me (like #3 in the last part of chapter 12b). This is the third thing listed in Matthew 5:44 on how to respond to persecution from those that hate us. We need to look at more relevant verses though to acquire more advice from God’s word on this point.

1.Love your enemies

2.Bless them

3.Do good to them

4.Pray for them

•Doing good is seeking peace

I have already covered Luke 6:27, 33, and 35 in the previous sub-chapter 12a “Love Your Enemies.” Now the next few verses are written to the Christian believers. Taking what we already know and adapting it to our day and time.

Galatians 6:10 KJV

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

This verse is a conclusion of a previous topic. The word “therefore” is our clue grammatically. Therefore, is a word used to let us know that we are about to read of an action we should take because of a previous dissertation, being a conclusion of the matter. What is the previous dissertation? We must go back to Galatians 6:1 to see what the context is, “…let us do good unto all men, especially unto them of the household of faith.” We are still looking at the phrase “do good” and looking for what we are to do that qualifies to be “doing good.”

Notice it says, “… do good unto all men” before it says, “unto them of the household of faith.” Our enemies who hate us and persecute us are included in the phrase: “unto all men.” Though Galatians chapter six is about brethren; those of the household of faith, I believe we can also apply what is taught to all men as Galatians 6:10 mentions, as the conclusion of Galatians 6:1-9, because the household of faith is mentioned as a separate group of people within the phrase all men.

Galatians 6:1 KJV

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Let us consider applying this to those that persecute us so we can seek peace (Psalm 34:14: “…do good, seek(ing) peace…”). Can we try to “restore” (mend or fix) the reasoning’s why they hate us by giving them an alternative to hating us? Or by another option that could bless them? Yes, by the latter option! Being tempted in this context can lead us into falling into the trap of accusing them, and bad mouthing them for their error, that is, you are not trying to help them recover from their error.

Those that persecute us are in error, and I believe the same principle of trying to seek peace can be applied as we would try to help a brother-in-Christ who has become overtaken in a fault (offence, transgression). It may not work immediately but giving them the opportunity to make a choice and change is always showing mercy towards them and a witness that you are God’s child. And you have shared God’s word with them, which never comes back void. Even if they do not change at that moment, you have earned a reward in heaven for your stand on God’s word.

I realize that we are to be especially good unto the household of faith first and foremost as Galatians 6:10 states. But I am pointing out that we are to do good unto all men as Galatians 6:10 also points out. Most people “read over” or ignore this part and just teach “doing good unto the household of faith.” But the whole context of doing good covers both categories of men and starts with Galatians 6:1 and ends with Galatians 6:9.

Galatians 6:2 KJV

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Is there a way you can bare your enemies’ burden? I think so. You may have an opportunity to council them with their hate towards you and resolve their anger issues. Galatians 6:10 does say we are to “do good” unto all men with Galatians 6:1-9 being our list containing things we should be able to apply to those that are not a part of the household of faith. Not all the verses in Galatians 6:1-9 can be applied to unbelievers, and I believe Galatians 6:3-8 are a parenthesis that separates out those verses that are to only the believers. I want you to decide for yourself though. I will show both ways this section may be understood. First without the parenthesis, and then with the parenthesis.

Galatians 6:1-10 KJV

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Now with the parenthesis (in a lighter shade font), First read Galatians 6:1-2 and skip to 9-10 to see the impact of the continuation from Galatians 6:2. What is the “well doing” of Galatians 6:9? I believe it is helping others with correcting their error from Galatians 6:1 and helping with another’s burden (or a problem that can be shared) from Galatians 6:2, all with the heart of sincerity (humbleness, a heart to serve). I believe these are the “well doing” of Galatians 6:9 and the “do good” to all men and especially to the household of faith in Galatians 6:10. The promise in Galatians 6:9 is that we will reap a reward if we faint not. This is like Luke 6:35 and our participation will show God’s mercy as Luke 6:36 states.

Galatians 6:3-8 give us an explanation of a person’s attitude from their error or burdens and the results they will receive from their error or burdens that can be shared. It also gives them a way to resolve an issue available from someone who can teach them how to get back on track with those results if the opportunity is available at the time.

Galatians 6:1-10 KJV

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

(3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting).

9 And let us not be weary in well (G2570) doing: (G4160) right acts of kindness) for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do (G2038) good (G18) work something useful, beneficial) unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

There is a repetition of synonyms in Galatians 6:9 and 10 with the words: “doing” and “let us do.” Both have a similar meaning to do the right thing that is kind or a work towards the other person. Thus emphasizing the need to “do good works or kind works” towards all people and unto the household of faith!

•Doing good is helping someone with a burden that can be shared

In the next use of the phrase “do good” that we will look at is talking about those that have wealth, but to do good works so they can lay up rewards in heaven for later. But the principle is the same as what we have been seeing in previous scriptures we have looked at. The attitude of being humble is also communicated because a person’s heart must be right before God for the works to produce righteous results with rewards from God.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 KJV

17 Charge them that are rich(G4145: To be wealthy: ADJ) in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches,(G4149: wealth: N) but in the living God, who giveth us richly(G4146: abundantly: ADV) all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good,(G14: Act rightly) that they be rich (G4147:V: To have an abundance to towards others) in good works,(G2570,G2041: Beautiful acts) ready to distribute, willing to communicate;(G2843: Willing to share)

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

As you can see from my annotations in 1st Timothy 6:18, this is an important verse to dig into. First, I must mention that the word “rich” in verses 17 and 18 are the word or phrases translated are different parts of speech from the same word family, as indicated by a lighter font. And this repetition (4 times) marks the main subject of this section. So, Paul is telling his leadership, Timothy, to charge the “wealthy” that they do the right thing since they have an overabundance and do beautiful acts of sharing their abundance willingly to others with a need.

Now we can look at 1st Timothy 6:18 and see the universal principle that everyone can apply concerning the attitude of doing good works, including doing good works to those that hate us, which is what this sub-chapter is about. Let us look at this universal principle more closely. I have added some of the Greek Strong’s number(s) above, plus a more literal meaning below, so I can give you a more accurate translation of 1st Timothy 6:18.

1st Timothy 6:18 (more accurate translation)

18: The rich having an abundance should do the right thing with beautiful acts, free to impart and share their abundance with a willing heart to those with a need.

In 1st Timothy 6:17 Paul reminds Timothy to declare to those that are wealthy, not to be proud (human pride) of an uncertain abundance of external possessions, but to be proud in God (godly pride) who brings to us abundantly to enjoy. (The context is pride because of being self-sufficient, not needing God to supply their need). This is a prelude to 1st Timothy 6:18 that continues from wealthy people being self-centered, to being wealthy people now learning how to become centered around sharing what they are blessed with others who have a need can also be blessed.

1st Timothy has some great principles of what “doing good” is about in our attitude, our heart, and our motivations. We must be “ready and willing” to give.

1.“Ready to contribute” = “free to impart,” or “ready to distribute.”

a.This is a mental attitude of being willing to give to others from your over abundance. It shows you are willing to give.

2.“willing to communicate” = “willing to be a partner, to share.

a.This is the mental attitude that goes along with #1, becoming a “partner” in wanting to distribute what you can. Carrying out your decision to give. It shows you are ready to give.

One is deciding to give, (ready to distribute) the other is deciding to carry it out (willing to communicate). In Chapter 8b in this book I share a record where the believers made the decision to give but did not carry it out as they had promised over a year earlier. They did #1 above, but not #2 above, until Paul reproved them to carry out what they had promised a year earlier, as an example for this study. Many times, we may be willing, but not quite ready to give. This is all part of learning how to “do good.” Having a heart like this towards those that hate us may take time, but there will be situations where we can give to do good towards them and leave them with an example of how God would treat them with mercy.

•Doing good is being willing to share of your abundance with those that have a need

In summary of this sub-chapter on “doing good to them that hate us,” we have found these principles in our search of this phrase. Even though the context may pertain to believers, these principles can also be applied to unbelievers when an opportunity is present.

•PSALM 34:14:

oWe are to run after or seek after:

Doing good

Peace

•GALATIANS 6:1

oRestore those overtaken in a fault with a heart of humbleness. (With the ones that hates or persecutes you, you may have an opportunity to council them and help them get delivered from their hate).

•GALATIANS 6:2

oHelp bear the burden of the other person. (With the ones that hates or persecutes you, you may have an opportunity to council them and help them get delivered from their hate).

•GALATIANS 6:10

oDo good unto all men (not just the family of faith).

•1st Timothy 6:18 (in principle: being wealthy in God’s word)

oWith your abundance (in God’s word) be ready and willing to impart that word and get involved to help those that hate and persecute you so they might be delivered if the opportunity is present.

Now for the second part of this study we will be looking at the Greek word that is translated “good” in Luke 6:27 and follow this word in other uses that pertain to our topic of doing good to those that hate us.

The word translated “good” in Luke 6:27 is the Greek word “kalōs” (G2573) and is pronounced “kal-oce'” and is the adverb form. This word has many nuanced meanings and must be understood in the context it is written in. The two Greek dictionaries I use have their meanings with accompanying verses for each nuanced meaning, Thayer’s paperback, and Zodhiates hardbound. In Luke 6:27 (and the word “well” in Luke 6:26), this word has the meaning of: To speak well of, to do good, praise.

From the previous study on the English phrase “do good” we have seen that some of the uses can indeed be applied to speaking to those that hate and persecute us. When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, he spoke God’s word to them. Many times, it was the truth about the heart of the Pharisees motivation that he exposed. He did not praise them, but he did speak in such a way that gave them something to think about. This would be similar for us when we confront those that hate or persecute us. Speaking the appropriate word of God or inspired words from your spirit to anyone, is speaking words that can be well (good) for that person if they choose to see the light and change.

Here is an example where Jesus spoke God’s word, and the person believed. And she was not an Israelite, God’s chosen! She was not an enemy, but she was considered as a dog to the Israelite’s culturally! This was an opportunity to teach on how the true worshipers would worship God. And he taught this to a non-Israeli, a Gentile, a dog culturally! WOW!

Another point of interest is that Jesus made an opportunity to witness to her with a concise question about requesting water from her. Jesus already strategized what direction he would lead the woman in the conversation to teach her about the true worshiping of God in the future. And how this ability would be in them, and that this kind of worship would be in spirit and truth, meaning truly in or by the spirit. The word “worship” or its various forms are repeated 10 times from John 4:20-24 in this section, making “worship” the main subject of this witnessing encounter!

Those words that Jesus spoke were words that made her think and they were “doing good” for her mentally by giving her a promise from God and hope!

John 4:6-29 KJV

6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but (and) the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well (G2573) said, I have no husband:

18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

19 he woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

•Doing good is to speak God’s word to give that person hope

In the next example we will see that Jesus gives a demonstration of how those that call him a leader (Master) is “well” (G2573) but he is also a servant to those he leads. And encourages them to follow his example by “doing” (G4160) what he has done for others. Can we apply this to our enemies? Yes. We can serve them the word of God if an opportunity is opened to us. We can do what Jesus did with the woman at Jacobs well and start with a question that can lead to sharing God’s word. Depending on the response you receive will determine if there is an opportunity or not. If no opportunity is available, then you next step is to move on and not waste your time with them. That may mean walking away from what you were doing instead of making things worse. Or it may mean to pursue your actions (because you have been given guidance by God via your spirit: I.E., revelation) despite the other person who is harassing you. A leader is to be an example of service to the believers and non-believers alike! This is “doing good unto all men, especially unto the household of faith.”

John 13:12-17 KJV

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; (G2573) for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do (G4160) them.

•Doing good as a leader is to be an example of service to the believers and non-believers alike!

In this record, after he was arrested, Jesus was questioned of his disciples and the doctrine that he taught openly in the Synagogue and in the Temple. His answer was to ask those that heard them, they could answer their question. An officer of the High Priest slapped Jesus on his face because he felt this question was “talking back” to the High Priest. Jesus responded back and asked if he had spoken any evil, declare it now, if not, then why did you slap me in the face?

We see how Jesus handled this situation with declaring the truth to the High Priest. The High Priest did not answer Jesus’s question, but sent him bound to Caiaphas, another High Priest. Even though Jesus knew what was going to happen to him from those that hated him and persecuted him, he still spoke the truth to them. He was not revengeful towards them.

John 18:19-24 KJV

19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well,(G2573) why smitest thou me?

24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

•Doing good is speaking the truth to power

This next record is about speaking what God has commanded Peter to be spoken to Cornelius a commanding officer over 100 men and a Gentile. This is where Peter finally understands that the gift of holy spirit is not just for Israel, but for anyone from any nation. We see another pairing of Greek words as in John 13:12-17 above (“well”: G2573, and “do”: G4160) in Acts 10:33 (“hast well”: G2573, and “done”: G4160). And it is again connected with sharing God’s word. As we saw in our original phrase in Matthew 5:44 (“do”: G4160, and “good”: G2573) we researched the word “good” (G2573) in this sub-chapter. We can conclude that sharing God’s word, or the truth of the situation is a part of “doing good”

Acts 10:1-34 KJV

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

12d) “Pray For Them Which Despitefully Use You and Persecute You”

Matthew 5:44 KJV

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Prayer is our power base to tap all of God’s power that God has made available to us as born-again Christians. I am not talking about prayer with our understanding, I am talking about our spiritual ability to pray by or in the spirit that God has given us in His gift, the gift of holy spirit which includes Speaking in Tongues; perfect prayer.

1 Corinthians 14:2,14 KJV

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Ephesians 6:18 KJV

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Prayer in the spirit via speaking in tongues has many benefits for the one praying and for those prayed for, as I cover in my book “20+ Benefits Speaking in Tongues Has for You!” One such benefit is that it provides power for effectual witnessing. We can pray for open doors to speak God’s word, and by operating the other manifestations we can bring about a healing or miracle! Imagine praying for a person that is harassing you, and down the road you wind up witnessing and healing that person and they become a great leader in the Church! That happened to Saul, who is called Paul after his conversion. You can guarantee that the new Christian believers were praying in the spirit for God to remedy the persecution from Saul as they continued to witness to new people and to fellowship with each other.

I will be looking at the Greek word that is translated in various forms of the word “pray.” For this sub-chapter I will be bringing out what kind of advice and mind-sets we should have when we pray. Remember that God looks on our heart, our true motivation, and there are things we can do both physically and mentally to be most effective with praying in the spirit. Our prayer can be for believer and non-believer alike, depending on the immediate need we have. We must remember that any references in the Gospels can only be prayer with their understanding since “praying in the spirit” was not yet available to anyone, including Jesus Christ. That is why I am bringing up principles of prayer regardless of how you pray.

The first use of this word in the New Testament is in our key verse, Matthew 5:44 and is about “praying” for those that are abusing or threatening us and those that are actively pursuing us no matter where we go. They harass us because we are preaching Christ and the power of God that was given to us. I find this interesting as a first use!

The word translated “pray” in Matthew 5:44 is the Greek word “proseuchomai” (G4336) and is pronounced “pros-yoo'-khom-ahee” and is the verb form. It is made up from two Greek words, “pros” (G4314, a preposition: with), and “euchomai” (G2172, to pray for). This word means: 1) to offer prayers, to pray.

Colossians 4:2-6 KJV

2 Continue in prayer, (G4336: Verb) and watch in the same (watch in prayer) with thanksgiving; (Continue and watch in or with prayer with thanksgiving).

3 Withal praying (G4336: Verb) also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV

1 Finally, brethren, pray (G4336: Verb) for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Here are a few keys from these verses that can help focus your prayer on those that you witness to but can also be applied to those that persecute you if an open door to witness is provided to you by God.

1.Continue and watch with prayer with thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2)

2.Pray for open doors to speak God’s word. (Col. 4:3)

3.Pray to make manifest God’s word and power. (Col. 4:4)

4.Walk in wisdom to those who do not know God’s word (Col. 4:5)

5.Let your words be full of grace (unmerited favor, kindness), and carefully chosen (salted). (Col. 4:6a)

6.Know how to answer every man. (Col. 4:6b)

7.Believe for God’s word to have free course. (2nd Thess. 3:1)

Now we are ready to look at some of the uses of this word in our study on “praying for those that use us and pursue us to hassle us.” In the next use we have a cluster of 6 uses in 5 verses, a large repetition, that will give us our main physical and mental ethics to have when we pray. Verse 9 below starts “The Lord’s Prayer” which was for the instruction on the kind of things we can pray for. Please read chapter 7c:1-7 in this book for a break down that I have presented from Rev. Jon Nessle’s book.

Matthew 6:5-9 KJV

5 And when thou prayest, (G4336: Verb) thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray (G4336: Verb) standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, (G4336: Verb) enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray (G4336: Verb) to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, (G4336: Verb) use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray (G4336: Verb) ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

1.Do not pray to show-off to others how righteous you are, trying to seek instant admiration from others. That is being a hypocrite in God’s eyes. God will not answer your prayers. (Matthew 6:5)

2.Pray in private, just you and God, God will reward you openly, He will answer your prayer. (Matthew 6:6)

3.Do not pray with “pre-written” or “pre-memorized” prayers. Pray from your heart and do not draw it out to take up more time. Pray for your needs and end it gracefully. (Matthew 6:7)

4.God knows what you need before you pray for it, repeating your need many times does not add a sense of urgency for God. (Matthew 6:8)

There are three teachings that Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 6:1-18, all centering around the same major topic. Do not do things between you and God to show how righteous you are in front of others, instead do things between you and God in private, and then God will hear your prayer and answer you.

1.When you have a need, do not brag, and make a huge deal how God is going to meet your need in public. Ask God in secret to meet your need, then you can praise God after He meets your need. (Matthew 6:1-4)

2.When you pray to God, do not make a big spectacle of how holy you are in front of others, pray to God in secret, and God will hear you and answer your prayer. (Matthew 6:5-8)

3.When you fast, do not appear to be sad or appear to be fasting in what you do. But fast in secret and do not look like your fasting by your attitude or clothing. God will reward you openly, He will answer you for your fasting. (Matthew 6:16-18)

Then the great teaching that follows is all about what we think about and who we serve. The three above topics are about thinking about serving man or thinking about serving God (Matthew 6:19-24). Then the next teaching that closes out this section is all about how God will meet your every need, there is no need to rely on man to meet any of your needs (Matthew 6:25-34). This is talking about going to man first and not involving God with our needs. WOW, what a way to conclude this great teaching from Jesus Christ!

At this point I need to clarify how God meets our needs most of the time through believer’s or others. For example, if you are praying for a great deal on a used car, is God going to create a used car out of thin air for you, or work with people you know or don’t know to meet that need? What are you going to do as your believing action to attain what you are praying for? Are you going to just pray and sit at home and wait for a used car to show up in your driveway? Or are you going to get out and look at used cars from various sources and talk to a lot of people with your needs in a used car?

God works with people to meet your needs most of the time. Going to God first in prayer and then talking with man to show you great used cars is letting God work in people’s hearts to meet your needs. One of those people you talk to could have the perfect used car for you, or they might know someone with the perfect used car for you. This is how God meets our needs, with other people we know or have contact with as we pursue with prayer and believing action to have our prayer answered. God is working behind the scenes in the hearts of men to meet our needs.

Do you see the central theme of chapter 6:ff from Jesus Christ? Now we are studying the word translated “pray” in its various forms from the Greek word “proseuchomai” (G4336) and how it relates to praying for those that abuse us and persecute us because we are a witness for Jesus Christ. God will meet our need to deal with them as we pray, we do not have to go to man to deal with them for us. We go to God first and God will work in the hearts of men to meet our need. We pray in secret and God answers us openly to take care of the situation for us. Do you now see how chapter 6:ff now fits with its three examples and two part conclusion in light of our study?

Considering Matthew 6:7 above, about how not to pray with vain repetitions, the next verse we will look at continues with that theme and we see Jesus making a personal request to his Father, God. Jesus knew he had to die according to the scriptures, but in his heart, he did not want to die, but he would be obedient regardless. Jesus was making his prayer personal, knowing God would not change the required outcome, even though Jesus did not want to die, he prayed this request anyway! He shared his heart with God, his Father.

When you pray, make it personal and heart felt in a genuine fashion, not with vain repetitions, but with a genuine request from your heart! When it comes to praying for those that are against you, you can still pray for God to bless them and believe that today or in the future, God will work with them to believe and repent of their ways and become tremendous believers.

Matthew 26:38-39 KJV

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, (G4336: Verb) saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Also, when you pray for those that abuse and persecute you, you want to pray seeing them delivered, or turning to God to be a blessing to the believers. You need to “see” them changed for the better in your mind! This can be a hard thing to do for most of us since they are doing all they can to stop us from sharing God’s word with others. They may even convince someone we are talking with that we are wrong or teaching doctrines of devils because it is not like the mainstream major denominational teachings.

But God’s way to deal with this is to “pray for them” and let God figure out what is needed in their life to change them or not. Believing is how we receive anything from God and believing involves being convinced that you will receive what you are believing for. It requires you to understand that you have the right to receive it, just as a “title deed” is proof of your right of ownership of what is listed on that title deed. Having a clean mental image of receiving what you are believing for helps you stay focused.

Acts 9:40 KJV

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; (G4336: Verb) and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Hebrews 11:1 KJV

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (basic literal understanding)

1 Moreover, believing is the confidence of the things we are expecting soon, things that we are praying for, it (believing) is our title deed, our proof of ownership not yet seen or received yet.

Mark 11:22-24 KJV

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, (G4336: Verb) believe that ye receive (present tense) them, and ye shall (future tense) have them.

Mark 11:22, 24 (basic literal understanding)

22 Jesus answering said to them, have the believing (confidence) of God

24 Therefore, what things you ask for in prayer, have the confidence that you have already received it, and you shall have it in the future.

In Mark 11:24 I have highlighted the word “believe” with a background to indicate that “prayer and believing” go together. When you pray you must have the confidence that you will receive what you prayed for. Believing though is not just a mental attitude, a mindset. Believing requires an action or works in the physical realm. Prayer is one kind of action, absolutely, but it is not the end to the means. Prayer plus believing requires you to act on your believing, it is prayer plus believing, not just prayer alone!

Believing is a mental attitude, but that mental attitude requires works for it to be effective. Prayer requires believing, believing requires works (action in the physical realm). It is a two-stage process that we must implement to see the desired results that God’s word promises. Believing, or having the right mental attitude, the right confidence requires us to do something so we can receive God’s promise. So, when you pray, pray with the right attitude, with confidence and then you need to do something in the physical realm to act on your confidence.

James 2:20 KJV

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (Having the mental confidence without the accompanying action is dead: it is without force or power)

James 2:26 KJV

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (As the body without the gift of holy spirit is spiritually dead, without power, having mental confidence without the accompanying action is also dead, without power).

Notice the same phrase “faith without works is dead” is repeated in James 2:20 and 26. This kind of repetition is nicknamed a “bookend,” coined by Rev. Jon Nessle and is also referred to as an “Epanadiplosis, Encircling” and not only emphasizes the repeated phrase; it also highlights information between the two repeated phrases. The verses (or matter) in between the two phrases will explain the two phrases with more detail. God’s word is going to explain what “faith without works is dead” means, but with examples of “faith with works” so you have an example of what to do to avoid having “faith without works.” Here we will read about past believers that not only had the confidence that God would deliver them, but also acted by doing something in the physical realm that put their confidence into action (works). Their doing something will be highlighted with a black background.

James 2:21-25 KJV

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought (G4903: Verb: assisted) with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (G5048: Verb: Completed)

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

Their believing (confidence) was assisted with their works, and their believing was completed by their works, James 2:22 above!

When we pray for those that use us or persecute us, we are to pray with a mindset that they are delivered, and if there is anything we can do over and above speaking in tongues, then do it. It may be witnessing to them; it may be ministering to them if there’re okay with that at that time. It may be just letting them know that God loves them, despite what their actions are right now.

But, if speaking in tongues is the only thing you can do at that moment, then that is your action or works to assist and complete your prayer with believing. Speaking in tongues is spiritual as we read in 1st Corinthians 14:2 and Ephesians 6:18 and speaking in tongues is a work in the physical realm also, therefore it meets both requirements of “praying in the spirit” and “doing something in the physical realm.” Which for this instance is “prayer with believing-works.”

Another key is to realize that God answers prayer on His timetable, not yours. God has His own timetable for everything since the beginning of time. No one can push God to answer a prayer or bring on the return of Christ at our will. Yes, you can pray for a speedy answer, and God will never be late in that answer when you “pray with believing” as we just looked at above. That is part of having confidence in God, or believing in God, that God will come through for you at the perfect time.

For many that may be a leap of faith, but we must learn how to give it to God while we are doing what we can to assist. Like speaking in tongues, like taking any other action we can do to help our believing (our mental attitude). If we are doing all we can, then we must have the attitude that God will also do what He must do to answer our prayer when the timing is right! The record I will share to teach this key is when Jesus Christ is teaching about his return and how that no man knows by his intellect of any subject (including anything in God’s word), when that day will come. Paul also expanded on this subject in his writings. Just as Christ’s return is in God’s timetable and is a secret, God answering your prayers are also in God’s timetable. No man can ascertain or perceive God’s timing.

Mark 13:32-33 KJV

32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33 Take ye heed, watch and pray:(G4336: Verb) for ye know not when the time is.

This is the basic principle; God does things on His timetable. This is one example: Christ’s return. This is one of two uses of the phrase “watch and pray,” this is the second use that we will look at first. In this use we are to understand to keep our thoughts on God’s word; that is to “take heed.” How? Be ready, be attentive to God’s word and pray, that is, “watch and pray.” And this day won’t take us like a thief in the night because we are expecting Christ’s return at any moment, we have this hope burning in our hearts daily! When we expect God to answer our prayers at any time, we won’t be bewildered when it happens, but we will praise God for the deliverance! An answered prayer won’t catch us off guard like a thief in the night because we are expecting God to answer it on His timetable, not ours.

Pray and believe for God to work with that person who is harassing you as a standing Christian and see them delivered and standing for God also. When (God’s timetable) that happens, you will not be surprised because you are expecting them to be a standing Christian at some point in time.

12d-1a) Persecution is a form of temptation and can be positive or negative.

In the next key, I will go to the verse that has the first use of this phrase “watch and pray” and see what the other things we are to “watch and pray” for.

Matthew 26:41 KJV

41 Watch and pray,(G4336: Verb) that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

This verse is where we are going to work the word “temptation” and find out who causes it, and what we can do to prevent us to surrendering to the temptation. Those that pursue us and harass us will certainly try to tempt us at times to walk away from moving God’s word with earthly gains for our life if we walk away. But we must hold fast to what we have been taught and the deliverance we have seen in our lives as Christian believers. For God will reward us for our steadfastness in our believing in His word.

Part of not being tempted is to control our mind, our thinking. That is what Jesus was telling his disciples when he went to pray to his heavenly Father. He was warning them to control their thoughts, so they do not fall into a trap. He did not want them to fall asleep, (the temptation was to fall asleep at a particularly important time for Jesus), Jesus wanted them to pray as a group while he went off privately to pray, if perhaps there was any other way to pay for the sins of the world. Jesus wanted to live, but he controlled his thoughts and actions to do whatever was needed for mankind, even if it meant dying to be obedient to his heavenly Father.

Part of what we do when we are tempted is to pray to our heavenly Father and ask Him what we need to do to help us fend off this attack. We are in a spiritual battle, and we must never forget that. The battle is now manifested in the physical realm and has been since Adam and Eves first act of allowing the temptation to override God’s word in their mind, their thoughts. They did not hold fast to what God had instructed them not to do. But was tempted with knowledge that would rival God’s knowledge, and that they would live forever. That was quite a temptation, wasn’t it?

Our adversary still uses these and other temptations of glory and power in the physical realm to get us to walk away from living God’s word and to stop manifesting our gift of holy spirit. If our adversary can achieve his goal, then we will no longer have any spiritual power over him. Which is what happened with Adam and Eve when God took their spirit away and transferred the power of God they had over the earth to Satan. Satan now has disarmed mankind from being able to defeat him with the temptation that Adam and Eve fell prey to.

It is important then that we understand how to beat temptation, so we do not allow our adversary to overpower us through persecution or harassment that are forms of temptation. Prayer is a big part, but they’re other things involved.

12d-1b) Where does temptation come from?

Luke 4:13 KJV

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

After 40 days, Satan; referred to as the devil when his evil is carried out in the physical realm, had no more tricks up his sleeve, and he could not get Jesus to cave-in to any temptation! The source of all temptations is our adversary, the devil. And there are only so many ways our adversary can try to tempt us, it is available to learn all of them over time, though not necessarily needed to enjoy what God has given us. The devil will tempt you with things that are particular to your lifestyle and habits and likes and dislikes.

What you are tempted with, may not be what I am tempted with since we live different kinds of lives. The temptations could come in the form of offers of power (promotions) or prestige (social standing) where you work, or as a promise to leave you alone if you comply with their request to stop preaching God’s word in their area. This is an area where you can pray to God to show you the way out, so you don’t succumb to the temptation. This is a time where you need to have God’s word firmly planted with deep roots in your thought process.

12d-1c) What can temptation cause us to do?

Luke 8:13 KJV

13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Caving-in to temptation will cause you to withdraw (or become faithless or become unbelieving) from God and His word. Because you have no “root,” no depth or real commitment yet. So, you will be easily uprooted from making any long-term commitment and you will walk away from God’s word. Having no roots means that you have not made the teachings of God’s word a living part of your daily lifestyle. You, as a person have not changed your lifestyle enough or have not really put forth an effort to apply the teachings to the end you see the results that God’s word promises.

Temptations can take many forms to distract you from successfully believing and applying what you have been taught to claim God’s promises. Two major categories exist:

1)Pleasures

2)Pressures

Under pleasures are all the things you hold dear and enjoy in life. Temptations in this category could be manifested as a great opportunity for you as a professional person or may elevate your status in your social standing amongst your pier group. But you would have to give-up standing for God as a condition for the great opportunity to be given you.

Under the category of pressures your job or social status could be threatened because of your new beliefs and friends you now have. You may have new events you would like to attend with your new Christian friends and at times, the time-frame may clash with other social events you normally would participate in with your business or other social events. Your colleagues will now judge you as becoming “un-sociable” with them because of your newfound religion.

At that point, they will start to distance themselves from you and no longer invite you to their events. Effectively blackballing you from their company. This kind of pressure can be amazingly effective in isolating you and sending you a strong message to either quit, or stop being involved with that new Christian group.

This is a form of persecution and is an opportunity to pray for them, whether God reveals anything to them or not. God will show you what you must do in that situation. It could be to talk to your boss, or someone else to find a solution that benefits both of you, or it could be to quit and find another job.

These are just two examples of temptations that most people will encounter in their lives, there are many more.

It is important as a new Christian that you endeavor to continue to apply the first oracles of the precepts of believing from God’s word as laid out in Acts 2:42-46 as I have taught in Chapters 2-7 in this book.

•Continue in the Apostles doctrine (The New Testament, Paul’s teachings and includes all of God’s word. This also includes your personal study and endeavoring to apply what you been taught and are learning).

•Continue in Fellowship (with your new Christian family, this includes bible meetings and just hanging out).

•Continue in breaking in bread (like hanging out in fellowship with food added, also sharing the Bread of Life).

•Continue in prayer (prayer as an individual, and in a group setting).

These four keys above are the foundation to build your roots in God’s word so you can handle any temptation that comes your way. The more of God’s word you live, the more you can handle the many temptations that will try to have you stumble or withdraw from living God’s word.

12d-1d) God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to handle it and God is able to deliver you from that temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

13 There hath no temptation (G3986: N) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (G3985: V) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (G3986: N)also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1st Corinthians 10:13 (More literal understanding from the Greek)

13 There is no temptation that is manifested for you, but which is common to all men. But God is trustworthy who will not permit you to be tempted beyond your inherent power, (mentally and spiritually) but with the temptation will also make a way out that you will have the strength (mentally and spiritually) to endure it.

Jude 1:24 KJV

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Jude 1:24 (More literal understanding from the Greek)

24 Now God has the power to guard you from stumbling completely, and to establish you without blemish before His Judgment with exceeding joy.

2 Peter 2:9 KJV

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Our key verse of 1st Corinthians 10:13 is loaded with God’s promise of deliverance when you are tempted to stray from God’s word in practice. But it is a joint effort between you and God that involves your renewed mind abilities and your God given spiritual abilities in the 9 manifestations from your gift of holy spirit. In order to combat the temptation, you will need to bring to remembrance what you know is right according to the teachings of God’s word you have learned and manifest the power you have been given within your gift of holy spirit. That could include the revelation and/or the power manifestations to find the way out of the temptation.

This verse has a repetition of the verb form of the noun “dunamis” (G1411) which means potential power, or inherent power and is used in the context of the 9 manifestations when you study this word family. By using the verb form in 1st Corinthians 10:13, this indicates that we are using this potential power in the sense’s realm, (not just having the ability within us), that is, we are operating the manifestations of our gift holy spirit to overcome any temptation we have encountered.

The phrases “ye are able,” and “may be able” are the same Greek word “dunamai” (G1410) and is pronounced “doo'-nam-ahee” and is the verb form. This word means: 1) to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circ*mstances, or by permission of law or custom. 2) to be able to do something. 3) to be capable, strong and powerful.

God has not only given us the potential power within our gift of holy spirit but has also given us the ability or authority by our freedom of will to operate that potential power that is contained in that gift so we can overcome any temptation our adversary throws our way.

This is all relevant to this sub-chapter on “praying for them that despitefully use you.” Because as we pray for them, we are also asking for guidance on what we need to do, so, we can overcome their threats and temptations. We will need to activate our gift of holy spirit to accomplish that task.

Now when we read the other verses highlighted for this section you will have a deeper understanding of how God is able to deliver you and guard you from future temptations. You now understand that you are required to steal your thoughts not to stray from God’s word and that you must learn how to manifest your wonderful gift that God has given you when you became born-again. God works within your believing/action as you renew your mind (thoughts) and as you believe to manifest God’s potential power by the 9 manifestations that are in your gift of holy spirit. This is how God delivers you from temptations and threats! This is how God protects you from stumbling completely.

God knows how to deliver you…Are you listening to Him and acting on what He tells you to do via His spirit in you? It will involve operating your valuable gift of spiritual knowledge and power to see God’s deliverance! Let us take another look at these verses.

Jude 1:24 KJV

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Jude 1:24 (More literal understanding from the Greek)

24 Now God has the power to guard you from stumbling completely, and to establish you without blemish before His Judgment with exceeding joy.

Now you know how God can keep you from stumbling completely, you must operate His gift of holy spirit in you to provide any information you need to act on. That is walking by the spirit. Here are a few verses on walking by the spirit with a short side note. God can and will deliver you from any persecution through any kind of temptation. You and God make a majority, it is a partnership. That means you do something, and God does something. Then you are delivered!

RE: Walking by the spirit side note:

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Led by the spirit is operating the nine manifestations of holy spirit as needed)

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (God “freely gives” us what we need in any situation so we can be delivered from it)

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (When we operate His gift in us, we have liberty, we will be delivered)

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (When we walk by the spirit, we will not be deceived by any temptation)

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (Our lives are cleansed when we obey God; through His word and through our gift of holy spirit)

2 Peter 2:9 KJV

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Wow, God knows how to deliver us from all our temptations! We need to listen to that still small voice from our spirit within and obey the instruction to be delivered by God. That is how it works!

John 16:13 KJV

13 Howbeit when he, (it: the gift holy spirit) the Spirit of truth, is come, he (it) will guide you into all truth: for he (it) shall not speak of himself; (itself) but whatsoever he (it) shall hear, that shall he (it) speak: and he (it) will shew you things to come.

This is “the great principle” on how to receive information from God that is given to your gift of holy spirit that is then given to your mind via thoughts and/or images and sometimes your other senses. In other words: God teaches your spirit, your spirit teaches your mind, then you act on that information to see the deliverance. This is how God delivers you normally from persecution and temptations!

There is one more verse in 1st Corinthians 10 I want to share about what God’s word says about the temptations we encounter. This verse tells us that all temptations are to steer you away from worshiping God in truth, so that you might go after idols, things you hold at a higher reverence above God. If you remember, Satan tempted Jesus Christ with power, fame, and glory for himself, thus Satan tried to shift Jesus Christ’s reverence of God to have reverence of himself higher than God! All temptation is a strategy from Satan to shift your reverence from God to yourself, which is idolatry! 1st Corinthians 10:14 starts with a word that concludes what was said in the previous verses, it sums it all up in a neat explanation. It is summing up 1st Corinthians 10:1-13.

1 Corinthians 10:14 KJV

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Where 1st Corinthians 10:7, and 14 has a repetition of the noun form in the Greek that is translated “Idolatry,” setting the secondary topic of this section as talking about “idolatry” within the main topic of “temptation.” All the Israelites with Moses were tempted with all kinds of ways to turn away from Moses and God, these temptations equated to serving themselves, not God, therefore all the temptations were Idolatry!

12d-1e) The most common temptations for man

1 Timothy 6:7-10 KJV

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

We have all heard various teachings on this section of 1st Timothy, teachings that say “money” is evil, teachings that say we need to stay poor to be a Christian. But there is a much larger lesson here and these two teachings are a distraction from the true teaching of this section.

We’ll start in 1st Timothy 6:7-8 to help us with the contextual understanding.

1 Timothy 6:7-8 KJV

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

The word “For” is the first word in verse 7 above and indicates that a “conclusion” (for this reason) from a previous verse is about to be given. Let’s now look at verse 6.

1 Timothy 6:6

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

There is a contrast between 1st Timothy 6:6 and 6:7, verse 6 gives us a moral attitude or way of thinking that meets your needs is great gain. That is, you are mentally content, you are satisfied in life mentally. Whereas verse 7 and 8 gives us the idea that if only material gain is sought after, it is of no gain at all after death, and that we need to be satisfied with having enough to take care of our needs. Implying that our “godliness and contentment” with what we need morally and materially is of higher value, now and after death (That is: after the return of Christ, when you read the whole context).

Then the infamous 1st Timothy 6:9-10 that has been taught to discourage financial success as a Christian to go along with the false teachings that God wants us to be poor financially to serve Him. That is not what these verses teach!

1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

In 1st Timothy 6:9 we see the wealthy can fall towards the temptation and trap that money can bring. 1st Timothy 6:10 lays it out, the trap, the temptation is that “money” represents “power.” And too many people seek great power by buying it with their wealth. Their resolution to buy power will cause them much pain and sorrow in their life because they are “loving” money (power) more than life itself. They “covet” or desire it above anything else because they think the more money they have, the more power they can have. But their power also is a part of material possessions and will parish with death.

As 1st Timothy 6:10 states; it is not the money that is evil, but it is the love of money. The love of money (power) is the root, the sprout, that which the tree is grown from, the starting point of becoming evil. This will cause a person to “err” or be led astray from God’s word and the family of faith and cause themselves to be wounded with much grief.

This grief is self-inflicted wounds. It is the great desire to have great amounts of money that opens the temptations of power and greed that will start to be rooted in a person’s life. Money is neither good nor evil, but only a means to do good or evil that is controlled by your moral attributes, your godliness or ungodliness. If you endeavor to live by the precepts in God’s word as a Christian, then you will use money for good things. If not, then you will use money for greed and power whenever you see an opportunity (temptation), and you will be drawn further away from living God’s word.

1 Timothy 6:10 KJV

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Here is a record in the book of Acts where a man has tricked the people into thinking he had great power, except it was a false power that gave him the glory and not God. That is one way you know it was a counterfeit source of power, not from God! Simon thought he could buy this power so he could give the gift of holy spirit to others. He assumed his money could buy him this power to get people born-again and manifest the gift of holy spirit in their lives. Peter told Simon that his money will rot with him when he dies, he has no part in these matters because his heart was not right before God. He had no ministry or part in Peter’s ministry! Simon did change his heart and preached the Lord Jesus to many Samaritans.

Acts 8:9-25 KJV

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

The adversary’s goal is to get you to STOP manifesting your gift of holy spirit in your life, the true power in your life! Because you cannot defeat the adversary’s power without operating your gift of holy spirit! You will be as ineffective as a non-born-again person, a natural man, an unbeliever! In other words: you will have no power to get delivered by God, because it is through operating your gift of holy spirit that activates God’s delivering power in your life!

In conclusion, don’t let the temptations of gaining earthly power (in a business or community) and/or social standing (also a form of earthly power), cause you to turn away from God’s true power that is in your gift of holy spirit as you manifest it daily by speaking in tongues, that will charge you up to manifest the other eight manifestations. This is the only true power that will defeat the adversary’s temptations and persecutions in your life. It is okay to hold high corporate level positions, just don’t allow it to compromise God’s word in your life.

12d-1f) How to avoid being Tempted

In this chapter I will need to have separate sub-chapters for the several key concepts to show you enough practical keys to be able to understand and apply them in your Christian walk. I suggest you read these sub-chapters a few times each and not as a group so you can fully understand what I have revealed with the various studies in each.

Key 1) Don’t become stubborn in your heart, your inner self.

Hebrews 3:8 KJV

8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

If you recall, Moses led Israel from Egypt for 40 years, and because all the Israelites became dismayed with Moses, they allowed themselves to fester unbelief towards Moses, they also allowed dissent in their hearts towards their man of God which caused their hearts, their inner self to become stubborn (become hardened) towards Moses (a sin).

It takes two elements to get to this place in your heart.

1.You get discouraged because something isn’t happening to your likings.

2.You allow unbelief to settle in because of your discouragement.

These two elements will lead you to have a hardened heart, to become stubborn, obstinate. Your inner self will now reject anything that you accepted before getting discouraged, and you will act accordingly to reject any future involvement.

This is what happened with the Israelites Moses led out of Egypt. Therefore, none of the original Israelites lived to see the promised land God had promised them because of their hardened heart in unbelief.

God warns the believers to understand His ways so they will not depart from Him through an evil or wicked heart that they would get from walking away from God’s word, they would no longer walk (live) by His word. You always have a choice not to continue living as a Christian in your life. That is when you will become too discouraged and walking away from living God’s word was the easy way out. Which is just what the Israelites did, they walked away from Moses, who represented God for them, because it was taking too long on their journey, and they were losing patience with Moses and therefore with God also.

They felt persecuted by the time element, and what was made available for food from God, and that nations were killing them on this journey and other nations were taking their wives and children. All of which were complaints to Moses. These were the temptations through harassment or persecution, pleasure, or pressure.

Hebrews 3:10, 12 KJV

10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

They had allowed themselves to forget God’s promises of the promised land, and of God’s promise not to fear other nations they would encounter because they would be victorious in battle. Yes, they had forgotten that also. How? By not actively living God’s word by listening to Moses and Arron’s guidance on what God wanted them to do in certain situations and then do them. They became dismayed and angry at God and Moses, and therefore they ignored many of Moses’s instructions through Arron and did not see a lot of deliverance. Moses had to intercede with God to keep them alive because their failure to belief God would not deliver them.

1 Samuel 30:1-20 KJV

1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he (God) answered him, (David) Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

9 So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.

10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

11 And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water;

12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

13 And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick.

14 We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

15 And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.

17 And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.

19 And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

20 And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David's spoil.

Because David was gone for 1.5 years and returned to see his town burned to the ground and all the women and children taken captive, he was very distressed and discouraged (Verse 6a above). This was the persecution to cause him to faint in his believing in God that Satan, God’s arch enemy hit David within the physical realm. That is how our adversary, Satan, still operates to this day to discourage believers to stand for God and His family.

But instead, David went to God's Word and encouraged himself in the Lord his God (Verse 6c above). I’d imagine he reminded himself of God’s promise that the Messiah would be through his descendants. If he had any parchments of God’s word with him, he might have read them. He built himself up with what he remembered from God’s promises and probably had memorized parts of God’s word that he could review to encourage himself so he would keep a positive attitude in his believing. Look at Psalm 25:1-5 for this precept that David applied in his heart.

Psalms 25:1-5 KJV

1 A Psalm of David. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

In 1st Samuel 30:8 David asked God what to do, God answered him and gave him a promise and instructions to deliver his people. In verses 9-13 we see David's preparation for battle, and in verses 14-20 along with his victory that God had promised. I have highlighted some verses above that will give you a summary of what David did and accomplished by carrying out what God had told him. David received God’s answer by operating the spirit that God had placed on him. David received his deliverance from God by asking God what to do, and God, through the revelation manifestations in David’s spirit, told David what he needed to do, and David carried out what he received by revelation and saw the deliverance.

David did not let those horrible circ*mstances cause him to lose faith in God. Those circ*mstances were the temptation through pressure and persecution.

Like David, when we are operating God’s power in us, we can be delivered by God. We will not get discouraged from the persecution and/or temptations around us. David was delivered by God using the same precept and manifested the spiritual power he had received from God.

Here is a similar precept written to us in our day and time.

1 John 3:19-22 KJV

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Here are some great keys in these verses above to help us get encouraged in God!

•Assure our hearts before God. (We do this with words from God’s word and by applying those words in our inner most being). 1st John 3:19b

•Then have we confidence toward God. (We have confidence towards God when we believe what God has made us “in-Christ,” He has made us righteous before Him through Christ, when we believe this, we will not condemn ourselves for our mistakes, but we will have confidence in God that will deliver us). 1st John 3:21b

•And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (When we are encouraged in God by keeping His word in our heart and by believing who we are in-Christ, we will have what we need, and God will answer our request, our prayer, because we went to God for answers despite the situation around us)! 1st John 3:22a

When we have built up God’s word in our heart and life, we will have the confidence to operate what God has given us to give us victories over our adversary.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 KJV

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Our hidden treasure is our gift of holy spirit in operation that causes us to be victorious despite the persecutions or temptations we encounter. We may be:

1.troubled on every side, (persecutions and/or temptations).

oyet not distressed (because we claim God’s promise through His power in us, 2nd Corinthians 4:8a)

2.we are perplexed, (persecutions and/or temptations)

obut not in despair (because we claim God’s promise through His power in us, 2nd Corinthians 4:8b)

3.persecuted, (persecutions and/or temptations)

obut not forsaken (because we claim God’s promise through His power in us, 2nd Corinthians 4:9a)

4.cast down, (persecutions and/or temptations)

obut not destroyed; (because we claim God’s promise through His power in us, 2nd Corinthians 4:9b)

These 4 things listed above is how we can relate to what Jesus Christ had to go through, but we have “this treasure in earthly vessels,” this is referring to our gift of holy spirit that has 9 ways to manifest God’s power in our life to defeat these 4 ways. In 2nd Corinthians 4:7b and 10b there is a great parallelism that I highlighted with a black background. These 2 phrases are similar in their final understanding. Both are references to operating our gift of holy spirit. The superiority of God’s power is not of us. That is, we have His gift of holy spirit that God energizes as we will to operate it. And when we do manifest God’s power, we manifest what Jesus made available to us, that is, the gift of holy spirit.

•that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2nd Corinthians 7b)

•that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2nd Corinthians 4:10b)

The next key to avoid being tempted is fellowship with the Family of God, this will help you stay encouraged and maintain your trust in God. God is your strength (Psalms 73:26). And the family will stand with you and believe with you, they will have your back. You will experience temptations offered to you by our adversary, but you now have a way to reject them! Being around people who believe like you and will support you when you are being tempted is vital to your mental and emotional support in keeping or guarding your faith in God.

Key 2) Exhort one-another daily

Hebrews 3:13-14 KJV

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

1.Exhort one-another daily

a.You are part of the family of God in Christ

2.Retain your resolution in trusting God you had when were first heard and believed God’s word for your whole life.

To be able to see the 1st key in your life (Don’t become stubborn in your heart, your inner self), you will need to work on applying the two elements of the 2nd key as I have outlined above. We will take a short side trip to work the phrase “one another” considering “exhorting” each other. This will not be a Greek word study, but an English phrase word study. I have found that although it is not following the same Greek word, there are still many interesting truths about the common phrase that it is worth our time to find verses that match our topic. Many times, when we do go to the Greek, we will find synonyms that can be worked alongside the main Greek word. These synonyms will add to our overall understanding because their use will add verses of scripture that coincide with our main topic and therefore become relevant to our original topic.

This will add some depth in understanding and application for you to mature in Christianity. Applying the following keys will help you see and build the one body of Christ in your life, and they will also help you deflect any temptation you may encounter. Encouraging yourself in God as David did will only make you stronger.

1.Love One Another as Christ loved you

John 13:34-35 KJV

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

2.Let love be sincere, return their love with your love as a brother or sister in Christ, value them ahead of others with your love for each other.

Romans 12:9-10 KJV

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

3.Part of loving one another is not to do or say something that causes a brother or sister in Christ to stumble in their believing (faith).

Romans 14:13 KJV

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

4.That we admonish one another because we are filled to the brim with the fruit of the spirit (joy and peace) because we believe in the hope of Christ’s return, through the power that is in our gift of holy spirit, in goodness and in knowledge.

Romans 15:13-14 KJV

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

5.Part of exhorting one another is to serve one another with the same love Christ loved us with. We may have differences in opinions on many worldly topics, but don’t use this liberty in Christ to discredit or start an argument with a fellow believer.

Galatians 5:13-14 KJV

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion (to start an attack) to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

6.We are to bear one another’s burdens. We that are more mature in God’s word are to restore those that are troubled with burdens we can help them with so they can get this burden behind them by teaching and encouraging them in God’s word.

Galatians 6:1-2 KJV

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

7.We are to forgive one another because God forgave us through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

8.We are to exhort one another daily!

Hebrews 3:13 KJV

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

9.We are to urge one another unto God’s love and unto good works. We do this by our continued fellowshipping with one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

10. We are to love one another with two types of love.

a.We are to have a sincere brotherly love towards one another.

b.We are to love one another with a clean heart earnestly with God’s love.

1 Peter 1:22-23 KJV

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, G3560 philadelphia) see that ye love (G25 agapaō) one another with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

We love one another with these two types of love (Philadelphia and Agapao love) because we are born-again, we are a part of the same body of Christ forever!

These 10 keys will help us become tight with your spiritual family and because we are a family, your fellow believers can help support you when you are persecuted or tempted. Your spiritual family can exhort and encourage you in God’s word, so you don’t waver from your believing. Your spiritual family will also be believing and praying with you to be delivered from that persecution or temptation. This is “one anothering” as a family to protect its own! In review of this sub-chapter on “How to avoid being tempted” here are the ten keys I have shared.

1.Love One Another as Christ loved you

2.Let love be sincere, return their love with your love as a brother or sister in Christ, we are to value them ahead of others with your love for each other.

3.Part of loving one another is not to do or say something that causes a brother or sister in Christ to stumble in their believing (faith).

5.Part of exhorting one another is to serve one another with the love Christ loved us with. We may have differences in opinions on many worldly topics, but don’t use this liberty in Christ to discredit or start an argument with a fellow believer.

7.We are to forgive one another because God forgave us through Jesus Christ

8.We are to exhort one another daily!

9.We are to urge one another unto God’s love and unto good works. We do this by our continued fellowshipping with one another.

10. We are to love one another with two types of love.

a.We are to have a sincere brotherly love towards one another.

b.We are to love one another with a clean heart earnestly with God’s love.

Key 3) Ask God for Advice

James 1:2-12 KJV

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. (without hesitation). For he that wavereth (hesitates) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

This section takes a different take on temptation by instructing you to have a positive attitude, because God will help you out with that temptation as long as you stay stable in your believing towards God and ask God for wisdom on what you need to do to be delivered from the temptation accompanied by following God’s instruction by your actions.

We have looked at what David did to overcome the pressure to forsake God by his people when he returned to a destroyed home and captured citizens after 1.5 years of absence. He went to God to ask for guidance and carried it out faithfully to see God’s deliverance.

This section will show us what David had to do with his mind to guard his believing in more detail. David knew that he had to guard his believing from being destroyed. If he wavered (hesitated) from having confidence (believing) in God’s ability to save him and his people, there would be no deliverance. He did this by keeping his head in God’s word and asking God for advice. This section tells us we must trust God 100% to give us the advice we need to carry out so we can overcome the temptation.

I want to look at the verses that complement each other to establish the truth and the context. There is a contrast with some verse pairs and there are similarities with other verse pairs. Structure in grammar is used as one of the fail-safes in God’s word to protect God’s intended interpretation, so no private interpretation is available once the bible student has noted the grammatical structure and the uses of figures of speech. Especially repetitions that are used to show us the main topic of any section and may also be used to differentiate one paragraph from another paragraph that usually includes a change of subject. Then the bible student will be able with more accuracy see what God has emphasized as important to understand.

This whole section is instructing us in keeping our confidence positive so God can give us the advice we need for deliverance. We need to not waver in our trust, or confidence towards God’s ability to give us the needed information to see Him deliver us from any temptation.

Let’s look at “verse pairs” that show these comparisons. These can show us great truths to consider about staying positive in our believing towards God and His word.

1st Pair (comparison by similarity, we count it all joy by the temptation or being blessed because you know you will receive a crown of life for your endurance through it)

James 1:2 KJV

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (Why? See verse 12)

James 1:12 KJV

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (We will receive the reward of “the crown of life” for getting through each temptation God’s way).

2nd Pair (comparison by similarity by a metaphor the “trying of your faith” compared to the “Sun burning down on flowers and grass. The “trying of your faith” is like “the sun burning down on the flowers and grass).”

James 1:3 KJV

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (Our believing [confidence] will be tested like the heat of the sun in a barren region. Building patience with our believing [confidence] will result in escaping the temptation, keeping our believing [confidence] intact).

James 1:11 KJV

11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. (If we don’t withstand the temptation, then our believing [confidence] will become weak and we will lose patience and we will cave into the temptation).

3rd Pair (comparison by contrast, opposites: non-wavering, single minded perfect work [thinking], contrasted with wavering, being unstable, double minded thinking).

James 1:4 KJV

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (We will lack nothing from God because we are stable in our believing, [confidence] we will see the deliverance from God from our temptation).

James 1:7-10 KJV

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. (But those that become unstable in their believing [confidence], will lack the deliverance from God, and still have plenty of “want” in their life, even though they have given into the temptations they thought would give them an advantage in life).

4th Pair (comparison by similarity, ask God if you lack wisdom compared to God who gives wisdom to those that have confidence, without hesitation).

James 1:5-6 KJV

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

These two verses are the “how” to develop your believing (confidence), so it remains stable in this section in James 1:2-12. The first three comparisons above show that believing (confidence) needs to be stable so when you ask for wisdom from God, God will give it to you, so you can overcome any temptation the adversary puts in your path to cause you to waver (hesitate) in your believing (confidence).

There are three repetitions in verses James 1:5-6 that we must look at and bring out what these repetitions are bringing to our attention. These are key to understanding these verses.

The first repetition is:

1.“…that giveth…”

2.“…it shall be given…”

These two phrases are the same Greek word “didōmi” (G1325), and is pronounced: “did'-o-mee,” and means: Definition 2) to give something to someone; 2c) to supply, furnish, necessary things. (In context, to supply the wisdom we need for deliverance).

God is emphasizing that He will supply us with the necessary wisdom, the knowledge and what you need to do for godly and upright living we receive through operating the revelation manifestations of holy spirit in our lives, when we ask God for help when we are tempted.

The second repetition tells us that we need to have total trust when we ask God, we must believe, have confidence, that God will give us what we need, not wavering in our confidence of God’s ability at all!

•Key 3.1: God will supply our need when we ask

The 2nd repetition is the phrase “…let him ask…” in James 1:5, 6. But we must look at the connected word after this phrase to complete the phrase grammatically. This repetition sets the conditions when we are asking for something from God.

1.“…let him ask of God…” (James 1:5)

2.“…let him ask in faith…” (James 1:6)

The Greek word translated “let him ask” is “aiteō” (G154) and is pronounced: “ahee-teh'-o” and is the verb form and means: 1) to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require

This repetition has two parts, who we ask, and how we ask! We ask from God by asking with believing, (asking with confidence).

•Key 3.1: Two parts:

o1) We must ask God

o2) And we must ask in (with) faith (confidence).

1)The “let him” is part of the translated word “aiteō” because it is in the “3rd person singular” and indicates “he, she, or it”, so “let him” is an appropriate addition to the full grammatical usage of the Greek word “aiteō” in an English translation. This means it is up to us to ask God for help by our freedom of will.

The third repetition are the phrases in James 1:6.

1.“…wavering…”

2.“…he that wavereth…”

The Greek word that is translated in these two phrases is: “diakrinō” (G1252) and is pronounced “dee-ak-ree'-no” and is the verb form and means: 3. in a sense not found in secular authors, to be at variance with oneself, hesitate, doubt: Mat_21:21; Rom_14:23; Jas_1:6;

So, a good translation could be “hesitates” or “hesitation” for this Greek word in English considering the context of James 1:2-15. There are two more comparisons we should look at with this repetition in James 1:6.

1.“…Ask in faith, nothing wavering…” (You are believing, having confidence, and not hesitating)

a.If you are believing, you are not hesitating, you are fully confident that God will answer your need to avoid the temptation.

2.“…he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

a. If you hesitate, you are like a wave that goes up and down and tossed around by the wind. Your hesitation in confidence (believing) causes your believing (confidence) to go up and down by every uncertainty you consider towards God not delivering you. Your confidence (believing) goes up and down. One moment you believe, the next moment you don’t believe.

•Key 3.2: Don’t hesitate to ask God, ask with full confidence that God will supply whatever information you need to act on so you can avoid (or be delivered from) any temptation.

In these three sub-chapters on “how” to avoid being tempted, we have learned three great keys we can immediately apply!

1.Don’t become stubborn in your heart, your inner self. (Don’t become hard-hearted).

2.Exhort one-another daily

3.Ask God for advice.