THE WEIGHT AND BESETTING SINS

"And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting" (Daniel 5:25-27) -KJV. The concept of "weights" and "besetting sins" in a spiritual context is drawn from Christian faith and is often used to emphasize the idea of obstacles or hindrances that can impede one's spiritual growth and relationship with God. Here are some key points related to this concept:

1. Weights as Hindrances: "Weights" refer to anything that may be permissible or even good in itself but becomes a hindrance when it distracts or obstructs an individual's progress in their spiritual journey. These "weights" can take the form of distractions, attachments, or habits that divert one's focus from our spiritual goals.

2. Besetting Sins: "Besetting sins" are specific sins or weaknesses to which an individual is particularly prone. These are the sins that a person may continually struggle with and have a natural inclination toward. They can act as persistent stumbling blocks in one's efforts to grow spiritually.

3. Distinct Concepts: " "Weights" and "besetting sins" are distinct concepts. "Weights" may refer to various hindrances or burdens that are not necessarily sinful in themselves but hinder one's spiritual progress. "Besetting sins" specifically point to sinful patterns or temptations that require special attention and effort to overcome.

4. Destructiveness of Pride: "Pride is highlighted as a destructive attitude that can hinder one's relationship with God. It is described as an attitude that can destroy one's spiritual life. God always resist the proud and give grace to the humble. This statement underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in the context of spiritual growth and Christian faith. The example of Belshazzar from the Bible is cited as a warning about the consequences of pride and arrogance. Belshazzar's pride led to his downfall and the end of his reign.

5. Imperfection of Believers: " It is emphasized that Christians do not become perfect and sinless upon salvation. This recognition underscores the need for ongoing sanctification (holiness), the second work of grace for spiritual growth, inner purity, and transformation. This is seen as essential for believers to draw closer to God and see Him. A verse from Proverbs 16:2 is cited to highlight the idea that God weighs not only actions but also thoughts and intentions. This verse emphasizes the importance of God's righteous judgment.

6. Running the Heavenly Race: " The metaphor of running a race is often used in believers in Christ to describe the journey of faith. Just as a runner needs to shed unnecessary weight to run faster, believers are encouraged to cast off "weights" and address "besetting sins" to run the race of faith more effectively.

7. Righteous Balance: " The concept of a "false balance" being an abomination to the Lord is mentioned, emphasizing the need for integrity and fairness in all actions and dealings.

8. Repentance and Transformation: "Overcoming both "weights" and "besetting sins" requires a commitment to repentance, self-examination, and reliance on God's grace for transformation. It involves recognizing areas in one's life that hinder spiritual growth and taking steps to address them. 9. Biblical truth: " The concept of being weighed in the balances and found wanting, as mentioned in the Book of Daniel, serves as a biblical reference to the idea of being evaluated or judged by God based on one's actions and character.
"Therefore, "weights" and "besetting sins" underscores the importance of self-examination, repentance, and spiritual growth in the Christian faith. Believers are encouraged to cast aside hindrances, whether they are sinful or merely distracting, in order to run the race of faith more effectively and draw closer to God and see Him when our journey on earth come to an end. Here is a clarion call to genuine salvation in Christ, living a righteous and spiritually accountable life, guided by faith and a sense of moral responsibility. A call to humility - a quality often associated with acknowledging one's limitations, seeking guidance, and maintaining a teachable spirit. A call to examine oneself daily in the word of God, the importance of reflection, introspection, and aligning one's life with moral and ethical principles as we prepare for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, the significance of personal actions and how they impact various aspects of life, including relationships with oneself, family, friends, spouses, children, adversaries, and business associates to be taking into consideration in accordance with the word of God. God, as the righteous Judge, evaluates the thoughts, words, and deeds of individuals and will judge according to His righteous law. Therefore, a false balance is an abomination unto the Lord our God.

CHILD-LIKE ATTITUDES FOR KINGDOM PEOPLE

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-4). There is a sense in which we must have certain attributes of children to be qualified to inherit the kingdom of GOD. The Lord isn’t commanding us to be babyish Christians. We are not exhorted to adopt children's temperament and disposition. As a matter of fact, there are traits unique to children that God won’t approve in adults both in Christian and lifestyle patterns. For example, children are impatient, rash, and naturally disobedient - always willing to have their way in all things. These are characteristics that are not admirable in true Christianity.

In the same vein, there is a sense in which we have to be like children in order to be qualified to receive salvation and eternal life. We must be as humble as a child, simply believe the gospel, and be equally flexible to receive the bible doctrines and practice them. The reason why many people remained unsaved is that they lack a child-like attitude to the gospel. They harden their hearts and question the logicality and validity of the gospel. They do not open their hearts, as children do, to receive the Lord. And unlike children, they lack simple faith. Are you saved? If not, why not. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.

The sinner however will not be able to start the process of salvation unless he has the humility of the child. Nor can he accept the gospel unless he believes easily like a child. He cannot keep his salvation by living on in holiness unless he’s child malice, sensitivity, kindness, and flexibility. ” That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:6-7). Being born-again means changing from living in sin to living in holiness. The sinner must (i) acknowledge his sins (ii) confess them (iii) repent from them (iv) forsake them (v) believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as “ propitiation for her sin ” and (vi) abide in this faith with constant holiness of character. This process is a genuine conversion that results in behavioral transformation.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The believer receives the grace to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11b). The new believer needs to pray for more grace to overcome temptations and live holily, study the word of God, and pray daily. He also needs to employ grace in practicing positive child-like attributes, shunning pride, loving all, believing easily, hating racism and stubbornness, keeping no ill feelings, being fervent in the spirit, and serving the Lord. Moreover, the believer’s victory over Satan is sure if he can resist the devil through (i) God’s word (ii) Fervent prayers mixed with faith (iii)Self-discipline and self-control (iv) Employing and deploying the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:12-18), Abiding in Christ and remaining steadfast in the faith (James 1:12).

LEAVEN OF HYPOCRISY

“In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples, first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 121). The Pharisees were a religious group in Israel given to legalism. Theirs was an outward show of religion which constituted of mechanical observance of Mosaic laws, traditions, of elders as well as ethical and ceremonial commandments of the law. They lacked true piety and they covered up with religious devotions such as praying on street corners, giving of alms, tithing, and fasting. In short, they majored in minors, neglecting weightier matters of the law – judgement, mercy, and faith. For this reason, Jesus warned people about the influence of false teachers and described their conduct as hypocritical.

The Sadducees on the other hand were less strict in their religious observances. They contrasted sharply with the Pharisees in their beliefs. The Sadducees did not believe in the existence of angels, spirits, or the resurrection of the human body after death. Many of them were priests of Jesus’ day. With very exceptions, the Pharisees and Sadducees were antagonistic to Christ and His message. These two groups wielded a great influence on the religious life of the Jews. This was the reason Jesus taught the people, especially His disciples to avoid their pernicious ways. While pointing to Himself as the true Shepherd, He warned His listeners not to follow religious hypocrites who were wolves in sheep’s clothing.

When Jesus was teaching His disciples what constitutes acceptable devotion to God, He cautioned them time and again not to comport themselves as the hypocrites do. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:2). Perhaps our Lord Jesus Christ had the Pharisees and Sadducees in mind while speaking. Jesus denounced the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. The evils of hypocrisy are legion. A hypocrite is blind to his spiritual destitution. He treads the path of eternal destruction even though he may appear pious outwardly. His life of deception may lead other sincere seekers astray. If he is a member of a local church the individual constantly brings reproach to Christ. He is a great stumbling block in the way of others. Any wonder Jesus addressed the Pharisees thus: “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:13).

Expressions of hypocrisy can be identified as corruption spreads easily among a group. Therefore, Jesus instructed His disciples by figuratively referring to the action of leaven (or the modern usage, of yeast) on the dough. A little leaven when added to the dough will soon spread throughout the food material and cause it to rise. In the scriptures, leaven always stands for something bad or sinful. The only exception is when Jesus used it in the parable of the kingdom (Matthew 13:33) to depict the spread of God’s kingdom. Like leaven, hypocrisy in the little band of disciples could destroy the teachings of Christ they have received and eventually pollute the church in infancy. The disciples were slow at understanding the figure used by Christ, so He told them plainly what he meant: “ How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11-12).

The Pharisees were scrupulous about ritual cleansing of hands, cups, pots, and other vessels while the “…. Inward part is full of ravening and wickedness” (Luke 11:39). This is the picture of the pretender, a phoney who has the form of religion but denies the power thereof. The fellow may bear the name of Christ and may have learnt to comport himself (outwardly) the way genuine Christians do. Meanwhile, the heart is full of sin and wickedness. When all an individual knows about Christianity is singing, dancing, fasting, and regular church attendance while sound Christian doctrines are relegated to the background, he is already following the doctrine of Pharisees and Sadducees.

The Pharisees were described as “whited sepulchres” which appear beautiful outwardly but inside, they are full of all uncleanness. This reveals the religious hypocrite who may be a professing Christian. Are there not people in the church, who have effectually mastered the language of true believers even though they are yet to be transformed by God’s grace? Such people are tares amid wheat. Paul the Apostle referred to them as false brethren. A lot of sinning church members dress and put up the appearance of a genuine Christian, even though they are unconverted. The woes Jesus pronounced on the religious hypocrites of His time will also fall on the impenitent churchgoer without salvation in Christ. The only way out to escape from God’s judgement is genuine repentance from hypocrisy and resolution to follow Christ all the way

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LOVING YOUR ENEMIES

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48). In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were commanded to love one another, shun vengeance, or avoid grudge against a fellow Israelite. This was the time when they were separated from other nations. They formed a community called peculiar people, a holy nation. They were to love their neighbors who were predominantly Israelites. They were not to behave like people of other nations they came out from or the ones in the land they were going to possess. Neither were they to eat, dress, marry or do shady business like them.

The Pharisees and Sadducees in their interpretation of this principle have distorted its true meaning. They teach that the word ‘neighbor’ refers to Hebrews only. So, the Pharisees taught the Jews to love themselves and to regard all other people as sinners and enemies who should be hated. No wonder, when the Hebrews came back from the market, they had to perform ceremonial rites of washing before they could be adjudged clean.

As believers, one way of making our calling and election sure and standing approved before the throne of God is by loving our enemies. Our love should not be a discriminating one. God is love. He loves all men. When we were sinners and unlovable, God loved us, “…God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” . To love those who are our fellow Christians should be as natural as finding such love even among sinners also. As Christians, we are to prove to the whole world that we are children of God. We are to care for all and show great concern for the good of all.

Our Lord mentioned a few of the characteristics of the enemies that we are to love: “them that curse you”, “them which despitefully use you and persecute you”, “the evil”, “the unjust”, publicans”. We can justly call all of them sinners of all categories all over the world. In our families, neighborhoods, marketplaces, businesses, and all over the world, there are sinners who at present are not part of the commonwealth of Israel (believers). Missionaries demonstrate love by leaving the conveniences in their countries for foreign countries. Driven by passion, some have suffered untold hardship, persecution, and death in the hands of the people they try to win for Christ.

In like manner, we are to prove to the whole world that we are children of God by loving all the people. We may not be able to go to mission fields, but every believer has a part to play in loving our enemies. We are to bless them, pray for and share the good news with them so that their souls can be saved.

No one can practice this principle without true sanctification. After the salvation experience, there is a need for everyone to pray to the Lord to be sanctified. This experience of entire sanctification will make the believer not be sensitive to self and his opinions, preferences, and tastes. He will be dead to the world as the world is dead to him.

WARNING AGAINST BACKSLIDING

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he falls. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Paul the Apostle, through the inspiration of God, pointed out the possibility of a believer becoming cast away after initial evidence of salvation and a lifetime of service to God. He compared the Christian life to a race and emphasized the fact that a participant could be disqualified from receiving the prize if he/she does not run according to the rules. Therefore, there’s a need to maintain self-discipline and avoid those things that can cause a person to be rejected by God. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible, therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (2 Corinthians 9:25-27).

In his epistle to the Corinthians church, Apostle Paul continues this train of thought, apparently to warn some people in the church who felt eternally secured in their salvation even though they lived in sin. He warned believers against the danger of backsliding and thereby debunked the damnable heresy of the doctrine of eternal security. He emphasized that the great privileges that the Israelites enjoyed in their relationship with God were typical or illustrative of what believers in the New Testament enjoy. However, it is sad to note that despite those privileges the Israelites enjoyed, many among them who went into sin were destroyed, And the account of their failure was written to warn subsequent believers of all ages against the danger of falling back to sin.

There is no truth in the doctrine of unconditional security of believers. Those who are secured in Christ are those who continue in the word of God in true righteousness to the end. Believers can avoid backsliding by laying aside the things that bring temptations and taking necessary steps to victory through vigilance (1 Peter 5:8), prayer (Matthew 26:41), conviction (2 Timothy 3:14), trust ( 2 Timothy 1:2), Obedience (Psalm 119:60), resistance (James 4:7), and absolute surrender to God (Romans 6:13). As heaven-bound pilgrims, we must depend on the Lord for His sustaining grace and power. Our salvation, boldness at the throne of grace, conviction, and uncompromising stand on the truth is by grace. Without grace, we are as ordinary as other people.

We are most likely to fall when we are most confident of our own strength. Distrust in our strength makes us be vigilant and put our trust and dependence on God. This gave us the best security against all sins. God is able and indeed has promised to keep us from falling but we must look to ourselves (2 John 8). God is faithful to keep us from a tempting world full of snares. Though we are to be watchful and vigilant, he will proportion our burden to our strength. Hence, we should not be terrified or amazed when temptation comes. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them, that believe to the saving of the soul”. May this be our portion as we continue in our pilgrim journey on earth till we see Jesus face to face in heaven.