Commandments

Comparing Ourselves to Others

Timothy
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Christ’s Measure is the Commandments

We give thanks to our heavenly Father for blessing us with the Holy Spirit of Truth, showing us the mysteries of the kingdom of God, which are being revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ, hidden from the beginning of the world but now made manifest to His elect saints in these last days. All praise and honor belong to the Father for His glorious plan for the salvation of all men, which is now in this age for those chosen and faithful of God, Christ, and His Christ, the firstfruits, and through them will be extended to all mankind in the age to come.

Here we focus on the Commandment not to compare or measure ourselves to others, neither in spirit nor in the flesh. Just like with esteeming of days and times, we do not esteem one person above another, but only the Commandments of Christ. The Commandments are the plumbline we use to measure ourselves and judge to know if we are being obedient to His standard of holiness.

2 Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

1 Cor 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed (the Commandments) in the church.

Phi 2:2 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Psa 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

We are commanded to prove ourselves, which is examining ourselves to see if we are walking in the faith of Jesus Christ. We do not compare ourselves with others; the only measuring rod is the Commandments. All our thoughts and actions, including how we eat spiritually, are aligned with the Lord’s Gospel.

Gal 6:4  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 

2Co 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 

1Co 11:28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 

Ezekiel was shown a vision of one of God’s Elect measuring everything in the holy temple of God.  We are the temple of God, and we are always measuring and examining ourselves using the only measuring reed we have, which is the Commandments.  Read the entirety of Ezekiel 40 with this spiritual understanding. All that we do is brought into the light that is the Commandments of the Living Word.

Eze 40:3  And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate. 
Eze 40:4  And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel. 

Comparing or measuring ourselves against others is sin and brings envy and strife, along with a whole host of other sins that torment us and steal our peace and rest in Christ. Believing we are better and despising our brothers, or else coveting what they have and what we lack, leads us into a prison of carnal reasoning that we do not escape. This evil spirit is overcome by the Living Commandments, or else we are consumed by it.

Jas 3:14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 

Jas 3:15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 

Jas 3:16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 

The story of King Saul is a prime example of one who became jealous of David, whom the Lord anointed over him. These strong fleshly emotions [evil spirits] led Saul to hate David and his downfall.

Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

1 Sam 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

1 Sam 18:8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

1 Sam 18:9 And Saul eyed David from that day forward.

1 Sam 19:9 And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand; and David played with his hand.

1 Sam 19:10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

We are all first like King Saul, walking according to the ways of the world and blind to our sins. Before we are shown the Truth, we are under the power of the flesh and the carnal mind, where Satan rules us, living in disobedience in our ignorance. Saul disobeyed the Lord and did not perform all he was commanded to completely destroy Israel’s enemies, the Amalekites, because he feared the people more than the Lord when they lusted to keep the spoils. We are also like Cain, giving the Lord an offering from the labor of our hands, thinking we are justified by our own works, rather than being like his brother Abel, who presented a better offering: obedience.

1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said [unto Saul], Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Gen 4:4 And Abel, he also brought the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel, and to his offering:

Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And thou shalt rule over him.

Gen 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Able his brother, and slew him.

We are murderers in spirit when we hate our brothers in our hearts by envying what they have and desiring to be esteemed above others. The Pharisees and Sadducees were jealous of Christ because He took away their authority and persuaded the people to follow Him. He exposed their hypocrisy and reliance on traditions and the carnal works of the law rather than doing justice and showing mercy, so they plotted to have Him crucified.

Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Mat 27:18 For he (Pontius Pilate) knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Mat 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

All things come alike to all men, as all things written are ours to fulfill.   Yet the degrees and measures of our suffering and even our faith are all determined by the Lord. Not all members have the same trials nor the same spiritual gifts, as we are uniquely raised and assembled as a Body by the hand of God through our hearing the Gospel. Some have greater trials not to be puffed up, while others have greater trials not to be jealous or envious of what others have been given. It all works for the greater good of perfecting all the saints.

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 

1Co 12:19  And if they were all one member, where were the body? 

1Co 12:20  But now are they many members, yet but one body. 

1Co 12:21  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 

1Co 12:22  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 

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

The Commandment is not to compare ourselves to others or even concern ourselves with the Lord’s work in others, except to rejoice and weep with them. We follow Christ and are satisfied with the treasures the Lord gives to us. A yet unconverted Peter asks, “What about John?” And the Lord’s answer then is the Commandment to us today.

Joh 21:20  Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 

Joh 21:21  Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 

Joh 21:22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.  [The Commandments]

Our carnal minds and all flesh would rather be ruled by our father the devil, choosing a murderer and listening to his lies, soothing words that validate our carnal reasoning, than be humbled and obedient to the Commandments. Until the Lord has mercy and opens our eyes and ears to the Truth, we will continue to hate and envy, remaining in our spiritual graves with the rest of the world.

Pro 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me to first go and bury my father;

Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

When we reason within ourselves that we are more deserving and desire the praise or esteem of others, we exalt ourselves while diminishing those we think are less esteemed or are worse sinners than we are, judging after the flesh and not the Spirit of the Commandments. We respect persons and sin when the Commandments are not our measuring rod.

Jas 2:9  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Such thinking is the work of the carnal mind, with its accusatory and excusing mindset. Flesh seeks its own, and we are deceived into believing our works elevate us to a higher status among men. Unless we are given to humble ourselves and repent of our self-righteousness, we likewise shall perish.

 Luk 13:1  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 

Luk 13:2  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 

Luk 13:3  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 

Luk 13:4  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 

Luk 13:5  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 

The Lord is not a respecter of persons, and neither are we as Christ in the world. All men get the same reward and endure the same judgment in their time. The way of Christ is not to rule in the outward but to be servants of all. We serve all men, our brethren and our neighbors, when we obey the Commandments without any partiality. This is brotherly love unfeigned, which is the new Commandment the Lord gives us.

Joh 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

Joh 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The only thing that matters is to know the one true God, being obedient to His Commandments, and to rule in the Spirit, having dominion over our heaven [thoughts] and our earth [deeds].

Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness is accepted with him.

Mar 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them (the Apostles), What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Mar 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Mar 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be the last of all, and servant of all.

There is no boasting in ourselves. Everything we have has been given to us by the Father without exception. If we boast in ourselves, then we are denying both the Father and the Son, claiming His glory as our own. The Lord is a jealous God and will not share His glory with another and will even take away gifts (physical and spiritual) so that we may learn that He is the God of both heaven and earth, and everything belongs to Him.

1Cor 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1Cor 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Isa 42:8 I am the Lord; that is My nave. And My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.

Exo 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

There are times when we all ask the Lord, ‘Why are the wicked allowed to prosper?’ Many Old Testament prophets have asked this question and implored the Lord for an answer to this seeming contradiction, which was purposely hidden and revealed only later by the Spirit of Truth. These actual events were all examples (parables) written for our admonition, exercising our senses to discern both good and evil so that we can learn to judge by the Lord’s standard of righteousness. The Lord created the wicked for the day of evil within all of us to bring destruction to our old carnal man by being shown our sinful nature. Then, through His mercy, He drags us to Him to be remade into a new creature, the spirit man, which is Christ the Son.

Job 2:7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

Jer 12:1 Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth with way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Psa 73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psa 73:4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

Psa 73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

Psa 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

Psa 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

Psa 73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

Psa 73:9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

Psa 73:10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Psa 73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Psa 73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

Psa 73:13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Psa 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

Psa 73:15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

Psa 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

Psa 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Psa 73:18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Psa 73:19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Psa 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Psa 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

Psa 73:22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

We do not envy the wicked, within and without us, even though they have the appearance of living in peace and safety. This is a false peace, a deception caused by the Lord to harden our hearts while treasuring up wrath for the day of judgment. Just as before the flood, the end of the wicked is for them to be taken out of the way. The Lord enters into us, His Temple, and is destroying the old temple where we make merchandise of our carnal works and rob the Lord of his glory. A new temple is made wherein righteousness dwells so that nothing that defiles can enter. Everything is brought under subjection to Christ, the Commandments, putting all enemies under His feet. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Pro 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in fear of the LORD all the day long.

Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Mat 21;13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mat 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Luk 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever hall lose his life shall preserve it.

Luk 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Luk 17:35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Luk 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

The Lord uses our own wickedness to chasten and humble us so that we become dead to this world and the pride and lusts that live in all flesh. When our man of sin, the same as the abomination of desolation, is revealed to us by the light of the Commandments, then our day of the Lord, the third day in which we are being perfected, has come. We leave the carnal thinking, measuring, and comparing ourselves behind, and we flee to the mountains of Israel that are the Commandments.

Mat 24:15  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,

Mat 24:16  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 

The Living Commandments cause us to lie down in still waters, in the pastures in the mountains. We cease from all our carnal works and the spirit that has us measuring and comparing ourselves to others.

Eze 34:14  I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 

Eze 34:15  I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 

To be carnally minded is death [Rom 8:6], and this is the death that is being destroyed to complete the work of God in our lives. It is through the death of death that we overcome death, speaking of the carnal mind that has kept us in bondage all of our prior lives. We reap the earnest deposit of new life now as the carnal mind is destroyed and the fullness when we are translated into spirit when we depart the clay.

1Co 15:26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 

Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

This is also known as the second death, that is also the lake of fire, where Satan, the father of all lies, is cast out of our heavens.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: and the dragon fought and his angels,

Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was there place found any more in heaven.

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: and was cast out into the earth, and his angels [lies] were cast out with him.

Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Being remade into vessels of honor from vessels of dishonor takes us enduring through much tribulation and suffering. Just like coal takes heat and pressure over a long period of time to make a diamond, so does God do with us, bringing forth the new man through the judgment of the old man to see which of his works abides in the fire and which are burned up. Only the works of holiness, built on the foundation that is Christ’s Commandments, endure. The rest is purged, all to the benefit of the salvation of the soul.

1 Cor 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

1 Cor 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

1 Cor 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue it the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

The Lord loves the humble and despises the wicked in each of us as we are being remade by the hand of the potter. Being humbled and repenting from our sinful ways, we become an acceptable sacrifice as we die to this world and are raised back to life through Christ and His Commandments, which is our daily bread, the true manna from Heaven. We are no longer bastards who were separated by the veil of our sinful flesh, but are now able to enter the Holy of Holies and are considered sons of the living God. Those whom the Father has chosen in this age, being faithful to the end, will never taste death but will become the firstfruits, saviors to bring in the rest of the harvest of the kingdom in the age to come.

Isa 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isa 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Psa 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

As Christ in the world, we are content with our wages, meaning the Commandments. Godliness with contentment is great gain, and thus we no longer covet another man’s possessions, nor do we compare and measure ourselves to others. We accept where the Lord has us exactly where we are supposed to be, and wait on Him to give us more of Himself.

Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Deu 5:21  Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s. 

Being content with what the Lord gives us, we wait patiently on Him, and He does not forsake us. If we are counted worthy to be God’s elect, we receive an honor which is incomparable to anything in this world. We are given the mind of Christ, the crown of life, and when we leave these clay vessels, we are translated to always be with the Lord. We do not choose Christ; He chooses us, who are the saints. He has prepared our hearts to receive and obey the Gospel.

Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit …

At the appointed time, all mankind receives the gift of eternal life at the consummation of the ages. Oh, that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

2 Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Commandments

The Commandment to Fear the Lord

Peter
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The Treasure of the People of God

We are commanded to fear the Lord, but we know not what this means until we are taught it by the coming of the Living Gospel, the Promise that is Jesus Christ. It is when we are drawn to Christ by the Father that we begin to be taught the fear of the Lord. Hearkening unto Him is hearkening unto His Commandments, which now teach us to fear God.

Psa 34:11  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Fearing the Lord thy God has always been a key Commandment for initiating and maintaining our walk with God, and always doing what He pleases. Fearing God goes hand in hand with the first great Commandment.

Deu 8:5  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 

Deu 8:6  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. 

Deu 10:12  And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 

Jesus Christ has not changed.  The Living Word is the same, yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Joh 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments. 

Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

Learning the fear of the Lord happens when our eyes are opened to see the Gospel, the mystery hidden from the world. By the mercy of God, we see and hear the Gospel and are turned to the Living Commandments as the way of life. Our knowledge of the Truth, that is, Jesus Christ, the Living Word of Commandments, has begun.  Those blinded by God remain blind and despise the Commandments we now preach, and above all, do which we learn from our spiritual father and mother.

Pro 1:6  To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 

Pro 1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Pro 1:8  My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 

It is the coming of the Promise, the Living Christ,  which is also the seven spirits of God that are One Spirit, planted into our hearts and minds by which the Spirit of the fear of the Lord is manifested. We now grow in grace and knowledge through the Gospel, as Christ grows in us unto maturity.

Isa 11:1  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 

Isa 11:2  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 

It is by eating the Lord’s supper, taking communion by breaking the living bread, which is our study and meditation on the Commandments by which we are learning and growing in the fear of the Lord. All the assembly learns and grows together, being of one faith, body, and baptism.

Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Act 2:43  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 

Act 2:44  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

When the Spirit falls upon the assemblies of God’s chosen people,  they walk in the fear of the Lord and are increased and prospered in the faith.

Act 9:31  Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 

When the Gospel comes, judgment has fallen upon the house of God. This is a very good thing, the wonderful works of God that are saving us. We are being perfected, overcoming sin as we strive to be holy in the fear of God. Fear of the Lord is always in the mix when holiness and overcoming sin is in view. Without the fear of the Lord, flesh and its lusts continue to rule.

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

1Pe 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 

2Co 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

Fearing the Lord is respecting and being in subjection to the Commandments, which is the Wisdom of God. We are taught to fear the Lord as we believe and strive to obey the Gospel we have now heard.  We press into the Commandments as the fear of the Lord moves us onto perfection in the Father’s timing. Fear of the Lord leads to obedience that grows our knowledge and brings understanding of the holy versus the profane.

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

Job 28:28  And unto man God said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. 

The Lord raises shepherds to be His ministers, prophets, and apostles to teach the flock the holy and the profane through the Gospel. We are fulfilling these Commandments and Scriptures today.

Eze 44:23  And they [Ministers] shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 

The Lord’s purpose is to save us from our sins. All that He is doing works for this greater good. The Lord, the Living Word, comes by way of trials to prove and test our faith. We learn to obey, thus learning the difference between the holy and profane, by being scourged and chastened for our disobedience. The chastening of the Lord is grace that brings salvation by teaching us righteousness. Chastening by grace is also how we are being taught the fear of the Lord, so that we no longer sin. It is the way of salvation.

Exo 20:20  And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 

Tit 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 

Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

As sons of God, the Lord is our parent who loves us and is raising us to be righteous and holy in His image and the Father’s name. Without these trials and the resulting chastening and scourging, we are not true sons of God. So we rejoice in our trials, knowing they are accomplishing their purposes.

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 

Heb 12:8  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 

Heb 12:9  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 

The rod, meaning our chastening for disobedience, is not spared by our Father to raise sons unto righteousness. Knowing these truths, we serve God with reverence and godly fear, knowing His ways and purposes in delivering us from all sin.

Heb 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 

Heb 12:29  For our God is a consuming fire. 

Pro 13:24  He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. 

We learn in our day of judgment that if we willfully sin after knowing the Commandments, we have every expectation of a fiery discipline response from the Lord whose Word He sent forth is not returning to Him void. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

Heb 10:26  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 

Heb 10:27  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 

Unless and until the Lord has mercy, the Gospel remains hid from our eyes, and the Book is sealed unto us. We first draw near with our lips, and not our hearts, and the fear of the Lord we at first learn is based on the precepts of men and not God. Extra-biblical topics such as reverential awe of the man Jesus Christ and deep respect for God go beyond what is written and do not save anyone from their sins.   The false doctrine of eternal torment is a prime example; millions believe it, yet they continue in sins, and their hearts are far from the Commandments.

Isa 29:11  And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 

Isa 29:13  Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 

For those chosen for salvation in this age, the Lord shows mercy and performs His wondrous works as our knowledge of God and understanding are being made new, and we are being taught the true fear of the Lord.

Isa 29:14  Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. 

Our old life is passing away; we acknowledge Him, meaning the Commandments in all our ways, and those Commandments are now the light unto our path. We are fearing the Lord, that is, revering the Commandments, striving to obey them. We are thus departing from evil and being saved from all of our sins.

Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 

No man teaches themselves to fear the Lord or walks in the fear of the Lord except they be caused by the Spirit of Grace. Salvation is all the Lord’s work, and as clay in His hands, all that we do is in Christ. All men first run to shed blood, that is, reasoning with our carnal minds, accusing and excusing one another, not knowing the Lord. Neither are we yet exposed to the true fear of the Lord that has us in fear of the Commandments, so that we obey them.

Rom 3:15  Their feet are swift to shed blood: 

Rom 3:16  Destruction and misery are in their ways: 

Rom 3:17  And the way of peace have they not known: 

Rom 3:18  There is no fear of God before their eyes. 

We are taught to fear the Lord, and the result is our being caused to obey Him.  Teaching us is the work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Grace that is shed abroad in our hearts and manifests the love of God.

Rom 5:5  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Eze 36:27  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 

Joh 6:45  It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 

The grace of God bringing salvation is the Promise, the Living Commandments that are guiding and teaching us the ways of righteousness. We inherit our earth, meaning we overcome our sins as we are taught to rest in the Commandments and cease from our carnal thoughts. The Promise, the Holy Spirit, is the secret, the Living Gospel of Commandments that now lives in us and brings us into the everlasting covenant as sons.

Psa 25:12  What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 

Psa 25:13  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 

Psa 25:14  The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. 

Now that we abide in fear of the Lord, we are being led to newness of life, and evil is fleeing from us. The old is gone, all things are made new. Without the fear of the Lord, salvation from sin is elusive.

Pro 19:23  NKJV The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 

When we abide in the fear of the Lord, the angel of the Lord, the same Commandments, deliver us from our sins and all our enemies.

Psa 34:7  The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 

The Gospel ushers in the era when we learn and abide in the fear of the Lord. Receiving the Gospel begins our learning God’s wisdom and simultaneously we are learning the true fear of the Lord. Christ, the Wisdom of God, is contrary to the world’s wisdom. We are blessed to see this and be able to speak of the mystery, the secret, hidden from the world.

Luk 11:49  Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: 

1Co 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 

The fear of the Lord has us hating what the Lord hates, which are all abominations to Him. As Christ, we seek to please our heavenly Father in all that we do or speak. There is no pride or lie in us when we fear the Lord, and we no longer hate our neighbor or run after evil, or create strife among brethren. We speak Truth, the Commandments, in our speech and deeds.

Pro 8:13  The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 

Pro 6:16  These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 

Pro 6:17  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 

Pro 6:18  A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 

Pro 6:19  A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. 

The Commandments teach us to fear the Lord, and we learn them and enter into doing them, the Sabbath rest, only through many tribulations.  These trials are what burn up and consume our carnal thoughts and lusts, making all things new in our lives.

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 

Now knowing the Truth, we are no longer being tossed to and from by every wind of doctrine and the carnal reasonings of men; we stand in the wisdom and knowledge of God. We all heard the adage “knowledge is power,” and this is true in the spiritual: the knowledge and Wisdom of God are the power of the Gospel that brings forth our salvation. Our fear of the Lord IS become a treasure and stabilizing force that keeps us on the narrow way of life, the highway of holiness.

Isa 33:6  And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. 

Solomon learned that the whole of our existence can be summed up as fearing God and keeping His Commandments. The two actions are opposite sides of the same coin. To find either of these two actions in our lives, we see both as the dream is one and they are inseparable.  The Lord is working all things for the counsel of His will to bring this about in His Elect in this age.

Ecc 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole [duty] of man. 

Ecc 12:14  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

Peace and grace to the scattered pilgrims who are learning and treasuring the fear of the Lord.

 

Commandments

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Peter
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Trusting in the Lord’s Provision

Our gift of faith of the Lord Jesus Christ is what turns us into sons of God, being remade in the likeness and image of our Lord.  Our faith is not our own; it is a gift, given by measure to all of God’s Elect as ordained before the worlds were formed.  The Commandment to seek first the Kingdom of God has us seeking to obey the Lord in everything we think, do, and say. If we do this, we are promised to be blessed, prospered, and given what is needed both physically and spiritually to abide in this world.

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

The Kingdom of God is the Gospel, it is the Commandments, another name for the Promise, the Living Christ who comes to dwell in us.  When we look to Christ, first, in all our thoughts and behaviour, we are seeking the Kingdom of God and doing what is pleasing in our Lord’s and Father’s sight.  The Lord showed us the way to follow.

Joh 5:19  Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 

Joh 5:20  For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 

Joh 8:28  Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 

Joh 8:29  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 

Seeking God first is doing nothing of ourselves, as we are now bond servants, redeemed with a price, who belong to the Lord. Our life is sacrificed unto the Lord’s purposes, which is our reasonable service.  Few are given the mercy and grace of God to enter into and abide in this calling.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Rom 12:2  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. 

Entering the Kingdom of God is entering into the true Sabbath, that is, the Lord’s rest promised from our carnal works. This is also our obedience to the first and great Commandment, on which all others hang. Seeking first the Kingdom of God is putting the Commandments first, which our eyes and minds are always focused upon.  There are many overlaps with this Commandment and many others that all lead back to seeking first the Kingdom of God.  A sample of only a few is these.

  • Do not be anxious
  • Do not worry about tomorrow
  • Build your house on the rock
  • Let your light shine before men
  • Come out and be separate
  • Love your enemies

Seeking the Commandments first is making the Most High, which is the Father’s Commandments, our habitation.  The angels, which are messengers, are also these Commandments, that are alive and which quicken us to newness of life, protecting us, delivering us, and keeping us in God’s way.  When we do this, we are immensely blessed and prospered with salvation, rising above the carnal mind and trampling the dragon underfoot.

Psa 91:9  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; 

Psa 91:10  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 

Psa 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 

Psa 91:12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Psa 91:13  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 

Psa 91:14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 

Psa 91:15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 

Psa 91:16  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. 

The Lord used the examples of sparrows, ravens, and lilies to rebuke the weak in the faith who worry about tomorrow and seek not the kingdom of God first.

Mat 6:28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 

Mat 6:29  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

Mat 6:30  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

James calls this a double-minded man who does not reap the blessings of God because they waver in their carnal reasonings of unbelief.

Jas 1:6  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. 

Jas 1:7  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 

We are far more valuable than the birds and flowers of the field, which the Lord provides for their every need.  As God’s Elect, we are the apple of His eye, and our Maker knows what we need physically and spiritually and is providing them.  None of our worrying or stressing over these needs adds one iota to our lives, as all things have long ago been declared.

Mat 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 

Mat 6:26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 

Mat 6:27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 

We trust Him as we grow in faith and enter into His rest, ceasing from our carnal works and the worries which had previously occupied us our entire lives.  We seek Christ first, and this is how we are shaped and molded through the trials the Lord brings us every day.  We are alert and awake, focused on today and the evils and related trials the Lord is bringing to mold and shape us unto maturity.

Mat 6:31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 

Mat 6:32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mat 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Trusting in His precious promises through faith in His Commandments, we look and trust in the Lord to provide our needs.  Our sufficiency is in God and not in ourselves.  All of our knowledge and trust beyond the Commandments is dung and brings about spiritual death when we seek it instead of the pure and sincere Word of God.

2Co 3:4  And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 

2Co 3:5  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 

2Co 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The Commandments are the Father’s Commandments, the Living Word, the Son of God, for which purpose Christ was created and sent forth to speak and witness on the Father’s behalf.  We are raised with Christ for the same purpose to preach the Gospel and be the light unto the world.  We are becoming the Living Word.  When Christ is seen, the Father is seen as they are One Spirit.  We are often reminded, told again, that we are sent as the Father sent Christ because we are Christ in the world.

Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 

Joh 20:21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

Joh 14:12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 

Christ trusts fully in the Father’s provision and spends no time worrying about the things his body of flesh needs.  All things were put into subjection to the Father’s Commandments, leaving the world and its ways and customs behind.  That is seeking first the Kingdom of God.

When the Lord is not first in all our deeds, one remains a fornicator and an idolater and does not enter into the Kingdom and remains outside.

1Co 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1Co 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

To seek the Kingdom of God first, we sell all we have, meaning giving up all of our carnal reasonings and the trust in ourselves, and seek to obey the Commandments, trusting in the Lord’s provision.  Hardly can a rich man enter into the kingdom, and the rich young ruler is unable to forsake all to follow Christ

Luk 18:22  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 

Luk 18:23  And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 

Luk 18:24  And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 

As the blessed seed of Christ the Lord promises to make provision for all of our needs. Our worries about having these things are not of faith and add nothing to our lives, and we know He is working all things according to His counsel.  The righteous who walk by faith are not forsaken or found begging for bread.  Our spiritual needs and physical needs are provided for as the Lord works all things according to His counsel and purposes.

Psa 37:25  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 

Psa 37:26  He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. 

We are taught by the Spirit to fear not anything of the world, trusting fully in the Lord’s provision.  It is the Father’s good pleasure and purpose to give us the Kingdom, and we learn patience and tarry for it to come, yet we seek it earnestly.

Luk 12:28  If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

Luk 12:29  And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 

Luk 12:30  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 

Luk 12:31  But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

Luk 12:32  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

Before faith comes, we act in unbelief, storing up treasures on earth, trusting in our riches, knowledge, money, and abilities rather than the Commandments.  Those who do so are not rich towards God.  The parable of the rich fool who trusted in himself exposes all of us who focus on building bigger barns to store our own riches.  The story told in Luke 12 is a warning for those not ready for the coming of the Lord, who comes suddenly with the trials that test our faith.

Luk 12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 

Building bigger barns, trusting in ourselves, is all vanity that is instantly made so when the trials come, and our fleshly riches are of no use to save us from our sins and deliver us from our enemies.  We cannot serve God and mammon, which is disobedience, spiritual idolatry, and fornication.

Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Luk 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Thus, the Commandment to seek ye first the Kingdom of God is a big one upon which many other Commandments fall under.  It always comes back to the first great Commandment of loving the Lord thy God with all our hearts, minds, and strength.  Anything else is idolatry and corruption of the Commandments, seeking to serve God and our flesh.  We have died to those desires and instincts when Christ comes in our flesh and the Kingdom of God dwells in us.

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Col 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

Col 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, who are those having laid down their lives unto the Lord, selling all they had for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake.

Commandments

Do Not Give what is Holy to Dogs

Peter
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Do Not Cast Your Pearls Before Swine

We are given a tremendous blessing and a great honor, all by God’s grace, to be the stewards of the oracles of God. The oracles of God are the Lord’s treasures, His joy, which are also the pearls of great price that are the Father’s Holy Commandments. We share and speak the oracles with one another, edifying, strengthening, and washing one another’s feet.

1Pe 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

We are given this blessing and gift to become the witnesses of the Lord and thereby spread the message and love of the Gospel. Our mission is to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and bring them into the sheep pen.

Mat 10:5  These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 

Mat 10:6  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 

Mat 10:7  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 

The blessing comes upon few in this age, as many are called and only a few are chosen. Our anointing of God carries a great responsibility that is fulfilled by obeying all the Lord’s Commandments. The Commandment is to be selective and discriminating in who we share the holy things. It is disobedience to share the holy things and give the treasures of God out to those not prepared to receive them.

Mat 7:6  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. 

If we disobey the Commandment, the Commandments are trampled by the carnal reasonings of those the Lord has blinded and made deaf. In time, they turn and rend us, which means to argue and engage in debate over the holy things.  We can lose our peace and descend into the spiritual violence that is carnal reasoning.  We redeem the time wisely and do not waste it with those whom the Lord has not shown mercy.

2Ti 2:23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Tit 3:9  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 
Tit 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 

Only those whom the Father gives to the Lord are prepared to hear our words and receive the Gospel. Those not given the gift of faith and its accompanying ears to hear do not hear our words as they are not of God.

Joh 10:26  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 

Joh 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

Mar 4:23  If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

We obey the divisions the Lord makes in separating us as a holy people and do not serve the holy things to those the Lord has not made ready.

Heb 13:10  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 

We discern with whom we are gathered and obey the Commandments on when and when not to speak. Preaching the Gospel and doctrines of Jesus Christ is laying hands on people, which imparts God’s wisdom and understanding to those prepared to hear. The key is that they have been prepared beforehand. As the Lord’s ministers, we have a duty and the Commandment to validate this before we lay hands on them.  Those claiming Christ’s name is no assurance that one has been prepared, as only a few are chosen and prepared in this age.

1Ti 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 

Eze 12:2  Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. 

Being wise as serpents requires discernment of the situation and determining whether the person before us has been prepared by the Lord to hear and receive the Gospel. Christ does not engage with those to whom the Father has not ordained to be given mercy.

Mat 13:13  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 

Mat 13:14  And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 

The practical way to obey this Commandment is to always answer those who ask about the hope of Jesus Christ that lives in us. We answer them, giving a little and wait to see if it is received before giving more. We are always ready to share and to give the Gospel to all who ask in sincerity.

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

The Lord opens the door that allows those so ordained to come to Him, meaning the Commandments. We wait on the Lord to open the door and show us those He has prepared to hear. It is the Lord’s work; He causes it.

2Co 2:12  Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 

Psa 10:17  LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: 

Our instructions being sent to preach the Gospel command us to first enquire and determine who is worthy, meaning prepared of the Lord to hear. If the house is not worthy, we depart and do not cast our pearls and holy things.    The litmus test is to test and see who has ears to hear and eyes to see. If anyone argues with us or wants to debate the Gospel, they are not worthy, and we are commanded to shake off their carnal reasonings, the dust off our feet, and depart that house. If the house is worthy, we share the peace of Jesus Christ, the Living Commandments with that house.

Mat 10:11  And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 

Mat 10:12  And when ye come into an house, salute it. 

Mat 10:13  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

Mat 10:14  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 

The laws about food from the Old Testament symbolize the Commandments regarding whom we eat spiritually and to whom we do not. Those who gobble down their spiritual food without considering it are likened unto swine. Swine eat both the clean and the unclean, and the Lord’s people only eat the unleavened and undefiled bread of sincerity and truth. A little bit of leaven spoils the whole lump. Eating the clean and unclean is fornication. The same is having relations apart from Christ, and we are commanded that we not eat with those who the Lord has not prepared to eat His Gospel.

Lev 11:7  And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 

Lev 11:8  Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. 

1Co 5:11  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 

Likewise, those who do violence to the meat, tearing and ripping it, symbolize those who add their carnal reasonings to the Commandments, and thus show they are spiritual dogs, likened unto ravenous birds. To such we do not cast our precious meat of the Gospel.

Deu 14:11  Of all clean birds ye shall eat. 

Deu 14:12  But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, 

Dogs and swine alike eat virtually anything with little regard for care and inspection. It is true in the natural and the spiritual. Ultimately, those who eat like dogs or swine return to their carnality, and the waters in which they abide are muddied by their carnal reasonings, and the Commandments are corrupted. Many who began well fall away back into their carnality and the reasonings of their flesh.

2Pe 2:21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 

2Pe 2:22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but of peace and joy abiding in the Commandments, that is, the Holy Spirit. Thus, we are given many instructions and admonitions to be careful about how and with whom we eat so as not to corrupt ourselves by poor eating habits.  Abide in the Living Christ and do not be entangled again in the bondage of flesh.

Act 15:29  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 

Php 3:2  Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.