about empowerment. Humility at its core deals with “lowering one's self”. Not much power in that, right? Yet, in our reference verse, James 4:6, it tells us that God gives “grace to the humble”.
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 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14
After Jesus answered this fig tree, it is vital for the scriptures to note that the disciples heard what Jesus spoke. The account recorded in Matthew adds this phrase: “…and presently the fig tree withered away” (Matt 21:19). The word “presently” is key and potentially could cause confusion.  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14
The context of this verse is really tied to verse 13 which says, “And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.” One may first ask that if “the time of figs was not yet” then why did the master expect to see figs? Background study shows that the fig tree produces two types of figs: One, the early fig (also referred to as “winter” or “green” figs) called “paggim” which were a smaller fig produced on the strength of nutrients left in the branch during the winter, and the second was the full fig which was produced later after the leaves. So, ultimately, although it was not time for the “full” figs, if it had leaves it was communicating that it at least had early figs.  And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5b
More and more, the Lord is revealing that our lives follow the path of our most dominant thoughts. This is not said to put anyone in condemnation for some of the hardships that they may have experienced, but to say that we need to take responsibility for the way that we think and the thoughts that we allow because they do have great and lasting impact on our lives.  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God – 2 Corinthians 10:5a
Before we come to the focal “b” portion of 2 Corinthians 10:5 (coming up in part 6) let’s pause to bring clarity to some of part “a”. The Apostle Paul was primarily writing here in concern of defending the Gospel against systems of worldly philosophy that he had been encountering.  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh - 2 Corinthians 10:3
Naturally, there will be times of disagreements, confrontations, and words spoken without the loving attitude that we would like but that is not what this writing is addressing. This “Taking Thoughts” section is dealing with after the initial words have been said or offensive action made. Many times we do the right thing in holding our tongue at the time of the trial. But then afterwards…  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven - Matt 5:16 Ok, so many of us grew up with the song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Yet, why is the word “little” in there? It’s not in the scripture. It comes from the same place where a great singer while preparing to sing may say, “Y’all pray for me. My voice is a little hoarse today”…and then proceeds to WRECK the house. Psalm 91:11-12 “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” There are two key words that bring out the strength of this verse. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. - Isaiah 54:17 Notice that this verse not only deals with this wonderful, beginning declaration of divine protection but also the authority to speak with boldness against (or resist) anything that attempts to say otherwise. |
Word Worx Layout:Section 1 - Word study Archives
February 2025
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