Epistle for April 13, 2012
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation April 13, 2012
When brethren dwell together in unity
(Psalm 133:1-3)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the persons mentioned by David
1. They are brethren: members of the same family with the same father, v. 1.
2. They dwell together: living and working in close proximity with each other every day, v. 1.
3. They experience unity: agreement in mind and spirit, v. 1.
4. Because of their family relationship, they are "one for all, and all for one."
II. Meditation: on what true unity is like
1. Unity is like precious anointing oil poured upon Aaron's head, v. 2.
2. This symbol of the Holy Spirit's anointing (oil) runs down and blesses everything (and
everyone) connected to the ministry of the High Priest, v. 2.
3. Unity is like dew upon Mount Herman, v. 3.
4. This symbol of God's life-giving power (dew) provides refreshing water for all people
in the surrounding areas, v. 3.
III. Revelation: on how this Psalm refers to the church today
1. All who have received Christ as their personal Savior are family (brothers and sisters),
regardless of denominational labels.
2. All believers (family members) must not only tolerate each other, they also much be
united in compassionate love and mutual burden-bearing, Galatians 6:1-2.
3. All Christians are to be "priests" which have been anointed with the Holy Spirit; this
anointing should spread to touch and influence the lives of others around us.
4. All Christian disciples should be channels (conduits) of God's blessings to others . . .
flowing His water of life to those dry souls in need of spiritual refreshing.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Love all fellow believers as members of God's spiritual family.
2. Live (not in organizational union, but) in spiritual unity of mind, heart, soul, and spirit
with all others who claim the name of Jesus.
3. Receive the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit, allowing God's blessings to impact all
those whose lives I touch.
4. Allow God's "rivers of living water," (John 7:38) to flow through me to bring refreshing,
eternal life to persons who are dying of spiritual thirst.
Lift up your hands
(Psalm 134:1-3)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on those persons who should lift up their hands
1. Those who are servants of God, v. 1.
2. Those who "by night stand,". . . always are available to serve the Lord, night and day, v. 1.
3. Those who assemble with other believers in the sanctuary to worship Almighty God, v. 2.
4. Those who acknowledge that the Lord God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, v. 3.
II. Meditation: on the meaning of "lifting up hands"
1. It is a sign acknowledging submission, when coming into the presence of someone who is
superior in rank.
2. It is a sign of surrender: "I give up!"
3. It is a sign that a person is unarmed . . . that he brings nothing in his hands.
4. It is an indication that a person's hands are clean and ready for inspection, I Timothy 2:8.
III. Revelation: on lifting my hands to God during times of worship
1. Lifting my hands means I acknowledge God's majesty and power.
2. Lifting my hands means that I surrender my will to God's will.
3. Lifting my hands means that I bring no good works into His presence . . . I come "Just as I
am," trusting completely in His mercy and grace.
4. Lifting my hands means that I have received God's forgiveness and cleansing, and that I am
coming thankfully before Him with clean and holy hands, Psalm 24:4.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Worship Almighty God with uplifted hands acknowledging His majesty and power.
2. Truly pray: "Not my will, but Yours be done," Matthew 26:39.
3. Humbly, yet boldly, come into God's presence, not on the basis of any good works I have done, but
depending solely on the atoning work of Christ, Who shed His blood on Calvary, Hebrews 4:14-16.
4. Repent, confess, and forsake my sins . . . calling upon God to forgive and to cleanse me, I John 1:9.
"Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak . . . sometimes it
means that you are strong enough to let go."
--Unknown
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