Click to join the conversation with over 500,000 Pentecostal believers and scholars
Click to get our FREE MOBILE APP and stay connected
| PentecostalTheology.com
Jesus came to earth in the humblest of ways, a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lain in a manger (Luke 2:12). He was not born in a palace with servants scurrying to and fro in order to care for His every wish, even though He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Incredibly, His beginning was indicative of His entire earthly existence. This is borne out in the fact that Jesus later spoke of His kingdom being not presently of this earth (John 18:36). Oh, there will come a day when He will establish His kingdom on earth for the time known as the millennial reign (Rev 20:1-6). However, until then, His kingdom is in heaven and in the hearts of men (Luke 17:20-21).
This discussion will focus on what the actions of the Christian should be while waiting for Christ, especially knowing “He Was a Humble Man.”
Jesus chose to come to earth and take the form of man. In so doing, He made himself of no reputation and took on the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). Scripture goes on to depict Jesus as one who would stoop so low as to lay down His life for the sake of sinners (Phil 2:8; John 3:16). A thorough study of the synoptic gospels portrays Jesus as one who went out of His way to help others; He was always ready with a word of encouragement or correction, and He healed the sick and performed more miracles than any other. Undoubtedly, Jesus was very well known in His earthly pilgrimage, even though He was rejected by His own. However, He never assumed a position of governmental authority, nor did He attempt to influence them in any way. Nay, His influence was directed to all who would follow Him.
For three and a half years, Jesus taught His disciples while showing them, by His actions, how to behave as what they would later be called, ‘Christians.’ In all of this time, He focused on the lost. He came not to establish dominion over man. Instead, He came to call men out of the world and into His heavenly-spiritual kingdom. Scripture is bereft of one mention of when Jesus challenged the kingdoms of men, even though these kingdoms were oppressing His chosen people. You see, Rome was in occupation of Israel at the time that Jesus came to His people, and He never confronted them in any way, by word or deed. In fact, He went out of His way to avoid the idea that He was coming to establish His kingdom. One example of this is how he entered Jerusalem riding on the colt of an ass, according to that spoken by the prophet Zechariah:
Matthew 21:5
“Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”[1]
Just before His ascension, He set forth the Great Commission, which is still in effect today. In His last directive, Jesus told the disciples to go and make other disciples, telling them all that He had told them:
Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (emphasis mine)
Take note that Jesus did not instruct the disciples to attempt to impose their will or His over the kingdoms of this world. In fact, by His actions and words, Jesus taught exactly the opposite of this. Likewise, nowhere in Scripture are those who follow Christ seen engaging the governments of the world in order to counsel or condemn them. Jesus even had the New Testament writers call for those who became Christians to go as far as to come out from among the ungodly of the world:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Being separate means just that, being separate from the machinations of the world. Remember, the Christian is to be in the world and not of it (John 17:13-21). Our duty is to the Lord, and we are to fulfill the Great Commission as the Holy Spirit leads us. This is our continual mission which we are to be about until Jesus calls us upward. The problem is, some no longer desire to reside as the humble who have to deal with circumstances that are unseemly.
The Not So Humble
Unfortunately, today we see a rising tendency by those who call themselves Christians to engage the governments of the world and their leaders in order to coerce them into following the ways of the Lord. Some go so far as to issue direct challenges to these leaders in a public forum. These actions run contrary to the example and the written will of Jesus. In fact, Jesus did not tell believers to try to change the last day’s scene as it unfolds. Instead, He told the believer they would know He was soon to return by the things coming upon the earth, including the moral decay of the nations and peoples of them (2 Thess 2).[2] Therefore, we are to continue in the Great Commission and Look up for our Blessed Hope – in the return of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).[3]
The pride and haughtiness displayed by those who have rejected the ‘Way’ of Christ is telling indeed. Instead of following Jesus as he directs them to the next lost soul, their actions indicate that they desire to establish dominion here on earth in the name of Christ. Unfortunately, what they are actually ushering in is “The Return of the Godless“[4] because they do what they do without the blessing of God, as He has already told us that Jesus would bring His government with Him at His return, post Tribulation.
Perhaps, the most troubling part of this behavior is that it is being applauded by a large percentage of the Christian community, even the leaders, so-called. The reason this is so egregious is the fact that men are beginning to rely on those of prominence instead of trusting in the Lord and His plan. Truly, Jesus was right to ask if He would find faith when He returned (Luke 18:8). You see, faith is believing that God is: able to perform all that He has ever said (Rom 4:21); still God, even when the wicked seemingly prosper (Ps 37); a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6)… etc. etc.
Before leaving this topic, it is needful to restate what is happening in the simplest of terms. Supposed men of God are becoming established in the minds and hearts of the masses as leaders that can ‘war’ against the wicked in literal high places. This is not what is prescribed in Scripture. In fact, the apostle Paul speaks of the type of battle that belongs to every Christian, and it is ‘not’ against ‘physical’ beings in high places:
Ephesians 6:10-20
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against [withstand] the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Some translations read – heavenly places.] [The only battle we are to have is a spiritual battle.] [This is a struggle that can only be fought while wearing the supernatural armour of God which is donned by faith.]
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [Many stop reading here. However, the next imploration may be the most important…]
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (emphasis mine) [author’s comments]
Notice that Paul’s concern was ‘not’ that he be made ready to rebuff the governmental leaders for their heathenism. Instead, he was more worried about the saints, and that he would be able to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel to all who would hear and thereby be saved (Rom 10:13-17). Prove this; be a Berean and determine if Paul ever tried to correct any of the earthly principalities he encountered. I think you will find he actually only preached the gospel to them as well, hoping that they would become fellow believers in Christ (Acts 26).
Lastly, the only times we see Jesus, the apostles, or even the deacons (Stephen) openly criticize anyone, it is the religious leaders who had completely missed the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, walked among them and they received Him not (John 1:11). Thankfully, their refusal of Him led to His atoning death on the Cross, which provided salvation for all who would believe.
So, Who Are These People?
Those who are clamoring for your attention as they castigate the heathen are none other than those who would lead the last day’s apostate church during the Tribulation. You read that right; those who are busy doing their own will, even in the name of Christ, will be left here to tribulate. Here is the passage that proves this:
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (emphasis mine) [Many] [Notice that only those who do the will of the Father shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.]
Since these desire to do their will in direct disobedience to God’s will, they will not enter heaven. They will, indeed, be left here. However, all of their hard work will not have been done for nought. They will assume leadership roles in the coming one-world false church, which will be busy as little bees building the kingdom of God here on earth (Rev 13:8). The only problem is, again, they do so in direct contradiction to the declared will of God. Because of this, it is my estimation that these will be turned over to reprobate minds to do things that are inconvenient. In fact, some may already be reprobate.[5] Worse yet, these may even fall into the category of those upon whom the Lord sends a strong delusion so they will believe a lie and thereby be damned for not believing the truth and taking pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess 2:11-12).
You might ask: how can those who are considered prominent Christian leaders of our day be left behind? The answer is simple. They are prominent; however, they are not representing Christ. Instead, they are doing what they do for their own glory or gain. Think not? Re-examine the motives of these people. Is their message always accompanied with an article for sale, book, CD, or DVD? Are they continually clamoring for more and more of your attention? Lastly, who do they leave you thinking of, themselves or Christ? The early church had none of these things, yet, somehow, they managed to evangelize the entire world. So, what is a Christian to do?
What to Do?
Please allow me to shout here… WAKE UP!!! The enemy’s minions are slick, and they are amongst us.[6] Remember, if Satan came as an angel of light, so too his ministers disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness (2 Cor 11:13-15). Indeed, these are so crafty that some are very difficult to identify. One of the things that makes this identification or marking as to have believers avoid them (Rom 16:17-18) more difficult is the fact that so many of the so-called Christian leaders are affirming these charlatans, so much so that they even slander the ones who have discernment, often calling them heretic hunters and the like. Therefore, for those who desire to reject the false and walk in truth: How do we recognize these false ministers?
First, they will be doing things that seem right; however, when their actions are examined against the truth of God’s Word, they will be revealed as counterfeits. Second, they will be attempting to draw men unto themselves (Acts 20:30). Paul provided the perfect prescription for this when he directed those he ministered to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Many translations render this following as ‘imitate.’ Therefore, Paul is not attempting to draw men unto himself. Instead, he is calling on men to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Ultimately, Paul’s goal is that men be imitators of Christ. This is the exact opposite aim of many who currently desire to draw men to themselves.[7]
Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, these false ministers will invariably be attempting to cause the hearer to believe they can be as God, just like the greatest lie ever told.[8]
About this last point, the false teacher may not come right out and say you can be as God. However, they will always lead you to believe that you have greater authority than God gave to man. Remember, right before he ascended, Jesus told the disciples that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him, and that is exactly where that authority rests till this day. He did not give us His authority. Instead, He gave us the Great Commission (Matt 28: 18-20).
Conclusion
Jesus was truly a humble man. In fact, He modeled true humility to the point of death. He expects us to follow Him in the same manner. The apostles and many since have done just that. For those of us that have been born for such a time as this, humility is often hard to come by, especially for the Christian born in the United States. This is because we have mottos such as ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ and nearly every household has a firearm of some kind. Not to mention, many states have ‘Castle Laws’ which allow the homeowner to defend their domicile with deadly force.
This is not a sales pitch for the NRA. Instead, the point is, Americans tend to desire the opposite of humility. We do not like it when people oppress us. However, oppression is on the rise for the Christian, and after the rapture, the Tribulation saints will see the worst oppression to ever come upon man by way of the beast system. The worst part is, much of the persecution will emanate from the one-world false church we have been discussing here. Sadly, this church will be led by many who now call for men to take dominion over the world. By the way, one does not have to look very hard to see the apostate church of the last days forming in the ecumenical movement. [For greater understanding, see the article, “Back to Babylon.”] [9]
With all of this in mind, please re-examine everything that you are reading and hearing. Allow the admonition of the Apostle Paul to resonate with you and lead you to all truths:
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
One final point…. One of the most prolific false teachers of today has successfully developed complete systems of belief based on mysteries that are entirely extra-biblical. I call this person ‘the dark prophet.’ Sadly, he would have no following if every Christian would simply follow Paul’s admonition to study and rightly divide the word of truth.
If you have come across this article after the rapture, chaos is undoubtedly abounding. With this in mind, the article, “Open Letter to Those Who Miss the Rapture,” [10] is for you.
Website: In His Commission
[1] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.”
[2] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Fall So Great – That Only Eight – Entered the Ark.”
[3] For greater understanding, see the article, “While We Wait.”
[4] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Return of the Godless.”
[5] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Rise of the Reprobates.”
[6] For greater understanding, see the article, “Wolves of Faith.”
[7] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Rise of Many.”
[8] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Greatest Lie Ever Told: The Origin of all Lies.”
[9] For greater understanding, see the article, “Back to Babylon.”
[10] For greater understanding, see the article, “Open Letter to Those Who Miss the Rapture.”
The post He Was a Humble Man :: By C. Gray Adams appeared first on Rapture Ready.
