RESENTMENT OF DISCIPLINE

Romans 13: 1 -- Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers [exousia - exercised power]. For there is no power [exousia] but of God: the powers [exousia] that be are ordained of God.

The Greek word used for 'power' in both verses is 'exousia' and means exercised power. It is not inherent and lies dormant, but is put into use -- it is manifest and made known.

The last section of this verse which states "the powers that be are ordained of God" also contain the Figure of Speech called AMPLICATION. The definition of this is: "The addition of a conclusion by way of emphasis." It is used to explain and augment the force of what was previously written. Now take a look at the verse again and notice that this last phrase simply repeats, augments, and strengthens what has already been said.

Romans 13: 2 -- Whosoever therefore resisteth the power [exousia], resisteth the ordinance [setup, order, and arrangement] of God: and they that resist shall receive [lambano -- into manifestation] to themselves damnation [judgement].

What this verse is actually saying is that if you resist the order, setup, and arrangement of God, you shall and will bring calamity to yourself. What is the order, setup, and arrangement of God? Well, if God has called me to teach you His Word, and you say "To heck with that guy -- he does not know what he is talking about and I am not to going to listen to him." Then you will eventually receive into manifestation the results of your negative believing. Look, I didn't write the book. That is what it says and that is what it means. Either you renew your mind to this principle or you don't. It's up to you. You always have free will.

Romans 12: 1, 2 -- 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 [rational, logical] service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [transfigured] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

This word 'transformed' is most important in its understanding. It is like a caterpillar that is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. That is what happens when you renew your mind to God's Word.

James 1: 14 -- But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [over-desire, old man nature], and enticed.

This word enticed is interesting. It means "to catch by a bait". You need to remember that every time you are tempted to do something, it is wrong.

James 1: 13 -- Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

I Corinthians 10: 13 -- There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

So the next time you are tempted, don't blame God. It is due to a weakness in your old man nature. In other words, if you are tempted to stop reading this teaching right now, it is because the god of this world is tempting you, either directly or indirectly through your old man. THE TRUE GOD NEVER TEMPTS YOU.

I have seen this principle violated time and time again. I will repeat this one more time and then we will continue to turn to God's Word for guidance. The violation of this principle can result in major destruction in the walk and life of a believer.

James 1: 7, 8 -- For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

When Jesus Christ said:

John 14: 6 -- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

What was Jesus Christ speaking? He was teaching them God's Word like I am doing my best to do with you right now. There is not a person on the face of this earth that can learn to walk by the Spirit of the true God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but by studying God's Word. Everything else is a counterfeit as far as you should be concerned if you are serious about standing approved before God. This web site is only meant for the serious Bible student. If all of us would renew our minds to God's matchless Word, there would not be practically one single problem in the world today. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS "DO YOUR BEST AND GOD WILL DO THE REST." Some of you who have been with us for a long time have heard that many, many times before.

II Timothy 2: 15 -- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ephesians 5: 6 -- Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5: 7 -- Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5: 8 -- For ye were sometimes darkness [once blind], but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5: 9 -- (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Ephesians 5: 10 -- Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

You need to prove what is acceptable unto the Lord in your own life. I already did that many years ago. If you listen to God, you will follow His order, setup and arrangement. If you decide not to, you will reap the results of your disobedience. It's that simple, and in actuality, I cannot complicate this teaching if I wanted to. So, I would like to conclude this teaching and keep it as simple as possible. I'd like to go to the Old Testament and show you that God was still, even back then, giving people the same directive.

Isaiah 1: 10 -- Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

You see, God is not trying to aggravate anyone by telling them that He knows how to live life. Actually, He created life so I guess He knows how to live it! I am not saying that I am some great authority on the Bible, but I have been studying since October of 1974. I think that means something. What do you think? You have free will to believe or not to believe God's Word. You must make up your own mind.

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