25/10/13

Believer and Disciple

Proverbs 19:8 - He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.


If we look at today's scripture it seems to contradict itself. When a person has wisdom then understanding is something the person automatically has for any person not using his wisdom (to gain understanding) automatically loses it. There is no wise-man who does not use wisdom.

When we check the Hebrew words of this scripture it gives all together another text than what we read.

Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth <07069> [qanah - purchase / acquire from God] (8802) wisdom <03820> [labe - which refers to inner-man / heart] loveth <0157> (8802) his own soul <05315> [nephesh - refers to life of the soul]: he that keepeth <08104> [shamar - guard] (8802) understanding <08394> shall find <04672> (8800) good <02896> [towb - goodness].

So if we put the scripture in its right perspective it stands as follow:-

Proverbs 19:8 - He that acquireth heart (his inner-man) loveth his own soul (life): he that gaurdeth understanding shall find goodness.

This scripture in very simple words highlights the difference between a Believer and a Disciple. A Believer believes in Christ and works for his own salvation that comes from God. Being saved from Hell comes by just believing in the Christ the Saviour, but for entry to Heaven one need to work on one's inner-man with the help of the Holy-Spirit, meaning being Born Again. Scriptures state no doubt a Believer who works for his salvation will be saved but then it says only one who understand the purpose of Christ and follows it, becoming a Disciple will not only have his own salvation but will receive great things in Heaven. These great things Paul, James and Peter call as a crown (royal position).

Every Christian just wants to go to Heaven, receive eternal life and be with God forever but they do not realize Heaven is not a flat plateau, it is described as a mountain meaning its center is at the topmost level and the sides slope downwards. God is everywhere but the Throne of God meaning the place where the glory of God is most is the place to be. It is the place where the Cherubs (Living Beasts) and the topmost beings in Heaven are seated.

Let us just not pursue just our own life, but let us pursue the fullness of life in the Lord by pursuing the understanding of Christ and His Kingdom and being His Disciples. Let us not be called just Believers but Disciples of Christ.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, many live for their own lives that is why many souls are lost, but those who live for the sake of others live not only to gain their own lives but also gain to receive the fullness of life for eternity. Lord, we pray that the hearts of your people change and they receive the understanding of your purpose and of your Kingdom so that they receive the crowns set for them in Heaven...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference ]
2 Timothy 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing [brightness].

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [test]: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Peter 5:1-4
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)