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The greatest Preachers of the Gospel throughout history had several things in common. The first and very most important thing is that they kept God first in their lives, they had a zeal and an internal drive to reach the lost, and each one abode and followed Jesus diligently. Each of them demonstrated a great faith along with humility, knowing that it is God who led them, directed them and gave them understanding in His word to carry out their appointed their work.
Paul not only demonstrated his walk by his life, but by his work in building the churches. He instructed others on what was expected of them in their calling.
In the book of Titus ch 1. Paul spoke about bishops and the expectation of one who is called to this work.
"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;"Titus 1:1-3
Verse three is a very interesting verse. Let's take a closer look at it.
"In due times, manifested His word through preaching." This is true throughout the scriptures. Many preached God's word, from Genesis to Revelation. Paul called it a manifestation.
The word, "manifested," directly translated from Titus 1:3:
- to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
1a) make actual and visible, realised
1b) to make known by teaching
1c) to become manifest, be made known
1d) of a person
1d1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
1e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood
1e1) who and what one is
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Jesus Himself said:
"For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad."Mark 4:22
Before Jesus made the above statement, He said: "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"Mark 4:21
David understood this when he said: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."Psalms 119:105
He also said: "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." Psalms 18:28
God lights our understanding, the Oil is the Spirit of God whom Jesus said: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16:13
The Spirit of Truth that Jesus spoke of, is the only way that our understanding can be lit like a candle that shines out to a dark and lost world.
Jesus Himself is a manifestation of the word is in John ch. 1 "And the word became flesh and dwelt among us."
"This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water."John 1:31
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."John 1:1
He manifests the truth to those who seek Him with all their hearts, mind and strength. Paul made this clear when he said:
"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:"Ephesians 4:21
Paul went on to speak about putting on the new man, and the changes in those who are in Christ Jesus.
God's word is made manifest in us as we abide in Christ.
"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21
As Jesus and His disciples walked near a blind man, the disciples ask Him, " And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"John 9:3
"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:3
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."John 14:21
I personally believe that examples of the above verse are contained in the scriptures, one being where Jacob wrestled with God, (Gen 32) along with several other scriptural accounts in the OT that describe physical encounters with God.
While Jesus walked on this earth, He manifested His glory through, not only speaking the absolute truth but also through miracles.
"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." John 2:11
We know that these same manifestations took place even in the lives of the disciples.
"Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them."Acts 5:15
People recognized Christ in Peter.
One of the most important things that we as believers should take part in daily is prayer and spending time in God's word.
Jesus lights our understanding as we seek Him in all things. How can anyone abide or walk in Him without the manifestation of His word in our lives?
Paul confirmed this when he said: "**Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them."Romans 1:19**
God Himself teaches us as we seek Him in His word prayerfully.
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Our work in Christ is even made manifest, "for the day declairs it." Who lights our understanding? Jesus! Who is the light of the world? Jesus!
"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." 1 Corinthians 3:13
The sure foundation is already set in place, if we are not applying God's word in what we build, or haven't been given revelation as to any specific truth that we attempt to build on it, that work will be burned up.
"If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."1 Corinthians 3:14
This is why we must seek all our answers in Christ, like little children, Because God's ways are true, and our own ideas can be very wrong and off-base. God reveals His truth in order that we can receive a reward in all that we ourselves build upon the sure foundation. Jesus upholds it all as the Chief Cornerstone, and we know that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We must be united in Christ in order to build anything.
When Paul built the original churches, they were all named under the same name, "Jesus," and the members were all called, "Christians," and they were all taught the same things. Paul encouraged the unity of the faith, not division.
Today there are numerous denominations, and many have very different teachings. In the end all will be made manifest by what was build on the foundation. But for each of us as individuals, we should be seeking the truth in Christ, studying the word prayerfully, asking Him for revelation from the Kingdom, and trusting in God to lead us every step of the way.
Even in judgment, God will manifest all things.
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."1 Corinthians 4:5
Paul did address "divisions within the church," along with the sure purpose of them.
" For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."1 Corinthians 11:18
How can one be tested without the scriptures and having his or her candle lit?
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
September 26 - 2017