Category Archives: Promises

Adv, Advantage, Benefit, Bible, Covenant, Faithfulness, Promises, Scripture

HAVING THE UPPERHAND

ROMANS 3:1

“Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?” 

Membership has its privileges. I fly most often with one airline. As part of my membership program with them, I can access their lounges around the world when I have a long layover. Some of those lounges are awesome, complete with massaging chairs and free food and drinks. That can really help the time pass more comfortably. I almost (I said almost) feel sorry for those who can’t get in there, lol.

Paul has just finished a long discussion with the Jews in chapter two and he starts out chapter three (I realize there were no chapters in the original) asking two questions about the Jews’ advantage and benefit over the Gentiles. He is really pointing towards the covenant that God had made with the Jews to be with them and love them. They most definitely had seen God’s faithfulness to them over the centuries. But now?

APPLICATION

There are two words in today’s verse that bear a look. The first one is translated “advantage” and is the Greek word perissos. It can have a lot of meanings including exceeding abundantly above, beyond measure and superfluous. It’s actually the word used in John 10:10 where Jesus says, “‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.’” So, is Paul asking what abundance the Jew has over the Gentile?

The second word to look at is ópheleia which is translated “benefit.” It’s only used here and in Jude 1:16 where it says, “These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.” The word has the idea of profit or usefulness. Is Paul asking here if it profits the Jew to be Jewish compared to being a Gentile?

Let me answer these two questions by pointing you to Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” There’s your answer! We “are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our upper hand is Jesus. He is all that matters. Won’t you open that “lounge door” for others today and show them Who can give them an eternal membership?

I am so thankful, Lord, that You have welcomed me into Your eternal lounge.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Faithfulness, Promises, Scripture, Testimony

PROMISES

ROMANS 1:2

“which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,”

I hate it when someone promises to do something and then doesn’t follow through. If they never had the intention to do it, then why do they say they would? I am careful not to make promises I can’t keep. That is especially true with kids and grandkids. Promises are just that – promises! It’s not too hard to understand, is it?

Paul refers to a promise made by God in today’s verse. The Greek word used for “promised beforehand” is proepaggello. HELPS Word studies defines it like this, “(from pró, ‘before’ and epaggéllō, ‘to promise’) – properly, promised beforehand (in advance); use of the Lord promising the Gospel (‘God’s good news’) to people even before creation.” It is only used one other time in 2 Corinthians 9:5, where Paul writes, “arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift.”

APPLICATION

Look at these two uses. The one in today’s verse refers to a promise made by God. You can always depend on that. His promises never fail. I have referenced it before, but one of my favorite verses in Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” What a promise! That still holds true for us today.

Then in the second use of the word in 2 Corinthians 9, Paul references a man-made promise by the Corinthians. This was not a sure thing. They had promised to send that gift. How much and when it arrived, we don’t know. I have been promised gifts from people for our ministry that never materialized. I have learned to not depend on that gift until it arrived. So, we have two very different kinds of promises – a sure thing and an iffy thing. Which do you prefer?

Years ago, there was a men’s movement called Promise Keepers. It was a great ministry that encouraged men to be promise keepers to God and family. I have often wondered how long those men kept their promises. How many of those men ended up leaving their families? But how many of them are still keeping their promises? Will you be a promise keeper? Will you look to the Great Promise Keeper and allow Him to strengthen you in your promise keeping walk?

Father God, help me be the kind of promise keeper that reflects You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Abundance, Bible, Promises, Prosperity, Provision, Scripture, Secrets

LEARNING THE SECRET

PHILIPPIANS 4:12

“I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

Have you ever been let in on a secret? Usually, when someone asks you if you want to know a secret, it really isn’t one anymore. If they are telling you, they have probably told others who probably told others who probably…you get the picture. I don’t like to keep secrets. I forget who knows and who doesn’t, and I will probably spill the beans. So…don’t tell me any secrets, lol.

Paul learned a secret. And he blurts it out to the Philippians. He has “learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” The Greek word Paul uses here for “learned the secret” is another one time used word. It is the word mueówhich “conveys the idea of being initiated into a deeper, previously hidden understanding. It implies entry into an experiential knowledge that is reserved for the “inside” rather than mere intellectual grasp.” (Topical Lexicon) Secret societies and cults were common in Paul’s day, so he intentionally used a word that would draw attention to what he was saying.

APPLICATION

What is important to see, though, is what this secret was all about. Paul is still in the process of thanking the Philippians for their gift to him. But he wants them to know if they can’t give, it’s okay. He has made peace with what the Lord has given him. He wasn’t worried about being hungry or having money. Those things just weren’t important in comparison to having Christ.

This verse is in the middle (vs 11-13) of a memory passage I have learned and claimed as part of my missionary fundraising. My wife and I have been missionaries with Trans World Radio (TWR) as part of the Every Man A Warrior ministry since September 2021. We depend on ministry partners for financial and prayer support. There have been times when we had a comfortable balance in our missionary fund and times (like now) when the balance is low. But when I look back at the last almost four years, I am amazed at how He has provided.

Last night in my men’s group we were looking at Romans 8:31-39. Wow! What a passage. And verse 32 struck me as I have been praying for our ministry fund. That verse says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” You see that? He will “freely give us all things.” I am claiming that verse today. How about you? The secret is to know He is the source of peace. No amount of money or things will give you that.

Father God, I praise You that You have opened wide the store houses of heaven. You are my peace.

You can make a gift to our ministry at http://www.twr.org/carl-willis.

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Bible, Peace, Promises, Protection, Scripture, Security

ONLY ONE PEACE IS TRULY PEACEFUL

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prepositions, punctuation and conjunctions can dramatically change the meaning of statement. For instance, if I said, “Let’s eat, Grandma,” you would all say that’s great. But if I said, “Let’s eat Grandma,” you might call the police. Right? We sometimes pass right over the little words or characters, but we believe that every “jot and tittle” of God’s Word is from His mouth, do we not?

So, when Paul says in today’s verse, “the peace of God,” we need pause and look at what he said. Of the 1327 times theos (God) is used in the New Testament, 698 of those times it is the genitive, theou (of God). That’s pretty significant, don’t you think. The Word of God seems to point a lot to the things that are of God. Paul knew that only the peace which belonged to (that’s what the genitive means) God can give us peace. Only His peace is will.

APPLICATION

But look at the rest of this verse. This peace is not an idle peace. First of all, it “surpasses all comprehension.” It is incomprehensible. We cannot fathom the depths of God’s peace. We cannot understand why He would give it to us. We do not know how it truly works but can feel it working. Am I right?

Jesus said in John 14:27, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” Because He said that, Paul can tell us that it “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s peace is actively guarding our hearts and minds. Isn’t that awesome?

Our hearts and our minds are guarded by God’s peace. How does He do that? By drawing us close to us. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” What a promise! And if God is near, our hearts and minds are guarded. His Spirit in us works with God’s peace to comfort and protect us. What a marvelous God we have. Amen?

Lord, thank You for Your peace in my life. I could not face a day without it.

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Bible, Heaven, Promises, Reserved, Scripture

STORED UP

COLOSSIANS 1:5

“because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” 

My dad was a storer. What does that mean? That means he didn’t throw anything away. He always said, “I might need that one day.” Every extra screw, bolt, nut, tool in his workroom testified to that when he died. The sad thing was he had to leave it all behind. None of those earthly things were needed in heaven. Storing worldly possessions doesn’t really matter, in the long run.

Paul tells his audience to remember the hope that is stored up for them in heaven. What a glorious thought. The Greek word for “reserved” is apokeimai. Strong’s Lexicon says this about this word.  It “conveys the idea of something being set aside or reserved for future use. It often implies a sense of security or assurance that what is laid up will be available when needed. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe treasures or rewards that are stored up for believers in heaven.” Don’t you just love that?

APPLICATION

This word is only used four times in the New Testament. Let’s take a look at a couple of other uses. In 2 Timothy 4:8 we read, “in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” That crown of righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord stored it up for us. He’s watching it. What a promise!

In Hebrews 9:27, the writer says, “And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,” It has been said that there are two absolutes in the world – death and taxes. Death is assured. We will all die, unless Christ returns before you die. Your death is “stored” up and waiting on you. Are you ready? I am. I am not planning on going any time soon, but if death comes ringing my door, I will gladly open it.

Listen, there are some things that are promised to you by God. And if God makes a promise, you can be sure it will happen. God does not make empty promises. Paul tells the believers that there is hope stored up for them in heaven. Do you have that hope? I pray you do. It is only accessible through Jesus. Come to Him.

O Lord, thank You for watching over all those things You have promised me.

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Bible, Children, Honor, Parents, Promises, Scripture

THE PROMISES OF GOD

EPHESIANS 6:3

“SO THAT IT MAY TURN OUT WELL FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”

God’s promises are true, no matter what. One of my favorite promises is found in Isaiah 41:10. “‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” There are so many promises to quote, but I want to limit myself to just a few. If you want a fuller list, check out this site: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/gods-promises-verses-in-the-bible/

In today’s verse we see Paul continuing to quote from the Old Testament command to honor your parents. Here we see the promise He gives to children for that obedience. He says things “may turn out well for you” and “you may live long on the earth.” Those are some good promises. That does not mean every child who obeys will be rich and live to be 100. But it does promise that He will care and watch after them.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about the promise of long life. “(1) that long life is a blessing. (2) it is still true that obedience to parents is conducive to length of life, and that those who are most obedient in early life, other things being equal, have the best prospect of living long. This occurs because: (a) obedient children are saved from the vices and crimes which shorten life. (b) Obedience to parents is connected with virtuous habits that are conducive to long life. (c) Many a life is lost early by disobeying a parent. (d) We may still believe that God, in his providence, will watch over those who are obedient to a father and mother.” Those are pretty good, huh?

I was walking this morning and listening to praise music and a song came on that speaks to this issue of God’s promises. Part of the chorus says this, “I’m reaping the promises God gave to me, taking back what the devil stole from me.” (From Faithful – Faithful is Our God) Don’t you just love that? As I obey the Lord, I can reap those promises He has given me. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) But with God’s strength, I can reclaim those promises.

One of my all-time favorite verses on God’s promises is found near the end of Joshua. In 21:45 we read, “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” That is still true today. It is for Israel, and it is for us. If God said it, that settles it. Amen? So, today walk in the promises of God.

You are so faithful, Lord, to keep all Your promises to us.

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Bible, Foolishness, God's Will, Promises, Scripture, Understanding

DON’T BE A FOOL

EPHESIANS 5:17

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 

A quote that is attributed to Abraham Lincoln is “It is better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Charles Spurgeon once had a note placed on the pulpit where he was preaching that simply said, “Fool.” He said to the audience, “Well, I have had many notes and letters written to me that were left unsigned. This is the first one that was signed but had no message.”

No one wants to be considered foolish or to be called a fool. In Galatians, Paul calls them “You foolish Galatians” because they were going back to their former thinking and denying his teachings. Here in Ephesians 5:17, he tells the Ephesians to “not be foolish.” He said instead for them to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” That can be a tall order, can’t it? How many times have you wondered what the Lord’s will was for you? Too many to count, right?

APPLICATION

Does that make you a fool? No, I don’t think so. If we are pursuing His will, we are not being foolish. But to know it and ignore, that is definitely foolish. The word used here for “foolish” means someone who just does not understand cause and effect. They don’t seem to grasp that every decision we make has consequences. They may be good or bad, but they will come. When we pursue God’s will, good things follow. I don’t mean bad things won’t happen. I do mean that the ultimate consequence of our following God’s will is good.

In Luke 11:40, Jesus called the Pharisees “You foolish ones” because they were more concerned in keeping the ceremonial laws than in obeying God. Sometimes we can do a right thing and be miles away from God’s will. That is foolish. Understanding God’s will may take time. He may disclose His will to you in pieces, not all at once. That’s okay.

Do you want to be foolish? I don’t think so. Do you want to understand God’s will? Probably. I say probably because you may not. It may cost you something you are not willing to give up. I am sorry, but that is foolish. What God requires is always better than what we want. Trust Him. Seek Him. His will is not a best kept secret. He wants to reveal it to you. Don’t be a fool!

Lord, forgive my foolishness for not seeking Your will more readily.

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Ascension, Bible, Heaven, Promises, Redemption, Salvation, Scripture

WHERE DID HE GO?

EPHESIANS 4:9

“(Now this expression, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?”

There is a town in Tennessee called Mountain City. It is appropriately named and is in a beautiful area of the state. The Great Smokey Mountains are breathtaking. This town is most easily accessed by going up from Tennessee into North Carolina and then back to Tennessee. So, you have to go up in order to go down.

Today’s verse has been interpreted in a number of ways. I am not going to go into all those ideas. I agree with those who say Paul was simply saying Jesus went back to heaven after having come down to earth. He ascended and had previously descended. Those two words, “ascended” an “descended,” simply mean what they say.

APPLICATION

But what does that mean for us today? Simply put – Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth for our salvation and once that was done, He returned to prepare a place for us. Go back to Luke 2. What’s that about? It’s about the birth of Lord. He was born in a stable, a very humble place. His birth was first proclaimed to shepherds, a very lowly occupation. Jesus came down in the form of a baby to reach everyone, even the lowest of the low.

And praise God – He accomplished His mission and ascended on high. Acts 1:9-11 give us a picture of this ascension. “9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’”

Are you star gazing waiting on Jesus to return or are you serving Him faithfully as you wait? These angels told us that He is coming back. We don’t know when, but He is coming. How will He find you walking with Him? Jesus came down with purpose and returned with purpose. We need to live our lives every day with the same kind of divine purpose.

O Lord, thank You for sending Jesus down to us to rescue and for returning to prepare our heavenly home.

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Access, Appearance, Bible, God's Will, Messages, Mind, Mystery, Presence, Promises, Revelation, Scripture

REVELATION BY THE SPIRIT

EPHESIANS 3:5

“which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;”

Revelations are pretty cool. What do I mean by that? I am not trying to be mystical or anything. Think about your everyday life. Sometimes things just “come” to you, as if the thought just popped out of nowhere. These revelations can be explained in a lot of ways – a subconscious thought, a memory, etc. But there were and still are some revelations that can only be explained by the Spirit.

Paul tells the Ephesians that this revelation he has received concerning the mystery of grace came from God through the Holy Spirit. This revelation, this apokaluptó, shows how this happened. The word means to take the cover off to reveal what has been hidden. The Holy Spirit has uncovered the secrets of grace to Paul and the other apostles and prophets. They have been given the privilege of understanding in order to teach it. It wasn’t their secret to keep. It was meant to be shared.

APPLICATION

What has God revealed to you? Jesus told us in Matthew 10:26, “‘So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.’” He wants to reveal Himself to you fully. He wants you to know as much as you can handle about this wonderful thing called grace. He wants to use you to spread this revelation to others.

This “revealing” by the Spirit is not a one-time thing. God continues to reveal things to you at the right time. Look what Philippians 3:15 says. “Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;” He checks your attitude. Now, who doesn’t need that?

I have said it multiple times in my blogs. God does not want to play hide-and-seek with you. He wants you to find Him. He is not hiding. He is standing right out in the open. Just look. Open your eyes and ask Him to show you what you need. He promises to come alongside us and walk with us. You can’t get much more revealing than that.

O Lord, You are a revealing God. Thank You for showing us Yourself in Your Son, Jesus

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AMAZED, Answers, Bible, Insight, Knowledge, Mystery, Promises, Questions, Scripture

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 3:4

“By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,”

I really like putting jigsaw puzzles together. There is just something about finding the right piece for the right spot. And then when you put that final piece in, you can step back and admire the finished product. Some people actually frame their finished puzzles. I prefer to tear it all apart and putting it all together again.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse which is translated as “insight.” It’s the Greek word, sunesis, which means putting it all together in your mind. Paul has been given the privilege to gather all the pieces of the grace of God and can now proclaim those to the Ephesians. The mystery of grace is now explained. The Gentiles are welcomed into God’s kingdom along with the Jews who have believed. Paul wants the Ephesians to understand this completely.

APPLICATION

Do you remember the story about the twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple. Well, this word, sunesis, is used in Luke 2:47 to explain Jesus’ understanding of the law. “And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.” Of course, Jesus had full understanding of the Scriptures. But the people were amazed at his knowledge. As you gain more insights into God’s Word, others may be just as amazed at your understanding. Handle that humbly.

We see sunesis used also in 2 Timothy 2:7 when Paul was encouraging Timothy to be strong. “Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” Do you desire a deeper understanding of God’s Word? Do you want to gain more insight in what God is trying to show us? Ask Him. He will give to us as we show the desire.

Back to that jigsaw puzzle. What do you do if you come up one piece short? It’s kind of frustrating. It just isn’t complete without that last piece. God will never withhold that last piece from you. He wants you to be fully informed. He wants to complete you in Christ. No missing pieces!

Thank You, Father, for the completion of Your gift of grace

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