Latest / Accidental Bible Scholar / "Did God Really Say?"
Transcript
- Jeff Ward: Hello and welcome back to the Accidental Bible Scholar Podcast. I'm Jeff Ward here with Randy Speer. We're glad you're listening. Thanks for joining us. We just got done talking about Genesis chapter two and the creation of Eve, the foundation of marriage. And I will say we did a longer discussion on marriage several podcasts ago in a f while we were visiting Ephesians. so Randy Spear: Jeff Ward here with Randy Speer. We're glad you're listening. Thanks for joining us. We just got done talking about Genesis chapter two and the creation of Eve, the foundation of marriage. I will say we did a longer discussion on marriage several podcasts ago in a f while we were visiting Ephesians. Yep. so Jeff Ward: if you want to go back and listen to that, it was a great podcast, I think. Randy Spear: you want to go back and listen to that. It was a great podcast, I think. If you do have any questions, criticism, or topics you'd like to discuss with us, me or Randy, email us at contacted accentmobiblescholar.com. Jeff Ward: If you do have any questions, criticism, or topics you'd like to discuss with us, me or Randy, email us at contact at accidental bible scholar.com. Randy Spear: you can also find us on our website at www.accidental bible scholar dot com. All the podcasts are linked there and they're also on all the major podcast platforms. New episodes come out every Thursday. Today we're gonna jump into Genesis three. And I think we have three podcasts on Genesis Yes. So Jeff Ward: you can also find us on our website at www.accidentalbiblescholar.com. All the podcasts are linked there, and they're also on all the major podcast platforms. New episodes come out every Thursday. Today we're going to jump into Genesis three. And I think we have three podcasts on Genesis three. So Randy Spear: Yeah. Okay, without further ado. All right. Genesis three. I was telling Jeff before we start here, okay, the first few two chapters, you know, were awesome and then the wheels are about to come off for the rest of the Bible. Jeff Ward: Okay, without further ado, Randy, get us started. I was telling Jeff before we started here, okay, the first few two chapters, you know, were awesome and then the wheels are about to come off. Okay. Yeah, exactly. There you go. yeah. You messed that one up. And so anyway. but I want to talk today as we look at Genesis three about identity, security, and happiness. And the question I want to start off with is where do you get your Randy Spear: So yeah, we messed that one up. And so anyway, but I want to talk today as we look at Genesis three about identity, security, and happiness. And the question I want to start off with is where do you get your identity, security, and happiness? We were designed to get all those and much more from an external source from God Himself. So he designed within us that. Jeff Ward: identity, security, and happiness. We were designed to get all those and much more from an external source, from God himself. So he designed within us that Randy Spear: That he would be our identity, our security, and our happiness. And then in Genesis 3, here there's going to be when the wheels come off, there's a there's a distortion. Now we go somewhere else besides God. Probably the the most likely places initially is internally. We have we went from a person who looked out. Adam and Eve were naked, but had no idea they were naked until afterwards. It's the first time that they looked inward. And now man generally looks inward. Jeff Ward: That he would be our identity, our security, and our happiness. And then in Genesis three, here there's gonna be when the wheels come off, there's a there's a distortion. Now we go somewhere else besides God. Probably the the most likely places initially is internally. We have we went from a person who looked out. Adam and Eve were naked but had no idea they were naked until afterwards. It's the first time that they looked inward. And now man generally looks inward. Randy Spear: For meaning and if that fails or doesn't work, then they go to external to other gods, little g. And and we have we, as in mankind, we have the ability to make anything into a a a God. Good things normally, but that we make ultimate. Jeff Ward: for meaning and if that fails or doesn't work then they go to external to other gods little g and and we have we as in mankind we have the ability to make anything into a a a god. Good things normally but that we make ultimate Randy Spear: The gospel is meant to now restore all that back, restore us back to Jeff Ward: The gospel is meant to now restore all that back, restore us back to get our identity, our security, and our happiness from external from God Himself. So in today's message, what we'll look at and and we'll watch for is we come to watch for this temptation and watch for this shift as Adam and Eve go from centered on God to center on themselves. and with the help of just the deception and of of the serpent. But anyway. Randy Spear: get our identity, our security and our happiness from external, from God Himself. So in today's message, what we'll look at and and we'll watch for is we come that watch for this temptation and watch for this shift as Adam and Eve go from centered on God to center on themselves. and with the help of dis the deception and of of the serpent. But anyway, let's go. I think we're gonna get to the first five verses in this first go at it and then we'll Jeff Ward: Let's go. I think we're gonna get to the first five verses in this first go at it, and then we'll pick it up later next week, in verse six. But for now, you wanna read verse one? You bet. Now the serpent was shrewder than any of the wild animals that the Lord had made. He said to the woman, Is it really true that God said, You must not eat from any tree of the orchard? Okay, so there's the intro. I mean intro. Randy Spear: Pick it up later next week in verse six. But for now, you want to read verse one? You bet. Please. Now the serpent was shrewder than any of the wild animals that the Lord had made. He said to the woman, Is it really true that God said, You must not eat from any tree of the orchard? Okay, so there's the intro. I mean intro in that here the serpent shows up. I want to talk about the serpent for just a little bit. Jeff Ward: serpent shows up. I want to talk about the serpent for just a little bit. He's described as shrewd. That's interesting to me. We don't use that word for animals today. I wouldn't say okay my dog is a shrewd dog or the or the most shrewd of all the all the animals. Randy Spear: He's described as shrewd. That's interesting to me. We don't use that word for animals today. I wouldn't say, okay, my dog is a shrewd dog or the or the most shrewd of all the all the animals. That word shrewd there, the Hebrew word, can mean negative or positive. It depends on the context. So negative, we would use the word maybe cunning, would be kind of a thinking. So there's a very smart person or animal. Jeff Ward: That word shrewd there, the Hebrew word, can mean negative or positive. It depends on the context. So negative we would use the word maybe cunning. would be kind of a thinking. So there's a very smart person or animal, but they're they're they're twisting things on purpose. positive use of this word, it's used as the word prudent or wise. So again, not a word that we'd normally use. Randy Spear: But they're they're they're twisting things on purpose. a positive use of this word, it's used as the word prudent or wise. So again, not a word that we'd normally use in scripture. And I put here, God has already declared in chapter one that all creation is good. So the serpent is is is the most wise and astute, intelligent, perceptive animal ever created. That's that's kind of just a statement up front. So at this point. Jeff Ward: Scripture and I here God has already declared in chapter one that all creation is good. So the serpent is is is the most wise and astute, intelligent, perceptive animal ever created. That's that's kind of just a statement up front. So at this point, that's that's what can be said of the serpent, except now there's another being in there, a fallen being, Satan. Randy Spear: That's that's what can be said of the serpent, except now there's another being in there, a fallen being, Satan. I put here it could be very well it could very well be that Adam and Eve had many discussions with serpents before now. and that's not something that we would that Jeff Ward: But here it could be very well it could very well be that Adam and and Eve had many discussions with serpents before now. Right. And that's not something that we would that Randy Spear: we would normally think about, right? 'Cause we don't have those conversations. But and I put that would kind of explain their willingness to have a d a conversation. Jeff Ward: think about, right? 'Cause we don't have those conversations. But and I thought that would kind of explain their willingness to have a d a conversation with a serpent and and without setting up any kind of red flags. Randy Spear: with a serpent and and without setting on any kind of red flags. Jeff Ward: here though this shrouder is takes on the negative sense, right? Creation has been distorted already, not by man yet, although that's coming. But Satan has entered this scene. So the negative synonyms we talked about, a cunning, clever, crafty would be kind of what this word means about this servant from a negative standpoint. As far as the other than we t talked come back to the idea of it speaking, Randy Spear: here though, this shrouder is takes on the negative sense, right? Creation has been distorted already, not by man yet, although that's coming. But Satan has entered this scene. So the negative synonyms we talked about, a cunning, clever, crafty would be kind of what this word means about this serpent from a negative standpoint. As far as the other thing we t talked, come back to the idea of it speaking. Jeff Ward: you know, the question now becomes Randy Spear: the question now becomes do at at this stage in creation, do all animals speak? Do some animals speak? Or is this only because this dude is possessed by Satan? Is that why it speaks? And and we don't really know. I've given a little bit of my thoughts, but but my guess is many, if not all animals spoke then. Because otherwise this would be a a huge red flag. And keep in mind, Adam and Eve are not dumb, right? They might be innocent to the point of naive. Jeff Ward: at at this stage in creation do all animals speak? Do some animals speak? Or is this only because this dude is possessed by Satan Satan? Is that why it speaks? And and we don't really know. I'm giving a little bit of my thoughts, but but my guess is many, if not all animals spoke then. Right. Because otherwise this would be a a huge red flag. And keep in mind Adam and Eve are not dumb, right? They might be innocent to the point of naive. I'm not sure that's Randy Spear: I'm not sure that's entirely appropriate to describe them that way, but it it you could. But their IQ, this is pre-fall. Their IQ, I don't know. Ours is at best the low three digits. you know, theirs is, I don't know, five, six, ten, twenty digits. you know, w we don't know. what we do know is that their world was massively different than ours today. And we and we don't know what we don't know when it comes to their Jeff Ward: entirely appropriate to describe that way, but it it you could. But their IQ, this is pre fall, their IQ, I don't know. Ours is at best the low three digits. you know, theirs is I don't five, six, ten, twenty digits. Right. you know, w we don't know. w what we do know is that their world was massively different than ours today. Right. And we and we don't know what we don't know when it comes to their up here we can't comprehend Randy Spear: I put here we can't comprehend the innocence loss, not just the how creation is going to be changed after chapter three, but it's hard to even comprehend the level of innocence that they have that's gonna be lost today. And I and I was thinking through this, I thought, well, if you had a three year old child, they are fairly innocent, right? Jeff Ward: the innocence loss, not just the how creation is going be changed after chapter three, but it's hard to even comprehend the level of innocence that they have that's gonna be lost today. And I and I was thinking through this, I thought, well, if you had a three year old child, they are fairly innocent, right? Randy Spear: they might have a conversation with the animal. Jeff Ward: They might have a conversation with the animal without thinking twice about it. Right. You know, I mean the three year olds I know, our grandkids have great imaginations, you know, right and and might not have a problem. So maybe this is the only animal that speaks. And they're in their innocence, they're just willing to you know talk to it. Yep. who knows? but then the servant asks this question, and this is a question that he asked all of us many times a day probably. Randy Spear: without thinking twice about it. the three year olds I know our grandkids have great imaginations, and and and might not have a problem. So maybe this is the only animal that speaks. And they're in their innocence, they're just willing to, you know, to talk to it. who knows? but then the servant asks this question, and this is the question that he asked all of us many times a day probably. And he says, Is it really true that God said? Jeff Ward: And he says, is it really true that God said? Randy Spear: Or in some versions, did God really say? And that ought to be that right there is enough of a indicator that we don't even talk with this guy. We don't even deal with him because he's about to call into question God's word. Jeff Ward: Or in some versions, did God really say? And that oughta be that right there is enough of a indicator that we don't even talk with this guy. We don't even deal with him because he's about to call into question God's word. Randy Spear: And if we are if we are established in the fact that God's word is truth, capital T, God is faithful and true to his word. Jeff Ward: And if we are if we are established in the fact that God's word is truth, capital T, God is faithful and true to his word, then we don't need to even entertain anything that contradicts it. that's kind of what we've talked about before when the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10, 3 through 5, about take every thought to to the obedience of Jesus Christ. So anyway, he starts that with this. Randy Spear: Then we don't need to even entertain anything that contradicts it. that's kind of what we've talked about before, when the Bible says in what is 2 Corinthians 10, 3 through 5 about take every thought to to the obedience of Jesus Christ. So anyway, he starts that with this. and this is his first attack on identity, Jeff Ward: and this is his first attack on identity, security, and happiness. It's an attack on a lot of things I know, but we're d today we're just narrowing it down to three. so I want to talk about that. So what is your identity? What is our identity? Randy Spear: Security and happiness. It's an attack on a lot of things, I know, but we're d today we're just narrowing it down to three. so I want to talk about that. So what is your identity? What is our identity? What should it be? What is it? I see this, we're gonna keep coming back to this a little bit, but I see that and you guys who have listened to this understand my thoughts on this. But here's here's some are you a sinner or are you righteous? That's a great question, right? Jeff Ward: should it be what is it i see this we're gonna keep coming back to this a little bit but i see that and you guys who listen to this understand my thoughts on this but here's here's some are you a sinner or are you righteous that's a great question right Randy Spear: God's word is very clear. Do Jeff Ward: god's word is very clear Do you believe what God's word says? Or are you in the habit of going, did God really say? Right. God really says, what God really said is that believers are righteous, period. There's no crossover. There's no overlap besin between sinner and righteous. Zero. If you drew a circle representing him, they wouldn't have an overlap. Randy Spear: you believe what God's word says? Or are you in the habit of going, did God really say? God really says, what God really said is that believers are righteous, period. There's no crossover. There's no overlap beset between sinner and righteous. Zero. If you drew a circle representing him, they wouldn't have an overlap. Let's go to to just to kind of slow that down a little bit, let's go to Romans 5, 17 through 19 and read that when you get there. Jeff Ward: Let's go to to just to slow that down a little bit, let's go to Romans five, seventeen through nineteen and read that when you get there. Okay. This is one of many verses, but this kind of puts it in perspective. Go ahead. Okay. Romans five, seventeen through nineteen. Got it. For if by the transgression of the one man death reigned through the one, how much more will Randy Spear: This is one of many verses, but this puts it in perspective. Go ahead. Romans five, seventeen through nineteen. For if by the transgression of the one man, death reigned through the one. How much more Jeff Ward: those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one Jesus Christ? Consequently, just as a condemnation for all people came through one transgression. Randy Spear: Consequently, just as a condemnation for all people came through one transgression, Jeff Ward: So too through the one righteous act came righteousness leading to life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of one man, many will be constituted righteous. Okay, so this tells us that we are sinners because Adam sinned. Yep. And it says that believers are righteous because Jesus obeyed. Period. Randy Spear: so too through the one righteous act came righteousness leading to for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of one man, many will be constituted righteous. Okay, so this tells us that we are sinners because Adam sinned. And it says that believers are righteous because Jesus obeyed. Jeff Ward: We want to make it something about ourselves. That's from that Randy Spear: We want to make it something about ourselves. That's from that comes from Genesis chapter three. Jeff Ward: Genesis chapter three. Randy Spear: But the truth is it's not about us. And the truth is that Adam sinned, therefore we were born into sin and we are sinners. Now we earned the title ourselves. I'm not saying that we're just, innocent victims. I'm not saying that. But but Jesus has made us righteous. There's no overlap. It's not, well, on some days this or some days that. Jesus did this, therefore we're righteous. Jeff Ward: But the truth is it's not about us, and the truth is that Adam sinned, therefore we were born into sin, and we are sinners. And we earned the title ourselves. I'm not saying that we're sure, you know, innocent victims. I'm not saying that. But but Jesus has made us righteous. There's no overlap. It's not, well, you know, some days this or some days that Jesus did this, therefore righteous. Adam did this, therefore we were sinners. And then sinners is tied to death and condemnation. So if you're calling yourself a sinner and you're already Randy Spear: Adam did this, therefore we were sinners. And then sinners is tied to death and condemnation. So if you're calling yourself a sinner and you're already Jeff Ward: Already Randy Spear: saved by grace by Jesus Christ and you're a follower of his, you're a new creation, then you're so saying you're you're dead and you're saying that you are condemned. And neither one of those are true about a believer. And righteousness in this section is linked with life and with reigning. Okay, so reigning in life. Jeff Ward: saved by grace by Jesus Christ and you're a follower of his, you're a new creation, then you're extended saying you're you're dead and you're saying that you are condemned. And neither one of those are true about a believer. And righteousness in this section is linked with life and with reigning. Okay, so reigning in life is a fact of being righteous. Randy Spear: is a fact of being righteous. so that's part of our identity. And you can even see we're so we are so want to pull back into these old identities that are totally worthless all because we want to look inward instead of looking outward for our identity. I put here, here's another one. Are you a child or are you merely a servant? are you a son and daughter or are you merely Jeff Ward: So that's part of our identity. And you can even see we're so we are so want to pull back into these old identities that are totally worthless all because we want to look inward instead of looking outward for our identity. I put here here's another one. Are you a child or are you merely a servant? are you a son and daughter, or are you merely a a servant. Randy Spear: a servant? Jeff Ward: Now the son and daughter can be and are servants and should be servants, but I'm not saying I'm just saying are you merely a servant? I put here one, the servant is given a list of do's and don'ts to accomplish. The son or daughter is a participant in running of the family estate here on planet earth before we Randy Spear: Now the son and daughter can be and are servants and should be servants, but I'm not saying I'm just saying, are you merely a servant? I put here one, the servant is given a list of do's and don'ts to accomplish. The son or daughter is a participant in running of the family estate here on planet Earth before we while we're here. Okay. Got again, God's word is very clear. What do you believe to be true about you? and I put here, but wait a minute, Randy. I'm just being humble. No, you're not. You're living in unbelief, you're living in arrogance, and you're disguising it as Jeff Ward: Again, God's word is very clear. What do you believe to be true about you? and I put here, but wait a minute, Randy, I'm just being humble. No, you're not. You're living in unbelief, you're living in arrogance, and you're disguising it as false humility. So no, there's nothing more humble than believing what God's word says. Yeah. And what he says about you. Randy Spear: false humility. So no, there's nothing more humble than believing what God's Word says. And what he says about you. Jeff Ward: Like John. The disciple whom Jesus loved. The disciple whom Jesus loved. And we we scoff him and we and we Yeah bad feeling about him because he says that and I'm like, Well wait a minute, I'm the disciple whom Jesus loves. Right. Yes. Yeah. We're so after Genesis three, we're so gonna compare ourselves, right? And we're all Randy Spear: Yes, the disciple whom Jesus loved. And we we scoff him and we and we have a bad feeling about him because he says that. And I'm like, well, wait a minute, I'm the disciple who Jesus loves. Yeah. We're so after Genesis three, we're so going to compare ourselves, right? And we're all going to be in this competition. So when we hear John say that, what do we feel what we fill in the blank? Well, he's saying that Yeah, Jesus loves him. That's not what he said. He did not say Jesus loves me more than all the disciples. What he says is I'm the I'm the one Jesus loves. Jeff Ward: this competition. So when we hear John say that, what do we feel what we fill in the blank? Well he's saying that Jesus loves him more. Jesus loves him. That's not what he said. He did not say Jesus loves me more than all the disciples. What he says is I'm the I'm the one Jesus loves. Yep. And that's different. But our fallen mindset, if we still have that, if our minds have not been renewed to God's word, to God's truth in course of Romans twelve two, then we'll hear the old way of thinking. Yep. Randy Spear: And that's different. But but our fallen mindset, if we still have that, if our minds have not been renewed to God's word and to God's truth in accordance to the Romans 12, too, then we'll hear the old way of thinking. What about security? God's presence alone is supposed to be our security. Okay. I wanted to compare this to as an example. A dad's presence can calm the a child's fears. But they but there's two things that that child has to believe about dad. Jeff Ward: What about security? God's presence alone is supposed to be our security. Okay? I want to compare this to that as an example. A dad's presence can calm a child's fears. But they but there's two things that that child has to believe about dad in order for dad's presence to calm his fear or the or her fear, his or her. One, they have to understand that dad is willing to stand between the child in danger. Randy Spear: in order for dad's presence to calm his fear or the or or her fear, his or her. One, they have to understand that dad is willing to stand between the child and danger. So he's willing. The next thing is they have to understand that God is strong enough to negate or dad is strong enough to negate the danger. So is so is dad willing and able. And if the child believes that the dad is willing and able, then God's pre I mean, then the dad's presence brings security. God is the same way. Jeff Ward: So he's willing. The next thing is they have to understand that God is strong enough to negate, or dad is strong enough to negate the danger. So is so is dad willing and able. And if the child believes that the dad is willing and able, then God's pre- I mean, then the dad's presence brings security. God is the same way. God is a good father, and he is willing and able, and his presence should always get rid of our fears. Okay. There's a, I'd say, a kind of this underlining thing within the West. Randy Spear: God is a good father, and he is willing and able, and his presence should always get rid of our fears. Okay. There's a, I'd say, a a kind of this underlining thing within the Western Jeff Ward: Church of God is able, but it but he may or may not be willing. That's a distortion of God's character. This whole chapter three we'll see, and the whole serpent's idea with Eve and Adam is to distort God's character, to mischaracterize Randy Spear: church of God is able, but it but he may or may not be willing. that's a distortion of God's character. This whole chapter three we'll see and the whole serpent's idea with Eve and Adam is to distort God's character, to mischaracterize. Jeff Ward: God, and it works. here's a fact: anytime God gives big assignments, he always with that promises his presence. If if the assignment you have does Randy Spear: God and it works. here's a fact anytime God gives big assignments, he always with that promises his presence. If if the assignment you have does Jeff Ward: Does Randy Spear: not strike fear and does not seem impossible, then you may or may not be hearing from God. But he always gives big assignments and then he always promises his presence to get rid of the fear that comes with big assignments. Jeff Ward: not strike fear and does not seem impossible, then you may or may not be hearing from God. Yeah. But he always gives big assignments and then he always promises his presence to get rid of the fear that comes with big assignments. Some examples, Joshua. He said, Joshua, don't be afraid. As I was with Moses, I will be with you. This is David. Randy Spear: Some examples, Joshua. He said, Joshua, don't be afraid. As I was with Moses, I will be with you. This is David, who obviously had also had a big assignment. Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. And then Jesus, go make disciples of all nations. That's a pretty big assignment. And then he says, and never forget, I am with you always. Jeff Ward: Who always had also had a big assignment. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. And then Jesus, go make disciples of all nations. That's a pretty big assignment. And then he says, and never forget, I am with you always. So these are all things that God's word says about us. And do you believe them or not? You could probably take a look at where you're Randy Spear: So these are all things that God's word says about us and it do you believe them or not? You can probably take a look at where you're finding safety, where you're finding security, where you're finding identity, and that should tell you if you believe what God's word says or not. What about happiness? Many of us take happiness into our own hands, right? Jeff Ward: Finding safety where you're finding security, where you're finding identity, and that should tell you if you believe what God's word says or not. What about happiness? Many of us take happiness into our own hands, right? Here's something did God really say. Did God really say that sex should only be within marriage? Mm-hmm. Did God really say to give a tenth and give above a tenth? Did God really say that I shouldn't chase success and money as a as a goal in life and should chase Jesus Christ instead? Yeah, here let me just I said many of us this week. Randy Spear: Here's here's some did God really say. Did God really say that sex should only be within marriage? Did God really say to to give a tenth and give above a tenth? Did God really say that I shouldn't chase success and money as a as a goal in life and should chase Jesus Christ instead? Yeah, here let me just I said many of us this week. have already focused on some new thing or some new person or some new adventure that we think will make us happy when the previous one thousand times that we've gotten something new, the happiness wore off in a matter of hours or days. W We're just so crazy we that in if our n mind is not removed renewed into God's word, we can't even see that this it's done it over and over and over and over again and this new shiny object will be Jeff Ward: have already focused on some new thing or some new person or some new adventure that we think will make us happy when the previous one thousand times that we've gotten something new, the happiness wore off in a matter of hours or days. Well we're just so crazy we that in if our n mind is not removed renewed to God's word, we can't even see that this it's done it over and over and over and over again and this new shiny object will be the the thing that's on a shelf we never use in a matter of days. So why do we keep putting our hopes and hopes for happiness. I put here I'll just keep reading what I said. Yet we still believe that with just one more new thing, just one more new person in our life or just one more promotion, then we'll be happy. Yeah. It's just not true. Yep. let me read from Second Corinthians eleven three. This is the new King James version. Randy Spear: the the thing that's on a shelf we never use in a matter of days. So why do we keep putting our hopes in that? Hopes for happiness. I put here, I'll just keep reading what I said. Yet we still believe that with just one more new thing, just one more new person in our life, or just one more promotion, then we'll be happy. And it's just not true. let me read from second Corinthians eleven three. This is in the new King James version. It says, but this is Paul writing in the Corinthians, but I fear lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ. The simplicity in Jesus Christ is that He is Jeff Ward: It says, but this is Paul writing the Corinthians, but I fear lest somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ. The simplicity in Jesus Christ is that he is. Randy Spear: the point. He is the thing. He said, Seek first His king seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That's the simplicity of Jesus Christ. Through deception, Jeff Ward: He is the thing. He said, Seek first his king seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. That's the simplicity of Jesus Christ. Through deception, through the deception of busyness, distraction, envy, Satan will pull us away from the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ. That's what hat that's what Paul here is saying is happening in Ephesians chapter 3. What was that reference again? That was 2 Corinthians 11 3. Okay. And I read from the New King James. Randy Spear: Through the deception of busyness, distraction, envy, Satan will pull us away from the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ. That's what hat that's what Paul here is saying is happening in Ephesians chapter three. That was that reference again? That was Second Corinthians eleven three. And I read from the New King James. Jeff Ward: Yep. What's happening here is Satan's coming to Eve, who has the simplicity of Randy Spear: What's happening here is Satan's coming to Eve, who has the simplicity of her God and King in her life. Jeff Ward: King in her life, and he's going to pull her away from that through deception. Randy Spear: And he's gonna pull her away from that through deception. Jeff Ward: But your authentic identity is found only in Christ. Your real foundational security and peace is found only in Christ. Your joy and happiness is found only in knowing and being known by Christ, your creator. These are the things that are the simplicity of Jesus Christ, and everything else should be many rungs below that on our priority. Randy Spear: Peter, your authentic identity is found only in Christ. Your real foundational security and peace is found only in Christ. Your joy and happiness is found only in knowing and being known by Christ, your creator. These are these are the things that are the simplicity of Jesus Christ. And everything else should be many rungs below that on our priority list. And once we get that right, then everything else will fall into place. Jeff Ward: And once we get that right, then everything else will fall into place. Randy Spear: Okay. Let's talk more about as the serpent is challenging this, this source of Adam and Eve's identity, security, and happiness. First of all, look at the quote. What do you think of the of the quote from Jeff Ward: Let's talk more about as the serpent is challenging this, this source of Adam and Eve's identity, security, and happiness. First of all, look at the quote. What do you think of the of the quote from Randy Spear: from there? Let me go read it. Or if you're there you can read it. Yeah. Yeah, it's a misquote. Yeah. That is so absurdly wrong. That's like Jeff Ward: Misquote. Yeah. Yeah. You must not eat from any tree of the orchard. Yeah. Randy Spear: black compared to white. That's like Jeff Ward: Yep. That's a gazillion cons compared to zero. Right. I mean it's not even close. Right. But it's but but that's some of his tactic, right? But did God really say that you must not eat from any tree the orchard? And and he and he misquotes him at such a Randy Spear: a gazillion cons compared to zero. it's not even close. But it's but but that's some of his tactic, right? But did God really say that you must not eat from any tree the orchard? And and he and he misquotes him at such a Such a obvious misquote that I think it's part of what ki catches Eve off guard. Right. She's never heard somebody misquote God before. Right. Ever. She's she and she and Adam have never even contemplated the possibility of somebody misquoting God. And this is not just a small misquote. This is a huge misquote, right? She may be standing there with a piece of fruit in her hand. Jeff Ward: Such a obvious misquote that I think it's part of what ki catches Eve off guard. Right. She's never heard somebody misquote God before. Right. Ever. She and e she and Adam have never even contemplated the possibility of somebody misquoting God. And this is not just a small misquote. This is a huge misquote, right? Right. She may be standing there with a piece of fruit in her hand. Randy Spear: She's probably standing there on the ground. There's probably orange peelings on the ground. Jeff Ward: She's probably standing there on the ground. There's probably orange pe orange peelings on the ground. Yeah. And she's sitting there, you know, she may be chewing a piece of fruit. Yeah. And and and this guy goes, Did he really say you can't eat anything from any of these trees? But it but it worked because it draws her draws her in. Randy Spear: And and she's sitting there, she may be chewing a piece of fruit. Yeah. And and and this guy goes, Did he really say you can't eat anything from any of these trees? But it but it worked because it draws her draws her in. so she she had two opportunities to back out or get away is this one. Is it really true that God said? Uh-huh. And then to listen to that second statement is so Jeff Ward: So she she had two opportunities to back out or get away is the first one. Is it really true that God said and then to listen to that second statement is so abs like you said, is so absurd. Yeah. But she replies. Maybe you shouldn't even reply to that dumb statement. The Bible says she shouldn't. Yeah. Here's another being, an animal, a creature. Randy Spear: Yeah. But she replies. Maybe you shouldn't even reply. She shouldn't even reply. And we'll go, the Bible says she shouldn't. We'll go look at that in a minute, right? Yeah. Here's another being, an animal, a creature, a created being, and he's challenging the word of God. That that ought to be that ought to be a red flag right there alone, and we don't even need another red flag. I I put here, that's the battle. That's the issue at hand. The challenging of God's word is the line drawn the sand, but she doesn't see it yet. And I'm and we'll talk about the required response. The required response is what you said. Just just no, get out of here. Okay. Jeff Ward: That's the battle, that's the issue at hand. The challenging of God's word is the line drawn the sand, but she doesn't see it yet. And and we'll talk about the required response. The required response is what you said. Just just no, get out of here. Okay? Randy Spear: Let's keep I got let's come back to that because let's look and see what she says. So read read verses two and three, and then we'll spend some more time here. The woman said to the servant. Jeff Ward: Let's keep I I got let's come back to that because let's look and see what she says. So read read verses two and three and then we'll spend some more time here. The woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the orchard, but concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard, God said, You must not eat from it, and you must not touch it, or else you will die. Okay. So Randy Spear: The orchard, but concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard, God said, You must not eat from it, and you must not touch it, or else you will die. Eve should be addressing that this being is questioning God's word. Instead, she's addressing the misquote. So s Satan's plan has worked. He's taken her off of Jeff Ward: Eve should be addressing that this being is questioning God's word. Instead she's addressing the misquote. So s Satan's plan has worked. He's taking her off of Randy Spear: of her number one priority, what God's Word says, and he's now got her in this debate thing about the misquote. And then it's goes downhill from here. flip over to Romans fourteen one, if you don't mind. Jeff Ward: says and he's now got her in this debate thing about the misquote and then it kind of goes downhill from flip over to Romans 141 if you don't mind Romans 141 read that get there okay 141 Randy Spear: Romans fourteen one. Read that when you get there. Jeff Ward: now receive the one who is weak in faith and do not have disputes over differing opinions do not have disputes over differing opinions 2 Timothy two twenty three we won't go well you can go there 2 Timothy two twenty Randy Spear: Now receive the one who is weak in faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions. Do not have disputes over differing opinions. Second Timothy two twenty three, we won't go. Well you can go there. Second Timothy two twenty three. Jeff Ward: Okay. but reject foolish and ignorant controversies because you know they breed infighting. Randy Spear: Reject foolish and ignorant controversies because they breed inviting. All right. Reject controversies. 1 Timothy 6.4 says something different. We won't go. I mean something similar. We will go there, but here we have three verses. 2 Timothy 2 23, 1 Timothy 6 4, Romans 14 1, that say don't do what Eve said. Don't enter into dumb arguments. Don't enter into stupid controversies. Just go, just here's what God's Word says and move on. Jeff Ward: Timothy 6.4 says something different. We won't go. something similar. We will go there, but here we have three verses. Second Timothy 2 23, 1 Timothy 6.4, Romans 14 1, that say don't do what he said. Yeah. Don't enter into dumb arguments. Right. Don't enter into stupid controversies. Yep. Just go. Just here's what God's Word says and move on. and you don't have to necessarily go fair. I go that far because I I put here what's the quick what is the correct response? Randy Spear: and you don't have to necessarily go fair. I go that far because I I put here what's the correct what is the correct response? Correct response is how dare you question their character and word of God. Boom, right there. I don't want to worry about your misquote. but get out of my sight and never return. Here's what Eve has the authority given to her in first in Genesis 1, 26, 27, 28. She has the authority to send this serpent out of the garden and out of her presence. Jeff Ward: Correct response is how dare you question the character and word of God. Boom, right there. I don't know worry about your misquote. Right. but get out of my sight and never return. Here's what Eve has the authority given to her in first in Genesis 1, 26, 27, 28. She has the authority to send this serpent out of the garden and out of her presence and never come back ever again. That's really the the answer, right? Randy Spear: and never come back ever again. That's really the the answer, right? But she's going to argue with the serpent over this over his mixed up doctrine, over his mixed up theology, and she's going to get taken down. let's see. Jeff Ward: But she's going to argue with the serpent over this over his mixed up doctrine, over his mixed up theology, and she's going to get taken down. let's see. Randy Spear: N here's the next note. Eve fights back against a misquote by misquoting God. Flip over to Genesis two sixteen and read Genesis two sixteen. Jeff Ward: No here's the next note. Eve fights back against a misquote by misquoting God. Flip over to Genesis 216 and read Genesis 216. Then the Lord commanded the man, you may freely eat fruit from every tree of the orchard, but you must not sorry. Yeah. So she's left out two words when she quoted God freely and every. Randy Spear: Yeah. So she's left out two words when she quoted God freely and every. What does she say? Let's go back to it says Got a long ways to go here. It says Jeff Ward: It says Randy Spear: went back too far. She says, We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the orchard. She left out what God says is you may freely eat of the fruit from every tree. And then he's going to go subtract one from every here in just a little bit. But but she leaves out two very important words. Jeff Ward: She says, we may eat of the fruit from the trees of the orchard. She left out what God says is you may freely eat of the fruit from every tree. And he's gonna go subtract one from every here in just a little bit. But but she leaves out two very important words. Randy Spear: There. So she and I put here Eve's quote. You may think, well, that's no big deal. It's she's getting the point across. No, she's she's beginning this path of mischaracterizing God by misquoting his word. Let that sink in. She is mischaracterizing God by misquoting his word. I put Eve and Satan are in the process of characterizing God as a stingy, overbearing killjoy. Jeff Ward: There. So she and I put here Eve's quote. You may think, well, that's no big deal. It's she's getting the point across. No, she's she's beginning this path of mischaracterizing God by misquoting his word. Let that sink in. She is mischaracterizing God by misquoting his word. I put Eve and Satan are in the process of characterizing God as a stingy, overbearing killjoy. Randy Spear: That's the picture that's being painted about God. How many of us paint God into that exact same characterization every day by either not knowing God's word or misquoting God's word? Jeff Ward: That's the picture that's being painted about God. How many of us paint God into that exact same characterization every day by either not knowing God's word or misquoting God's word? Randy Spear: Quick side note here. She added the the restriction to not touch. Jeff Ward: Quick side note here. She added the the restriction to not touch. Randy Spear: I'm okay with her saying that. I mean, I know she appreciates me being okay with that. What I'm saying is I've heard people say that, she shouldn't have said that. I I I don't know that that's okay. That's not necessarily wrong when you add an extra barrier or fence between you and sin. I mean, sh Adam, when he was communicating this, might have communicated like, hey, we're here's the rules because this was given Jeff Ward: I'm okay with her saying that. I mean, I know she appreciates me being okay with that. What I'm saying is I've heard people say that she shouldn't have said that. I I I don't know that that's okay. Sure and sin. I mean, sh Adam when he was communicating this might have communicated hey w here's the rules because this was given command was given to Adam before Eve was created. Now that Eve is created, we know that Adam passed it on to her because she's Randy Spear: Command was given to Adam before Eve was created. Now that Eve is created, we know that Adam passed it on to her because she's Jeff Ward: talking with the serpent here, right? So the conversation might have been something like this, hey, here's here's what we're supposed to do. We can't eat from this tree. But let's just think about how about you and I know we don't eat but let's just not even touch it. So let's put an extra pad between us and that tree so that we don't end up eating it. I'll call this a fence or barrier. I'll talk about for fences Randy Spear: talking with the serpent here, right? So the conversation might have been something like this, hey, here's here's what we're supposed to do. We can't eat from this tree. But let's just think about how about you and I know we're not eating but let's just not even touch it. So let's put an extra pad between us and that tree so that we don't end up eating it. I'll call this a fence or barrier. I'll talk about for fences. The problem with a fence is not that it's there. Jeff Ward: The problem with a fence is not that it's there. The problem with a fence is that we create our we is when we equate our fences with God's commands. Yep. And that's not something that that we want to do because what we'll do is we will Randy Spear: The problem with a fence is that we create our we is when we equate our fences with God's commands. And that's not something that that we want to do because what we'll do is we will turn around and use our fence as either to create guilt and shame in ourselves or judgment on somebody else's using that. Let me give an example. An example is Jeff Ward: and use our fence as either to create guilt and shame in ourselves or judgment on somebody else's use that. Let me give an example. An example is Randy Spear: well we we we have a an acquaintance that that had a problem with pornography and now he uses a flip phone. He's he's been redeemed from it and he's been delivered from it. And one of his fences he put in place is he doesn't have a computer in his phone or Jeff Ward: well we we we have a an acquaintance that that had a problem with pornography and now he uses a flip phone. He's he's been redeemed from it and he's been delivered from it and one of his fences he put in place is he doesn't have a computer in his phone or He doesn't have a phone that can tap the internet. He has a flip phone that he can call on and text on. Randy Spear: he doesn't have a phone that can tap the internet. He has a flip phone that he can call on and text on. Is there anything wrong with that? Not anything wrong with that at all. He has seen seen his problem with pornography and so he's backed off and taken away his phone from himself or t or has a phone with less capability. All right. Now the problem would occur now when if he says, well, everybody should have a flip phone. Or if he were to ever pick up and use a phone and that, you know, an iPhone, borrow somebody's iPhone and look up the weather or look up something legitimate use of the internet, then and then feel guilty about it. Well Jeff Ward: Is there anything wrong with that? Not anything wrong with that at all. He has seen seen his problem with pornography and so he's backed off and taken away his phone from himself or or has a phone with less capability. All right. Now the problem would occur now when if he says, Well everybody should have a flip phone. Exactly. Or if he were to ever pick up and use a phone and that you know, an iPhone, borrow somebody's iPhone and look up the weather or look up something legitimate use of the internet, then and then feel guilty about it, well that now has Randy Spear: N now his Jeff Ward: fence is turned into a legalism and and that's what I'm talking about. Yep. Yep. Randy Spear: fence has turned into a legalism and and that's what I'm talking about there. Jeff Ward: a lot of the old law the Pharisees clung to were fences, right? Right. Yeah. Traditions of men. Yeah. Yeah. Jesus called right? Right. Yeah. There's nothing wrong with them as long as you treat as a fence and not as the actual line in the sand. Randy Spear: Law the Pharisees come to were fences. Yeah, right. Yeah. Traditions of men is what Jesus called right? Yeah. There's nothing wrong with them as long as you treat as a fence and not as the actual line in the sand. Jeff Ward: Yeah. Randy Spear: And it's it's you you could consider it to be wise that you and I that we if we have a problem area, that that we just set up a buffer between us and the prom problem area. Yeah. Yeah. So Jeff Ward: And it's it's you you could consider it to be wise that you and I that we if we have a problem area that sure we just set up a buffer between us and the problem area. Yeah. Yeah. So another thing would be Randy Spear: another thing would be What are some ways, let me just read what I wrote. What are some ways that we as believers will misquote God today? Because Eve misquotes and therefore mischaracterizes God. a little bit goes back to what we were saying in Romans five, seventeen through nineteen, sinner versus righteous. And there are other terms that we would use. Jeff Ward: What some ways, let me just read what I wrote. What are some ways that we as believers will misquote God today? Because Eve misquotes and therefore mischaracterizes God. a little bit goes back to what we were saying in Romans five, seventeen through nineteen, sinner versus righteous. And there are other terms that we would use. Randy Spear: we've heard I Jeff Ward: We for we refer to ourselves in terms of who we were before we became a believer. Everything changed when you became a believer. You became a new creation, behold, all things are new. That's what St. Corinthians 5 17 says. but but if our language doesn't also change and our identity doesn't change the way we see ourselves, then then we're entirely negating, we're using words that entirely negate the work of Christ on the cross that made us brand new. Randy Spear: we refer to ourselves in terms of who we were before we became a believer. Everything changed when you became a believer. You became a new creation, behold, all things are new. That's what 2 Corinthians 5 17 says. but but if our language doesn't also change and our identity doesn't change the way we see ourselves, then then we're entirely negating, we're using words that entirely negate the work of Christ on the cross that made us brand new. Jeff Ward: here's some other things. We see ourselves as someone who needs to be continuous continuously f for reforgiven when God's word says you were forgiven once and for all. God's I mean Jesus went into the Holy of Holies with his own blood and paid the price once and for all. some of us how we see the work of the Holy Spirit will use terminology that line up with the Bi Bible. Randy Spear: here's some other things. We see ourselves as someone who needs to be continuous continuously f for reforgiven when God's word says you were forgiven once and for all. God's I mean Jesus went into the Holy of Holies with his own blood and paid the price once and for all. some of us how we see the work of the Holy Spirit, we'll use terminology that doesn't line up with the Bi Bible. how we how we judge certain Jeff Ward: Judge certain offenses, if you will. There's a there's a a big gray area that God's word says this, and yet we will judge people according to not according to God's word. For instance, alcohol is one, money is another, sex, computers. Those are all things that can be used legitimately or illegitimately, used for sin or can be used for good. I put here, how do we judge the sin of fear, worry, anxiety, and unbelief? Those are kind of like Randy Spear: offenses if you will. There's a there's a a big gray area that God's word says this and yet we will judge people according to not according to God's word. For instance, alcohol is one, money is another, sex, computers. Those are all things that can be used legitimately or or illegitimately, used for sin or can be used for good. I put here, how do we judge the sin of fear, worry, anxiety, and unbelief? Those are kind of like those are big deals. Jeff Ward: Those are big deals. Those are big things that will completely can completely short circuit your your Christian life. Yet we treat them as, those are the acceptable sins, right? If you're worried, that just shows how concerned you are. No, it's not. It's a sin. Yeah. it's a lack of faith in God. let's see. Randy Spear: Those are big things that will completely can completely short circuit your your Christian life. Yet we treat as, those are the acceptable sins, right? If you're worried, that just shows how concerned you are. No, it's not. It's a sin. it's a lack of faith in God. let's see. One thing I hear occasionally is God promises to meet your needs, but will never but has never promised to meet your desires. John fifteen seven, Psalms thirty-four, seven, thirty-seven, four. these are all contradict that. We just don't know God's word. I put here that attitude makes God into the keeper of an orphanage who just makes sure we have a cot, a roof, one set of clothes, and three square meals a day. That it that is not who he is. He is a good, good father. He is not the the Jeff Ward: these are all contradict that. We just don't know God's word. I put here that attitude makes God into the keeper of an orphanage who just makes sure we have a cot, a roof, one set of clothes and three square meals a day. That it that is not who he is. He is a good good father. He's not the the principal at a orphanage. Randy Spear: principal at a orphanage. Here's here's one of the bottom lines I'll talk through and I guess I won't keep going. Most of the misquotes make us out to be not as bad as we really are and make God out to be not nearly as good as he really is. That's that's part of what's happening here in chapter three that will we will be bent and broken as as mankind. it's this inward turning and it's this self deception that I'm not that bad. Jeff Ward: Here's here's one of the bottom lines I'll talk through, and I'm I guess I won't keep going. Most of the misquotes make us out to be not as bad as we really are, and make God out to be not nearly as good as He really is. That's that's part of what's happening here in chapter three that will we will be bent and broken as as mankind. it's this inward turning and it's this self-deception that, I'm not that bad. and therefore God's not that good. let's see. Randy Spear: and therefore God's not that good. let's see. I have several more. I don't know if we keep going or not. Keep going. I'll keep going. Okay. I put here, God can't bless you if you have unconfessed sin in your life. I'm like, well, first of all, go find that in scripture. Second of all, it that attitude makes us out as someone who deserves blessing. And first of all, you're not even aware of all your sins, so never mind the ability to confess them. Jeff Ward: I have several more and I don't know if we keep going not. Keep going. I'll keep going. Okay. But here, God can't bless you have unconfessed sin in your life. I'm like, well, first of all, go find that in scripture. Second of all, if that attitude makes us out as someone who deserves blessing. And and first of all, you're not even aware of all your sins, so never mind the ability to confess them. And God is blessing us so constantly in so many ways that we can never even keep track. Randy Spear: And God is blessing us so constantly in so many ways that we could never even keep track. So we are so ritually blessed all day, every day. So to believe otherwise is to classify our blessings as something we earned, thus severely mech mischaracterizing both ourselves and God. Here's another quote: God doesn't want you to be happy. I'm like, really? There's Jeff Ward: So we are so ritually blessed all day, every day. So to believe otherwise is to classify our blessings as something we earned, thus severely mech mischaracterizing both ourselves and God. Here's another quote: God doesn't want you to be happy. I'm like, really? There's sixty-six books here in this big book that describe a plan that's completely different. A plan of us being Randy Spear: 66 books here in this big book that describe a plan that's completely different. A plan of us being Jeff Ward: and experiencing unimaginable fulfillment. Yeah. And to put it otherwise is say we're we're a better parent than God, because we want our cat kids to be happy and we set their lives up to try to s put them on that trajectory to include discipline and to include you know having hard discussions when necessary. Randy Spear: And experiencing unimaginable fulfillment. And to put it otherwise is say we're we're a better parent than God, because we want our cap kids to be happy and we set their lives up to try to s put them on that trajectory to include discipline and to include you know having hard discussions when necessary. And if that's true, then most of our life is spent doing stupid stuff. We should be pursuing misery and we should quit rebelling by wanting joy in our life. Yet God promises joy. Jeff Ward: And if that's true, then most of our life is spent doing stupid stuff. We should be pursuing misery and we should quit rebelling by wanting joy in our life. Yet God promises joy, which is a is a completely whole nother tier above happy. Randy Spear: Which is a is a completely whole nother tier above happy. All right, I think I'm gonna I'm gonna quit with that one. Any anything else that came to mind when I said, what are some ways that we as believers misquote God today? No. Jeff Ward: Any anything else that came to mind when I said, what are some ways that we as believers must quote God today? No, I was racking my brain. You were you were touching on well. no. Do you have more? Randy Spear: Yeah. Well no. Do you have more? no. No none that I won't cover. Okay. Sounds good. For a time I think. But yeah, but if Jeff Ward: No. Okay. None that I won't cover. Okay. Sounds good. But it but Randy Spear: you want to cover it, I'd be more than willing. Jeff Ward: I like it. Cover a few more. Pick a few. Pick a few more. well one I was talking about was you know, there's this thing in the body of Christ about trying to describe righteousness as practical righteousness and and and what's the other positional righteousness. Right. And I understand the argument, but that's not what God's sword says. So it's really important that we just come into God's word and we just quote what God's word says. Yeah. I love when it comes to understanding God's word. Here's what Randy Spear: All right. Pick a few. Pick a few more. well, the one I was talking about was there's this thing in the body of Christ about trying to describe righteousness as practical righteousness. And I'm and and what's the other positional righteousness. And I understand the argument, but that's not what God's sword says. So it's really important that we just come into God's word and we just quote what God's word says. I love when it comes to understanding God's word. Here's what The question that I would like to ask. I would like to ask, what does God's word say? Once we figure out what God's word says, then let's talk about the implications and the impacts of that. What normally we do though is we go, what does God's word mean? And that question, if we were in a, if we were in a class, there's 10 of us in here and and we read a passage and we went around and said, What does God's, what does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? We might get 10 different answers. Jeff Ward: The question that I would like to ask. I would like to ask, what does God's word say? Once we figure out what God's word says, then let's talk about the implications and the impacts of that. What normally we do though is we go, what does God's word mean? And that question, if we were in a, you know, if we were in a class, there's ten of us in here and and we read a passage and we went around and said, What does God's what does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? We might get ten different answers. Randy Spear: And and it's probably a lot of opinion mixed in there. It's probably a lot of intellect or soulishness, which which First Corinthians two fourteen says a soulish man can understand spiritual things, and then two verses later it says spiritual things are understand spiritually. so as soon as you go, what does this mean? that that that has the ability to go off in a direction it shouldn't go off, and it has ability to go off in many directions. Jeff Ward: ability to go off in a direction it shouldn't go off and it has ability to go off in many directions. But if we'll just come at it with what does God's word say, all right. That's what it says. Okay, now how should we live? Yeah. and what are the impacts of that? This practical righteousness versus positional righteousness is the same thing because the way it comes across, intentionally or not, is positional righteousness is a someday reality and practical righteousness is up to me to go make it happen. Randy Spear: But if we'll just come at it with what does God's word say? All right, that's what it says. Okay, now how should we live? and what are the impacts of that? This practical righteousness versus positional righteousness is the same thing because the way it comes across, intentionally or not, is positional righteousness is a someday reality, and practical righteousness is up to me to go make it happen. And my question would be how's that going for you? If you're on your own without the power of the spirit. Jeff Ward: And my question would be, how's that going for you? If you're on your own without the power of the Spirit, power of the Holy Spirit, then you're what Isaiah calls your our righteousness is filthy rags, dirty minstrel rags, is what it really means. Yeah. it is a refusal of God's gift of perfect righteousness. Righteousness means to be right before God. You're either right before God. Randy Spear: power of the Holy Spirit, then you're what Isaiah calls your our righteousness is filthy rags or dirty menstrual rags is what it really means. It is a refusal of God's gift of perfect righteousness. Righteousness means to be right before God. You're either right before God or you're not right before God. There's no positional, no that and it's and it's either now or never. Jeff Ward: Positional know that it's and it's either now or never, Randy Spear: when it comes to the believer. There's nothing else in your life, if you're a follower of Jesus Christ and you confess to him the Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, there's no future event in your life that's going to make you righteous if you're not already right. If the blood of Jesus and him becoming your Savior did not make you righteous, there is no future event that will do it. And righteous people go to heaven and unrighteous people don't. Jeff Ward: when it comes to the believer. There's nothing else in your life, if you're a follower of Jesus Christ and you confess to him the Lord and you believe in your heart that you're racing for death, there's no future event in your life that's gonna make you righteous if you're not a rigor. If the blood of Jesus and him becoming your savior did not make you righteous, there is no future event that will do it. And righteous people go to heaven and unrighteous people don't. Yep. Randy Spear: but w what the Bible will call is the fruit of righteousness. And the fruit of righteousness then Jeff Ward: But what what the Bible will call is the fruit of righteousness. Yeah. And the fruit of righteousness then is produced because of my identity and the reality of me being righteous. Right. And we've talked about that before, but if I'm not already righteous, I can't do a righteous act. Right. So this practical righteousness is foolishness and it's a lie and it needs to be getting gotten stamped out of our mindset. Randy Spear: is produced because of my identity and the reality of me being righteous. And we talked about that before, but if I'm not already righteous, I can't do a righteous act. So this practical righteousness is foolishness and it's a lie and it needs to be getting gotten stamped out of our mindset. What I mean by that, if I'm gonna do a good deed, if I see you in need, let's say, now don't don't take this too far, but let's say I you needed a hundred dollars and I give you a hundred dollars. Jeff Ward: What do I mean by that? If I'm gonna do a good deed, if I see you in need, let's say, now don't don't take this too far, but let's say I you needed a hundred dollars and I give you a hundred dollars. Randy Spear: I'm just teasing you. I I would give you a hundred dollars you need it. But here the question is, is that a righteous act or is that not not a righteous act? Well, it depends. Jesus came in and said, Hey, it's not just what you do, it's your motivations behind it. It's the reality behind it. Well, if I in my mind or if I am in fact unrighteous and I'm giving you a hundred dollars in order to become righteous, then that is an unrighteous act. Why? Because it's a self centered motivation behind that act Jeff Ward: But here the question is, is that a righteous act or is that not not a righteous act? Well it depends. Jesus came in and said, Hey, it's not just what you do, it's your motivations behind it. It's the reality behind it. Well, if I in my mind or if I am in fact unrighteous and I'm giving you a hundred dollars in order to become righteous, then that is an unrighteous act. Why? Because it's a self-centered motivation behind that act. Randy Spear: because I'm Jeff Ward: Because I'm Randy Spear: I'm not giving you a hundred dollars. I'm actually giving myself a hundred dollars or giving myself the opportunity b to become righteous. That's why the law didn't work. That's why religion didn't work. It's not just our inability to do righteous things. It's our inability, because we are unrighteous to do something that is totally free and totally righteous and not self-centered. Because now if we're trying to do things in order to become righteous, nothing we do is righteous. Jeff Ward: not giving you $100. I'm actually giving myself $100 or giving myself the opportunity to become righteous. That's why the law didn't work. That's why religion didn't work. It's not just our inability to do righteous things, it's our inability, because we are unrighteous to do something that is totally free and totally righteous and not self-centered. Because now, if we're trying to do things in order to become righteous, nothing we do is righteous. But let's say now I'm all Randy Spear: But let's say now I'm already Jeff Ward: righteous. And now I give you a hundred dollars 'cause I see you need a hundred dollars and I give it to you because you're a person in need. And and now that is a righteous act because I'm not giving it for me. I'm giving it 'cause I'm already righteous as a 'cause I'm already righteous as a fruit of righteousness. Anyway. Does that make sense? It does. Okay. And I know we've discussed that before, but there you go. It's always good to hear it again with examples. Yeah. Randy Spear: righteous and now I give you a hundred dollars 'cause I see you need a hundred dollars and I give it to you because you're a person in need. And and now that is a righteous act because I'm not giving it for me. I'm giving it 'cause I'm already righteous as a 'cause I'm already righteous as a fruit of righteousness. Anyway. Does that make sense? Okay. And I know we've discussed that before, but there you go. It's always good to hear it again. Always good. Yeah. All right, let's move on. Jeff Ward: You were talking about you know, what in a in a Sunday school class or Bible class and you're like, What does this mean? And I probably not saying anything new here, but yeah, you bring your own fleshly or carnal look into your answer based on well the world around me does this or looks like this or these are my experiences. So the word of God, when it says that, well, it means this. Yes. And we know that our eyeballs Randy Spear: saying anything new here, but yeah, you bring your own flesh your carnal look into your answer based on well the world around me does this looks like this or these are my experiences, so the word of God when it says that, well it means this. Yes. And we know that our eyeballs senses Jeff Ward: senses can lie to us but scripture does not. Yeah. Our intellect requires us to put it in finite language. Right. Right. Randy Spear: can lie to us. Yes. Scripture does not requires us to put it in finite language. Right. Right? Jeff Ward: Or to make it understandable. To make it or comprehend with what we see. Comprehendable by our mind. And and like you said, our five senses we see this and we dumb scripture down. We dumb it down to fit our experience or we're seeing. But we understand by faith. Faith comes from the heart or from the spirit, and or the spirit and Randy Spear: To make it understandable, comprehendable by our mind. And and like you said, our five senses, we see this and we dumb scripture down. We dumb it down to fit our experience what we're seeing. But we understand by faith. Faith comes from the heart or from the spirit, andor the spirit, and and so we understand by faith, our faith and our spirit as a as a point of understanding can go places our intellect will never go. Jeff Ward: And so we understand by faith. Our faith and our spirit as a point of understanding can go places our intellect will never have to faith like a child. Yeah. So that helps us to go, what does it say? Okay, that's true. I can understand by faith that what it says is what it means and it's true. And let's go bring our world and our experiences up to that instead of bringing God's scripture down to our current experiences. Yeah. Randy Spear: So like a child. Yeah. So that helps us to go. What does it say? Okay. That's true. I can understand by faith that what it says is what it means and it's true. And let's go bring our world and our experiences up to that instead of bringing God's scripture down to our current experiences. I just said the same thing you already said, but anything else? No, sir. All right. Let's go on to let me read real quick. Jeff Ward: I just said the same thing you already said, but anything else? No, sir. All right, let's go on to let me read real quick. Randy Spear: Yeah, I think And she even quotes the consequence, right? Or else you will die. But then Satan's gonna step in here and tell us something different. Or the serpent. verses four and five. The serpent said to the woman, surely Jeff Ward: And she even quotes the consequence, right? Or else you will die. But then Satan's gonna step in here and tell us something different. Or the serpent. verses four and five. The serpent said to the woman, Surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. All right. So here's the Randy Spear: Knowing good and evil. All right. So here's the problem. The problem is she has entered into this discussion with the deceiver, with what Jesus will call the father of lies. Okay. And he starts off with this massive misquote. And Eve probably honestly goes, Dude, no, that's wrong. She's kind of caught off guard by that. And she wants to correct him because she obviously wants to take him to a point and put God in the in right standing. She wants to. Jeff Ward: She has entered into this discussion with the deceiver, with what Jesus will call the father of lies. Okay. And he starts off with this massive misquote. And Eve probably honestly goes, Dude, no, that's wrong. She's kind of caught off guard by that, and she wants to correct him because she obviously wants to take him to a point and put God in the in the right standing. She wants to Randy Spear: Correct him so that so that she'll be back he'll be back where she where he's supposed to be, quoting God correctly, characterizing God Jeff Ward: Correct him so that so that she'll be back he'll be back where she where he's supposed to be, quoting God, correctly, characterizing God. Randy Spear: correctly. And then he steps into this one. Now the first one was a severe misquote and it brought her into the conversation. Right? This one now is a lot of things are true in here. the problem is it's questioning God. I mean, and and why but is it true? Like, well Jeff Ward: And then he steps into this one. Now the first one was a severe misquote and it brought her into the conversation. Right? This one now is a lot of things are true in here. the problem is it's questioning God. I mean and and why but is it true? Like, well, did they physically die right away? Randy Spear: Did they physically die right away? Jeff Ward: No. No. He's not lying to her from that standpoint, right? he's he's saying, hey, this fruit is not poison. You know, it's not like you eat it three seconds later, you're going boom, you're laid out. but what they did die immediately is they spiritually died immediately. And physically took much much later. The physical death will enter creation almost immediately though, in chapter four. but it's I mean, their bodies are so perfect. We don't know how Randy Spear: No. He's not lying to her from that standpoint, right? he's he's saying, hey, this fruit is not poison. it's not like you eat it and three seconds later you're going boom, you're laid out. but what they did die immediately is they spiritually died immediately. And physically took much much later. The physical death will enter creation almost immediately though in chapter four. but it's I mean, their bodies are so perfect. We don't know how Jeff Ward: I don't think we know. Randy Spear: I don't think we know how long Leave Eve in lived, but Adam lives nine hundred years plus or minus. And so his body was so perfect it took sin that long to kill him. It takes our bodies a lot less. so they they do die spiritually immediately, which is the ultimate definition of death. And and here's he's telling the truth here. He says, Hey, your eyes will be open. Jeff Ward: Eve and lived, but Adam lives nine hundred years plus or minus. And so his body was so perfect it took sin that long to kill him. It takes our bodies a lot less. so they they do die spiritually immediately, which is the ultimate definition of death. And and here's he's selling the truth here. He says, Hey, your eyes will be open. Well, there's no doubt their eyes were opened and they ate that. Randy Spear: Well, there's no doubt their eyes were opened immediately when they ate that, right? and they did, in fact, understand good and evil, certainly in a way they didn't hadn't previously. and they and from that standpoint, okay, yeah, they did become like God. God understands good or evil. The problem is at this stage, they can't handle the knowledge of good or evil. now, God was probably going to bring them along and and give them understanding of it. Jeff Ward: and they did in fact understand good and evil, certainly in a way they didn't hadn't previously. and they and from that standpoint, okay, yeah, they did become like God. God understands good or evil. The problem is at this stage they can't handle the knowledge of good or evil. now God was probably going to bring them along and and give them understanding of it. maybe, maybe not. but Randy Spear: maybe, maybe not. but they did become like God from a stance, and I put from a thing, and from here on out, we will be our own God, little G. We will be the center of universe, our universe. No longer is God the center of it. Going back to our discussion with about marriage in Ephesians what was it, five, Jeff Ward: They did become like God from a stance. And I put from a thing. And from here on out, we will be our own God, little G. We will be the center of the universe. Our universe. No longer is God the center of it. Going back to our discussion with about marriage in Ephesians what was it, five. is they stop dancing, you know, this this Randy Spear: is they stopped dancing, you know, this this Jeff Ward: grand dance as Jonathan Edwards put it where the three persons of the of the Trinity are each glorifying each other the other two or orbiting around or centered upon their their existence ex centered upon the other two. And he says that creates this grand dance and then Randy Spear: Grand dance as Jonathan Edwards put it where the three persons of the of the Trinity are each glorifying each other the other two or orbiting around or centered upon their their existence is centered upon the other two. And he says that creates this grand dance. And then what I was talking about marriage, I said, Hey, we were as Adam and Eve, they were joined in on that dance where now they're orbiting, focusing on each other while they're focusing on God, and now we have this grand dance. Well now they've just stopped. Er no more. Jeff Ward: When I was talking about marriage, I said, Hey, we were as Adam and Eve, they were joined in on that dance where now they're orbiting, focusing on each other while they're focusing on God, and now we have this grand dance. Well now they've just stopped. No more. I'm not orbiting around somebody else. Now this this universe around me is gonna start orbiting around me. Eve is making the same demand. Adam here in a minute obviously is making the same s Randy Spear: I'm not orbiting around somebody else. Now this this universe around me is going to start orbiting around me. Eve is making the same demand. Adam here in a minute obviously is making the same same demand. And then I'm gonna bring to the quote there. It I in the first part of verse five verse five it says, and this may be the worst part of this whole thing, for God knows. Jeff Ward: Same demand. And then I'm going to bring to the quote there. It in the first part of verse five. Verse five it says, and this may be the worst part of this whole thing, for God knows. There's the mischaracteristic, there's the accusation against God. Randy Spear: There's the mischaracteristic. There's the accusation against God. He's he's taken and twisted the truth slightly when it comes to what will happen when they eat, but he's turned the language around as an accusation against God. Jeff Ward: He's he's taken and twisted the truth slightly when it comes to what will happen when they eat, but he's turned the language around as an accusation against God. He's withholding something from you. Yes. And you're lacking it. Yeah, you you're missing something and you're lacking it. Randy Spear: Yeah, yes. Yeah, you you're missing something and you're lacking it. and we'll we'll explore in the next session and we can talk about here just a little bit. They were lacking nothing. You know, hey, it's good for food. Are you hungry? it looks beautiful. It's attractive to the eyes, what she'll say here in a little bit. Jeff Ward: And we'll we'll explore in the next session and we can talk about here just a little bit. They were lacking nothing. You know. Hey, it's good for food. Are you hungry? it looks beautiful. It's attractive to the eyes, what she'll say here in a little bit. God himself is the definition of beauty. And everything he's created. Are you missing something beautiful in your life? it'll make you wise. Wait a minute. You walk every evening with the personification of wisdom himself. You know, so there so she will start to question this stuff here, starting in verse six, when she starts explaining stuff after she after she ate it or in in in in her thinking there. Randy Spear: And everything he's created. Are you missing something beautiful in your life? it'll make you wise. Wait a minute. You walk every evening with the personification of wisdom himself. so there so she will start to question this stuff here starting in verse six when she starts explaining stuff after she after she ate it or in in in her thinking there. Jeff Ward: Yeah. David said in Psalm twenty three one, I know we Randy Spear: All right. David said in Psalm twenty three one, know you know. Jeff Ward: know this. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. But the NET says, I lack nothing. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. That's pr I mean, what do we lack as a believers? Yeah. Nothing. What did Adam and Eve lack? Nothing. Randy Spear: Shepherd, I shall want. Yeah. But NET says I lack nothing. I lack nothing. That's pr what do we lack as a believer? Yeah. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing in any way, shape, or form. Yep. Yeah, because they've mischaracterized God, they've believed the accusations of did God really say and for God knows in verse five. Jeff Ward: Nothing in any way, shape, or form. Yep. Yet because they've mischaracterized God, they believe the accusations of did God really say, and got for God knows in verse five, they've care mischaracterized God, therefore they see themselves as lacking when they are in fact lacking nothing. Yep. We'll talk about that more here in the next section. Randy Spear: They've character mischaracterized God, therefore they see themselves as lacking when they are in fact lacking nothing. We'll talk about that more here in the next section. Jeff Ward: I'm I'll just end with this. The issue is the attack on God's character and the attack on God's word. What's inferred here by the serpent is this God can't be trusted and he doesn't have your best interest in mind. God is not for you, but he's against you. Randy Spear: I'll just end with this. The issue is the attack on God's character and the attack on God's word. What's inferred here by the serpent is this God can't be trusted, and he doesn't have your best interest in mind. God is not for you, but he's against you. Jeff Ward: If you have the temptation to think that, go read Romans eight, twenty-eight, all the way to the end of that chapter. God is for us. God is not condemning us. God is not judging us. Randy Spear: If you had the temptation to think that, go read Romans eight, twenty-eight, all the way to the end of that chapter. God is for us. God is not condemning us. God is not judging us. God ha God loves us and can and we cannot be separated from his love. We are overcomers because of all this. Those are the things that Romans eight will will let you understand the heart of God. Jeff Ward: God ha God loves us and can and we cannot be separated from His love. We are overcomers because of all this. Those are the things that Romans eight will will let you understand the heart of God. Zephaniah three seventeen. Yeah. He shouts for joy over you. Yeah. He sings over us, shouts for joy. Yeah. Randy Spear: Yeah. He shouts for joy over you. Yeah. Sings over us shouts for joy. Yeah. Jeff Ward: Hm. Any questions or comments before we Randy Spear: Any questions or comments before we end? Jeff Ward: No. I had one, but boy, it's gone. That was a fleeting thought. Maybe I'll remember that later. All right. Let me cover next section if you think that's all right. Thanks, Randy. All right. Randy Spear: It's gone. All right. Maybe I'll remember that one. Alright. Maybe we can cover it in the next session if you think of it between now and then. Thanks, Randy. Alright,