but as for us

section 1

john 21:21-22

john 21:21-22  esv 

When Peter saw {John}, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

Jesus said to him, "If it is My will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"

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God deals with each of us; what is it to you to somehow compare God’s dealing with you to another. The only comparison to be made is in order to bless those you are in a position to minister to  romans 15:1-3  esv   genesis 4:9  esv  and to follow the example of those who are stronger  ii corinthians 8:8  niv84   philippians 3:17  esv .

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supporting scriptures

romans 15:1-3  esv 

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."

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genesis 4:9  esv 

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?"

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ii corinthians 8:8  niv84 

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

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philippians 3:17  esv 

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

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section 2

malachi 3:13-18

malachi 3:13-18  esv 

They shall be Mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

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There is a distinction between those who serve the Lord and those who do not. Though we may not perceive it; the distinction is real and God blesses those who follow Him  psalm 37:4-8  nkjv with joys that the world cannot experience or understand  psalm 4:6-7  esv . Ours is not a temporary, circumstantially dependent life, but one that is unseen and yet of greater substance and value than this world can offer; true life  i timothy 6:19  nlt  in abundance  john 10:10  esv  consisting of: the prosperity of godliness and contentment  i timothy 6:6  esv , richness of genuine relationship  ephesians 1:18  esv , the full treasury of wisdom and knowledge  colossians 2:2-3  esv , immeasurable power  ephesians 1:19  esv , peace beyond understanding  philippians 4:7  esv , love surpassing knowledge  ephesians 3:17-19  esv , inexpressible, glorious joy  i peter 1:8  niv84 , all beyond what we could imagine to even ask for  ephesians 3:20  niv84 . This is the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus  philippians 3:8  niv84  that the world does not have.

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supporting scriptures

psalm 37:4-8  nkjv 

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart....Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.

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psalm 4:6-7  esv 

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!" You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

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i timothy 6:19  nlt 

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

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john 10:10  esv 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

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i timothy 6:6  esv 

But godliness with contentment is great gain,

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ephesians 1:18  esv 

...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

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my notes:

colossians 2:2-3  esv 

...hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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ephesians 1:19  esv 

...the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe...

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philippians 4:7  esv 

...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding...

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ephesians 3:17-19  esv 

....the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

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i peter 1:8  niv84 

Though you have not seen Him, you love him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

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ephesians 3:20  niv84 

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,

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philippians 3:8  niv84 

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

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section 3

i peter 2:7-9

i peter 2:7-9  esv 

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the Word, as they were destined to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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We have received the message differently than those who have yet to accept it. It smells of death to anyone who has not yet even begun to respond to the Lord, but it is the aroma of life to those who are being saved  ii corinthians 2:15-16  esv . Do not be surprised at or ashamed of negative responses to Truth and Love, but rather continue to praise our Lord boldly  ii corinthians 3:12  esv  that He has given the Gospel to you  matthew 13:11  esv , so that you may continue to offer it to even those who would reject it. Even when supposed Christians reject Truth it is just a revealing of the true nature of our current relationship with each other and their current relationship with God  i john 2:19-20  csb . Don’t be angered at them or fearful of them as that only leads to more trouble  psalm 37:8  nkjv .

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supporting scriptures

ii corinthians 2:15-16  esv 

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

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ii corinthians 3:12  esv 

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold...

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matthew 13:11  esv 

And {Jesus} answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given.

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i john 2:19-20  csb 

They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

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psalm 37:8  nkjv 

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.

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section 4

philippians 3:15

philippians 3:15  csb 

Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.

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It is not our goal to have people respond and act the way we expect them to. Perhaps when someone responds negatively to our appeal of the Gospel we should consider more our ways than be angered by theirs  proverbs 21:29  esv . For who are we to dictate the timing of someone else’s response  i kings 19:20  esv ? It is not beneficial to anyone to try to appease people’s base desires, but we should repent of the unnecessary hindrances that our own selfishness and pride has created  jeremiah 15:19  nlt   i corinthians 9:12  niv84  i corinthians 9:19-22  esv 

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supporting scriptures

proverbs 21:29  esv 

A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.

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i kings 19:20  esv 

And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?"

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jeremiah 15:19  nlt 

This is how the LORD responds: "If you return to Me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve Me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be My spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!

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i corinthians 9:12  niv84 

...we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

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i corinthians 9:19-22  esv 

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them....I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

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my notes:

section 5

jonah 2:8

jonah 2:8  niv84 

Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

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Those who cling to worthless idols reject the grace that could be there’s. Their sorrows only increase  psalm 16:4  niv84  as life goes forward. Let us delight in the Lord and find His will for our life good  psalm 16:2-3  esv  romans 12:1-2  niv84 , so that those who do not believe may see the good God offers  psalm 4:6  niv84 .

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supporting scriptures

psalm 16:4  niv84 

The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.

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psalm 16:2-3  esv 

I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You." As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

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romans 12:1-2  niv84 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.

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psalm 4:6  niv84 

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O LORD.

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section 6

i thessalonians 5:1-8

i thessalonians 5:1-8  nkjv 

...you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

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We are not to be asleep {mindless} in our living as though we were just another doomed drone in this world, but rather we are to be mindful of the reason God chose us to remain here i peter 2:9  esv : to be self-controlled, guarding our hearts with faith and serving others, while anticipating God’s work of salvation in our lives and others  i thessalonians 5:8  nkjv .

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supporting scriptures

i peter 2:9  esv 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

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i thessalonians 5:8  nkjv 

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

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my notes:

section 7

i corinthians 6:9-11

i corinthians 6:9-11  esv 

...do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?...

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

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What we were is not what we are, BUT that is not to bloat our self-worth or to think more highly of ourselves  romans 12:3  esv  deuteronomy 17:19-20  esv , but to humbly free us to love those who have not yet come into the freedom of Christ’s gracious offer  titus 3:2-8  niv84 .

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supporting scriptures

romans 12:3  esv 

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

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deuteronomy 17:19-20  esv 

And {Scripture} shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers...

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my notes:

titus 3:2-8  niv84 

...show true humility toward all men.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us...This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

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section 8

ii corinthians 6:14-7:1

ii corinthians 6:14-7:1  esv 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

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my notes:

We more often fight the world system in a worldly way, which is only participating with the world  ii corinthians 10:3-5  nlt , except, sadly, with arrogance and hypocrisy that is out of place for us who admit total dependance on the Lord  james 3:9-12  esv . We should fight the battle God says to fight  jude 3  esv  i timothy 6:10-14  esv  in the way He says to fight it  proverbs 25:15  esv  ephesians 6:10-18  esv , against our own desires  i peter 2:11  esv , not the people of this world, but rather against the dark forces of our own temptations ephesians 6:12  esv   proverbs 4:23  niv84  ii corinthians 4:6  esv . Yes, people in authority are hypocrites, users and abusers, but we are to obey our authorities anyway while not joining in their sinfulness by responding in kind  matthew 23:1-12  esv  romans 13:1-2  esv  acts 5:29  esv . Rather we are to humble ourselves and serve to bless others  jeremiah 29:7  esv  instead of trying to lift ourselves above our persecutors  matthew 5:43-45  esv .

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supporting scriptures

 

ii corinthians 10:3-5  nlt 

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

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james 3:9-12  esv 

With {our tongues} we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

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jude 3  esv 

...I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

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i timothy 6:10-14  esv 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession...keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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proverbs 25:15  esv 

With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

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ephesians 6:10-18  esv 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places...

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i peter 2:11  esv 

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

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ephesians 6:12  esv 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

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proverbs 4:23  niv84 

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

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ii corinthians 4:6  esv 

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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matthew 23:1-12  esv 

The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice...

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.

The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

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romans 13:1-2  esv 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

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acts 5:29  esv 

We must obey God rather than men.

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jeremiah 29:7  esv 

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

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matthew 5:43-45  esv 

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven.

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section 9

leviticus 18:3-5

leviticus 18:3-5  esv 

You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes.

You shall follow My rules and keep My statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.

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We should not be like the people of this world by living as they live, fearing what they fear  jeremiah 10:1-5  esv  isaiah 8:12-13  esv , learning their ways or making our efforts in the same way  deuteronomy 18:9-14  esv  even when the Lord tolerates their wicked ways in His patience  ii peter 3:9, 15  niv84 . We are children of the Lord  deuteronomy 14:1-2  esv , and thus we should not express our inner life the same way the world does.

Rather, we are to express our faith in self-sacrificial love  galatians 5:6  niv84  with all gratitude to our loving Father  ephesians 5:1-4  niv84 . Unlike the idolatrous fruit in the world  ephesians 5:5-6  nlt , our lives should consist of goodness, righteousness and truth  ephesians 5:9  csb . Therefore, we cannot overcome darkness with more darkness romans 12:16-21  esv , nor can we partner with darkness  ephesians 5:7-8  nlt , but rather we are to shine a light into it  ephesians 5:10-14  esv  by being very conscientious of that opportunity to be Holy-different  ephesians 5:15-17  esv  for the Lord’s pleasure and the salvation of others’ souls

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my notes:

supporting scriptures

jeremiah 10:1-5  esv 

Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity...

Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."

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isaiah 8:12-13  esv 

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.

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deuteronomy 18:9-14  esv 

"When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations...

You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.

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ii peter 3:9, 15  niv84 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [esv]

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation...[niv84]

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deuteronomy 14:1-2  esv 

"You are the sons of the LORD your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

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galatians 5:6  niv84 

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

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ephesians 5:1-4  niv84 

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

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ephesians 5:5-6  nlt 

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

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ephesians 5:9  csb 

for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth-

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my notes:

romans 12:16-21  esv 

Live in harmony with one another...Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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ephesians 5:7-8  nlt 

Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

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ephesians 5:10-14  esv 

...try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

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ephesians 5:15-17  esv 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

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my notes:

section 10

romans 11:19-20

romans 11:19-20  esv 

Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in."

That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.

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We are not to be arrogant in our faith, but rather humbled  micah 6:8  nlt  with a trembling in that it is not we ourselves that makes us stand  philippians 2:12  esv , but it is the Lord alone  romans 14:4  esv . So, who are we to think we are above others  matthew 7:1-5  esv  galatians 6:1-5  esv ?

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supporting scriptures

micah 6:8  nlt 

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

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philippians 2:12  esv 

...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...

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romans 14:4  esv 

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

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matthew 7:1-5  esv 

...Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?...

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galatians 6:1-5  esv 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

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section 11

ezekiel 3:27

ezekiel 3:27  esv 

He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.

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You can’t force people to heed God’s warnings and instructions  joshua 24:15  esv . You must respect their refusal to listen  acts 13:46  esv  and refusal to obey  romans 1:28  esv . If they have not yet been given the heart to understand it  deuteronomy 29:4  esv  and accept it  matthew 19:11  esv  romans 8:7  esv , your trying to "battle" them into the kingdom is only a frustrating hindrance to them and yourself  proverbs 9:7-8  esv . But as for us, if we accept the Word of Christ  john 3:31-33  esv  john 17:8-10  esv , then it is ours to live it  matthew 19:11-12  esv  deuteronomy 30:14  esv . We are called to live and speak in such a way as to offer people of this world an alternative to human corruption  philippians 2:14-16  niv84  ii peter 1:4  niv84 .

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my notes:

supporting scriptures

joshua 24:15  esv 

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

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acts 13:46  esv 

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

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romans 1:28  esv 

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

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deuteronomy 29:4  esv 

But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.

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matthew 19:11  esv 

But {Jesus} said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.

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romans 8:7  esv 

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

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proverbs 9:7-8  esv 

Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

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john 3:31-33  esv 

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from Heaven is above all. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. Whoever receives His testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.

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john 17:8-10  esv 

For I have given them the words that You gave Me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. All Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.

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matthew 19:11-12  esv 

But {Jesus} said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given....Let the one who is able to receive this receive it."

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deuteronomy 30:14  esv 

But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

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philippians 2:14-16  niv84 

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--

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ii peter 1:4  niv84 

Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

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but as for us

section 12

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micah 4:5

micah 4:5  nasb 

Though all the peoples walk Each in the name of his god, As for us, we will walk In the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.

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Others walk in their God, but as for us we walk in the name of our Lord {NAS}.

psalm 115:17-18

psalm 115:17-18  nasb 

The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor do any who go down into silence; But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!

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The perishing and dead do not have the capacity to praise the Lord, but as for us we are to praise Him now and forevermore.

acts 4:19-20

acts 4:19-20  csb 

Peter and John answered them, "Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

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my notes:

Others have to make their decisions on what they believe is good, what they want, how they will pursue it and what they are willing to risk  ecclesiastes 11:9  esv , but as for us we can continue in what we believe  joshua 24:15  esv . We are compelled to for we are convinced and moved by the love of Jesus to view things completely different than that of the world  ii corinthians 5:14-16  csb .

supporting scriptures

ecclesiastes 11:9  esv 

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

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joshua 24:15  esv 

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

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ii corinthians 5:14-16  csb 

For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that One died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One Who died for them and was raised.

From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know Him in this way.

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my notes:

psalm 20:7-8

psalm 20:7-8  esv 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

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People trust in worldly means and succumb to weakness, but as for us, we trust in the Lord and therefore rise up and stand.

matthew 20:25-27

matthew 20:25-27  niv84 

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--

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The world misuses power and authority for their own advantage  micah 2:1  nlt , but as for us we are to use any opportunity, influence, power and authority to serve and bless not be served and be blessed  ii corinthians 10:8  esv   genesis 12:2  esv   matthew 20:28  esv   i corinthians 10:24  csb .

supporting scriptures

micah 2:1  nlt 

What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so.

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ii corinthians 10:8  esv 

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

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genesis 12:2  esv 

And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

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matthew 20:28  esv 

...the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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i corinthians 10:24  csb 

No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.

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ii timothy 3:13-17

ii timothy 3:13-17  esv 

...while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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People will go from bad to worse, but as for us we should continue to pursue what we believe…the equipping and bettering for all life and godliness from our Lord  ii peter 1:3-11  niv84 .

supporting scriptures

ii peter 1:3-11  niv84 

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness... For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ....

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ii timothy 4:3-5

ii timothy 4:3-5  csb 

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

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Yup, the world is going to get worse and people are not getting better, but as for us we are to be clear-minded, as we endure hardships while doing the work of administering God’s grace of the Gospel.

luke 9:60

luke 9:60  esv 

And Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

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Let unbelievers deal with the things of this world, but as for us we should go about the Kingdom’s business i thessalonians 4:11-12  nkjv .

supporting scriptures

i thessalonians 4:11-12  nkjv 

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

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jeremiah 45:5

jeremiah 45:5  esv 

And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go."

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Don’t seek great things for yourself, don’t worry about anything  matthew 6:31-34  esv  because our life is in the Lord’s hands and all your worry can’t help you one bit. People seek after their own interests, but as for us we should pursue the interests of Christ by looking after the eternal welfare of others  philippians 2:20-21  esv .

supporting scriptures

matthew 6:31-34  esv 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

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philippians 2:20-21  esv 

For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

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my notes:

ii thessalonians 3:11-13

ii thessalonians 3:11-13  nasb 

For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

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People are busybodies and lazy, but as for us we should NEVER tire of doing good.

i timothy 6:9-11

i timothy 6:9-11  esv 

...It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

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Money is the world’s answer to everything  ecclesiastes 10:19  csb , but it is not ours. People chase after it, but as for us we should flee from that idol and make our pursuit  proverbs 4:7  esv  matthew 13:44-46  esv  righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

supporting scriptures

ecclesiastes 10:19  csb 

A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life happy, and money is the answer for everything.

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proverbs 4:7  esv 

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

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matthew 13:44-46  esv 

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field...

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micah 3:7-8

micah 3:7-8  esv 

...the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God.

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

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Experts, wisemen, religious leaders, etc. are filled with shame when they really have no wisdom from God  i corinthians 1:20-25  esv  isaiah 8:19-22  esv , but as for us, we are called to answer our own sinful hearts with His Word  i corinthians 14:24-25  esv   i corinthians 5:12  esv .

supporting scriptures

i corinthians 1:20-25  esv 

...For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

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my notes:

isaiah 8:19-22  esv 

...To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

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i corinthians 14:24-25  esv 

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

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i corinthians 5:12  esv 

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?

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my notes:

ii chronicles 15:2-8

ii chronicles 15:2-8  esv 

The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law, but when in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands....

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.

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Distress is a given for those who are not walking with the Lord  isaiah 57:20-21  esv , but as for us we can have courage to do as He says no matter the circumstance.

supporting scriptures

isaiah 57:20-21  esv 

But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

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my notes:

micah 7:5-8

micah 7:5-8  esv 

Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms...

But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.

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People can’t be trusted  jeremiah 17:5-10  esv , but as for us we can put our hope in God as our Light in the darkness  isaiah 50:10-11  esv .

supporting scriptures

jeremiah 17:5-10  esv 

Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.

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isaiah 50:10-11  esv 

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

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my notes:

titus 1:15-2:1

titus 1:15-2:1  esv 

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

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When people are corrupt, they will perceive everything as corrupt, but as for us we are to pass on to others what is true, pure, loving, etc., the virtues of God’s good news.

jude 16-18

jude 16-18  nasb 

These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ....

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People are fault-finders, critics and manipulators, but we are to focus on the teaching of the Word rather than be surprised by hardships of this world  i peter 4:12  esv .

supporting scriptures

i peter 4:12  esv 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

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i corinthians 15:29-30

i corinthians 15:29-30  niv84 

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?

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Others have strange, conflicting beliefs, but as for us, our lives can agree with what we believe  i corinthians 4:17  niv84 .

supporting scriptures

i corinthians 4:17  niv84 

He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

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psalm 4

psalm 4  niv84 

...Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD....

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People are desperate to find what is good, worthwhile and life-giving  hebrews 2:15  csb , but as for us we have found the good in this life and for the next life, all in Jesus  ephesians 4:6  esv  i corinthians 15:28  esv .

supporting scriptures

hebrews 2:15  csb 

and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.

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ephesians 4:6  esv 

one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all.

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i corinthians 15:28  esv 

...that God may be all in all.

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section 13

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it has been said about…, but Jesus says…

murder

matthew 5:21-22  esv 

"You have heard that it was said...But I say to you...

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adultery

matthew 5:27-28  esv 

"You have heard that it was said...But I say to you...

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divorce

matthew 5:31-32  esv 

"It was also said...But I say to you...

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integrity

matthew 5:33-37  esv 

"Again you have heard that it was said...But I say to you...

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justice

matthew 5:38-42  esv 

"You have heard that it was said...But I say to you...

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love

matthew 5:43-48  esv 

"You have heard that it was said... But I say to you....

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section 14

be different from the world and hypocrites:

righteousness

matthew 5:20  esv 

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

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giving

matthew 6:2-3  esv 

...But when you give...

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praying

matthew 6:5-8  esv 

But when you pray...

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fasting

matthew 6:16-18  esv 

But when you fast...

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worry

matthew 6:31-34  esv 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

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