As we have been discussing the cure for our own lukewarmness we recognize that no one can cure lukewarmness for us, but we have to do it on our own. Our faith or persuasion is understanding expectations, deeds that are proof not yet seen. From the great multitude of witnesses we see people who were willing to lose their lives for Yahweh, but in some cases they did not die but were rescued. Whether they lost their lives or not, they were persuaded by an understanding of something they expected. Jesus wonders out loud that when he comes will he find persuasion. We have such puny persuasion and we are told that our two souls make us unstable. Daniel and Paul both dealt with lions and both died to their own self because they were persuaded in something better than the life they were living. We, the innocent, live by persuasion, or rather we should. Let’s explore.
Jesus explains to the disciples that losing their lives means they will find their soul. This should be our persuasion.
Matthew 16:24 G5119 Then G3588 G* Jesus G2036 said G3588 to G3101 his disciples, G1473 G1536 If any G2309 wants G3694 [2after G1473 3me G2064 1to come], G533 let him totally reject G1438 himself, G2532 and G142 lift G3588 G4716 his cross, G1473 G2532 and G190 follow G1473 me!
“At that time Jesus said his learners “If any desires after me come, deny utterly himself and take up his stake and follow me.””
When someone wants to follow Jesus that one surrenders his/her life, dying to the world. It is the only way to follow Him.
Matthew 16:25 G3739 For who G1063 G302 ever G2309 should want G3588 G5590 [2his life G1473 G4982 1to preserve], G622 will lose G1473 it. G3739 But who G1161 G302 ever G622 should lose G3588 G5590 his life G1473 G1752 because of G1473 me, G2147 shall find G1473 it.
“For that desires his soul saved, destroy it. But that destroy his soul on account of me, find it.”
The key is “on account of Jesus”. Don’t misunderstand by thinking you can throw yourself off a building and Jesus will save you. However, if you are pushed off a building for your faith, you will find your soul life. The understanding we have is that the multitude of witnesses were all willing to lose their lives, and when they did they found their soul. But Jesus said something rather disturbing. In explaining the unjust judge who was tired by a widow nagging for justice, Jesus wonders if there will be anyone with faith on the earth.
Luke 18:7 G3588 G1161 But G2316 God, G3766.2 shall he in no way G4160 execute G3588 the G1557 vengeance G3588 of the ones G1588 of his chosen, G1473 G3588 of the ones G994 yelling G4314 to G1473 him G2250 day G2532 and G3571 night, G2532 and G3114 is lenient G1909 unto G1473 them.
“But the Elohim no way make the avenging his chosen the cry aloud towards him day and night, and long suffering on them.”
Interesting. The Elohim will avenge those who cry out to him day and night. He will be long suffering with them. The ones who come to Him must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Luke 18:8 G3004 I say G1473 to you G3754 that G4160 he shall execute G3588 G1557 his vengeance G1473 G1722 quickly. G5034 G4133 Furthermore, G3588 the G5207 son G3588 G444 of man, G2064 having come G686 then, G2147 shall he find G3588 the G4102 belief G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth?
“I say that make his avenging in swiftness. However the son the manfaced comes therefore, find the persuasion on the earth.”
The idea of “find” is to discover, especially after searching. Will Jesus discover the persuasion on the earth? Will there be people who have faith on the earth? Will they have the faith to be thrown in the burning fiery furnace? Will they have faith to endure a lion’s den? The old covenant saints endured many threats, but do we? Let’s look at Hebrews 11:1 again.
Hebrews 11:1 G1510.2.3 [3is G1161 1And G4102 2belief G1679 5of hoping G5287 4 the reality] G4229 of things, G1650 the proof G3756 not G991 being seen.
“Persuasion is understanding expectations, deeds proof not seen.”
Our persuasion of Jesus as Messiah is understanding the expectation that Jesus will come as Messiah and will establish His reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Our persuasion is understanding the expectation that the children of God are not appointed to wrath. Our persuasion is that the understanding of the expectation that wrath comes upon the children of disobedience. Our persuasion is understanding the expectation of harpazo.
https://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2017/08/children-of-living-god-children-of.html
The old covenant saints had the persuasion of understanding the expectation of Zion, the city of the Living Elohim and the heavenly Jerusalem, Hebrews 12:22. They haven’t received the promise yet. The Elohim provided something better such that their perfection comes at the same time as our perfection. The writer says that we have no continuing city but that we seek one to come, Hebrews 13:14. We, and they, enter that city to come, together, in the eight thousandth year. The new heaven and new earth is what they were expecting, just as the disciples asked Jesus when that would occur, the old covenant saints were persuaded and had the understanding of that expectation.
Daniel for example was mentioned among the cloud of witnesses. He was in a governing position in Babylon, but the Chaldeans didn’t like him. Instead of working with Daniel they tried to entrap him. Let’s look at Daniel.
Dan 6:1 (Brenton) And it pleased Darius, and he set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, to be in all his kingdom;
Dan 6:2 and over them three governors, of whom one was, Daniel; for the satraps to give account to them, that the king should not be troubled.
Satraps are local rulers that we might think of as mayors and city council members. There were localized rulers under the three governors. Darius was trying not to have to deal with little issues so he left things up to his governors.
Dan 6:3 And Daniel was over them, for there was an excellent spirit in him; and the king set him over all his kingdom.
Daniel 6:3 G2532 And G1510.7.3 Daniel was G* G5228 over G1473 them, G3754 for G4151 [2spirit G4053 1extra] G1510.7.3 was G1722 in G1473 him, G2532 and G3588 the G935 king G2525 placed G1473 him G1909 over G3650 [2entire G3588 G932 3kingdom G1473 1his].
Daniel had a superabundant spirit in him. Let’s remember what happened to Daniel as well as the others that were kidnaped from Joakim’s house. Because of Hezekiah’s behavior, Isaiah prophesied that his heirs would become eunuchs in the house of the king of Babylon, Isaiah 39:7. They all understood the truth and details of Isaiah’s prophecy as they were being kidnapped. They were made eunuchs, and their names were changed. Daniel, Baltasar; Ananias, Sedrach; Misael, Misach; and Azarias, Abdenago. They would never marry, they would not have families of their own. They would never see heir own families until possibly the third captivity into Babylon. They were taught the ways of Babylon but they held to their faith. It is an amazing thing that even though they knew the prophecy and they were in the position they were in, they stood strong, persuaded in Yahweh.
Dan 6:4 Then the governors and satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel; but they found against him no occasion, nor trespass, nor error, because he was faithful.
Dan 6:5 And the governors said, We shall not find occasion against Daniel, except in the ordinances of his God
They saw that Daniel would not violate any of their laws unless their laws conflicted with Daniel’s faith. They set the trap.
Dan 6:8 Now then, O king, establish the decree, and publish a writ, that the decree of the Persians and Medes be not changed.
Dan 6:9 Then king Darius commanded the decree to be written.
Daniel hears the decree that was ordered, then does exactly what he shouldn’t do according to the decree.
Dan 6:10 And when Daniel knew that the decree was ordered, he went into his house; and his windows were opened in his chambers toward Jerusalem, and three times in the day he knelt upon his knees, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he used to do before.
Dan 6:11 Then these men watched, and found Daniel praying and supplicating to his God.
We can see that Daniel was not concerned with the new decree. It was to last for only thirty days but Daniel did not compromise. Sadly, today we have pastors compromising their faith. They simply will do whatever the government says regardless of standing for truth like Daniel. Daniel’s three friends Ananias, Azarias, and Misael had already survived the fiery furnace. But the two other governors and all the local rulers were hostile toward Daniel. Was that due to his superabundant spirit?
Dan 6:12 And they came and said to the king, O king, has thou not made a decree, that whatsoever man shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, but of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? And the king said, The word is true, and the decree of the Medes and Persians shall not pass.
Dan 6:13 Then they answered and said before the king, Daniel of the children of the captivity of Judea, has not submitted to thy decree; and three times in the day he makes his requests of his God.
They spied on Daniel to catch him disobeying the decree. But Daniel had faith. King Darius grieved over Daniel.
Dan 6:14 Then the king, when he heard the saying, was much grieved for Daniel and he greatly exerted himself for Daniel to deliver him: and he exerted himself till evening to deliver him.
Dan 6:15 Then those men said to the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that we must not change any decree of statue which the king shall make.
Dan 6:7 All who preside over thy kingdom, captains and satraps, chiefs and local governors, have taken counsel together, to establish by a royal statue and to confirm a decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
Daniel continued to pray even though he knew that the decree included violators being thrown into the lion’s den.
Dan 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. But the king said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
Darius knew that the Elohim would deliver Daniel.
Dan 6:17 And they brought a stone, and put it on the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his ring, and with the ring of his nobles; that the case might not be altered with regard to Daniel.
Dan 6:18 And the king departed to his house, and lay down fasting, and they brought him no food; and his sleep departed from him. But God shut the mouths of the lions, and they not molest Daniel.
Dan 6:19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and came in hast to the den of lions.
They thought they had won, they thought they had gotten rid of Daniel.
Dan 6:20 And when he drew near to the den, he cried with a loud voice, Daniel, servant of the living God, has thy God, whom thou servest continually, been able to deliver thee from the lion's mouth?
Dan 6:21 And Daniel said to the king, O king, live for ever.
Dan 6:22 My God has sent his angel, and stopped the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me: for uprightness was found in me before him; and moreover before thee, O king, I have committed no trespass.
Daniel 6:22 G3588 G2316 My God G1473 G649 sent G3588 G32 his angel, G1473 G2532 and G1719.2 he obstructed G3588 the G4750 mouths G3588 of the G3023 lions, G2532 and G3756 they did not G3075 lay me waste; G1473 G3754 for G2713 before G1473 him G2118 uprightness G2147 was found G1722 in G1473 me; G2532 and G1799 even before G1161 G1473 you, G935 O king, G3900 [3a transgression G3756 1I did not G4160 2commit].
Obstruct really means “blocked”. The angel blocked the lions from Daniel. Daniel, before the Elohim, was found rightly established, or well set, rectitude. Daniel had correct behavior and correct thinking. He trusted in the Elohim.
Dan 6:23 Then the king was very glad for him, and he commanded to bring Daniel out of the den. So Daniel was brought out of the den, and there was found no hurt upon him, because he believed in his God.
Daniel 6:23 G5119 Then G3588 the G935 king G4183 felt much G18.2 good G1909 over G1473 him, G2532 and G3588 G* spoke for Daniel G2036 G399 to be brought G1537 from out of G3588 the G2978.1 pit. G2532 And G399 they bore G* Daniel G1537 from out of G3588 the G2978.1 pit, G2532 and G3956 all G1312 hurt G3756 was not found G2147 G1722 on G1473 him, G3754 for G4100 he trusted G1722 in G3588 G2316 his God. G1473
4100 LSJ Gloss:πιστεύω to trust, trust to
Dodson:πιστεύω I believe, have faith in I believe, have faith in, trust in; pass: I am entrusted with.
TBESG:πιστεύω to trust (in)
G:V
πιστεύω,
[in LXX chiefly for אמן hi. ;]
Thayer:
1) to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
1a) of the thing believed
1a1) to credit, have confidence
1b) in a moral or religious reference
1b1) used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
1b2) to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
1bc) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2) to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
2a) to be intrusted with a thing
πιστεύω
pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ) KJV Usage: believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
4102 LSJ Gloss:πίστις trust
Dodson:πίστις faith, belief, trust faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
TBESG:πίστις faith/trust
G:N-F
πίστις, -εως, ἡ
(< πείθω), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמוּנָה ;]
Thayer:
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
1a) relating to God
1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
1b) relating to Christ
1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
1c) the religious beliefs of Christians
1d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
2) fidelity, faithfulness
2a) the character of one who can be relied on
πίστις
pistis pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself KJV Usage: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
3982 LSJ Gloss:πείθω to prevail upon, win over, persuade
Dodson:πείθω I persuade, urge.
TBESG:πείθω to persuade
G:V
πείθω,
[in LXX chiefly for בָּטַח בֶּטַח, its parts and derivatives ;]
Thayer:
1) persuade
1a) to persuade, i.e. to induce one by words to believe
1b) to make friends of, to win one's favour, gain one's good will, or to seek to win one, strive to please one
1c) to tranquillise
1d) to persuade unto i.e. move or induce one to persuasion to do something
2) be persuaded
2a) to be persuaded, to suffer one's self to be persuaded; to be induced to believe: to have faith: in a thing
2a1) to believe
2a2) to be persuaded of a thing concerning a person
2b) to listen to, obey, yield to, comply with
3) to trust, have confidence, be confident
πείθω
peithō pi'-tho A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty) KJV Usage: agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
The word translated trust is pisteuō, a verb. This identifies the active usage of faith/persuaded. Pisteuō comes from Pistis, which is a noun, faith/persuasion. Pistis comes from Peithō, which is a verb meaning persuade or urge. The word of God persuades us, peithō. Faith is persuasion, pistis. When we act on faith we are then persuaded, pisteuō.
Daniel was persuaded in the Elohim, his Elohim. Daniel didn’t kick and scream and fight against being thrown into the den of lions. Daniel didn’t argue that he was being spied on. Daniel didn’t demand to face his accusers. He was persuaded and he understood the expectation of the new Jerusalem. Whether he lived or died he was persuaded that his soul would be saved.
Dan 6:24 And the king commanded, and they brought the men that had accused Daniel, and they were cast into the den of lions, they, and their children, and their wives: and they reached not the bottom of the den before the lions had the mastery of them, and utterly broke to pieces all their bones.
Dan 6:25 Then king Darius wrote to all nations, tribes, and languages, who dwell in all the earth, saying, Peace be multiplied to you.
Dan 6:26 This decree has been set forth by me in every dominion of my kingdom, that men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living and eternal God, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion is for ever.
Dan 6:27 He helps and delivers, and works signs and wonders in the heaven and on the earth, who has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.
The lions were hungry. Darius wrote to all the nations, tribes, and languages, witnessing the greatness of the Elohim. No one needed to even hear from Daniel, because the weight of the letter from the king told the story for Yahweh.
Dan 6:28 And Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel prospered due to the superabundant spirit that he had. Daniel had persuasion in the Elohim. He faced death, persuaded in the Elohim, not knowing if he would be eaten, nevertheless he didn’t waver.
Paul had persuasion and the understanding of expectations. As Paul died daily he faced similar situations. He fought wild beasts in Ephesus. They did not put puppies and kittens in the amphitheater in Ephesus. The people were looking for action and blood.
1 Corinthians 15:31 G2596 Daily G2250 G599 I die G3513 by G3588 G5212 your G2746 boasting, G3739 which G2192 I have G1722 in G5547 Christ G* Jesus G3588 G2962 our Lord. G1473
“Downwards day die off, swearing by your boasting that I have in Christ Jesus my Lord.”
The word kata, shows up here. Every time there is a new day, Paul dies, meaning as the day comes downward from heaven, he dies off. This tells us that he surrenders his life everyday.
I Corinthians 15:32 G1487 If G2596 according to G444 man G2341 I fought with wild beasts G1722 in G* Ephesus, G5100 what G1473 [2 is it to me G3588 G3786 1benefit] G1487 if G3498 the dead G3756 are not G1453 raised? G2068 We should eat G2532 and G4095 drink, G839 for tomorrow G1063 G599 we die?
“If downwards manfaced I fight with wild beasts in Ephesus, whose the advantage me if dead body not raise up.”
Paul thēriomacheō fought animals meaning thērion, “dangerous animal, wild animal or beasts” and machomai “to war or engage in battle”. It would not be to Paul’s advantage if the dead do not rise up. Understand, for all the multitude of witnesses, they recognized that the advantage to dying daily is that they would one day rise up. Is it to anyone’s advantage if the dead do not rise up? The dead rise first and the living are caught up together with them, just as Hebrews reminds us. Paul goes on to explain this in the context of the chapter. Don’t forget, Paul says that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the dead will rise, and we the living shall be changed. This, Paul says, is a mystery. What mystery? Remember when Yahweh came to speak with the children of Israel? In the third month, Exodus 19, but the memorial was made for the seventh month, Leviticus 23?
https://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/eternal-memorial-for-just-347-seats-and.html
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he details some of the abuse that he withstood. The context of chapter 11 is in regards to “another Jesus” and “another spirit” and “another gospel” as well as false apostles and deceitful workers. Paul reminds us that the satan transforms into an angel of light (as he is an incorporeal being) therefore it is no wonder that his ministers also appear as ministers of righteousness. The ministers of the satan are never persecuted as the ministers of Christ are.
2 Corinthians 11:22 Hebrews are they? also I; Israelites are they? also I; seed of Abraham are they? also I; 23 servants of Anointed are they? (being a very fool I speak,) above I; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often; 24 (by Jews five times forty except one I received, 25 thrice I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I was shipwrecked, a night and day in the deep I have passed;) 26 in journeys often; in dangers of rivers, in dangers of robbers, in dangers from kindred, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in city, in dangers in desert, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brethren; 27 in labor and toil, in watchings often in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Besides the outward things, the crowding of me that every day, the care of all of the congregations. 29 Who is weak, and not I am weak? who is made to stumble, and not I burn? 30 If to boast is necessary, the things of the weakness of me I will boast. 31 The God and Father of the Lord of us Jesus Anointed knows, he being blessed for the ages, that not I utter falsehood; 32 in Damascus the ethnarch Aretas of the king guarded the Damascenes city, to seize me wishing; 33 and through an opening in a rope basket I was lowered through the wall, and escaped the hands of him. https://studybible.info/Diaglott/2%20Corinthians%2011
Paul knew the secret of faith/persuasion. He understood that there was something better coming. This is why he died daily. This is how he withstood all the hardships of his persuasion.
Romans 1:17 G1343 For righteousness G1063 G2316 of God G1722 [2by G1473 3it G601 1is revealed] G1537 from G4102 belief G1519 unto G4102 belief; G2531 as G1125 has been written, G3588 But the G1161 G1342 just G1537 [2of G4102 3belief G2198 1shall live].
1343
δικαιοσύνη
dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification KJV Usage: righteousness.
1342
δίκαιος
dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) KJV Usage: just, meet, right (-eous).
“Equity for Elohim in His uncovering from out of persuasion into persuasion just as I write but the innocent from out of persuasion live.”
Equity of character for Elohim in His apocalypse comes from our persuasion. If we were not persuaded by His apocalypse, then we would not live equitably. We would not care if we sinned. But we live just lives because of our persuasion of His revealing and in persuasion as Paul writes. Paul then says that the equitable or innocent live from out of persuasion. Just as Habakkuk 2:4 and Paul’s friend, the writer of Hebrews told us in Hebrews 10:38, the innocent live by persuasion.
Dikaiosunē (N) means “equity, justification, or righteousness”. We understand it as a thing that we have for the Elohim. The word dikaios (Adj) means “innocent, just, or equitable”, here it is used in place of a noun. The word apokaluptō (V) is the word for “uncovering, revealing, or apocalypse”. It comes from apo meaning “off” and kaluptō “cover up”. Kaluptō is a derivative of kleptō “to steal” and kruptō “to conceal”. The apokaluptō is the revealing of what has been stolen and hidden, which is something a kleptomaniac does. The reason that we have have righteousness for the Elohim is because we are persuaded by His revealing. His revealing of what has been stolen and hidden by a kleptomaniac persuades us as understanding expectations of deeds which are proof not yet seen. From out of persuasion and into persuasion, we live by persuasion.
Faith is called a shield. If our persuasion shields us from evil we should learn to be active in its use. When we have persuasion we quench fiery missiles.
Ephesians 6:16 G1909 With G3956 all G353 having taken up G3588 the G2375 shield G3588 of the G4102 belief, G1722 in G3739 which G1410 you shall be able G3956 [2all G3588 3the G956 4arrows G3588 5of the G4190 6wicked one G3588 G4448 7being setting on fire G4570 1to extinguish];
“Upon all take up the large shield the persuasion in that strong enough extinguish all the missiles evil burn with fire.”
This shield is the size of a door. It is oblong with four corners called a scutum. We can use our persuasion as a shield against evil. Our persuasion extinguishes flaming missiles. This is the quality we see in the multitude of witnesses. In our vernacular we can “shut the door” on the enemy.
If we refuse to believe every word the Holy Spirit gave us via holy men carried by the Holy Spirit, then we have incomplete persuasion. If someone throws out words they don’t like, another person can do the same. Pretty soon we have nothing left and some people claiming that we really can’t trust the Bible. No. That is unacceptable. Every word is important in the Bible. Every word has meaning. We cannot always depend on translators living four hundred years ago to have accurately informed us, but we have the tools we need to search out truth. This is something we should be persuaded in, that our Bible has answers for us. If we don’t understand something then we can search out answers if we first take off the sunglasses provided by people that we have formerly followed, and the blinders provided by our denominations. When we do this we can take all the hinderances away from our mental prison of misunderstanding. Then the Bible can teach us.
We have a great example in Peter, however we see that Peter had more faith than we do. Peter was corrected for his small faith. What does that mean for us?
Matthew 14:31 G2112 And immediately G1161 G3588 G* Jesus G1614 having stretched out G3588 the G5495 hand G1949 took hold of G1473 him, G2532 and G3004 says G1473 to him, G3640 O one of little belief, G1519 for G5100 why G1365 did you hesitate?
“But directly Jesus stretched out the hand seized him and said him puny persuasion into some doubt.”
The word epilambanomai literally means epi “on” and lambanō “take”, or we could say “seized”. Jesus used his hand and seized Peter. The word oligopistos comes from oligos “puny” or “small” and pistis, “persuasion”. Peter had puny persuasion or only a little persuasion. To doubt is to think twice. The word distazō (V) translated “doubt” is derived from dis (Adv) meaning “twice”. We have a warning that we commonly use to say ‘think twice’. Do not think twice. Jesus is saying to Peter that his puny persuasion made him think twice. This is the same dilemma we have. Having puny persuasion causes us to hesitate in our actions. If we have doubt, then the reason is puny persuasion. Could we do better than Peter?
What do we doubt? Walking on water? To us that seems monumental, except that Peter just saw Jesus walking on water. Peter doubted what he saw with his own eyes. We may see miracles, but we too may doubt what we saw with our own eyes. Do we doubt in other things that the Bible tells us? We could spend time in contemplation, attempting to identify what things the Holy Spirit told us for our benefit but that we doubt, and then try to correct our thinking. Then with the sunglasses and blinders off we could attempt to search out the answers to our doubt. Today we are so soft in comparison to the multitude of witnesses. Daniel, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael didn’t have seventy books that they could carry around in their pocket, with search engines to do word studies and read in various languages. Yet they stood strong on their persuasion.
James tells us of being double minded which is slightly different than being doubtful, or thinking twice.
James 1:8 G435 [2man G1374 1 he is a double-minded], G182 confused G1722 in G3956 all G3588 G3598 his ways. G1473
“Two soul human being unstable in all his journey.”
The word dipsuchos which is translated “double minded” is a compound word meaning dis “twice” and psuchē “soul” or “breath life”. The idea is the two souls are at odds, making the person waver. The word anēr means “human”, as opposed to manfaced. Akatastatos (Adj)means “unstable, unsettled or inconstant”. The word hodos (N) means “way, road, path or journey”. The human with two souls is unsettled on the path. Sometimes even when a path is clear, the one traveling is not sure if they want to travel. They also may not be sure if they should take a different path or a deer trail. They are unstable or confused. James also gives us the remedy.
James 4:8 G1448 Approach G3588 to G2316 God, G2532 and G1448 he will approach G1473 unto you! G2511 Cleanse G5495 your hands, G268 O sinners! G2532 and G48 purify G2588 your hearts, G1374 O double-minded!
“Approach the Elohim and he approach. Make clean hands sinner and cleanse heart, two soul.”
James tells us to approach the Elohim and the Elohim will approach us. We are to clean our hands or figuratively stop sinning. We are also to clean our heart. James seems to be calling people two souls. This is a good ‘smack in the face’ for us to cure our problem of two souls. James recognized that we cannot have two souls in life, one position for one heart.
If we have two souls and we think twice we will have four different avenues in every situation. Imagine standing at a fork in the road and determining which way to go with four different ideas. The instability that we have is due to our lack of persuasion. We think that faith is something we have to catch with a butterfly net, but it is something we have as a noun, and something we exercise as a verb, in every decision in our lives.
If we lack faith/persuasion, we then call God a liar, Romans 3:3-4. Because we lack persuasion we disbelieve the things that he told us. What will it be like to stand before him knowing that we believed the Elohim is a liar? If we lack persuasion due to our own misunderstanding we can remedy our situation. We should never call Him a liar. He is the creator and we are the created. We are the ones with two souls and twice thinking. Today we have punier persuasion than Peter. Remember, persuasion is understanding expectation, the deeds which are proof not yet seen. And without persuasion, it is impossible to please Him. The innocent live by persuasion.
