Perception

INTRODUCTION 

How we perceive things from a Christian Perspective greatly affects our understanding and our actions and our future. In this lesson I will cover how we perceive things from the perspective of The World, The Word and The Way. It is often said that “seeing is believing”. As Christians we know that we must believe first and then we will see. But, often enough we do not see what is right in front of us. 

Here’s an interesting Story

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.” “What does that tell you?” Holmes asked. Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?” Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. “Watson, you idiot. Somebody has stolen our tent!” 

Definition:

Perception: For this lesson I will define Perception as: the way things are seen as a result of who we are and what we do. This term will also include the meaning of Perspective – that is, where you stand when you perceive. Perspective: Is the way things are seen (Perception) from where we stand: in the Kingdom of Darkness or in the Kingdom of Light. World: Refers to the world system with all its values, mind-set, philosophies of life and priorities that run contrary to the will and way of God. The three Enemies we encounter and will discuss is: The World itself and its systems and philosophies, the Flesh and the Devil. The world suggests that your success requires you to turn away from the path of godliness – to neglect developing your relationship with God. The world defines success as Wealth and Power. But Jesus said a life without God or the things of God is worthless, regardless of its appearance. Mark: 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” 

How do you see things in: The World 

Jesus prayed to His Father,  I do not ask you to take them (His disciples) out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. John 17:15 

The “World” He’s referring to, are all the people who don’t know God, along with all their attitudes that are hostile and ungodly. Our first response is to run away and isolate ourselves. That’s why monks went to monasteries in the wilderness, where no one else would go. They were trying to escape from “the world” so they wouldn’t be tempted by it. But how could they be “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14) if they were not in it? Jesus wants us to go into the world, but He doesn’t want the world to get into us. A submarine can’t fulfill its purpose if it is out of the water. It must be submerged into the ocean before it can be effective. Even though the sub is surrounded by water, the water can’t get inside because it is insulated. The submarine was prepared ahead of time, before it went into the sea, to have all possible areas sealed where leaks could occur. We must do likewise. This is the meaning of Sanctification. That is to be set apart. (We will get into that in depth later.) In the same way, we are to be insulated from the world but not isolated from it.

We need to be prepared ahead of time, before we go into the world, to seal off all possible areas where the world can leak in. The Lord wants us to influence the world – but not for the world to influence us. We must be an expert in everything we do. Starting with our lives as a Christian. Remember in Genesis that there was a “Snake in the garden” (To be a later Blog)? In the world, there are “Snakes in the Garden”. The World, The Flesh, The Devil. For this study we will cover all of these enemies (Snakes in the garden) of God.  

Long ago, William Law (a church of England priest) warned that the world is now a greater enemy to the Christian than it ever was in apostolic times: It is a greater enemy because it has greater influence than our Churches. How? Through the media: TV, Books, Magazines, our own educational system and much more. It attracts our children and teaches them. (Read my Blog on Everyone is a Teacher.) The world is exciting and offers many attractions like, wealth, honor, power and especially immediate gratification. “I want it and I want it NOW!” All these are far more harmful than any of the persecutors of the Apostolic age. It is more dangerous enemy because it has lost it appearance as an enemy and appears as an “Angel of Light”. Its’ outward profession of Christianity makes it no longer considered as an enemy and therefore the people are easily persuaded to resign themselves up to be governed and directed by it. 

ENEMY #1 –  The World: 

You once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air (the Devil), the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh. (Ephesians 2: 2,3) 

When the Bible talks about the world being our enemy it is referring to its systems and philosophies. This is the constant undercurrent of pride and humanism that says we can do anything we want to do under our own power. It is a philosophy that pushes out God. It tells us we can control our own life. We do not need God. We have the power to do what we want, when we want and the way we want. Even Christians are tempted to think that they can live godly lives without the help of God and His guidance – by the Holy Spirit. This is the world trying to control our thinking. In the World Everyone is a teacher. From the moment of your conception until the moment you sit before me now, everyone has taught you something. Satan, through the world systems and philosophies hates Jesus Christ and is using you as a battering ram. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.” 1 John 2: 15-17 

Your Defense:

Faith: This is the only defense we have. Our faith in Christ. If God does not help us with this world, there is no help. But, because of the Cross there is help. It is by the Cross that the world is overcome.

 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 john 5: 4,5) 

Our Helper:

God the Father: The love of God will come along side us and protect us from the world. When we place our attention and love toward God, our attraction to the world will diminish.  

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (I John 2:15

Picture this: White Noise:

The world produces noise / static that makes it difficult for us to tune into our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as an old radio produces static and makes it difficult to get or listen to a station, the world’s White Noise makes it difficult for us to tune into the voice of God.  We need to produce what is called a “White Noise” in our Spiritual life. This “White Noise” will interfere and actually block our the sound waves (Noise & Static) of the world. 

How? Through prayer (praying in tongues) and reading the Word daily.  When we develop these habits / skills, we will produce a ‘White Noise” that will drown out the static of the world and enable us to hear the voice of God. (If God really is our Helper we Must hear His voice.) 

Remember this: The voice of God is all around us. It is not just the wellsprings in our conscience telling us what we should or should not do. The entire Universe speaks to us. The Universe is God’s creation. It is alive. 

Reflect on these scriptures:

At Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The pharisees tried to stop the cheering and Jesus said, 

“And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40) 

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12) 

And even in Genesis at the death of Abel God said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. I know these are called “Anthropomorphism. Giving human attributes to non human entities, but: Because of the Fall, we lost all harmony with man, with nature and with God. But because of the Cross we can get it all back. I will discuss this in more detail at a later time. 

For now Read this:

Francis of Assisi – patron Saint of animals: 

“He came to a spot where a large flock of birds of various kinds had come together. When God’s saint saw them, he quickly ran to the spot and greeted them as if they were endowed with reason….“He went right up to them and solicitously urged them to listen to the word of God, saying, “My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky,” Francis said, “you are bound to heaven, to God, your Creator. In every beat of your wings and every note of your songs, praise him. He has given you the greatest of gifts, the freedom of the air. You neither sow, nor reap, yet God provides for you the most delicious food, rivers, and lakes to quench your thirst, mountains, and valleys for your home, tall trees to build your nests, and the most beautiful clothing: a change of feathers with every season. You and your kind were preserved in Noah’s Ark. Clearly, our Creator loves you dearly, since he gives you gifts so abundantly. So please beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and always sing praise to God.” “He went through their midst with amazing fervor of spirit, brushing against them with his tunic. Yet none of them moved from the spot until the man of God made the sign of the cross and gave them permission to leave; then they all flew away together.  

Do Not Forget 

God is all around us. Do not limit Him or His creation. Do not become close minded to the things of God but open you mind to all possibilities. However, do indeed become closed minded to the things in the world. Develop this White Noise, Drown out the World and hear Him.·    The World will hate us – it hated Him

•  If we serve because we love Him we will not be stopped by the hatred of the world
• God is a jealous God and does not want us to share our love
• We are to love Him and Him alone with our whole mind, body and soul.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. (Mark 12: 29-30) 

We love the world meaning the people (our enemies, our neighbors as ourselves, etc.) because we Love God not because we love the world systems and philosophy. The people of the world are His and it is His will that none of us parish.

 ENEMY # 2 The Flesh 

Paul tells in Romans 7 about an internal struggle that he faces. While he wants to do good, he has a war within him because his flesh desires evil. Even the Apostle Paul who wrote half of the New Testament struggled with his own flesh. This internal struggle is shown in Romans 7:14-25. Even after our salvation the flesh is still present with us. 

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:14-25) 

Relating to Paul’s predicament here’s an interesting exercise.

 Our Defense against The Flesh

Walking in the Spirit:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Note: There is sin from which we as Christians may be forgiven and there is sin that leads to death.) The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control (not sin but sin’s control over us) over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature (of the flesh) but instead follow the Spirit (our defense against the flesh). Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. (Romans 8: 1-5) 

Whatever Happened to our sins? 

I believe this. Remember that the OT is a shadow if the NT? Remember all the sacrificial Laws? Look at these scriptures:  

“And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation. (Leviticus 4:21)  

“And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering; (Leviticus 9:3) 

“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. (Hebrews 13:11) “But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire. (Leviticus 7:17 ) 

“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. (Acts 2:31)

 “But if the Spirit of him (Who, God the Father) that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)  

Now, I said all that to say this:

• Jesus took upon Himself all our sins.
• God the Father could not look upon Jesus
•  Jesus descended into hell
• The Sin sacrifice burned off of Him
• When the sin burned off Jesus was found sinless.
•  There was no taint of sin on Him. And His body was not consumed nor did it see corruption.
• When Satan saw Jesus in this state he said may have said, OH! Bleep!, Bleep!, Bleep!8.  Satan himself destroyed the only Evidence that Demanded a Verdict  
• We are Justified and stand before our Heavenly Father, Righteous because Jesus took our sins! There is no evidence that we have sinned. Jesus burned so we didn’t have to. 

When John Glenn (the Astronaut) was entering earth’s gravitational field, Houston was not sure his heat shield would hold up. After a successful entry John’s remark was  “… the propitiatory shield took the heat”. Jesus, our shield, took the heat so we did not have to. 

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:5) 

This is also called Justification. Just as if I never sinned. 

Our Helper – The Holy Spirit

That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. (Romans 8: 8,9) 

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.)” 

ENEMY #3 The Devil

Remember again: Satan could care less about us BUT he will use us as a tool to get to Jesus.However if we are believers that are causing a lot of havoc in the Kingdom of this World, he (Satan) will do all he can to destroy us. (“Seek Kill and Destroy”) Do not be fooled by Christian sayings things like: “Satan is destroyed, I stamp him under my feet, he can not harm me”. NOT TRUE! Satan will kill you and or your loved ones. Or, John 10:10 is not true. Jesus did destroy him on the cross but we are not there yet. We still have our cross to bare.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10) 

Whatever he does to us, he knows he is doing it to Jesus. This includes three basic areas of your life:

• Your health: illness and pain
• Your finances
• Your relationships – especially that which you have with Jesus Himself.  

Remember all that I said above and in previous teachings. It is the cross, the cross, the cross that we must our main focus. 

Why?

Because Satan failed at the cross. The evidence that demands a verdict, Him (Jesus) became sin because He took on our sins, does not exist. 

Our Defense – Scripture.

Throughout the entire OT the words keep appearing:

“It is written”Joshua 8:31 “…it is written in the book of the law of Moses”2 Kings 23:21

“…as it is written in the book of this covenant.”2 Chronicles 30:5

“…for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.”2 Chronicles 31:3

“…as it is written in the law of the Lord.”Ezra 3:4

“…They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written” Nehemiah 10:36

“…as it is written in the law”Psalm 40:7

“…it is written of me,”Isaiah 4:3

“…is written among the living in Jerusalem:” Matthew 2:5

“…it is written by the prophet,”Matthew 4:4

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”Matthew 4:10

“…for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” 

The entire New Testament continuously states throughout “…it is written” 

NOTE THIS: And note it well

• To defeat Satan, this Word Must be Spoken out Loud!!
• Do not just read it, do not just Think it!!!
• SHOUT IT TO SATAN!!
• SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT!!! ·    IT IS WRITTEN…!  

This is how the Devil is defeated! 

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11) 

Our Helper Is Jesus Christ Himself the lamb of God.

Of course, Jesus is the one who conquers Satan in the end. Jesus has already delivered a death blow to Satan on the cross.

• The end of this war is coming to an end. We just have a few more battles to fight.
• We fight these battles with the Word of God –
• “It is Written” Jesus’ resurrection sealed the devil’s fate. 

This was all prophesied back in the third chapter of the Bible where God tells Satan in Genesis 3:15  that a child would come who would bruise the head of Satan. The Old Testament is filled with stories of a people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Redeemer to save them from their greatest enemy—the devil.

How do you see things in The Word – God speaks to us in the darkness. 

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isaiah 49:2) 

Whatever I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach you upon the housetops. (Matthew 10:27) 

When darkness comes it is the time to listen. If you speak you are in the wrong mood. SO DON’T SPEAK!

• His Word Brings Revelation
• It Reveals
• It is Alive The Word can hurt
• It can cause Pain
• However, it is truth
• It intensifies our sensitivity
• It is a Weapon  

Our understanding of the Lord gets gets deep, deep, deep as we grow closer to Him and, the only way to know Him is to spend time with Him. What He tells us we may not understand right away. Have patience. As we grow closer we will understand.  

When we say: “I have no misgivings about Jesus, only myself”. We are lying. We have many misgivings about Jesus and little about ourselves. What He tells you in private you may not want to reveal to anyone. This is normal. Don’t reveal. Only obey.

Remember, we often limit God by believing only what He has done for us in our past. We forget, our well may be deep but His “…Living Water” is from above and it fills our well. 

A Word about Almighty God

He is Almighty God. Never take Him for granted or be “Flippant” with Him. But for the grace, mercy, love and blood of Jesus Christ we are not struck dead. 

How do you see things in The Way?

It is said, “if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us”?

Christianity was called “The Way” 

“He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.” (Acts 9:2)

 “But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” (Acts 19:9)  

“About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way.” (Acts 19:23) 

A Word About Discipleship

Are you really a disciple of Jesus Christ? If so, are you really following Him? Are you a member of The Way? Or, are you just listening and not proclaiming in word and deed? If you hear and do not act you have lost your focus.  

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. (Hebrews 5:12-14)  

“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.”2 timothy 2:2

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (Titus 2: 3-5) 

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) 

Conclusion:

I cannot work these things in you by my teachings. I can only tell you about them, motivate you to learn, and pray that the Holy Spirit will help you understand what He has taught me. We must learn Coram Deo, to “Live in the presence of God”. It will not be what we think. The magnificence of this type of obedience is beyond our ability to understand. We only see little snapshots, and have difficulty understanding them. 

Enough said .

Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)