Category Archives: Warnings

Bible, Scripture, Sin, Captivity, Escape, Warnings, War, Romans

TUG OF WAR

ROMANS 7:23

“but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts.”

I have always liked the game of tug of war. It is especially fun when each side is divided by water or, better yet, a mud pit. You pull and pull to keep from being pulled into that water or mud. Of course, you have teammates. Depending on the size of the teammates you may have an advantage or disadvantage. However, you never want to go solo in a game of tug of war against another team. That would spell disaster.

When I read today’s verse, that image of tug of war came to mind. It’s as if Paul sees his spirit and his flesh in this spiritual tug of war. Whichever side is stronger wins. I have never quoted from the following source, but I found the comments worthy of a read. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary says this about verse 23, “here the apostle describes himself, when drawn under the power of his sinful nature, as forcibly seized and reluctantly dragged to his enemy’s camp, from which he would gladly make his escape.” That’s pretty good.

APPLICATION

The word translated as “making…a prisoner” is aichmalótizó. I wouldn’t even begin to try to pronounce that, lol. But the word means to “lead away captive, bring into captivity.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) Do you get what Paul is saying and what we feel regarding sin? Sin tries to drag us down and keep us captive. This word is only used three other times in the New Testament.

In Luke 21:24 Jesus says, “‘and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.’” He prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem and the enslavement of the people.

In 2 Corinthian 10:5 Paul uses the word again to say how we are to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. We have that power to control our thoughts and behaviors through the Holy Spirit. There is no excuse for allowing them to control us. But you can’t take captive what you haven’t already defeated. You have to put down those thoughts first.

The last time aichmalótizó is used is in 2 Timothy 3:6 where Paul issues a warning to Timothy that in the last days people will cause a lot of trouble including this: “For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses,” But we are more than conquerors. We have power over sin, if we choose to exercise it. Do you want to be the captor or the captive of sin?

Father, I claim Your power over every sin that seeks to drag me away.

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, Escape, Gospel, Salvation, Scripture, Warnings

NO ESCAPE

ROMANS 2:3

But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God?

I have never had to escape a burning building or a sinking ship, but I did have to escape a pretty serious car wreck back in 1975. Long story made short – an end-over-end flipped Lincoln Continental that had been traveling over 100 mph. All four of us walked away with just scratches and bruises. It was truly a miracle. We had to escape through one little opening that was left when the roof caved in and rested on the front seat.

Paul is describing another kind of escape in today’s verse. This is an escape from judgment. What does he say? He says, “Do you reckon you will escape judgment if you are passing judgment while you are doing the same thing you are judging?” This is a tough verse, but it has to be said. You can’t sit in judgment of others while you are doing the same thing. God will hold you accountable as well.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says this about ekpheugó which Paul uses  and is translated as “escape.” “The verb thus serves as a sober reminder that neglect of salvation inevitably forfeits escape.” This ties in perfectly with Hebrews 2:3 which says, “how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” There will be no escape for those who refuse Jesus as Savior.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 we find ekpheugó used again, “2 For you yourselves now full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” But we have a warning through the Gospel. We have a way of escape, if we turn to Him.

The writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 12:25, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns us from heaven.” The Son of God came and gave us fair warning. All through Scripture we are warned of the danger, the eternal danger of refusing God’s call. You’ve been warned. Are you heeding His warning today?

Father, I give You thanks for calling me and giving me the way of escape from the penalty of sin.

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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Beware, Bible, Enemies, Evil, Gospel, Scripture, Warnings

BEWARE!

PHILIPPIANS 3:2

“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;”

Contrary to what some of my UGA Dawg haters claim, this verse is NOT talking about my beloved Dawgs, lol. Seriously though, this verse is a warning verse. Being aware of your surroundings is important, especially on the highway. My Uncle always warns me before I leave on a road trip to “watch out for those fools on the road.” In other words, drive defensively.

Paul tells us to beware of three things – dogs, evil workers and the false circumcision. We’ll take a look at what he meant by all three. But first, why did he tell us to “beware”? That’s the Greek word blépō which means “to see, be observant (watchful).  Blépō) suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul tells them to put on their spiritual eyes.

APPLICATION

Paul says to “beware of dogs.” The word for “dogs” was used to describe a spiritual predator who feeds off others. Dogs were not like they are today. Back then most dogs were scavengers. In fact, one term they were called was “mooch pooch” because they ran around mooching off anything they could find. Spiritual dogs look for weaknesses in others and pounce on them to try to bring them down.

“Evil workers” are those “Judaizing teachers, who,..pretend to be strenuous advocates for good works, are, in fact, evil workers; sowing the seeds of discord, strife, contention, and division, among the…members of Christ.” (Benson commentary). There is nothing much worse than someone pretending to be one thing but turning out to be something totally different. You might call these individuals a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Lastly, Paul “beware of the false circumcision.” These were the people who insisted that circumcision was required of the Gentiles for salvation. Paul seemed to battle this group wherever he went. But Paul insisted that adding anything to what Christ did on the cross for us was, in fact, adding to the Gospel.

Now, let me warn you. These people are still out there. All three still exist in some form or the other. Sadly, many of them are in our churches trying to tear down the purpose of the church and its mission. Keep your spiritual eyes on. Look past the physical into the spiritual motives of people. Our only purpose should be to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and glorify the Father in heaven.

O Lord, give me Your eyesight to perceive and recognize those who would do me or others harm spiritually.

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Beware, Bible, Guard, Scripture, Walking, Warnings

WALKING WISELY

EPHESIANS 5:15

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,”

Long gone are my days of reckless abandon, jumping across creeks, running through the woods and walking recklessly down steep hills. I can’t feel my feet that well anymore since I developed neuropathy from my chemotherapy a few years ago. I have to watch each step I take. I can’t rely on feel. I have to be able to see where I am stepping or leaping or jumping. One misstep and I could break an ankle or leg.

The Greek text gives a clearer emphasis of what Paul is writing in today’s verse. It literally reads, “Take heed, therefore, carefully how you walk…” The first word is blépō, which according to HELPS Word studies, means this, “properly, to see, be observant (watchful). Blépō suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” Then we see the Greek word translated “carefully.” This word refers to having the highest degree of accuracy. These two words together give a much clearer image than just “be careful.” Paul is telling us to look closely and carefully and apply what we see.

APPLICATION

That advice can be applied in many areas of our life, but especially our spiritual walk. How many times have you and I taken a wrong step spiritually? Too many to count! In Mark 8:15, we see blepo used when Jesus refers to the leaven of the Pharisees. “And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.’” Look carefully for those things that want to deceive you.

In Philippians 3:2, Paul uses blepo three times to give us warning. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Warning signs! Danger ahead! Take caution! Guard yourself! In each example of this word blepo I have given you, it is in the Present Imperative Active which means it’s a command that is to be continuously followed. You can’t afford to take a day off.

I am reminded of the death of King Ahab of Israel. Remember? Let me remind you from 1 Kings 22:34. “Now one man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am severely wounded.’” He had disguised himself and even brought in a “body double,” King Jehoshaphat of Judah, to throw off the enemy’s attack on him. But he was still struck by an arrow and died. You cannot disguise yourself enough to hide from the enemy’s arrows aimed at you. You must guard your heart daily with His Word and His Spirit. Beware!

Father, thank You that You are constantly guarding me. Keep me alert and aware of the devil’s schemes.

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Bible, Devil, Forgiveness, Humility, Scripture, Sin, Trials, Trouble, Warnings

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

ZECHARIAH 12:9

“And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

We receive all kinds of warnings in this life. Our automobiles have warning lights and sounds. We see lights flashing from emergency vehicles that give us warning. You may live in a region where you have tornado sirens to warn you of an impending storm. If we are wise, we will heed those warnings and take appropriate action.

The nations have been warned. Do not come against Jerusalem. Do not attack God’s chosen people. I believe this warning is still in place. Israel is still precious to our God. He still longs to see His people redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. So, He is still protecting her to the end. We may not live to see the miraculous protection of Israel from her enemies, but I believe God is faithful to His words spoken right here in verse 9.

APPLICATION

Here are six warnings Scripture gives us which we need to pay attention to.

  1. Sin – Jesus said in John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.’” We are to avoid sin at all costs, not just excuse it.
  2. The devil – Too often we don’t take the devil seriously. We “don’t go in for all that super spiritual stuff.” Well, he’s real and has you in his crosshairs. Remember he even tempted Jesus in the wilderness.
  3. Stuff – Matthew 6:19 Jesus tells us, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.’”
  4. False teaching – We are warned over and over about this in the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:19 warns us “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”
  5. Judging others wrongly – In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus tells us not to judge someone else when we are guilty of the same or worse sin.
  6. The lack of humility – Oh, this is a big one for most of us. But the Bible is plain on this. Both James (James 4:6) and Peter (1 Peter 5:5) tell us that God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Father, help me heed these warnings today. I want to walk in a manner worthy of You.

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