Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Joy

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On March 19, 2022

Recently I witnessed a graphic illustration of one person trying to condemn and steal the joy of another person. By scornfully ridiculing the redemptive and heart transforming power of the gospel that so obviously manifested itself in the person being ridiculed.

It was heartbreaking but not surprising.

This brutal and unforgiving rehearsal of the “Adamic Nature” doing what it does best (steal, kill, and destroy) is what those who are in Christ are to expect from the world.

The unsaved world are slaves to the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Therefore all they can do is produce evil. The Lord Himself made that clear in Luke 6:45.

Luke 6:45

‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.’

The Lord’s admonition is clear and we can identify where a person stands by the fruit they bear and by what comes out of their mouth. If a person is always angry, vulgar, and immoral you can be certain that this is what this person is like on the inside (the heart).

Again, as Christians, we are to expect the unsaved world around us (no matter who they are) to hate us. Because they hate God. But as believers, we have NO CONDEMNATION…!

Romans 8:1-2

‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death ‘

Moreover, now, because we have “NO CONDEMNATION” from God we have peace with God.

Romans 5:1

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,’

So since we have no condemnation and peace with God. Who is he that condemeth? As the apostle, Paul writes in Romans 8, “if we are God’s elect then who in the world can be against us”. No one! Because it was Christ who died and rose again for us. Read on.

Romans 8:31-35

‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?’

 

Romans 8:36

‘As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”’

More than Conquerors Inspite of Condemnation from the World

Romans 8:37-39

‘Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

In Conclusion

Now that you know NO ONE, not your co-workers, spouse, mom, dad, boss, siblings, family, friends, nor anyone can condemn you. What and how should you deal with condemnation and ridicule from whomever?

  1. Forgive them (because Christ forgave you)
  2. Love them (because it was God’s love that put Christ on the Cross).
  3. Pray for their salvation (pray that God opens their hearts to the Gospel)
  4. Share the gospel with them (we are ambassadors for Christ)
  5. Stand firm in your faith and continuously pray and study God’s word.

 

Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Z

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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