Rev. E. Anderson

ADVANCEMENT THRO’ TESTING, BATTLE, DELEGATION & LAW

Exodus 16-20

There was much to be inwardly wrought in this people that the Lord had redeemed and espoused to Himself. They were not a perfect people as Moses was to quickly discover. The days ahead would bring much to light and view that would be challenging and distressing at times. But the Lord showed patience and perseverance as He sought to refine them and mature them through the process of discipleship. He properly and perfectly engaged Himself in endeavouring to produce in them love, faith and obedience in readiness for further movement. He did it:

1/. BY TESTINGS – Exodus 16

He brought them into the wilderness with this purpose in mind, to teach and test so as to prove their spiritual and moral worth to Him and themselves – Deuteronomy 8:2. It was essential to develop the character of His elect and it could only be by this method. God was after a quality people, such as were prepared to build a sound and sweet relationship with Himself, become a holy nation and a body through whom He could promote His knowledge and government. They must become freed from doubt, murmurings etc.

2/. BY BATTLE – Exodus 17: 8-16

They were to have their first experience of conflict with an enemy and discover they could advance and become victors. Joshua was to advance to becoming a captain and they would experience triumph in a unique way. There is the great lesson of victory and advancement through prayer.

3/. BY DELEGATION – Exodus 18

There came the providential visit of Jethro and the input of his wise counsel. It was necessary for others to rise to spiritual and moral responsibility and share the load and secure the righteous state and welfare of all. Problems required answering in order to make progress. And all had to be involved in the righteous superintending OF God’s sacred people destined for greatness.

4/. BY LAW – Exodus 20

The time had come when they must be truly and fully aware of the high expectations of God and so a moral and spiritual law was imposed. This was so that they could become a noble and worthy people, knowing a greater relationship with God, setting a standard for all others and enjoying good relationships with each other.

CONCLUSION

The Lord was seeking a people who would develop and improve to a high degree and to a maximum condition. They were to be at their best for God and one another. This was all in preparation to move into the Promised Land and make that place a praise and credit for their God.

                                      Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT AGAIGST FEDERAL OPPOSITION, THROUGH PERSONAL ACQUISITION AND TRIBAL ALLOCATION

Joshua 11-15

And so it went, continual advancement. Now they had got going there was no stopping them. There was a fresh and great spirit of faith, determination and courage prevailed and their enemies fell before them. The fear factor was no longer a problem as the war continued seemingly unabated. They were ready to march and fight and see amazing things take place through divine help and intervention. There were so many conquerors and conquests. It was a time of unbelievable triumph. One recognizes what the the other previous generations had missed.

1/.  ADVANCEMENT AGAINST FEDERAL OPPOSITION – JOSHUA 11 & 12

The northern kings formed an unholy alliance with the object of crushing and destroying Israel. The sight of it must have been quite intimidating. It was strong numerically and physically and was enough to strike abject terror into the hearts of god’s hosts. But the Lord put the fear to rest with an assured word – 11: 7 and gave victory and king after king fell and the kingdoms taken – see ch. 12.

2/.  ADVANCEMENT THROUGH PERSONAL ACQUISITION – JOSHUA 14: 6-13; 15: 13-19

A thrilling passage, first of all as an 85 year-old is keen for battle and conquest. He is ready to advance and is prepared to take on the formidable opposition and circumstances. Giants and territory were no threat to him, just a challenge to be accepted. He inspired one by the name of Othniel to be his son-in-law by virtue of conquest. He couldn’t settle for anyone less as a relative!

3/. ADVANCEMENT THROUGH TRIBAL ALLOCATION – JOSHUA 15

The territory of Judah is outlined and seen to be rather extensive and they were ready to take it on. There was no holding back by saying there was too much and the challenge was too great. Judah became a tribe of conquerors. Principal among them was David. What a hero he became as he vanquished Goliath and later took the nation to growth and expansion on a great scale. Some very good kings came off his line but above all, the Lion of Judah. He has become, above all, the world conqueror. There are to be no limits to His dominion.

CONCLUSION

These chapters provide the final stage of what the Lord had promised and show He had not been wrong as to the prospects and possibilities. His asserts had been correct. They could do it with His leading and help.

                                   Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT THRO’ LEADERSHIP, TESTING, ENCOURAGEMENT ETC.

1 SAMUEL 21-25

it was not an easy period for David to negotiate, Since he had been anointed king things had dramatically changed. The way to the throne, the most exalted position in the nation had not become a quick and easy fix. There was the immense divine process in operation where God was making him ready for this seat of authority and he had to make important decisions and take decisive steps forward through various factors to achieve the goal. Seeing Saul at this stage would certainly register vital lessons.

1/. THROUGH LEADERSHIP – 1 SAMUEL 22

A contingency of men started to gather around him and he had the task of making them into a well-trained unit. It seems that nearly all of them were problem people and were not an easy group to handle and command – v2. They were not the type we would have selected. He had been able to handle sheep but this was another different proposition altogether. But he ultimately earned their love, respect, confidence and devotion. He made them and they made him.

2/. THROUGH TESTING – 1 SAMUEL 23-24

Saul, whom he had greatly befriended and helped was on his track and back to kill him. The stronghold at Keilah had been rescued by David and his men from the Philistines. The people, in spite of David’s daring and good deed, were prepared to hand him over to Saul to be slain if requested. It must have been a sore trial. But grace prevailed. The opportunity presented it self to slay Saul but he withstood the temptation by holding to an important principle and so advanced in character.

3/. THROUGH ENCOURAGEMENT – 1 SAMUEL 23: 15-18

Whilst being threatened, Jonathan, finds out where he is and utters choice words in his ears and strengthens his hands in God. This generous act was what he needed at that time and gave grounds to continue and to move on end to god’s desired and designed end.

4/. THROUGH RESTRAINT –1 SAMUEL 25

When David was about to take the law into his own hands, he is wisely and graciously restrained by a quality woman,  Abigail. Whilst he may have had a just cause it was not good to try and vindicate himself in this way. Later on, as she informs him, there would be regrets. The Lord dealt with the problem.

CONCLUSION

David was to emerge a better and not a bitter person through this period and experiences. It was a time of character formation and production and as he improved would fit him as king.

                               Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT BY ACCOMPLISHMENT, ABANDONMENT, AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Genesis 21-24

Abraham did not remain static or stood still after he was a 100 years of age. There was still to be a going ahead into the unknown with an all-knowing God. He was leading the way and was still involved in him making a huge success of the time ahead. The latter days were to be important in the great run in to the end. He did neither halt nor was hesitant but this father figure was to make this period tell in a rich relationship with God. Four things come to light:

1/. ACCOMPLISHMENT – GENESIS 21: 1-7

This is a wonderful section of Scripture that focuses attention on the Lord and His doings in relation to the birth of Isaac. The clear-cut testimony is ‘Then the Lord did what exactly He had promised. It all happened at the time God had said’ – TNLT. He was to be no liar but possessed the wisdom and ability to effect, because of this unique thing Abraham could not fail to take greater strides forward with God.

2/. ABANDONMENT – GENESIS 21: 5-14; 21

In these two instances there is divine abandonment that reflects growth with regard to both of his sons. He had to learn to put them into the Lord’s hand. It was Ishmael first of all, then Isaac. He had to learn to enter into the rest of faith and find there would be no failure on God’s part to secure the well being of both.

3/.  AGREEMENT – GENESIS 21:22-34; 23

With Abimelech and the Hittites he sought accord thus revealing he was a man of peace and good will. There was no personal striving or conflict, no manipulation or hidden agenda, simply the desire for the creation of harmony with all, even over the burial ground. There was no forcing of issue but the speaking of truth in love.

4/. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – GENESIS 24

This was to be a real test where he would have to trust God and his trusty servant, Eliezer. He acknowledged the Lord and His supreme ability to govern and guide and bring this marriage factor into being and a satisfactory conclusion.

CONCLUSION

The final period of his life though touched with grief at the loss of Sarah was also filled with advancement. A new man with greater spiritual qualities emerged, of assurance, dependence and acceptance. He reaches the highest rung of the ladder and moves into the peak of performance. He comes to know the God of rest and finds his rest in God and so ends his days dying at a ripe old age and satisfied – Genesis 25: 7.

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. The theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT BY THE RIGHT MEASURES

Genesis 11 –15

In Abram we observe a man who made great progress with God. Even though he was 75, the next 100 years would become historical, meaningful and memorable. It is impossible to note the measures and the process by which this individual made great strides with God and become a person of spiritual renown.

1/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH HEARING FROM GOD – GENESIS 12:1

God had revealed Himself and spoken into this man’s life and a relationship was born and forged that brought about forward movement and development. He was shown that there was a divine destiny to be fulfilled if he went with God but he would always have to have his up and switched antenna on to God.

2/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH BELIEVING THE PROMISES OF GOD  –  GENESIS 12:1-3

See other confirmatory verses and experiences. Time and again God would iterate and re-iterate assurances and he had to learn to believe and act upon those guarantees. He became a man full of promise and prospect. He had everything to live for and go for in God.

3/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH OBEDIENCE – GENESIS 12: 4

He acted upon the summons immediately and this was to be a characteristic of his life. It is seen so much in Genesis 22 when he was called to sacrifice his son, Isaac. There is no progress without obedience.

4/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH SEPARATION – GENESIS 13

The parting from Lot was essential. It was not an easy matter but it had to be and the patriarch acted with grace. It is noteworthy that the Lord has something of importance to say following the parting.

5/. ADVANCEMENT CAME THROUGH THE RAISING OF ALTARS – GENESIS 12:7

A blessed feature was his expression of gratitude and appreciation to God seen in the building of these altars. So often the Lord met him when he did so and revealed and established things of an important nature.

CONCLUSION

Abram was the person who really went places with God and laid a foundation and pattern for others to emulate, and all because he adopted the right measures.

Rev. E. Anderson

ADVANCEMENT THRO’ OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S LAWS

Leviticus 16-20

Definite divine directions are embodies in these sections that declare, affirm and emphasize, what in the main, has been recorded afore. Because much is repeated it is for a purpose, that of underscoring so that God’s people know what has previously been stated holds good and is not to be amended. These things must register so that they may be fully and truly wrought out in conduct. The point is made that the Canaanites were being judged and evicted out of the land because of their evil practices. The Lord said He would vomit out His own elect people if they decided to go down the same road. They would leave Him no alternative if they failed on this front. Disobedience is sin and such will be accounted for. Look at seven major laws:

1/. THE LAW REGARDING SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS – LEVITICUS 18

Much is stated very clearly reveals God’s mind on marriage relationships and who may marry who and with whom intercourse can be shared with. There is a definite declaration against homosexuality and of people seeking any kind of union with an animal. Christ endorsed the matter of marriage to one partner in His ministry thus showing there is no change here – Matthew 19.

2/. THE LAW REGARDING THE MATTER OF BLOOD – LEVITICUS 17

No one was permitted to eat or drink the blood of animals because, as stated, the life is in the blood and life is sacred; it is a God-given gift. We are informed, too, that ‘it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’  v11..

3/. THE LAW REGARDING THE HONOURING OF PARENTS – LEVITICUS 19:3, 32; 20:9

Respect for parents and the elderly was incumbent upon them and was esteemed by God as being vital to their blessedness. The commandment held great divine promise. Note that Christ took the Scribes and Pharisees to task because they lessened the worth and impact of this command. They sought to introduce amendment to it and place their own interpretation on it. God’s Word spoke plainly on it.

4/. THE LAW REGARDING GENEROSITY AND BENEVOLENCE – LEVITICUS 19: 9, 10

God wanted to produce a very loving, goiod and generous people that were prepared to give and not simply get. There had to be a disposition prevailing where they really cared for the poor and this would be noted in the provision of leaving some of the harvest of their crops and fruit for the less fortunate. All meanness had to go.

5/. THE LAW REGARDING STEALING, CHEATING AND LYING – LEVITICUS 19: 11-13

These evils must not exist in their relationships with each other. There must be no taking of one another’s goods and properties, no dishonest standards in their trading and no deception in their words etc. Certainly, they must use God’s Name in avowal in a false manner – v12. Honesty had to dominate at every level so that they could not only trust God but each other.

6/. THE LAW REGARDING THE USE OF THE TONGUE – LEVITICUS 19:16-18

The little member of the body must be kept in perfect and absolute control so that it did not spread evil because it would poison and sour relationships. A loving and jealous regard had to be entertained for all so that hatred would not exist and that the tongue would be employed to bless. As each was held in esteem there would be profit and benefit all round.

7/. THE LAW REGARDING CONSULTING MEDIUMS – LEVITICUS 19: 31; 20:6, 27

No association was to be formed with mediums or spirits because they were an offence to God and they were not to be the means of guidance. He was their Counsellor and Guide His Word was adequate to provide all the information and instruction required for life, faith and practice.

CONCLUSION

The standard is ever being presented and requires no alterations in any generation. Because of the proneness to forget and the ever present paten and potent evil that is in the human heart there is a demand to keep repeating the laws of God. Apt reminders are always needed. The divine statutes are the foundation of life and character. The divine statutes produce divine structure that forms life and character. The end result of the divine structuring is the production of a divine stature – man has become in the image of God and is capable of ruling and reigning.

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT THROUGH WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT

DEUTERONOMY 6-10

In this section, Moses lawgiver/prophet truly challenges the people. There is no mincing of words; no beating around the bush. There is a clear-cur declaration that places everything in true perspective so that God’s people cannot escape the real issue. If they are really going to move on to the ultimate place of development, blessing and stability it will be by one evident spiritual factor – wholehearted commit to the Lord. This is what the Lord demands and if showed will ensure their future – see 6: 4-6; 10:12, 13. It is what He has been after all the time and now, more so, as they enter the land. This commitment meant their true, loving, utter and steadfast devotion to Him and His Word. It has to be without question. Why should this be so?

   1/.  BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONE WORTHY OF IT – 6:10-13; 7: 1-11; 10: 6-8

Israel’s existence and present and future estate and blessedness were all due to the Lord, to His love and action on their behalf. He had raised the nation through their forefathers, preserved them in Egypt, delivered from oppression, brought through the wilderness and was now bringing them into the Promised Land etc. They ought to love, worship and serve Him who loved, served and worshipped them.

   2/.  BECAUSE HE WAS THE AWESOME GOD – 6:14; 15:22-25; 10: 17-22

One thing that their history revealed was His awesomeness, to their fathers, Pharaoh, at Sinai’s mount to them and in His doings in the desert and what He was yet to do. They must get the sense of it and give due reverence to Him. He was not a man-made deity. And it had been to their good!

    3/. BECAUSE THEIR FUTURE AS A NATION DEPENDED ON IT – 8: 6-20

In the experience of plentifulness there was danger: the possibility of forgetting Him. This had to be the time when He figured much in their thoughts, affairs and devotion. It was not by their own power that they had gotten to this position of wealth. After all, they had moved into a land that had been well prepared and ladened by him. Just as they came out Of Egypt well-blessed, so the same in moving into Canaan.

   4/.  BECAUSE OF THE SPIRITUAL NATURE OF THEIR HEARTS – 9:6 & 9

The past exposed a real weakness. It showed the utter unreliability of their hearts. They were so soon to forget the Lord in spite of His presence and doings. This needed to change by true and earnest resolve.

CLIMAX

It was a time to take stock, to address their hearts and situation and come to the definite conclusion and conviction.

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT INITIATED BY GOD

Exodus 6-10

These chapters reveal a period where God starts to effect things that would be memorable, historic in the deliverance of His people from the tyranny of bondage. By the time God had finished with this evil despotic power there would be tremendous accounts to relate to their offspring – Exodus 10:2. There would be unforgettable disclosures of the Sovereign Lord making known His almightiness in the land on their behalf. All Israel had to do was to rest, sit back and observe His doings. Their advancement was to be initiated by God.

   1/. IT WAS INITIATED AT A PREDESTINED TIME – EXODUS 6: 1

Note the ‘Now’ and this reveals and states that the Lord was awaiting the precise moment to arrive to set things in motion. There is nothing careless or haphazard with the dealings of the Lord. The set hour had come. There is a Biblical phrase that denotes how particular the Lord is with regard to time – Galatians 4:4 “when the fullness of time had come. . .” A study of the life and work of Christ also emphasizes this point – see John’s Gospel. It makes the point that God is charge and control and knows the exact hour when things are to be initiated.

   2/. IT WAS INITIATED IN LINE WITH THAT GOD HAD DECREED TO THE FOREFATHERS – EXODUS 6: 2-8

He is ever mindful of His word and acts in strict accordance with it thus showing it can be wholly trusted and relied on. He is not only the ever-living Lord, He is true and faithful to all that He has spoken and assured – Hebrews 6: 16-18. From His standpoint, He watches over His word with all diligence and jealousy to make sure that it is never broken in any way.  There will always come the performance of it at the right time.

3/. IT WAS INITIATED IN SPITE OF ISRAEL’S DISCOURAGED STATE AND HIS SERVANTS QUESTIONINGS – 6: 9-12

It did not alter or amend His mind, attitude or will. His people may be bankrupt of faith and utterly down in spirit and His servants left wondering what really is going to take place, God is not victim to these things.  As far as He was concerned, it was to be a sovereign move and it rested fairly upon His shoulders. The mind and heart set of His elect would not hinder or frustrate what He was going to introduce. He was going to make bare His arm and nothing and no one would prevent Him from doing so.

  4/. IT WAS INITIATED KNOWING THE REACTIONS OF PHAROAH – EXODUS 7:1-5

His servants were really going to be fully informed as to what they could expect. They were not to be unduly worried about the opposing factor. Even God was in this. The mind and heart of Pharaoh would be obstinate and stubborn and they would see him going through all kinds of emotions and changes. He would be unreliable against the reliability of God.  They would see that the Lord was quite prepared for every move of this monarch and at the end of the day they would see that the Lord was always ready for the next move. There would be the complete out-maneuvering of this despot on every front. God’s servants must not be intimidated but lead the charge.

CONCLUSION

When the Lord initiates the moves it always move to a successful conclusion. He initiates, generates and consummates. There was a weakening of the enemy and a strengthening of His servants and people for the great advancement. God was mobilising His people for action.

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

ADVANCEMENT THROUGH WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT

DEUTERONOMY 6-10

In this section, Moses lawgiver/prophet truly challenges the people. There is no mincing of words; no beating around the bush. There is a clear-cur declaration that places everything in true perspective so that God’s people cannot escape the real issue. If they are really going to move on to the ultimate place of development, blessing and stability it will be by one evident spiritual factor – wholehearted commit to the Lord. This is what the Lord demands and if showed will ensure their future – see 6: 4-6; 10:12, 13. It is what He has been after all the time and now, more so, as they enter the land. This commitment meant their true, loving, utter and steadfast devotion to Him and His Word. It has to be without question. Why should this be so?

   1/.  BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONE WORTHY OF IT – 6:10-13; 7: 1-11; 10: 6-8

Israel’s existence and present and future estate and blessedness were all due to the Lord, to His love and action on their behalf. He had raised the nation through their forefathers, preserved them in Egypt, delivered from oppression, brought through the wilderness and was now bringing them into the Promised Land etc. They ought to love, worship and serve Him who loved, served and worshipped them.

   2/.  BECAUSE HE WAS THE AWESOME GOD – 6:14; 15:22-25; 10: 17-22

One thing that their history revealed was His awesomeness, to their fathers, Pharaoh, at Sinai’s mount to them and in His doings in the desert and what He was yet to do. They must get the sense of it and give due reverence to Him. He was not a man-made deity. And it had been to their good!

    3/. BECAUSE THEIR FUTURE AS A NATION DEPENDED ON IT – 8: 6-20

In the experience of plentifulness there was danger: the possibility of forgetting Him. This had to be the time when He figured much in their thoughts, affairs and devotion. It was not by their own power that they had gotten to this position of wealth. After all, they had moved into a land that had been well prepared and ladened by him. Just as they came out of Egypt well-blessed, so the same in moving into Canaan.

   4/.  BECAUSE OF THE SPIRITUAL NATURE OF THEIR HEARTS – 9:6 & 9

The past exposed a real weakness. It showed the utter unreliability of their hearts. They were so soon to forget the Lord in spite of His presence and doings. This needed to change by true and earnest resolve.

CLIMAX

It was a time to take stock, to address their hearts and situation and come to the definite conclusion and conviction of a wholesome devotion to the Lord.