24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
The Lord’s intent for the gospel has eluded most of the church. The gospel goes beyond the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is the life of Christ in the flesh, and it “ought to be reckoned dead.” The body belongs to God and it is for His use. The body is not to be used by our soul to satisfy lustful, unlawful desires, or the pursuit of the things of this world. The Sons of God are not to usurp authority over the Holy Spirit’s governance of the flesh. God declared in His Word that all things were made by Him and for Him. This includes the flesh. The Lord desires to use our bodies for His own pleasure and glory.
God does not identify with opinions or perspectives of scripture that is not in line with His Word. Our beliefs must be in agreement with the truth. There are many false doctrines, traditions, and denominations that divide the church, yet there is only one truth. It is scripture that interprets itself. God will never reveal knowledge that is outside of His Word. The Word is what establishes the concept of salvation.
Galatians 2:20
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Paul explains the concept of salvation. I am crucified with Christ, which means we have put off the old man or old body with his deeds. Our soul was taken outside of the body that both would die. When Adam was created he was made a living soul. This simply means that his body gave his soul expression here on earth. His soul tasted of life because it had a body to live through. James 2:26 says For as the body without the spirit is dead……Therefore, everything concerning the old man (inner and outer), was crucified at salvation. The person that was once alive, has died a real death. The soul has been removed from the flesh never to return.
Luke 17:33
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
John 12:25
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Both of these verses point to the loss of our Adamic life at salvation. The old man died, (the body of sin); but so did the soul. The soul was baptized into Jesus’ death. The soul is kept or preserved by baptism into the Holy Ghost. It is joined to the Spirit of God. It becomes new and of God. It is a new creature. The old things are passed away and all things are become new and all things are of God (2 Co. 5:17-18).
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.(Galatians 2:20).
The soul is made alive again by being placed in the Spirit. The soul is expressed through the Spirit.
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (Acts 17:28).
The soul is never placed in the flesh again. The soul has no right to life in and through the flesh. The life the soul has attained is by the Spirit. This sets the perspective of salvation. There is nothing that we should decide to do in the flesh without the guidance of the Father.
Romans 8:14
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
God does not identify anyone as a Son, who lives contrary to His leading. We must submit to the leading of Christ. Christ must live a complete life through our bodies, without the hindrance of soulful agendas or decisions. The Sons of God must accept the reality that they died at salvation. The reason they were resurrected, is that Christ would be given the opportunity to live through the flesh. Any mind that suggests that the Sons of God have authority over our lives is of the devil. Everything we are is of God and for His use.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Christ has entered our bodies bringing it alive unto the Father’s use. He is the new man. He has already overcome the world and its offenses
Sons of God must not have any goals, hopes, dreams, agendas, intents or plans for their life that is void of the will of Christ. Jesus must be the one to live through the flesh and the soul must become an unprofitable servant, wanting nothing.
Wantonness means lasciviousness, filthy or filthiness, unlawful desires and worldly lusts of the flesh. When want is defined in the context of the New Testament, it is a direct contradiction to contentment. Wantoness is an expression of discontentment. It is the manifestation of covetousness.
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
This scripture defines contentment. Contentment is a mindset that is shunned by the church and a majority of its leaders. The word “want” also expresses lack; which implies there is a void that God could not fill in the midst of physical lowliness. The redemption and salvation plan of the Lord is without worldly options. To be wanton for the things of this world, suggests that the power of the Holy Ghost dwelling within, leaves the Son of God lacking or offensively needy. Walking in the Spirit is not full of anguish and stress. Want is denying the Spirit of God of being a Comforter as Jesus proclaimed.
Paul’s testimony from Philippians 4:13 is that we can do all things through Christ who not only lives in us, but also strengthens us to suffer need, abundance, fullness and hunger. This is the righteousness of God expressed by the doctrine of contentment.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Paul wanted Timothy to be aware because he knew there would be philosophers and rogue ministers who would oppose the doctrines taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The truth will never change but there are some who would pervert the doctrine of Christ.
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
We should depart from teachings that promote worldly gain as the evidence or focal point of godliness.
1 Timothy 6:6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. This is the word of righteousness.
To be content with whatever state one finds himself in, is to live in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. The peace of the Spirit is not threatened by situations or circumstances. The joy of the Spirit is not diminished by strained relationships; neither is the righteousness of the Spirit measured by socioeconomic status.
1 Timothy 6:7-8
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.
These two verses turn the focus of the Son of God back to his pilgrimage. It reminds the Son of God that he is just a pilgrim passing through this world; he brought nothing into the world and he will carry nothing out of it.
Matthew 6:19-20
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
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.
Paul is referring to the man who wants or wills to be rich. This means that his will is given over to obtaining the wealth of this world. The man who wants to be rich, believes godly contentment is illogical and will abandon spiritual purpose.
1 Timothy 6:11-14
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Godliness with contentment is a commandment, not an option for the Church.
Men and women of God are looking for truth that will allow them to please God, therefore more and more of those who hear the truth are turning away from prosperity doctrines that do not secure the soul. There are those in the Body of Christ who are beginning to yearn for righteousness; and are willing to forsake the things of this world in order to obtain it. This is the submission that God requires. It is only when we totally deny ourselves of the things of the world, that we will be seen as good and faithful servants.
Christ is the grace God has given us. He is the influence in our hearts that is reflected in the life we live before men. Beloved, cease to wrestle with the scriptures; for they are life and life abundantly. Embrace the grace.
