Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
24 December 2024 – 1 January 2025
Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
The LORD preceded the above, Psalms 106:43, with the parable of the sower, prefacing today’s message with the reminder that not everyone receiving this word will continue in it until it does its full work.
Matthew 13
1 The same day [this time of light come upon the earth] went Jesus out of the house [into the light], and sat by the seaside [unknown among those sitting in darkness].
2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto [hear] him so that he went into a ship [to the darkened church, who comprehended Him not], and sat [at the right hand of the Father, to speaks His word]; and the whole multitude stood on the shore [this end reached, of which they are ignorant].
3 And he spoke many things unto them in parables [words in which are hidden the treasures of deep meanings], saying, Behold, a sower [I Am] went forth to sow [this word of God into the earth];
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls [those risen into places where understating should be found but isn’t] came and [with their corrupt institutional ignorance] devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places [where vain men speak their own words while saying it’s God’s], where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness [no understanding of the deeper meaning] of earth:
6 And when the sun [this true life of this new day] was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root [are without foundational understanding], they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns [misleaders who’ve risen and overgrown the unkept garden]; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them [keeping this understanding lodged in their throats]:
8 But other fell into good ground [that wasn’t hindered by false understand, or hardened by institutional corruption, or choked by misleaders], and [speaking] brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who has ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speak you unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you [on this good ground] to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever has [a good foundation], to him shall be given [greater understanding], and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever has not [is without this foundation, which is Christ Jesus, the LORD manifesting His presence, in His word, in our flesh], from him shall be taken away even that he has.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing [only the superficial] see not; and hearing [not the Father’s voice speaking] they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah [in Isaiah 6:9 & 10, after verses 7 & 8 tells us, “And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this {fiery coal of the alter} has touched {the effectual working of this sacrifice} your lips {to remove corruption from the mouth}; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged. Also I heard the voice {as the voice} of the LORD {as it is}, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then said I, “Here Am I; send me {the willing sacrifice}.”], which says, “By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart [minds], and should be converted [their minds purged and changed], and I should heal them [herein lies revealed the mystery of the LORD’s healing miracles].”
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For truly I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.
18 Hear you therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understand it not, then comes the wicked one [sitting in places where understanding should be but isn’t], and [with their corrupt understanding] catches away that which was sown in his heart [mind]. This is he which received seed by the wayside.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receives it;
21 Yet has he not root [is without foundation, which is the LORD in our flesh] in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of [believing this is the word of God, and declaring it is His presence manifested in] the word, by and by he is offended [skandalizo – is silenced by refusing the scandal of the necessary sacrifice].
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches [the prosperity doctrine, seeking worldly treasures, the false prophets, misleaders, preach], choke the word [keeping it lodged in their throat and never reaching their mouths], and he becomes unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground [having this deep understanding] is he that hears the word [as the word of the LORD], and understands it [is the Father’s presence manifested]; which also [obeying and speaking it as received] bears fruit, and brings forth [others to this same understanding], some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, did not you sow good seed in your field? from whence then has it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy [mixed among us] has done this [to mix their corruption among us]. The servants said unto him, Will you then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers [sent with this word from the mouth of the LORD], Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed [which is this good seed], which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32 Which indeed is [esteemed as] the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and become a tree, so that the birds of the air [those who thereby are risen into heaven, into full understanding with the LORD] come and lodge in the branches thereof.
33 Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven [where understanding should be found and isn’t] is like unto leaven [corruption], which a woman [the unfaithful church institutions] took, and hid in three measures of meal [the body of Christ], till the whole [body] was leavened [corrupted].
34 All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spoke he not unto them [this is a major point – all the word of God is spoken with a deeper hidden meaning]:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, [in Psalms 78:2] saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” [It must be understood that this is the LORD here and now revealing the deeper hidden meaning is the apocalypse: the revelation of all things good and evil, true and false, in which He uncovers His presence.]
Psalms 78
Instructions to the Gathered [seers seeing these things]
1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and [superficially] known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children [here and now born by hearing them as the voice of the LORD], showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful [eye opening] works that he has done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, [His written word] which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come [‘acharown – in these last days] might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise [in this resurrection] and [opening their mouth] declare them [this understanding as received] to their children:
7 That they [all the earth] might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart [minds] aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast [did not remain] with God.
9 The children of Ephraim [God’s people in this last generation], being armed, and carrying bows, turned back [were defeated and fled] in the day of battle [qrab – this time of war, as in Job 38:23, for which the LORD’s word, this understanding frozen in heaven, is sent to bring Him victory over death and hell].
10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
11 And forgot his works, and his wonders that he had shown them.
12 Marvelous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as a heap.
14 In the daytime [when His understanding is upon the earth] also he led them with a cloud [from where He sends His word], and all the night [when ignorance of Him covers the earth] with a light [His understanding as] of fire.
15 He clave the rocks [speaking His word as He gave it] in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths [deep understanding held in the darkened waters].
16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.
17 And they [while He is speaking] sinned yet more [speaking their own words] against him by provoking the Most High in the wilderness.
18 And they tempted [doubting the presence of] God in their heart [minds] by asking meat [never saying it’s enough] for their lust.
19 Yea, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
21 Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above [to giving His understanding to the earth], and opened the doors of heaven,
24 And had rained down manna [this word of God from the mouth of the LORD, of which they are ignorant] upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
25 Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.
Matthew 13
49 So shall it be at the end [sunteleia – the entire completion] of the world [aion – the age]: the angels [the LORD’s messengers speaking this message as received] shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
51 Jesus says unto them, Have you understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, LORD.
52 Then said he unto them, Therefore, every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven [given this understanding] is like unto a man that is a householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old [this understanding of the written word].
53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence has this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then has this man all these things?
57 And they were offended [skandalizo] in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
The word “unbelief” is from the twelve times used word apaistia, meaning “faithlessness, i.e. (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience).” It’s the opposite of pistos, meaning “from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:–believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.” It (pistos) is from peithos (3982), meaning “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).”
Hebrews 3
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2 Who was faithful [pistos] to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.
4 For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God.
5 And Moses truly was faithful [pistos] in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things [like this word] which were [commanded] to be spoken after;
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm [bebaios] unto the end [telos – this conclusion].
7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost says, Today if you will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart [their minds]; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief [apaistia], in departing from the living God [always present and willing to correct us].
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened [in mind and unable to receive His correction] through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ [the LORD’s presence manifested and declared in the flesh], if we hold the beginning [arche] of our confidence steadfast [bebeios] unto the end [telos];
15 While it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not [apeithos]?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief [apaistia].
The difference between faith and unbelief is in receiving this word as the word from the mouth of God, as it is in truth, now and from the beginning, even into eternity. God is the God of the living, unrestrained by time working and speaking to us “Today,” and if we believe, we enter into His rest. Do you believe Him? If we do, we Hear Him speaking to us today (even in words written long ago with us in mind).
Ephesians 1
4 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood [this willing sacrifice necessary to deliver His word and declare His presence therein], the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed [pisteuo], you were sealed [kept hidden and secure] with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith [pistis] in the LORD Jesus [believing the LORD is present today], and love [agape – and will give His word as received] unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation [apokalupsis – this apocalypse: taking away the cover] in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened [and you see Him present]; that you may know what is the hope of his calling [to and through the faithful], and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance [these treasures sent as His grace that saves, and from death resurrects] the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality [arche], and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And has put all [hupotasso – subordinated] things under his feet [as enemies, whose corrupt words and ways were against the Father’s will, made His footstool], and gave him to be the head over all things [to be given] to the church,
23 Which is his [ONE] body, the fulness [pleroma – the completion] of him that fills [pleroo – finishes] all [and is alive] in all [He completes].
Ephesians 2
1 And you has he quickened [into life], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past you walked [as enemies] according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the [darkened] air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience [apeitheia – those without faith, without certainty that He is present]:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us [into life] together with Christ, (by grace [this gift] you are saved;)
6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places [with full, complete, understanding] in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace [this gift freely given] in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace [these treasures received from Him] are you saved through faith [it is His presence manifested to us, in us]; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of [our own] works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works [delivering His grace as received], which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles [not knowing the LORD] in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision [without the flesh that covers the head removed] by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel [those who receive the promised end], and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus [Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in the flesh He chooses and sends] you who sometimes were far off [separated from God] are made nigh by the blood [the necessary sacrifice] of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who has made both one [BODY], and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man [the ONE flesh BODY of Christ], so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in ONE BODY by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit [of the LORD working unknown in us, His children] unto the Father [revealed through us, in us].
19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household [family] of [the living] God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone [the turning stone who brings us back to the Father];
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in [which] the LORD [lives]:
22 In whom you also are built together [into His ONE BODY] for a habitation of God through the Spirit [of the LORD working while unknown through us, in us].
Colossians 1
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you [who are raised here from death into life], and to desire that you might be filled [pleroo – be finished] with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That you might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness [realizing His presence with us, in us];
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light [understanding that is life]:
13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness [ignorance of the LORD], and has translated us [methe – removed us from the power of darkness] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood [the necessary sacrifice], even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning [arche], the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness [pleroma – completion] dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If you continue in the faith grounded and settled [in this foundation], and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Timothy Am made a minister;
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ [manifested] in my flesh for his [ONE] body’s sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I Am made a minister, according to the dispensation [of these treasures] of God which is given to me for you [His family], to fulfil [pleroo – finish] the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles [those who haven’t know Him]; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect [teleios – complete] in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labor, striving [agonizomai – contending with the corrupt] according to his working [through me], which works in me mightily.
Friends, in the word agonizomai, we find the hidden treasures by which the LORD tells us this is the time of our war, into which He sent me to call all His people to join Him herein. It (agonizomai) means, “to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something):–fight, labor fervently, strive.” Its first use, of seven, appears in Luke 13:24, where we’re told to “strive” to enter the strait gate.
Luke 13
23 Then said one unto him, LORD, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive [agonizomai – contend with the corrupt] to enter in at the strait [stenos – only used three times, meaning “narrow (from obstacles standing close about)” that must be avoided, speaking of the false prophets and false teachers blocking the] gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and has shut to the door, and you begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, LORD, LORD, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence [pothen] you are [referring to the word’s use in Luke 20:7, when {the false teachers and false prophets} the “obstacles” couldn’t answer the LORD when, after they asked Him from where comes His authority, He asked them from where came the Baptism of the John {the sign of the end and the call for all to repent}, from heaven or of men? and they answered “that they could not tell whence {pothen} it was.”]:
26 Then shall you begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence [pothen] you are; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity [who have no authority to speak or teach your own words and ways in My Father’s name].
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
29 And they shall come [when they hear My angels calling them to gather] from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Matthew 11
14 And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.
15 He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
17 And saying, We have piped unto you [sounding, saying I should bow to the image they’ve created], and you have not danced; we have mourned unto you [saying they repent while keeping the same corruption], and you have not lamented [all, by their opinions, delusions they’ve created, saying I should be doing what they have been taught I should].
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking [not accepting your corrupt ideas and ways], and they say, He has a devil.
19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto you, Chorazin [in the smoking furnace]! woe unto you, Bethsaida [the house of the fish – the houses that are the whale’s belly]! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum [to whom the Comforter has come, speaking and working unknown in their ignorance], which [to men whose words] are exalted unto heaven [saying you have your own understanding, your covenant with death, your agreement with hell], shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, LORD of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent [corrupted by the world], and have revealed them unto babes [who willingly receive these treasures].
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in your sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden [by the words of evil men], and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light [double meaning intended].
The next time the word agonizomai appears is in John 18:36 as the LORD answers Pilate, saying “My kingdom [where I Am king] is not of this world [kosmos – is not adorned with corruption]: if my kingdom were of this world [kosmos], then would my servants fight [agonizomai – contend against corruption], that I should not be delivered to the Jews [to corrupt leaders who say they are the “true believers”]: but now is my kingdom not from hence [enteuthen – not on that side of death].”
1 Corinthians 9
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will [akon – not doing my own will but rather God’s], a dispensation [these treasures given to me to be distributed to His family] of the gospel is committed [pisteuo – of faith] unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Truly that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge [not asking for a reward from men], that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you [in the same ONE BODY, the LORD’s family].
24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receive the prize? So run, that you may obtain.
25 And every man that strives for the mastery [agonizomai] is temperate [self-restrained] in all things. Now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we do it for an incorruptible one.
Colossians 4
1 Masters [kurios – supreme in authority: rulers through whom the LORD rules], give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master [kurios – a Supreme Ruler] in heaven [from where this perfect understanding comes].
2 Continue in prayer [in conversation with Him], and watch in the same [see as He sees] with thanksgiving [for the gifts, the grace, He thereby gives to us];
3 Withal praying also for us [that those now sleeping would awake and rise with us], that God would open unto us a door of utterance [speaking His word to us], to speak the mystery of Christ [revealed in us], for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest [giving His understanding as received], as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be always with grace [freely giving this word as received], seasoned with salt [understanding as tasted when spoken], that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus [those with me, upon whom this moment has come unknown] declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful [pistos] minister and fellow-servant in the LORD:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort [parakaleo] your hearts [lead your minds into all truth];
9 With Onesimus [those who profit, bring forth much fruit, by receiving this same understanding], a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you [giving this understanding as received] all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus [the Best Ruler] my fellow-prisoner salutes you, and Marcus [who is our defender], sister’s son to Barnabas [who brings many into the LORD’s rest], (touching whom you received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him [receive the LORD’s presence manifested therein];)
11 And Jesus [Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in our flesh], which is called Justus [the Just One], who are of the circumcision [from whom the flesh cover is removed and the LORD is therein seen]. These only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort [revealing all His truth] unto me.
12 Epaphras [who show you this love of the LORD, giving His word as received], who is one of you, a servant of Christ [manifesting the LORD’s presence in the flesh], salutes you [greeting you into His kingdom], always laboring fervently for you in prayers [this conversation of with the LORD], that you may stand [rise in this resurrection] perfect [teleios] and complete [pleroo] in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he has a great zeal [for that “which is just and equal”] for you, and them that are in Laodicea [the lukewarm, who are justified], and them in Hierapolis [who become the Holy City, the habitation of God].
14 Luke [those giving this light: understanding], the beloved physician [removing corruption and ignorance], and Demas [ruling God’s people with good {just and equal} judgment], greet you [into the LORD’s kingdom].
15 Salute [greet into His kingdom] the brethren which are in Laodicea [who were lukewarm until they received this word from the LORD], and Nymphas [receiving this gift that was before veiled in ignorance], and [become ONE BODY with us] the church which is in his house [which is the LORD’s family].
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans [give this word to all the lukewarm]; and that you likewise read [know again] the epistle from Laodicea [know their state by hearing them speak these same words again].
17 And say to Archippus [those teaching and leading God’s people], Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the LORD, that you fulfill it [giving this word as received].
18 The salutation [greeting you into My Father’s kingdom] by the hand of me Timothy. Remember my bonds [desmois – which is the zeal of God, His righteous indignation]. Grace [this gift, which is the knowledge of God] be with you. Amen.
The word rendered “zeal,” above in verse 13, is zelos: a word by which the LORD refers us to its use in Hebrews 10:27.
Hebrews 10
5 Wherefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body [through which You will speak] have you prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do your will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased {HEAR Him}.]
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second [taking away the sacrifice in which He has no pleasure, because it is superficial, only covering sin, never changing the mind to take it away, and in its place inaugurating the sacrifice that pleases Him, long-suffering to change minds, taking away the corruption by His word, His power, that effectually does the work].
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God [from where His power is ministered];
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies [haters] be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified [made holy, cleared of men’s corruption].
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD, I will put my laws into their hearts [making it the foundation of their thought process], and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest [the presence of the Father] by the blood [willing sacrifice] of Jesus [manifesting Jehovah’s Salvation],
20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated [inaugurated] for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having a high priest [administrating this dispensation, as His chief overseer] over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [with the blood of His sacrifice] from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works [speaking His word, in which is the power that effectually works to change the minds of men]:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together [episunagoge – only appearing here and in 2 Thessalonians 2:1 where it’s our “gather together” to the LORD Jesus Christ, that only comes after the falling way, the word meaning the complete collection, into His ONE BODY], as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day [this light, understanding] approaching.
26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation [zelos – zeal], which shall devour the adversaries [making His enemies His footstool].
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under-foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the LORD. And again, The LORD shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst you were made a gazing-stock [held up for public mocking by those who hate us without cause] both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst you became companions of them that were so used.
34 For you had compassion of me in my bonds [desmios – the LORD’s zeal for things just and equal, by which His enemies are made His footstool], and took joyfully the spoiling of your [corrupt] goods [things you thought were true, which aren’t], knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better [kreitton] and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence [waiting for things fully expected], which has great recompence of reward.
36 For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God [speaking as commanded], you might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith [pistis]: but if any man draw back [hupostello – fearing, hold back this word], my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back [hupostole] unto perdition [apoleia]; but of them that believe [pistis – that this word is the word from the mouth of God] to the saving of the soul.
Psalms 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When you said, Seek you my face [paniym – Your presence in Your word]; my heart said unto you, Your face [paniym – Your presence in Your word], LORD, will I seek.
9 Hide not your face [paniym – Your presence in Your word] far from me; put not your servant away in anger: you have been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother [my leaders and teachers] forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of my enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty [chamac – wrong: violence against truth].
13 I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land [‘erets – the earth] of the living.
14 Wait on [qavah – expect] the LORD [now in the earth of the living]: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen [give understanding to] your heart [mind]: wait, I say, on [qavah – expect] the LORD.