Foundation no 8
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you faasely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” – Matt 5:10-12 (KJV)
To persecute means to suffer some harsh treatment because of one’s belief; especially, religious belief.
A true Christian to whom the “substance” of the Word is revealed, and lives them without conforming with the standard of the world, would be hated by the world, and persecuted.
“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” – John 15:19 (KJV)
Being rejected by the world like Jesus was; and like Him stand against opposition, he exercises Faith over oppositions and overcomes. Resting in God, he laughs at persecutions.
A man of Faith dwells in heaven – -the secret place – prepared for the righteous. This is the foundation of Faith.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” – Gal 5:22 (KJV)
Outside these foundations one is like the unbeliever; because the difference between the Christian and the non-christian is the Christlikeness which is formed or produced by the “meekness” (Matt 11:29), the character of our Lord Jesus.
He called us to learn His character, to be like Him. That calls for the foundations, which like a jigsaw puzzle, fits together as THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, a must in the life of every child of God.
May the help of the Lord be ours as we confirm our foundations. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Foundation no 6
Every Christian message is all about involving the heart in worship of the one true God; the pledging of allegiance with the heart wholly to God. This is the greatest emphasis of Jesus’ teachings. Outside this, one is religious.
Without a pure heart, one cannot stand in the presence of God.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” – Psalm 24:3-4.
A heart is pure when it dwells on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, praiseful, etc.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8.
Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:6), prayed for an undivided heart and became powerful. An undivided heart proves our love for God, a love that is focused on God and God alone. An undivided heart is one that is anchored and trusts in God despite all odds.
Isaiah says:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3).
Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:2), did what was right in the eyes of the Lord however, not wholeheartedly.
Being outwardly correct, yet divided inside reveals a disloyalty to God and this leads to a downfall.
Paul calls this foundation LOVE.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”
– Galatians 5:22. (Emphasis added)
A heart of love beats toward God and dwells in all things bright and beautiful.
FOUNDATION NO 7
Matthew 5:9
This is the foundation of Peace.
The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary describes Peace as a “state of being free from war, civil disorders; it is a state of rest, quiet, calm, a state of friendship and harmony.”
God had an occasion with man. Yet He took the initiative, the first step; He came down from heaven to reconcile man to Himself. God is ever searching for man, to make peace with him, though it was man that offended Him.
As many as have this foundation are like their Father “…… called sons of God”.
A life of peace is a must for every child of God, and is in fact a proof of righteousness. It goes beyond foundation no 5, forbearance. While forbearance stops at forgiving in advance, peace goes further to help the offender.
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” – Isaiah 32:17.
Let us pursue it.
“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” – 1 Peter 3:11.
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:11 & 14).
Paul identifies this foundation in its Matthew 5:9 name – “PEACE“. Gal. 5:22
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
FOUNDATION NO 4
We continue our relaying of the foundations.
Now at the fourth, which is about RIGHTEOUSNESS!
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” – Matt 5:6 (KJV)
Righteousness means right standing with God; a clear conscience devoid of offense. A conscience that thrives on uprightness; that seeks to do “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2 (KJV)
This Foundation does not take sides with anyone or anything that is not standing right! Whoever and however close the person may be: spouse, child or relative; this Foundation would not pervert justice or twist judgment. It is not found “walking with the ungodly”.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalms 1:1 (KJV)
Everything good inspires him: honesty uprightness, etc. He derives joy, and is filled with standing right even unto death.
Paul, in Galatians 5:22 calls this GOODNESS!
Let us desire to do good all the time.
FOUNDATION NO 5
This Foundation is the virtue of FORBEARANCE. It is the ability to hold back from inflicting punishment upon an adversary.
It is the attitude of ready forgiveness. Unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness corrode the soul. They are like acid to the soul.
This virtue in the Christian makes him or her ready to forgive, even in advance, without waiting for repentance from the other. He or she remembers that God has forgiven and is ever ready to forgive. The individual in whom this Foundation is well developed could go helping the offender in prayers and in every other ways.
In Galatians 5:22, Paul called it TEMPERANCE, which is self-control.
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
There are eight foundations that should be present in the life of a true Christian. These foundations are precious in the sight of God. They summarize or form the total teachings and preachings of Jesus.
In the “Sermon on the mount”, popularly called the “Beatitudes”, Jesus taught the attitude of heaven. “BE IN ATTITUDE.”
FOUNDATION NO 2
As we continue in our quest to cultivating the Kingdom character, we look at the second foundation of the Christian.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
These are people that re ready and willing to face, feel and resist anything that comes their way in their Christian journey. They are a people that are able to stand up to life’s tempest and turmoil; going the full mile with the Lord, through laughter and TEARS (mourning).
They do not see or regard the sorrow and hardness as a disadvantage. Rather, they take the strides of life as they come; and are not ashamed to take up their Cross.
These people acknowledge and are aware, that though in Christ, crisis will come (John 16:33), so brace up to face it, “loving not their lives unto the death” – Revelations 12:11
They know their help is in the Lord.
In Galatians 5:22, Paul calls this LONGSUFFERING: this is the willingness – they have the choice not to, but chose – to fellowship with Jesus in His shame and reproach.
FOUNDATION NO 3
This third foundation of the Christian is much like, but very different from the first, (poor in spirit).
“Blessed are the meek: for the shall inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
Most often, this foundation is confused with MEEKNESS, perhaps because of the “meek” in it.
But it refers to a gentle strength, the power to be humble. A humility that comes, not from circumstances, but from within; a power that comes from a deep trust in God and His Word.
This foundation has the power to fight: economically, physically, e.t.c., but would rather stand quietly, trusting God to bring all things to a perfect end. You can take their coat; and though they have the power to reclaim it, they will give you their cloak. If you smite their cheek, rather than fight, they will turn the other cheek!
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. ” (Matthew 5:39-40).
Have you been accused wrongly, and with all the strength and fire in you, want to fight back? Bless your enemy! Let go and let this foundation be manifest!
In Galatians 5:23, Paul calls it GENTLENESS.
….. to be continued.
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” – Psalm 11:3.
I have often heard people interpret this scripture as meaning objects surrounding one’s birth: the sponge, water, placenta, soap, bowl or bucket, etc, even people; especially at deliverance sessions. Yes, it is possible. Oh, very possible!
However, receiving Christ, I became a brand new person, with a shift in everything, which includes my foundations. As a child of God, I have a brand new foundation now, laid by God Himself.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11.
“NO OTHER FOUNDATION”! This is the Word of God! “No other”!
Perhaps before coming to Christ, those formed my foundation. But “NOW”! “Now Faith is …” Now, by the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1-2), I have been set free from that; now my foundation has been relaid!
Note the plural term used; “foundations”, not “foundation” as in singular!
To truly understand that scripture we should start from verse one. If clearly understood, it talks of me having challenges as a result of enemies whose arrows are aimed at me. So you invite me to leave my mountain and go with you to your mountain, your church, where I would have my deliverance. But, should I leave my mountain, it would prove I do not know my God, neither do I trust in Him!!
Daniel says
“….. but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” – Daniel 11:32b
So obviously, because I do not know Him or trust in Him, I would receive nothing from Him, for without faith….
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Moreover, Jesus said it is not the church (mountain) I go to that brings deliverance!
“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ” – John 4:21-24.
But the understanding of my inheritance in Him!
“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” – Proverbs 13:15.
So, Christ is my foundation.
A foundation is a solid base on which a building, an idea, etc, rests. It is made with various materials: granite, iron-rods, binding wire, cement and sand.
Jesus our foundation, said
“Learn of me. I am meek and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29
Where you have meekness and lowliness of heart, you will find love, temperance, gentleness, and the complete fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23.
The fruit is one and where you have one segment, the others are there; in various levels or quantities, but they are there. They go together. Against these there is no law; no limit.
The Christian is built on these. Hence, Jesus said “learn of me”. These He taught in the Beatitudes; be in the attitude of heaven.
The absence or “destruction” (Psalm 11:3) of these renders the believer powerless; impotent spiritually. When a house has cracks, the fault is from its foundation. When a Christian’s character does not reflect Christ, it is from his or her foundation.
FOUNDATION NUMBER ONE
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” – Matthew 5:3
Jesus was not talking about being poor materially, but “in spirit”; spiritual bankruptcy.
The Greek word “ptochos” from which the word “poor” is translated means “chosen poverty”; a voluntary emptying of the inner being: giving up, surrendering or choosing to become dependent, not on oneself but on another – the Lord Jesus.
This foundation says “Lord, help! I can’t make it on my own.”
It is self-renunciation, surrendering of the ego to Jesus: self-denial. It is not self-centered but Christ-centered.
In Galatians 5:23, Paul identifies this as MEEKNESS, a character trait that makes one look foolish!
…… to be continued.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
Have you ever disagreed with somebody? You have judged! Simply put judging others is saying “you’re wrong and I’m right!”.
Considering then that we disagree with people everyday and in various matters, we judge!
There is a HUGE misinterpretation and misrepresentation of what the Lord said. He was not saying you should not judge people or discriminate between their character, beliefs, and doings as against yours, because we can never be the same! You and I can never agree on every point. Even in a home or marriage, the husband and wife do not always agree, nor do the children agree with all their parents believe. This misunderstanding is the main instrument of “asunder”, separation and divorce.
No, that was not what the Lord meant!
When the Lord said “judge not”, HE simply meant we not using our personal or individual standard to judge others! Note that He was quick to add:
“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and the measure which ye give, shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:2).
When you disagree with people on the basis of your personal standard, they will also disagree with you! Imagine a man standing on the ceiling of a house – upside down. While people tell him he is upside down, he argues that everyone, not him, is upside down! Such arguments do not end because everyone sees from their personal standard!
In other words, the Lord is saying ”do not use your personal, or individual standard to judge or measure others!” Why? We are imperfect beings and our judgment would be wrong! The verse three of that scripture reminds me of my imperfection:
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).
So does that mean we do not judge others? No. That would be deadly dangerous as we would accommodate and even emulate all kinds of evil. Because for me to be accepted by you even in my imperfection, I shut my eyes and applaud your evil deeds!?
And everyone would do what is right in their own eyes, giving birth to a lawless society as recorded in the book of Judges.
“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25).
A lack or absence of a King made people do what they liked! I wouldn’t want you to judge me so I refrain from judging you!
That sounds so much as “don’t judge others”, which we hear of today!
But, thanks be to God, the King is on the throne! Haleluyah!! His Word, not mine, not yours, is our Standard of judgment! His Word, not mine, not yours, holds sway! His Standard, not mine, not yours, should be lifted and upheld! His standard is “righteousness”, which neither you nor I can produce. Husbands, wives, do not judge yourselves with your individual standard. Stick to yor individual standard and you create an “asunder”. Judge only by the Standard of the Lord. What has He said? Do not twist, bend, modify or modernize it! This is His Kingdom!
Yes, beloved, we are permitted to judge!
“And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.” (Deuteronomy 1:16).
In Christ, we are Kings and the admonition to kings is to judge righteously!
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9).
In Christ, we are spiritual. We have the mind of the King! We know His Word and by His Word we judge!
“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged by no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But WE have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).
Our judgment, however is to be based on His Standard.
Love cover sins but does not accept them. My judgment of you is not based on my individual standard but on the standard of my King! I love you; but, I am forbidden to accept you! My King’s Standard will not permit me to accept you; I love you nonetheless. My King loves the everyone (John 3:16), but has not accepted them all. He has a condition:
“…..touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you;” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
The “unclean” thing is your standard that you have refused to drop! He loves you and wants to receive you. But you need to drop, deny your individual Will or standard, take up His standard and let His Will be done!
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