“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Heb. 4:2 KJV)

One group did and one group didn’t!

This promise is talking about two groups (types) of people hearing the same Word of God that was preached to both of them. One group heard it and profited from it and one group heard it and did not profit from it! Many Christians don’t believe the Word of God completely (wholeheartedly), and so they get no profit from it! It doesn’t work for them! Oh, they say they believe. But, when push comes to shove, and the chips are down, so to speak, they don’t actually do. And, the proof is in the results. To follow them around and watch them, and to listen to their “talk” (what rolls out of their mouths), you would never think they were Christians. Out of their mouths come worry-words and doubt-words. And this makes the Word of God not work for them!

Why is this so? 

The Bible puts it this way, “the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” The promises of God are all faith activated! The Word of God only works for those who mix faith with it! That explains why some Christians benefit from the promises of God while others do not!

This is a huge problem in the church!

Christians who should be walking and living victoriously by faith, and enjoying the “fruit” of God’s thousands of promises, which cover every conceivable need, act and behave like unbelievers. 

Here is another example

God promises in James 1:5 that you can ask God for wisdom and He will generously supply it. But, you read a little further in the same passage and you will find this qualifier (James 1:6-8 KJV) “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let that man not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” A double minded man! Unstable in all his ways! That is the problem!

Here’s what to do!

Decide today to trust the Word of God completely, no matter how things may look! If the Word of God promises it, that must settle it for you! Mix your faith with His Word and it will work for you every time!

Therefore…

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 ESV) 

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:22 ESV)

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“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?” (Matt.6:31 ESV)

The sudden flood

When I was a young child, we lived a half mile from the Van Duzen River in Northern California. One winter it rained so much that the river suddenly overflowed its banks and grew to an astounding five miles wide!

It happened very fast and we were caught totally by surprise!

We were in our home having dinner, not expecting any problem, when suddenly water started coming into the house from under the doors. We didn’t have time to save anything from our house or farm! When Daddy saw the water coming into the house he jumped up from his chair and grabbed my brother David and me and rushed us out the front door. Our car was already not drivable so we waded quickly through the fast-rising water towards the nearest hill, and then we climbed upward to safety. From our vantage point on the hill we looked down to see our home, livestock, and everything we owned, quickly disappearing under water!

“Don’t be afraid!!

Even though it was obvious that we had just lost everything, Daddy told us repeatedly not to be afraid.  He said it would be okay because he would be taking care of us. While assuring us with his gentle words, he held our small hands tightly in his strong ones. And we felt safe!

And Daddy kept his promise!

He was able to take care of us because he had plenty of money in the bank as well as good flood insurance! We in fact didn’t go without a thing! We went to the store and bought clothes and we stayed in a nice hotel until Daddy could make more permanent arrangements.

In the same way, God has our needs completely covered!

No matter what should suddenly happen to us, or how bad something may look, we never have to “be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?” He has it all covered!

Therefore…

”Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24 ESV)

”And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19 ESV)

”If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:11 ESV)

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“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” (1 Cor. 10:6 KJV)

Avoid the school of hard knocks

This is the promise of many “examples” readily available throughout the Bible to help us avoid evil things. By using them for instruction we don’t have to learn critical lessons first-hand at the “school of hard knocks”. They will provide insight to keep us from making the same mistakes others have made.

In some cases, the examples are positive ones (Esther and Joseph) and teach us about faith.

Here are two examples

The first one is about Joseph who remained faithful to God, and was blessed even during negative times. The second is about David, who fell into deep sin, but was eventually restored to God.

We can learn some important lessons by reading about their lives

• Joseph – A young man with visions from God, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He was lied about and betrayed by his slave owner’s wife. He was put into prison and remained there for many years. But, he did not lose hope because he knew God was with him! He was always faithful to God and God blessed him and made him successful. He went from the pit to the palace in one day! (Gen. 41:46).

• David – Lusted after another man’s wife, had an affair with her, then committed murder to try and cover it up. He was shown his sin by Nathan, he then repented, and was restored to God. (Psalm 51). He is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart”.

Therefore…

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance The race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.…” (Heb. 12:1-2)

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“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)

Heavenly wisdom defined in Scripture 

The above passage defines heavenly wisdom in a few words. Below is the verse, written out one piece at a time, with added scripture to further show meaning and application. 

• “The wisdom that comes down from above  – “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

• Is first of all pure – “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6)

• Then peace-loving – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9)

• Considerate – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)

• Submissive – “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph. 5:21)

• Full of mercy – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

• And good fruit – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (James 1:5)

• Impartial – “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,” (Acts 10:34) 

• And sincere.” – “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:17)

Therefore…

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (Prov. 2:6)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10)

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Prov. 3:13-18)

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“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccles. 4:9-12 KJV)

Many applications

This is another flexible promise that you can use in many applications. It will work in a family (working together as a team), in a business (partnerships), and all kinds of positive relationships (friendships). 

It especially works well in marriage relationships!

Couples who see themselves as totally committed partners (the Bible calls it “one flesh”) are empowered to accomplish amazing things together. They become stronger working together than what was ever possible going it alone! They are able to take advantage of each other’s strengths to overcome challenges and succeed.

A threefold cord

The last part of this promise says, “a threefold cord is not quickly broken”. In a marriage relationship that third cord must be God! When a couple puts God into their relationship, something wonderful happens. As they pray together to get closer to God, they get closer to each other in the process! And, another wonderful thing happens! The promise of Matthew 18:19 becomes active for them: “If two of you will agree together on anything, then God will do it”.

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“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 KJV)

God is your personal Shepherd!

You never have to worry about anything! Ever! Not only does he take care of your “need” he also takes care of your “wants”!

There is a good reason that God compares himself to a “good shepherd”

• A good shepherd takes care of every single one of his sheep. (Is. 40:11)

• He lays down his life for his sheep (Jesus did that for you! – John 10:11)

• The sheep are led to “green pastures and still waters” where they get all their wants met in complete safety. (Rev. 7:17)

Therefore…

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

“And, my God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7 ESV)

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

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“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13 KJV)

This is a wonderful and very powerful promise!

First, it says, “For Whosoever”! Wow! That means ANYONE who calls upon the Lord SHALL be saved! And, this promise is MUCH BIGGER than it looks when you define the last word in this promise “saved” in the original Greek language. That word for “saved” is “sozo” (σῴζω – sózó).

Here is the Greek translation: (you can look it up yourself in Strong’s Concordance):

• Saved from destruction,

• Healed from disease,

• Rescued from the penalty of sin, and

• Protected from danger.

Therefore!

So, what does this familiar promise say now that you know the Greek definition of the word “saved” (sozo) that is used in this promise? Let’s look.

“For whosoever shall call upon of the name of the Lord shall be saved, healed, rescued, and protected!

And, on top of this, the Greek word sozo (saved) is found 108 times in the New Testament! Now that’s something to get really excited about!

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“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11 NASB)

I love this promise/command combination verse, that says that if we serve or speak, we should do so “as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies”.

You are God’s instrument!

Wow, this is clearly telling you to be an instrument of God! This means when you are speaking, you should expect God to speak through you; you let Him use your voice! And when you serve, you should expect God to serve through you; you allow Him to use your hands to serve!

How do you do this?

You fill your mind with God’s Words, so that they will roll off your tongue instantly, in positive and helpful ways (Out of the abundance of a man’s heart, so he speaks – Luke 6:34), and so that His Words will transform the way you behave, and will make you useful, kind, and helpful (Be transformed by the renewing of your mind – Rom. 12:2).

Here is the litmus test 

You know you are doing it correctly when it brings glory to Jesus Christ. 

Hansi, the girl who loved the swastika 

Many years ago I had the privilege of meeting Maria Anne Hirschmann (you can read her story in her book, “Hansi, the girl who loved the swastika - Tyndale House Publishers), who, as a young peasant girl, had been intrenched in Adolf Hitler’s youth brigade. She had also been held in a Russian prison camp and forced into slave labor as part of the many horrors of WWII! But, through an amazing set of circumstances, she was able to escape Nazi Germany and flee to an American prison camp. She hoped that she would be treated better by the American soldiers than she had been by the Russian soldiers. And, she was! Many of the American soldiers were Christians. At their camp she found both kindness as well as a genuine life-changing faith in Jesus Christ.

Hansi’s prayer “A nail upon the wall”

After the war concluded she traveled everywhere telling about her amazing journey from hopeless desperation to joyful redemption. Wherever she spoke, she always started every talk exactly the same way, with the same simple “Hansi’s prayer”: “Lord, make me a nail upon the wall. And upon this thing, so insignificant and small; hang a great big picture of thy wonderful, smiling, face!”

Hansi expected God to use her and speak through her, and He always did! And, according to 1 Peter 4:11, He will certainly do the same with you!

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 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

Constantly make adjustments

The problem with “living sacrifices” is they keep crawling off the altar! In other words, to be a living sacrifice you must continually work at getting back into the “living sacrifice” position, which is to constantly make adjustments to your attitude and your own way of thinking about things, by continually putting yourself back where you are allowing yourself to be used by God; By giving him “your reasonable service”, always adjusting your thinking to His thinking, and always bringing your life and will into alignment with what His Word says!

Necessary course corrections 

I remember hearing a story a few years ago describing the first astronaut’s trip to the moon. Apparently, they were just shot upwards towards the moon’s general direction, and then they had to continually make necessary course adjustments along the way to make it possible for them to finally arrive there. They said the trip was very zig-zaggy. In the same way, we must continually make necessary adjustments in our faith journey, and, we will eventually arrive where we need to be!

The great news is that it will change your life when you do!

When you take His Word, what God says about anything, then apply your faith to it, and adjust your own thinking to conform instead to His thinking, you are able to then transform your mind! Your thinking will become like His, and through your new way of thinking, you will come to realize, understand, and even prove, God’s good and perfect will for your life! This is why it’s so very important to work hard at changing the way you think! Again, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” It will transform your life!

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