Incontinent

I'm going through II Timothy in my morning reading and did a word study on incontinent found in chapter 3 verse 3. No comment, just the notes I took studying the word. Very appropriate word for our times, I think.

Webster's definition is as follows:

INCONTINENT, a. [L. incontinens.] Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite; indulging lust without restraint or in violation of law; unchaste; lewd.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2Ti 3:1-5)"

Vine's Expository Dictionary says of the Greek work from which it is translated, that it "denotes "powerless, impotent;" in a moral sense, unrestrained, "without self-control." 

This is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. It is used in the Septuagint once in Proverbs 27:20.


Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. (Psalm 12:7-8)

DPN 

Book Review: Life in Christ by Jeremy Walker

What does it mean to be a Christian? In his new book Life in Christ, Jeremy Walker walks us through what

the Bibles tells us about the most important of all subjects; salvation and union with Christ. Jeremy puts on display many areas of Christian life and experience, drawing out the realities of the new birth, implications of saving faith, blessings of union with Christ, and changes God works in the believer as a new creature in Christ.

Starting with the gospel and saving faith, we are guided through what it means to have been saved, to be saved, and to look ahead to the glories that await those who are in Christ. He begins by explaining the gospel- that Jesus is the object of our faith, to whom we look. Then, as a born again child of God, the life we have, our identity, our hope, our righteousness is in Christ. Jeremy points out that when we begin to think of what it entails to be “in Christ” we see that this is not a superficial decision one makes, but Christ is the unsearchable, fathomless, and glorious treasure whose depths we will spend an eternity exploring. Salvation is bringing a dead sinner to life, implanting a heart of flesh, and giving the person a new nature to love what he once hated, and hate what he once loved. In Christ, we are not merely pardoned slaves, but made to be sons of God. Our identity in Christ has changed both our position and our nature and because the perfect work of Christ, we can be assurance that He will accomplish what He set out to do, and we can know that we know Him. Since life in Christ is real, then life in Christ has a real effect as we continue to be conformed to His image, until we have run the race and finished the course and He brings us home.

This book is theologically sound, and wonderfully written. It is a rare occurrence to have both a theologically sound work that is also just a pleasure to read. Life in Christ is steeped in Biblical passages and Biblical language and gets straight to the point, which I appreciated.

No book, no volume of books could ever begin to plumb the depth of what union with Christ fully means, however this book is a wonderful way for a new believer to learn more of what he has in Christ, and for the mature Christian to adore and worship the Beloved. I could see this book being a wonderful guide for the babe in Christ, a devotional book, or a great book for a Bible saw group. I highly recommend picking up a copy.

You may also enjoy listening to the THIS interview Jeremy gave on the Janet Mefferd Show talking about the book. Jeremy also blogs at Reformation21.org

P.S.

Also, to whoever is ultimately responsible for the footnotes instead of the endnotes; I give you a hearty well done, well done. There is nothing that quite dampens the Newell spirit as to see a book with endnotes, but alas, dear reader; rejoice. You will not be burdened by flipping back and forth in the needless scavenger hunt. “Will this be a reference to another book? Is this more vital information that I need to know? Will this the endnote merely be yet another ibid?” There will be no interrupting of the reading by flipping back and forth, for you will conveniently find that information at the bottom of the very page to which it is referenced. My heart, upon seeing the footnotes, as it were, slowly stood from its reading chair with an approving ‘slow clap’ and a nod of the head.

A Realistic Self-Assessment of Scriptural Knowledge

There is a danger in assuming we have a vast knowledge of Scripture rather than ensuring we have it. On an unfounded assumption, you can frame your opinions and beliefs on what you think the Bible says rather than what it actually does. Christians assuming they know more than they do, or thinking they know all the important stuff construct their lives and thoughts and actions what they think is right, then say we are following the Bible. If a Christian believes they have a vast knowledge of scripture, they assume their actions and opinions are Bible based. If they don't like something, it must not be true and it must not be Bible. Instead of finding out what the Bible teaches, and then forming our opinions based upon the Word. 

Sadly, many Christians look for:

More Sentimentality than scripture.

Hold to the verses of Hank Williams over verses of Hebrews.

Prefer the prophets of Hollywood over the Prophets of the Holy Lord.

Listen more to the sweet psalmists of Nashville than the Sweet psalmist of Israel

More Papaw than the apostle Paul.

Lean more on emotion than on inspiration.

Take the TV over the Testaments;

feelings more than foundational truth.

We need a realistic self-assessment of our scriptural knowledge in which we can honestly say we do not know or do not understand something in scripture. Only then can we grow in knowledge.

Ddpn

Gra

God's chisel and hammer!

J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" via Gracegems.org

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:16-17

In the prophet Malachi's time, when nearly all the people had forsaken God, there were a few who were faithful. These met together and spoke one to another. They became very dear to God, and a book of remembrance was kept in which their names and their faithfulness were recorded.

"These shall be Mine in that day when I make up My jewels!"

Jewels are valuable. God gave His beloved Son for the redemption of His chosen people.

Jewels are prepared by cutting, grinding, and polishing, until they shine in brilliant beauty. God's people are subjected to many painful trials and experiences in preparing them for their heavenly home.

Jewels are used for adornment and for honor. They shine in the king's crown. The saints in Heaven shall shine as jewels in Jesus' crown!

If only we knew how precious we are to God, and what hidden glory shall be ours, waiting to shine out at last--we would rejoice with unspeakable joy!

What do a few troubles and pains matter now, if it is only the work of God's chisel and hammer cutting away the hindering crust, to reveal the precious diamond!

Mortification of Sin

"Mortification from a self-strength, carried on by ways of self invention, to the end of a self righteousness is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world."
John Owen