OUTLINE:
Be Like a Little Birdie – blog
Why would we ever esteem the simple-minded? Furthermore, why would we ever entertain reasoning with someone who speaks of fantasy and delusion amplified by unfounded self-esteem? These are the same people who crucified Jesus Christ because, not only did man not esteem Him, they resented Him for siding with His sovereign Father.
“the LORD has not given you”
Anything “spiritually appraised” (1Co 2:14) requires God’s intervention, by/through grace. Without this grace, we don’t have “eyes to see, nor ears to hear” (Deu 29:4) the Truth, even though we may read it and comprehend it in a natural way.
Pr 1:17-18
Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; But [sinners] lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives.
Pr 1:17 [Amplified]
Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; But [when these people set a trap for others] they lie in wait for their own blood; They set an ambush for their own lives [and rush to their destruction].
“the LORD has not given you”
Anything “spiritually appraised” (1Co 2:14) requires God’s intervention, by/through grace. Without this grace, we don’t have “eyes to see, nor ears to hear” (Deu 29:4) the Truth, even though we may read it and comprehend it in a natural way.
Eze 12:1-2
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house.“
Mk 4:23
“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
“things that accompany salvation”
Ala our recent blog, “Assurance of salvation is by grace through faith”. Because we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we are able to discern the truth about our lives (even when we are suffering, we understand why).
True humility begins/ends with submission to the Word of God.
Jn 5:34
“But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.”
Jas 3:15
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
– Col 3:5a [ESV] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…
– Mk 8:35“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.
John Newton
Obedience is the best test of sincerity; feelings are various, transient, and often deceitful; but a broken, humble spirit, and an upright walk, evidence the finger of God; other things may be and are often counterfeited.
The World’s Take On Religion
“Well, it’s like a formula…do this, and you’ll be happy. I might consider it if/when I get down and out, but right now, I’m feeling pretty darn good all on my own! I don’t need your God.”
Philip P. Bliss
“Man of Sorrows,” what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Philip P. Bliss
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood;
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!