Study Page - Selling Fear

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• Proclamations of men are easily detected through their life witness.
  
  2Timothy 3:10
  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience
  

  The 1599 Geneva Study Bible:
  So that we are not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we must not be afraid of persecution which they suffered willingly, and which always follows true godliness. But we must especially hold fast the doctrine of the apostles, the sum of which is this, that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
  
  You thoroughly know not only what I taught and did, but also how I thought and was inclined.

• Christianity is set with the example of Jesus Christ; servitude - through love and benevolence
  
  Romans 6:18
  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
  
  

  1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
  
  John Gill Commentary:
  Servants to God, whose Gospel they obey; servants to Christ, whose righteousness they submit to; and servants to the law of righteousness, as held forth by Christ; they give up themselves to a course and life of righteousness, in which there are true honour, peace, and pleasure.

• The rulers of Israel sold their people into slavery by corrupting God's word to please their wickedness, through idolatry
  
  Zecariah 11:4-15
  Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.
  
  

  Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary:
  flock of . . . slaughter (Psalms 44:22)
  A million and a half perished in the Jewish war, and one million one hundred thousand at the fall of Jerusalem. "Feed" implies that the Jews could not plead ignorance of God's will to execute their sin. Zechariah and the other prophets had by God's appointment "fed" them (Acts 20:28) with the word of God, teaching and warning them to escape from coming wrath by repentance: the type of Messiah, the chief Shepherd, who receives the commission of the Father, with whom He is one (Zechariah 11:4); and Himself says (Zechariah 11:7), "I will feed the flock of slaughter." Zechariah did not live to "feed" literally the "flock of slaughter"; Messiah alone "fed" those who, because of their rejection of Him, were condemned to slaughter. Jehovah-Messiah is the speaker. It is He who threatens to inflict the punishments (Zechariah 11:6,8). The typical breaking of the staff, performed in vision by Zechariah (Zechariah 11:10), is fulfilled in His breaking the covenant with Judah. It is He who was sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12,13).
  
  they that sell them (Compare Zechariah 11:12)
  The rulers of Judah, who by their avaricious rapacity and selfishness (John 11:48,50) virtually sold their country to Rome. Their covetousness brought on Judea God's visitation by Rome. The climax of this was the sale of the innocent Messiah for thirty pieces of silver. They thought that Jesus was thus sold and their selfish interest secured by the delivery of Him to the Romans for crucifixion; but it was themselves and their country that they thus sold to the Roman possessors."
  
  I am rich
  by selling the sheep (Deuteronomy 29:19, Hosea 12:8). In short-sighted selfishness they thought they had gained their object, covetous self-aggrandizement (Luke 16:14), and hypocritically "thanked" God for their wicked gain (compare Luke 18:11).

• It is not against the will of God to be rich or to posses wealth. In fact, God has placed many people in such a position.
  
  1Corinthians 12:28
  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
  

  Baker's Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Gifts of the Holy Spirit
  

  Matthew 25:15
  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
  
  TO RISK OR NOT TO RISK by Ray C. Stedman
  
  
• someone who has turned away from the faith and corrupts the doctrines of Christianity with that of his own doctrine.
  
  Colossians 2:22
  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
  
  

  John Gill Commentary:
  after the commandments and doctrines of men;
  for so even the ceremonial law, being now abolished, though originally of God, yet the imposition of it, as necessary to salvation, was a commandment and doctrine of man's; and particularly the traditions of the elders, and the various rules and decrees, which the doctors among the Jews obliged men to regard, were human inventions and devices: and this is another reason the apostle makes use of to dissuade from any regard unto them; for whatever is of man, and not of God, in religious worship, ought to be rejected.

• we will know them by their words and deeds - their works
  
  Matthew 7:16
  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  
  

  Matthew Henry Commentary:
  16-20. Observe, 1. The illustration of this comparison, of the fruit’s being the discovery of the tree. You cannot always distinguish them by their bark and leaves, nor by the spreading of their boughs, but by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit is according to the tree. Men may, in their professions, put a force upon their nature, and contradict their inward principles, but the stream and bent of their practices will agree with them. Christ insists upon this, the agreeableness between the fruit and the tree, which is such as that, (1.) If you know what the tree is, you may know what fruit to expect. Never look to gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from thistles; it is not in their nature to produce such fruits. An apple may be stuck, or a bunch of grapes may hang, upon a thorn; so may a good truth, a good word or action, be found in a bad man, but you may be sure it never grew there. Note, [1.] Corrupt, vicious, unsanctified hearts are like thorns and thistles, which came in with sin, are worthless, vexing, and for the fire at last. [2.] Good works are good fruit, like grapes and figs, pleasing to God and profitable to men. [3.] This good fruit is never to be expected from bad men, and more than a clean thing out of an unclean: they want an influencing acceptable principle. Out of an evil treasure will be brought forth evil things. (2.) On the other hand, if you know what the fruit is, you may, by that, perceive what the tree is. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, nay, it cannot but bring forth evil fruit. But then that must be reckoned the fruit of the tree which it brings forth naturally and which is its genuine product—which it brings forth plentifully and constantly and which is its usual product. Men are known, not by particular acts, but by the course and tenour of their conversation, and by the more frequent acts, especially those that appear to be free, and most their own, and least under the influence of external motives and inducements. 2. The application of this to the false prophets.

• As Christians, we are not concerned with what people claim they are, for we know already where they stand - with the world
  
  Matthew 8:22
  But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  

  John Wesley:
  "But Jesus said - When God calls, leave the business of the world to them who are dead to God".

• what is Christianity? It is no more than one who believes and follows Jesus Christ
  
  John 10:27
  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
  
  Jesus the SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP by Let Us Reason Ministries
  
  
• Christians must always check the facts first
  
  Matthew 10:16
  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  
  

  John Gill Commentary:
  The serpent is a very sharp sighted, cunning creature, and uses various arts and stratagems for its own preservation, and especially of its head; and is so far to be imitated by the followers of Christ, as to make use of all proper methods to preserve themselves from the insults and rage of men, and not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers: and, as much as in them lies, they should be careful to give no just occasion of offence, or irritate, and provoke them to use them ill, and to avoid all snares and traps that are laid for them; and, at the same time, maintain the innocence and harmlessness of the dove, being free from all wicked cunning and craftiness, without rancour, malice, and wrath; not meditating and seeking revenge, but meek and humble in their deportment, leading inoffensive lives, and proceeding in the course of their calling, though liable to many insults, and much oppression.

• Is the human heart compelled to offer a few dollars in order to save a dying child
  
  Romans 14:17
  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
  

  Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

• Christianity teaches that which is to be feared
  
  Exodus 18:21
  Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
  
  

  Matthew Henry Commentary:
  That great care should be taken in the choice of the persons who should be admitted into this trust (v. 21); they must be able men, etc. It was requisite that they should be men of the very best character, [1.] For judgment and resolution— able men, men of good sense, that understood business, and bold men, that would not be daunted by frowns or clamours. Clear heads and stout hearts make good judges. [2.] For piety and religion— such as fear God, as believe there is a God above them, whose eye is upon them, to whom they are accountable, and of whose judgment they stand in awe. Conscientious men, that dare not do a base thing, though they could do it ever so secretly and securely. The fear of God is that principle which will best fortify a man against all temptations to injustice, Neh. 5:15; Gen. 42:18. [3.] For integrity and honesty— men of truth, whose word one may take, and whose fidelity one may rely upon, who would not for a world tell a lie, betray a trust, or act an insidious part. [4.] For noble and generous contempt of worldly wealth— hating covetousness, not only not seeking bribes nor aiming to enrich themselves, but abhorring the thought of it; he is fit to be a magistrate, and he alone, who despiseth the gain of oppressions, and shaketh his hands from the holding of bribes, Isa. 33:15. (2.) That he should attend God’s direction in the case.
  

  Ecclessiastes 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.
  
  

  John Wesley Commentary:
  The conclusion - The sum of all that hath been said or written by wise men. Fear God - Which is put here, for all the inward worship of God, reverence, and love, and trust, and a devotedness of heart to serve and please him. The whole - It is his whole work and business, his whole perfection and happiness; it is the sum of what he need either know, or do, or enjoy.
  

  1Peter 2:17
  Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
  
  

  Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:
  Honour or, Esteem.
  1Peter 5:5; Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:32; 1 Samuel 15:30; Romans 12:10; 13:7 Philippians 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:1
  Love 1:22 John 13:35; Hebrews 13:1; Zechariah 11:14
  Fear Genesis 20:11; 22:12 42:18 Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 23:17 24:21 Ecclesiastes 8:2 Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:7; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:21

• do you know what the word of God declares? Or, are you simply motivated by the sensationalism of those who covet, having pierced themselves with many sorrows.
  
  Matthew 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:
  

  1Timothy 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.
  

  Mark 8:36
  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  

  The 1599 Geneva Study Bible:
  They are the most foolish of all men who purchase the pleasures of this life with the loss of everlasting bliss.
  

  Romans 2:5-6
  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; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  

  John Gill Commentary:
  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart
  The apostle goes on to show, that such persons who promise themselves impunity on the score of prosperity, shall not always go unobserved and unpunished; for there is a day of wrath and righteous judgment hastening on, and will take place after they have filled up the measure of their iniquity. There is a natural "hardness" of the heart in every son and daughter of Adam; and there is an acquired habitual hardness, which is increased by sinning; and a judicial one, which God, for sin, sometimes gives persons up unto. An "impenitent heart" is not only an heart which does not repent, but such an one as cannot repent, being harder than the nether millstone. Now men, by such hardness and impenitence, treasure up unto [themselves] wrath: they are the authors of their own destruction; by which is meant the wrath of God, in opposition to the riches of his goodness, despised by them; and is in reserve for wicked men: and is laid up against, and will be brought forth in
  
  the day of wrath;
  which the Scriptures call "the evil day", (Amos 6:3) (Ephesians 6:13) ; the day fixed by God, when he will call men to an account for their sins, and stir up all his wrath against them:
  
  and revelation;
  that is, the day of revelation, when Christ shall be revealed from heaven in flames of fire, the sins of men shall be revealed, and the wrath of God against them:
  
  of the righteous judgment of God;
  so some copies read; that is, the day of the righteous judgment; so the Arabic version reads, "and of the appearance of God, and of his righteous judgment"; for the judgment will be at the appearance of Christ, who is God, and at his kingdom, (2 Timothy 4:1) . The Alexandrian copy reads, "and of the retribution of the righteous judgment of God"; and so the Ethiopic version seems to have read, rendering the words, "if so", or "seeing thy retribution may come upon thee", and "if the judgment of God may befall thee"; for when the judgment of God shall come, as there will be a revelation of men's sins, and of the wrath of God against them, there will be a just retribution according to their works. Or "the revelation of the righteous judgment of God"; that is, when the judgment of God, which is now hid, shall appear; and which is said to be "righteous", because it will be carried on in a righteous manner, and proceed upon, and be executed according to the strictest rules of justice and equity.
  
  Who will render to every man according to his deeds.
  God will be the Judge, who is righteous, holy, just, and true; every man in particular will be judged; as the judgment will be general to all, it will be special to everyone, and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform.
  

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