Step by step!
V23 n37
The steps of a good man, are ordered, or guided by the Lord. For it is the Spirit of truth, that should be leading and guiding us into all the truth of God’s Word. However, one still has the choice of whether they will follow or not.
One
can be ordered to do something, but that person has the choice to obey or
disobey the directive that they have been given. One has the choice to hear the
counsel and advice of the guide, or to ignore that
which is given, and lean to their own understanding.
2Tin
One often forgets that they are to be prompt to hear the message from God pertaining to salvation. If one is prompt to hear this message, and allow it into their heart and into their life, then they will become a doer of the Word, or one who lives the Word of God, so that they will not have any reason to be ashamed when they stand before Him.
"Study not for the
applause of men, but for the approbation of God, as becometh
a good workman, who needeth not to be ashamed of his
work, whoever looks upon it; but let thy preaching and living be strait and
conformable to the gospel, and thus study to shew thyself approved of God" (William Burkitt commentary)
Eph
Some think it means an
habitual readiness in walking in the way prescribed by the Gospel; others that
firmness and solidity which the Gospel gives to them who conscientiously
believe its doctrines; others, those virtues and graces which in the first
planting of Christianity were indispensably necessary to those who published
it.
Should
we take the word preparation in its common acceptation, it may imply that, by a
conscientious belief of the Gospel, receiving the salvation provided by its
author, and walking in the way of obedience which is pointed out by it, the
soul is prepared for the kingdom of heaven. (from
Adam Clarke Commentary)
One’s feet are to be shod or covered
with a readiness to this gospel of peace. Yet, how many really know who they
are in Christ? How many take someone else’s word, for what they tell them they
are? How may really understand all that God has made available to them through
this gift of Christ?
Peter tells us that we are to be
ready or prepared to have the answer for any man that asks a reason of the hope
that is within us. This can only happen or come about, if one has a proper
relationship with the Father by and through Christ Jesus. It is a step by step process in one
learning who they are in Christ; as well as the rights and authority a believer
has because of this gift and relationship.
Isa 28:10-11, 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line
upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another
tongue will he speak to this people. (KJV)
Kimchi
says), precept, is used here for command, and is used in no other place for it
but here. Tsaw (heb
6673) signifies a little precept, such as is suited to the capacity of a child;
see <Isa. 28:9>. Qaw
(heb 6957) signifies the line that a
mason stretches out to build a layer of stones by. After one layer or course is
placed, he raises the line and builds another; thus the building is by degrees
regularly completed. This is the method of teaching children, giving them such
information as their narrow capacities can receive; and thus the prophet dealt
with the Israelites. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
There is but one foundation
that is approved by God, and that is as described by Paul that “For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” This is
the foundation one must build upon, step by step. Just as the mason or
bricklayer must lay one row of bricks at a time, this is the same way one must
establish themselves in the truth on a day by day
basis.
If
one ignores the Word on a day by day basis, then instead of increasing their
relationship with the Father, they will move away from Him, in a step by step
fashion as well
Which
direction are you moving this day?
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka
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reserved