CONFUSION

CONFUSION

Friday, October 21, 2016

Ephesians [GW] 2:1-10 You were once dead because of your failures and sins. You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God. All of us once lived among these people, and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God's anger just like everyone else. But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

  People, even some Christians, say God’s Word is confusing.

  Let it be understood that being confused is not God’s design or fault. God is not the author of confusion. (1Cor.14:33)

  Confusion comes from identifiable source without and within.

  Without is by Satan’s designed tactic. This is evidenced in his words to Eve; planting doubt brings with it confusion. (Gen.3:4-5; Jam.3:16)

  Confusion is meant to manipulate and destroy; a device effectively used by military, politicians, powerful business, criminals, and sadly, at times by those that say they love us.

  Satan is Apollyon (Rev.9:11); his name meaning “Destroyer”.  Knowing and accepting the fact of Apollyon’s methodology should forestall confusion; our eyes open to this truth about “the prince of the power of the air” equips us with mental and emotional chaos.

  Within is when we are self-reliant apart from the John 14:6 Way, refusing to think and walk in the light of truth, we live in default and stumble about in confusion.  (Confusion sells. How many TV programs would there be without the drama of confusion? Watching confused characters feeds man’s ego. What would be the viewership of a TV show or movie that only included characters living healthy lives spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and monetarily? How many paying sponsors would such entertainment draw? Rom.12:1-3)

  Ours is the choice to feed at the trough of confusion or feast on the bread of life. 

  Let the adversaries of God and His people be clothed in the shame of confusion. Let us, poised in His peace, stand forth praising Him among the confused masses. (Ps.109:29-30) 

EBB4 (Sunday, July 22, 2012)