Examine Yourselves, Whether You Be In The Faith!!!!

2 Corinthians 13

We are walking in today: Examine Yourselves, Whether You Be In The Faith!!!!

Witness enquire throughout the Bible: H1875--darash--to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire H1875 not after their gods, saying, How did these
nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.


The Torah ..................…
Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, H1875 and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

The prophets ...............…
Ezekiel 20:1 And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire H1875 of the LORD, and sat before me.

The writings .............
1 Kings 22:5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, H1875 I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

2 Chronicles 34:21 Go, enquire H1875 of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

Contending for The Faith

Throughout the New Testament we are exhorted to apprehend something that is called 'The Faith.' We are encouraged to attain it, and then contend or fight to keep it. We are also warned to examine or test ourselves, to see if we are still 'in' The Faith.

But what is this thing called 'The Faith?'

First, we must understand that 'The Faith' speaks not of a general quality of faith and trust that we are to have, of which faith we are all given a certain measure. Instead, this phrase speaks of a particular system of Truth that is described throughout Scripture. One is either 'in' or 'out' of this system of Truth — for there is no middle ground. Thus the phrase "in the faith" is used in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to describe its nature. But what is 'The Faith?'

What is 'The Faith?'

The phrase the faith appears in 42 verses of Scripture, giving us our first clue as to what 'The Faith' might be. Since the number 42 speaks prophetically of Yahushua appearing in us, our first thought is that this phrase must relate to this subject of 'Messiah-in-you.' As we see what the Scriptures tell us, we notice that the test of being 'in' The Faith can be seen in the following passage:

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

According to the above passage, if we know for ourselves that Yahushua is in us, then we can see that we are 'in' The Faith. This understanding of 'The Faith' is necessary as we look at other Scriptures to determine their meaning. Now notice the following passages:

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (Romans 4:12)

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

When we see the term, "the faith of Yahushua," our first thoughts are that it always means faith 'in' Yahushua. But what does the term, "the faith of Abraham" mean? This term does not mean faith 'in' Abraham, but describes a system of faith, of hearing and walking in obedience to THE MOST HIGH, and to the Truth of His Word. The term 'the faith' of Abraham can then be seen as the system of walking in the Word, as Abraham did; and 'the faith' of Yahushua is the life of walking in the Word as Yahushua did, and whose life is our pattern, and our example.

When we are first Born-Again, we are 'in the faith' as a newborn Babe, as we obey the Truth given to us. However, as we grow and mature, we begin to hear teachings from many that will shape our lives as Believers, and some that will actually turn us away from the Truth:

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. (Titus 1:14)

Some false notions come in the form of Jewish fables; others come in the form of Doctrines and Commandments of Men. Many young Believers may not know Scriptures well, but believe everything that is taught them, without checking against the Scriptures. These Commandments of Men can turn us away from the Truth.

Many teachings turn out to be a mixture of Truth sprinkled with the Commandments of Men, and are not easily discerned. As a result, many young Believers are led away from Truth, into a form of captivity, as Paul explains in Romans and 2 Timothy. They are still THE MOST HIGH's people, but they are in disobedience. Their spiritual eyes remain closed, and they are not aware of this captivity.

Samson, who was counted among THE MOST HIGH's people, had his eyes put out, and was put in captivity. Believers today, like Samson, have had their spiritual eyes put out when they are led into captivity for their disobedience. Only repentance, by returning to obedience, can restore the eyesight.

This understanding is vital when we are confronted with passages that have been twisted by modern theologians to say something that the Scriptures do not say. The enemy is constantly at work, 'twisting' the Scriptures. So our first line of defense is to know the Scriptures, by studying THE MOST HIGH's Words, by reading them for ourselves.

When we encounter any idea that goes against what we already know, there is a sense of 'contending,' as the 'waving of a red flag.' An uneasiness will stir within us.

But this same uneasiness happens to us, when we encounter the Truth of THE MOST HIGH's Word — if we are holding on to a mixture of Truth and error. We do not want to oppose THE MOST HIGH, but to grow. So how do we overcome this uneasiness, this sense of opposition?

It is human nature to avoid confrontation. As a result, many will try to avoid the uneasiness and the confrontation, and will not contend for the Truth. For this reason, there are multitudes of Born-Again Believers who will reject some of the precious Truths of Scripture, because those Truths of Scripture are not in agreement with what they have been previously taught.

What should we do when we encounter ideas that are against what we hold true? If we desire to grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of Yahushua, there is only one thing to do when we find ourselves in disagreement. Notice the following Scripture passage:

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Jude tells us that we are to contend, to fight, to struggle to remain in 'The Faith' as it was originally given to the people of THE MOST HIGH. Some have thought this means physical fighting. However, the wording and context of Jude's epistle tells us exactly what this contending is — it is a struggle of Truth against Doctrinal error, centered around Leaders who have altered the Biblical subject of 'Grace,' in order to teach an un-biblical version of Grace.

Let's look more closely at this passage, to see how we are to contend for The Faith.

How Do We Contend for The Faith?

When we are confronted with notions or ideas that may be in error, we are called to contend, or fight to maintain the Truth of The Faith. How do we do this? First, let's see a continuation of the passage regarding contending for The Faith:

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)

In the above passage, Jude confirms for us the reason we must contend. Jude tells us that men had crept in, and had created destructive 'Doctrines of Men' regarding the Biblical Truths of 'Grace.' As Jude indicates, when these Leaders wrest or twist the Scriptures and mix them with Doctrines of Men, they promote lasciviousness or lack of restraint in the daily lives and testimonies of those Believers that hear their teaching. In this way Believers can actually deny Yahushua by their actions, as Paul explains (Titus 1:16). But now lets look at the remedy:

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (Jude 1:5)

Here we see the call to remember the Scriptures. It is apparent from this passage that these Leaders were not currently teaching Truths of the Law [Torah], because Jude tells the Believers they 'once knew' these things, but had forgotten them, and needed to be reminded of these Torah Truths.

When we are studying the Scriptures, reading it for ourselves, then the remedy against the 'Doctrines of Men' is in our weaponry. The Holy Spirit, who guides us into all Truth, will bring to our remembrance the things that are truly of THE MOST HIGH's Word, and "shall show it unto you" (John 16:15; 1 John 2:26-27). This is an important part of our 'contending for the faith' — to know, and remember all the Scriptures, and to learn the consequences of abandoning the Commandments of THE MOST HIGH.

So the remedy is to look at any idea or notion that is taught, comparing the idea against all of Scripture. If we see or hear something that contradicts the Scriptures, then we know the idea or notion is not true.

Notice also what Yahushua tells us:

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: (Luke 24:25)

Here we are told that we are slow of heart ['foolish'] when we do not believe [become "Do-ers" of] all that the Prophets have spoken.

But what have the prophets spoken?

A quick look through the Scriptures reveals that every one of THE MOST HIGH's true Prophets continued to call THE MOST HIGH's people back to obedience to Torah! And Yahushua is telling us that the foolish among His redeemed people are those who are 'slow of heart' to be 'Do-ers' of the words of the Prophets.

After looking at the life of Yahushua as our example, the words of the Prophets is one of the next tests we may use. If our notion or idea is not in agreement with all that Yahushua did, or if it does not agree with 'all that the Prophets have spoken,' then it is a false notion.

If we would contend for the faith, then we must search the Scriptures, and cry out to THE MOST HIGH to show us the truth of a matter. We must find either agreement or disagreement of Scripture against an idea or notion, in order to determine its Scriptural validity.

Contending for the Faith: An Example

As an example of contending for The Faith, let's look at a common example most have heard today. Many theological seminaries put forth many twisted notions about the meaning of the apostle Paul' words. For example, notice Romans 14:1-2:

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. (Romans 14:1-2)

Some would claim that Paul is saying in Romans 14:1-2, that there are some who are weak in 'The Faith' because they choose not to eat the items forbidden to THE MOST HIGH's people as listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Using this false reasoning, they then put forth the notion that 'Grace' has somehow removed the prohibition against eating those things the Bible calls unclean.

So how do we test this notion? If in all of Scripture there is found any disagreement with the notion, or if the idea does not agree with all that the Prophets have spoken, or if there are not found two or three witnesses to establish the idea as true, then the notion is a false notion. Let's notice what Scripture says:

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: 11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination. (Leviticus 11:10-11)

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. (Deuteronomy 14:3)

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; 4 Which remain among the graves [they are spiritually dead], and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; (Isaiah 65:2-4)

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 66:17)

These chapters in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and the passages in Isaiah, tell us in great detail what is to be considered abomination to us, and that we are not to eat any abominable thing.

So if we think there is no longer any prohibition against eating those things the Bible calls unclean or abomination, we immediately see direct disagreement with these Scripture passages, for nowhere is it written in Scripture that these prohibitions have been 'taken away' or 'abolished.'

To the contrary, we are told that the Scriptures are eternal (Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalms 119:44, 89, 160; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Pet 1:25), and so they cannot be broken, annulled, nor done away with (John 10:35). Indeed, Messiah Himself reminds us that the Torah tells us that we live by every word God has spoken (Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4).

We conclude that the idea that the Bible no longer prohibits eating things the Bible calls unclean or abomination, is not in agreement with Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, nor with the words of the Prophets — and so it is a false notion.

Contrary to some of the popular teachings today, there is nothing cancelled under the New Covenant except our debt of sin, and nothing done away with or nullified, except the dogma, or decrees of men. Every part of the New Covenant relates to one or more aspects of Torah, as being fulfilled [but not ended], expanded in scope, or transferred from external to internal, where it is to be written on the heart. So we see this idea claiming that one is 'weak in The Faith' because he does not eat the 'abominations' of Scripture is a false notion, a "Doctrine of Men" we have encountered.

We are not to add to what Yahushua, or Paul, or the other writers of Scripture actually say. Much of Paul's writings, like those of Peter, James, John, and Yahushua, may be hard to understand, according to 2 Peter 3:16. Nevertheless, we do not have liberty to make these Scriptures into a teaching that opposes the entire 'written' Word of THE MOST HIGH. What Paul actually says is what we must live by. It appears that what Paul is saying in Romans 14:2 is that the one who is 'weak' is what we call a 'vegetarian.' And in verses 3 and 4 Paul tells us that even though these vegetarians are weak, we are not to judge them.

"But what about...," as many rightly protest. Very quickly we realize that each of these 'twisted' understandings of Scripture are interlocked with other twisted doctrines, in order to appear credible. So let us look at another related example.

Contending for the Faith: A Second Example

Following our same theme and line of reasoning in the above example, let's notice that men have twisted the meaning of Romans 14, and have connected it to a twisted meaning of what Yahushua said in Mark 7:19. Notice the following passage:

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile <2840> him ['render him unclean']; 19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats <1033> ['food']? (Mark 7:19)

Some today claim that Yahushua's statement in Mark 7:19 somehow abolishes the prohibition of eating what Scripture defines as abomination. But when we read carefully the verses in Mark chapter 7 in context, we see the true and clear meaning of the entire message. Notice that the subject of Yahushua's answer given in verse 19, is seen in context in verse 2:

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled <2840> ['unclean'], that is to say, with unwashen hands, they found fault. (Mark 7:2)

Here we see the context for verse 19 is the question asked in verse 5, of whether a violation of a [man-made] Talmudic tradition of washing hands, and then eating food with these unwashed hands, would somehow 'defile' [make Biblically unclean] the eater. Yahushua gives the answer in the ensuing verses, with the conclusion in verse 19 — that all that is considered to be 'food' [Greek broma, Strong's number <1033>] is not defiled by unwashed hands.

Notice also that this explanation does not change the eternal, Biblical distinctions of what is to be considered as 'food' as spelled out in Torah, for two reasons.

The First reason, is that when we look at the definition of the Greek word broma, Strong's number <1033>, we see the following definition:

1033  βρωμα  broma

AV - meat, victuals
From the base of G0977; food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonial) articles allowed or forbidden by the Hebrew law.
—Strong's Greek Dictionary of the New Testament

Notice that throughout the Scriptures, what is considered 'food' is based only on what is allowed or forbidden in Torah — and this distinction appears in the Strong's definition for the Greek word broma used above in Mark 7:19. This clearly re-affirms for us, that according to Scripture, anything forbidden by Torah is not to be considered as 'food.'

So we see that Yahushua's conclusion in Mark 7:19 merely answers the question asked in verse 5, that unwashed hands does not defile what is considered food.

The Second reason that the eternal, Biblical definition of 'food' as given out in Torah has not been changed by Yahushua, or by any of the New Testament writers, is more dramatic, and has far-reaching implications.

If Yahushua had advocated anything other than strict adherence to Torah in every respect, He would have disqualified Himself from being a sinless Saviour, and from being the promised Messiah of THE MOST HIGH. He would then have rightly been put to death as a false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). From this we know Yahushua did not change anything, nor did He implement anything new. He simply lived His life as an example for us, of how we are to live, and how we are to walk as He walked (1Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).

So we see that the New Testament Scriptures regarding food are only a few of the many Scriptures that have been twisted by many teachers today. In order to find the Truth, we must contend, we must fight against the errors we hear, by studying the Scriptures for ourselves. Only in this way can we find the Truth. There is no substitute for reading the Scriptures for ourselves!

Let's notice another example within these same passages of Romans 14.

Contending for the Faith: A Third Example

Another false notion commonly taught about the words of Paul in Romans 14 is seen below:

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. (Romans 14:5-6)

Many claim that in the above passage, the apostle Paul says that the keeping of the Sabbath Day is no longer valid for Believers, and that one may regard or disregard the Sabbath Day, as one sees fit. In a slightly different line of reasoning, others claim that keeping 'any one' day out of seven days is acceptable to THE MOST HIGH.

To test these notions, let's see what the words of the Prophets have to say about this:

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. (Isaiah 56:2)

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. (Ezekiel 20:20)

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: (Exodus 20:10)

Oops! The above passages in Isaiah and Ezekiel, and those in Leviticus chapter 23 and many others, tell us we are to hallow ["set apart as special"] THE MOST HIGH's Sabbaths, and that these Sabbaths are all on appointed, specific days, and not open for our choosing. The appearance of the manna (Exodus 16:16-30), and the incident of the man gathering sticks on the Sabbath Day (Numbers 15:29-36), both prove that the weekly Sabbath Day is specified as the seventh day of the 7-day week.

From these Scriptures alone, it is easily seen that the man-made idea of the Sabbath day being the 'first' day of the week, or even 'any one' day out of seven days, does not agree with Scripture.

So we must conclude that the days to which Paul refers in Romans 14 are not sabbath days commanded by THE MOST HIGH, but are religious days practiced by men [but not commanded in Scripture], perhaps the fasting-days practiced by tradition, as the context in verse 2 alludes, and as the Prophets reveal (Zechariah 7:5, 8:19). But how does our conclusion agree with all of Paul's words?

The Words of Paul Agree

Those who have carefully studied the apostle Paul's writings for themselves know that Paul would never write anything in his epistles contrary to the written Word of Torah, for Paul himself delighted in the Torah (Romans 7:22), walking orderly, believing in and keeping all the Torah (Acts 17:2, 18:21, 21:24, 24:14; 1 Co 5:8). We then see (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1) that Paul exhorts us to do just as he did — by choosing to follow and imitate his example!

We must then ask this question: "Would Paul contradict himself?"

We see that the apostle Paul himself [as do James and the elders] tell us clearly, that Paul keeps and obeys the Torah, and Paul then exhorts us to follow him, and to imitate his example. Would this same Paul then instruct us in an epistle, that we should NOT keep and obey Torah? This would be a contradiction!

So we ask, "Does Paul contradict Paul?" I think not! The apostle Peter tells us (2Peter 3:16) that those who 'twist' the meaning of Paul's writings, are those who misunderstand his writings, and also misunderstand all of Scripture. Peter then tells us this misunderstanding of Scripture leads them [and by implication, those who follow them] to destruction and ruin.

Contending for the Faith: Example Summary

From the above examples, we present a summary, revealing to us what it means to contend for the faith.

The Apostle Paul's Example: A Concise Summary

1. Many Bible teachers today tell us that we are not to obey the Law [Torah].

2. The apostle Paul obeyed all the Torah, and Paul tells us to follow his example.

3. Whose words are we going to believe, and follow — those of today's Bible teachers — or those of the apostle Paul?

From the above summary, we see we are faced with a choice of whom we will choose to believe. Most people want to avoid argument and contention, and will usually take the least contentious route, even if it means rejecting the Truth. THE MOST HIGH, on the other hand, is looking for those who are willing to contend, to fight, in order that they may walk in His Truth! It will be easier for us to contend, however, if we understand exactly why we must contend!

Why Must We Contend?

We have seen examples of contending for The Faith. But why must we fight to maintain our Faith?

Many do not see the adversary's hidden work going on, so there is a continual struggle, a battle in which we must contend, and fight to maintain The Faith as it was once given to the saints. Here is what is happening.

Satan knows he can easily deceive the masses, by using false teachers to twist the Scriptures. Satan desires to lead the Believers astray from 'The Faith,' so that they might not inherit all things (Rev 21:7); that is, he knows they would receive a reduced or diminished inheritance in the Kingdom (Prov 17:2; 1 Co 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5). Satan knows that he could accomplish this goal, if only he could somehow remove the authority of Scripture from the minds of the Believers.

How would satan accomplish this? What would he do to make this happen?

He would begin his 2,000-year program by using an army of corrupt Bible Translators, who would produce corrupted Bible manuscripts, which would later become the basis for all the modern, but corrupted translations. These new versions would omit words, sentences, and entire verses, regarding issues of the person and deity of Yahushua, the redemption by His Blood, and issues of His Kingdom, of Biblical Grace, and of the Hebrew roots of The Faith.

He would then use many corrupt theological seminaries and Bible Schools to promote these modern but corrupt Bible translations. The scholars within these institutions would devise many man-made Doctrines by twisting the words of Paul. They would then indoctrinate many unsuspecting young people with these poisonous Doctrines. From among these graduates would emerge a few influential but false Pastors, Teachers, and other spiritual Leaders, whose teaching would effectively nullify the authority of 'all that the Prophets have spoken.'

As of today, all these things have been accomplished.

Doctrines of Devils

What Doctrinal changes have been made since The Faith was first delivered?

Over the 2,000-year time span, satan's influence over these men would cause many small changes to be made, with one goal in mind. They would first divide the Scriptures in the people's thinking. They would rename the two sections 'New Testament' and 'Old Testament.' Then, they would need only to twist Paul's writings to make it appear that the 'old' Testament writings had been nullified, and had disappeared. As a result, they could claim the 'Old Testament' is no longer valid!

This notion alone would easily nullify 'all that the Prophets have spoken,' unless a few people would slip through the System. Perhaps some would read the words of Paul for themselves, and others might even read those pesky Words of Yahushua in Luke 24:25. Perhaps a few may begin to seek Wisdom by reading the Proverbs, and fewer still might believe and act upon the commandments Yahushua spoke to Moses, simply because they love Yahushua (John 14:15).

But there is much work to be done in twisting Paul's words. How would they pull this off?

Many theological seminaries would attempt to counter 'all that the Prophets have spoken' by re-defining certain Biblical words, and by inventing new words and terms. Thus they would use these re-defined and man-made words, terms and phrases to wage war against the foundation of Scripture.

Today there are many well-meaning Pastors, Teachers, and other spiritual Leaders who have graduated from these corrupt schools, who attempt to teach Scripture using these re-defined words and non-Biblical terms. These man-made words should be a red-flag, warning us of deception, and of a deceiver.

Among the many re-defined and man-made words, terms and phrases are such non-Biblical phrases as 'Age of Grace,' 'Age of Law,' 'Law vs. Grace,' 'Dispensation of Law,' 'Dispensation of Grace,' 'Ceremonial Laws,' 'Moral Laws,' 'unmerited favour,' 'missing the mark,' and many others. Each of these words and phrases, and many others, are being used to inject man-made, false and non-Biblical meanings into the message of the Scriptures. Let us all beware!

Beloved, have we heard any of these words or phrases spoken by our spiritual Leaders? Have we noticed how many of these false notions center around the same issue of 'Grace?' Jude has already warned us!

Remember Jude's Warning

Let us be reminded of Jude's warning:

"... certain men crept in unawares ... turning ... grace ... into lasciviousness and denying ... our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)

As a result of men who have crept in unawares, there is much teaching today of non-Biblical Grace. Some who embrace this error may choose to ignore the words of the Prophets, and that is their prerogative. Yahushua said those who do so, are 'slow of heart,' and are among the 'foolish.' When the Bridegroom returns, some Believers will be among the wise, and some among the foolish.

After being Redeemed by the Blood of Messiah, and being set free from the bondage of sin, each one must choose for himself whom he will serve. Those who are wise will be as bond-servants to the Master. They will seize, take hold of, and honour the Master's eternal Commandments, so that they themselves will be seized, taken hold of, honoured, and married, as a Bride (Proverbs 10:8a).

Those who are foolish — those who think that the Master's eternal Commandments have been annulled, no longer in effect, and done away with — will not be as bond-servants to the Master. Instead they will throw down the Master's Commandments, cast them aside, and reject them, so that they themselves will be thrown down, cast aside, and rejected as a Bride (Proverbs 10:8).

A Final Caution

As a final caution, let us notice in the two examples given above regarding Romans 14, the apostle Paul tells us we are not to judge others regarding these matters (Romans 14:4, 10). As we contend for, and find the wonderful truths of Scripture, and begin to enter into a more intimate walk with Messiah, we may be tempted to judge others who are not contending for The Faith, but are walking according to their traditions.

We are not to judge others for the choices they have made!

Instead, let us appeal to those who oppose themselves, by use of the Scriptures, and with much prayer, and with gentleness. Let us provoke one another to seek out how to love THE MOST HIGH, according to what He has said, and exhort one another to walk in what He allows us to see (Hebrews 10:24).

Conclusion

There are many deceptions today taking the form of twisted Bible doctrines, changing The Faith that was originally delivered unto the saints. We who desire to keep The Faith, must therefore contend or fight to keep it. We must read and study the Scriptures for ourselves, in order to discern the difference between man-made doctrines and the Truths of Scripture.

We are not called to judge others, but we are called to examine ourselves, to test and prove ourselves, to see whether we are still in The Biblical Faith. We are then called upon to earnestly contend, and fight against, the error that can destroy our inheritance in the Kingdom.

We are then called upon to fight against, and reject man-made and non-Biblical teachings, which lead us astray, and cause us to destroy our own inheritance. Let us fully engage our hearts and minds, to take up the battle we all face — the battle of contending for the Faith! Shema Selah we must study the scriptures that we are not lead astray--none of His word conflict.  The Most High is ONE and He agrees with Himself!! https://www.facebook.com/fiveam.prayer/videos/1662003643877745/?l=4781137716193058750