“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” (1 Tim. 6:20 ESV)

 Avoid foolish controversies

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,” (Titus 3:9-10 ESV)

 Let no one take you captive by philosophy 

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col. 2:8 ESV)

 God has made foolish the wisdom of the world 

“For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Cor. 1:19-20)

Therefore…

“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Cor. 2:6-10 ESV)

 “Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.” (Psalm 66:5)

Peripety: a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal.

You don’t hear the word peripety used often. It simply means a sudden turn of events or a dramatic twist or reversal in the story. You can find many examples of it in the Bible, because God is a master of peripety!

Examples of peripety in the Bible

• Joseph - suddenly released from prison and promoted to 2nd position in power in Egypt “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.  You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” (Gen. 41:1-45 NIV). 

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into a fiery furnace by King of Babylon - delivered from the fire and unhurt. “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." (Dan. 3:25, ESV) “Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! (Dan. 3:28 NIV)

• Daniel - thrown into the lion’s den – released the next day without a scratch, and his false accusers tossed in and devoured by the lions. “The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.” (Dan. 6:23-24 NIV)

• Queen Esther, her cousin Modecai, and the Jewish people, are condemned to death through an evil plot by the King of Persia’s chief adviser, Haman. - Esther foils the plan and wins permission from the king for the Jews to kill their enemies, and they do so. Haman is then impaled on the pole he built for Mordecai, then Mordecai is promoted to 2nd command to the king and given all of Haman’s land and fortune. (Book of Esther).  

Therefore…

 God is the God of peripety, of impossible turn arounds, and nothing is too hard for Him! If you receive bad news from your doctor, if you lose your job, if experience loss, if politics appear corrupt or impossible, don’t give up hope! God is still God and nothing is beyond His control or intervention! He can turn things around! Trust Him!

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jer. 32:27)

Quote:

“The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” -Jesus

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor. 16:14 ESV)

When love is your motivation…

• Your attitude toward others will be right

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor 13:4-7 ESV)

• Your life will have more harmony

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14 ESV)

• People will know you are Christ’s disciple

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

• You will be without fear

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)

• You will abide in God

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 ESV)

• Your reward will be great

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)

 Therefore…

 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom. 12:10 ESV)

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Rom. 12:9 ESV)

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Rom. 13:8 ESV)

 Quote:

 “The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy.” - Dwight L. Moody

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Heb. 11:16 ESV)

Duel citizenship: being a citizen of two countries simultaneously and sharing the rights and responsibilities of the citizens in each country. 

We are citizens of God’s kingdom

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21 ESV)

 “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” (Col. 1:13 ESV)

While here, we represent Christ

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20 ESV)

Therefore…

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3 ESV)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:1-4 ESV)

Quote:

"I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same." - C.S. Lewis

“When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.” (Prov. 28:12 ESV)

Triumphant means experiencing, celebrating, or having achieved a triumph —an especially significant or noteworthy victory or success. Triumph is also commonly used as a verb meaning to win, succeed, or be victorious in an epic or spectacular way. Sometimes, it means to conquer.

God always leads us in triumph in Christ

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2 Cor. 2:14 ESV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57 ESV)

Therefore…

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Col. 2:15 ESV)

Quote

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - Jesus

“If you want a wonderful experience, take your New Testament and use a concordance to look up the two little words, but God. See how many times human resources have been brought to an utter end; despair has gripped the heart and pessimism and gloom has settled upon a people; and there is nothing that can be done. Then see how the Spirit of God writes in luminous letters, but God, and the whole situation changes into victory.” - Ray C. Stedman

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NIV)

 Don’t give up because you will be blessed

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)

Don’t give up because you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Heb. 12:1 ESV)

Don’t give up so you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Don’t give up because the Lord is compassionate and merciful

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 ESV)

Don’t give up! Endure and be saved

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13 ESV)

 Don’t give up because Jesus is coming soon

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Rev. 3:11 ESV)

Therefore…

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6 ESV) 

“If we endure, we will also reign with him;” (2 Tim. 2:12 ESV)

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

Great and awesome wonders performed by God 

 “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” (Deut. 10:21)

Miracles were performed by faith, in the Name of Jesus

 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” (Acts 3:16)

 “While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:30 ESV)

God did extraordinary miracles through the Apostle Paul

 “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

 Therefore…

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 ESV)

Quote:

“How quickly we forget God's great deliverances in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past.” - David Wilkerson

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Eph. 4:16 NLT)

The body of Christ consists of one Spirit but many members

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” (1 Cor. 12:12-14 ESV)

The body of Christ, though many members, have many different functions

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Rom. 12:4-5 ESV)

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:27-31 ESV)

Christ is the head of the body

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Col. 1:18 ESV)

“That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:20-23 ESV)

Therefore…

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10 ESV)

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col. 3:14-16 ESV)

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lam. 3:25 ESV)

Pray and wait patiently

During a personal problem (or even a national crises), God is always where to go for help. However, be patient and don’t give up or get discouraged while you wait for God’s answer. Sometimes there is a length of time between your prayer for help and God’s answer to arrive. In one case, even though God immediately answered Daniel’s prayer, it was delayed for 21 days because of spiritual warfare resisting it. It’s a good thing that Daniel didn’t give up, but waited patiently, expecting God’s answer (Dan. 10:13-21). In today’s world of instant everything, Christians often give up too soon and miss out. The Bible says to remain strong with courage and patience, and to expect God to answer. And He will! 

Wait with courage and strength

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14 ESV)

Wait patiently, trusting God to answer 

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” (Psalm 40:1-5 ESV)

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 ESV) 

Wait on the Lord for renewed strength

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31 ESV)

Wait on the Lord while doing these things

“But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” (Psalms 71:14-16 NLT)

Therefore…

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 ESV)

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-8 ESV)

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isa. 30:18 ESV)