NUMBER TWO, 2021
In this issue 3
What the Bible Says about Lust
insight for living ministries
Leaders: Lives and Lessons 8 Barnabas and Encouragement
steve johnson
11 The Three Most Powerful Words
charles r. swindoll
Purposeful Living 12 Purpose to Build Up Others steve johnson 14
Servant-Hearted Leaders
charles r. swindoll
Puzzle 15 Build Up Others
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 40 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2021 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT LUST by insight for living ministries
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od’s Word speaks to the depths of our sensual desire. Moral compromise is challenged by the truth of God’s unwavering standard of holiness. The Bible offers words of wisdom and instruction, prompting us to trust God for our deliverance from worldly desire. The following passages reveal the destructive power of unchecked lust and point to the way of freedom provided by the Lord. The Sin of Lust “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27–28 NASB) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19–21) For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God. (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5) Live...no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. (1 Peter 4:2–3) The Source of Lust For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the
flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5–8) For if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13) Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:13–14) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. (Galatians 5:16–17) No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (James 1:13–14) Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. (1 John 2:15–17) The Destructive Power of Lust “Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have
Or do you not know that the unrighstruck and killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, you have taken his wife as your teous will not inherit the kingdom of God? wife, and you have slaughtered him with Do not be deceived; neither the sexually the sword of the sons of Ammon. Now immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor then, the sword shall never leave your homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, house, because you have despised Me and nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–10) be your wife.” (2 Samuel 12:9–10) Then when lust has conceived, it gives “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its do this disgraceful sin! As for me, where course, brings forth death. (James 1:15) Just as Sodom and could I get rid of my shame? And as for you, Lust maintains power Gomorrah and the citover us only when we ies around them, since you will be like one of the fools in Israel. Now submit to its worldly they in the same way as then, please speak to authority. Allowing sin these angels indulged in sexual perversion the king, for he will not of any kind to sit on and went after strange withhold me from you.” However, he would not the throne of our lives flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing listen to her; since he brings devastation the punishment of eterwas stronger than she, and destruction. nal fire. (Jude 1:7) he violated her and Wise Advice about Lust slept with her. (2 Samuel 13:12–14) My son, pay attention to my wisdom, God gave them over in the sinful desires Incline your ear to my understanding; of their hearts to sexual impurity for So that you may maintain discretion the degrading of their bodies with one And your lips may comply with knowlanother.... God gave them over to shameedge. (Proverbs 5:1–2) ful lusts.... Furthermore, just as they did Drink water from your own cistern, not think it worthwhile to retain the And fresh water from your own well. knowledge of God, so God gave them over (Proverbs 5:15) to a depraved mind, so that they do what His own wrongdoings will trap the wicked, ought not to be done.... Although they And he will be held by the ropes of his sin. know God’s righteous decree that those He will die for lack of instruction, who do such things deserve death, they And in the greatness of his foolishness not only continue to do these very things he will go astray. (Proverbs 5:22–23) but also approve of those who practice Do not desire her beauty in your heart, them. (Romans 1:24, 26, 28, 32 NIV) Nor let her capture you with her eyelids. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate For the price of a prostitute reduces one with any so-called brother if he is a sexually to a loaf of bread, immoral person, or a greedy person, or an And an adulteress hunts for a precious life. idolater, or is verbally abusive, or habitually Can anyone take fire in his lap drunk, or a swindler—not even to eat with And his clothes not be burned? such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11 NASB)
Or can a person walk on hot coals And his feet not be scorched? So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 6:25–29) One who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself commits it. (Proverbs 6:32) With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one walks in ankle bracelets to the discipline of a fool, Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hurries to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life. (Proverbs 7:21–23) “Abandon your foolishness and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6) One who walks in integrity walks securely, But one who perverts his ways will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9) Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a person of understanding. (Proverbs 10:23) The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their walk are His delight. (Proverbs 11:20) Ways to Handle Lust Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:14–15) The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil;
One who watches his way protects his life. (Proverbs 16:17) Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18–20) No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27 NIV) But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:21–23 NASB) Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22) Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who
for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are punished by Him; for whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He punishes every son whom He accepts.” (Hebrews 12:1–6) Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble your-
selves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:7–10) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8–9) Lust maintains power over us only when we submit to its worldly authority. Allowing sin of any kind to sit on the throne of our lives brings devastation and destruction. However, with Christ reigning over our lives, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our temptations. When we run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1), God directs our way through the hazards of life and beyond the burden of sexual sin. Copyright © 2011 by Insight for Living Ministries. All rights are reserved worldwide.
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BARNABAS AND ENCOURAGEMENT by steve johnson
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ne of the most significant leaders in the New Testament is not known as a dynamic preacher or evangelist. Rather, he is a business man named Joseph, nicknamed Barnabas, a man who excelled and led through encouragement. Do you want to be a better leader? Be an encourager like Barnabas who fortified others in various ways. The first time we see Barnabas he is encouraging by giving his resources. Acts 4:36–37 records that he sold a field and brought the money to the Apostles. This is a wonderful and necessary expression of encouragement for the existing leaders in the fledgling church. At this point in time, Barnabas is an emerging leader. His financial gift is not only an encouragement to the existing leaders but is also an act of sacrificial servant leadership modelling and encouraging others to give also. He signalled and modelled that he was there to serve others. We also see that Barnabas encouraged others by affirming them. In Acts 9, Saul, later named Paul, tries to join the church but was rejected by the believers there. His notorious reputation preceded him because he had been persecuting and killing Christians, possibly including some of
the relatives of those in the church. They feared and didn’t believe him (9:26). “Then Barnabas…” (9:27). There he is when Saul needs help. Barnabas, “brought him to the apostles.” In the face of fear and skepticism, he affirms Saul. He stands up for him saying in effect, “I’m on your team! Let me walk through this with you.” And the results? Saul is able to move about and preach freely (9:28), the church had peace, and grew in strength and numbers (9:31). Notice the way he affirmed. Barnabas doesn’t just say “Saul is a good guy.” He knew and named specific things Saul did thereby giving him credibility as well as to his own leadership. Good leaders notice and make specific affirmations about those they lead. Failure to affirm produces discouraged followers. Another way Barnabas lives up to his name is by his commitment to others’ spiritual growth. Acts 11:19–24 recounts that a large number of people became believers in Antioch. Barnabas was sent “and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord” (11:23). Recognizing their need to grow Barnabas goes and gets Saul and brings him to Antioch to teach these new believers. And they stayed there a year doing that!
Good leaders will say, “Stay at it!” Ever ger than his commitment to returning notice how motivated and strengthened with his long-time friend and co-worker you feel when you have people who come Paul. He took Mark and sailed to Cyprus alongside and let you know they want you and we never hear of Barnabas again. But we do hear of Mark and have read to succeed? And the result of this kind of leadership? “Many people were brought to the Gospel he penned! What does that say about Barnabas? the Lord,” (11:24). This Good leaders notice Maybe you know someis significant because one who’s blown it? Failed by his leadership Barnand make specific in some way? They want abas helped create a affirmations about another opportunity. Are church culture that those they lead. Failure you glad somebody gave resulted in growth! to affirm produces you another chance when L a s t ly, we l e a r n from Barnabas how to discouraged followers. you failed? I am. Barnabas would say, “It is worth the encourage by showing grace. In Acts 15:36–39 we read how risk! We have the gospel of Mark and the Barnabas’ cousin Mark deserted them on writings of Paul.” Because of Barnabas’ a previous ministry trip. Now it was time encouraging leadership neither man was to go again. Barnabas said, “Let’s take written off! Mark, give him another chance, let him prove himself.” Paul said, “No we can’t risk Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada. another failure.” The result was that their difference was so sharp they split and went separate ways (15:39). Barnabas’ commitment to Mark and giving him another chance was stron-
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THE THREE MOST POWERFUL WORDS by pa s tor chuck swind oll
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There were so many things undone. We lmost always, the answer was the same. “How did your game go?” I’d hadn’t gone to get Junior Zephyrs cards ask. “Good,” he would reply. “How did you for this year yet. We hadn’t made our trek north to watch the dirt-track races at Erie, do?” ... “Good.” The response wasn’t a curt put-off, nor Colorado.... What we had done, though, was it a rote reaction. It was offered hon- was communicate through 10 short years. estly, and almost always with enthusiasm.... And we had ended every night we were It didn’t matter if the final score was 1-0 or together with the same words: “I love you.” Please let me say it 100-0. It didn’t matter if Three little words. one more time. “Gus, I he had knocked home Because they are often love you.” the winning run or if he had struck out every time hard to say, because we —Todd Phipers, The at bat. It didn’t matter if so easily forget, we need Denver Post the subject was sports, or to stay in practice. Three little words. school, or family or someBecause they are often hard to say, because thing else. we so easily forget, we need to stay in prac"How were things?” ... “Good.” He had so much perspective for a little tice. Todd would give everything he owns to boy.... Sports were like the rest of life. Tak- be able to say them to Gus tonight. ing part was what made it worthwhile.... Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, “Week 3 Gus found happiness just in taking part. Weekend: Think It Over,” in The Finishing Touch: It wasn’t just sports. It was choir and stuBecoming God’s Masterpiece (Dallas: Word, 1994), dent council at school. It was violin lessons. 45. Copyright © 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All It was a birthday party at a friend’s house.... rights reserved. Used by permission. Every day was a new day, a time for a new experience. Life was good. But life ended for a positive and uncomplaining and involved little boy last Sunday in a fire in Silver Plume, Colorado.
PURPOSE TO BUILD UP OTHERS by steve johnson
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uilding up others means to edify, encourage, and uplift them so they will be strengthened inwardly to persevere despite difficulty. Encouragement seeks to infuse difficulty with meaning. Without that sense of meaning, hope and the will to go on fades. In John 16:33 Jesus told His followers “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows,” so we are to encourage and build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). While purposing to build up others is essential, sincere and effective encouragement is founded on particular knowledge, truths, and beliefs such as the following. Realizing that one reason the Lord saved me was to be His ambassador to a hurting world by being a Spirit-filled encourager (2 Corinthians 5:20). I must realize I have been blessed with all the richness that being in Christ brings in order to be a blessing and encourager to others. I need to commit to being an
encourager because it is what God desires and people need. Good knowledge of God’s Word. Believers are to build each other up by speaking appropriate truth from God’s Word. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11 Paul was writing to persecuted believers seeking to encourage them by reminding them of the truth of the Lord’s return. Persecuted believers needed to hear this truth so they would have hope and courage to stay faithful. Knowing God’s Word gives me encouraging truth to share. Being encouraged from belonging to Christ. “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…then…value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:1–3 NIV). Belonging to Christ is the truth that overcomes every defeat and discouragement. In Him I share the victory won at the cross. That victory overcame my enemies: the world, the flesh, the Devil, and death.
This is the ultimate encouraging truth. I like that so neither should I. I shouldn’t wait must learn to encourage and strengthen for, or expect perfection in others before myself in the Lord my God like David (1 encouraging or praising them because then Samuel 30:6). I do this by encouraging I wouldn’t encourage anyone. Allowing my body language to express myself regarding my union with Christ and all that is mine because of it. I am more that I accept and value that person. I have never seen a true encourager with than a conqueror through Him. Observing that others need upbuilding. a sour expression or who wasn’t ready I can’t be self-absorbed and looking with a warm hug where appropriate. My out only for my own interests. I need to be whole demeanour needs to reinforce my others-oriented, listening more than talking words of building up. Refusal to gossip or speak evil of others. and observing what is going on with others. Gossip and slander tear others down I need to be a learner of others’ accomplishments. Everyone needs praise and recogni- and are the exact opposite of building up. They are totally incontion for their accomplishments. But few people Building up others means sistent with being a to edify, encourage, and true encourager. I must make the need known quite as clearly as the uplift them so they will be replace tearing down little boy who said to his strengthened inwardly others in my thinking and speech with buildfather, “Let’s play darts. to persevere despite ing them up to others. I’ll throw and you say difficulty. Encouragement Acknowledging that ‘Wonderful!’” the fears that weigh Accepting and valuseeks to infuse difficulty the discouraged down ing my God-created with meaning. are a real response to uniqueness and my situations but they are not truth. identity in Christ. A credible and courageous encourager This frees me from focusing on my insecurities to focusing on others’ needs for empathizes and acknowledges someone’s encouragement. Once I accept and value fears but chooses to step in and lead them who I am I can accept and value others for away from those fears and discouragement who they are as unique people of worth by building them up with truth. Realizing that God is always at work in and dignity as God’s image-bearers. Every believer has worth as a blood-bought child lives and situations even if I can’t see it. This is a foundational truth to believe of God. Discouraged people have, in a sense, lost themselves and need to be built up by in order to be able to build others up. God reminding them they are unique and God’s is at work in all things (Romans 8:28). Knowing and sharing this is a source of handiwork (Ephesians 2:10). Having the ability to see past others’ great hope. Seeking to grow in and develop these short-comings and letting go of their perspectives will help fulfil purposeful failures. Building someone up does not mean I building others up. condone their short-comings and failures. I just can’t let their past failures deter me from Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for encouraging them now. God doesn’t work Living Canada.
SERVANT-HEARTED LEADERS by pa s tor chuck swind oll
sther sustained a continually teachable that. But let me ask, has that changed your spirit. “Mordecai had instructed her teachability? Do you now see yourself as the that she should not make them known... consummate authority? Or has it simply Esther had not yet made known her kin- made you aware of how vast your ignorance dred or her people, even as Mordecai had really is? I hope it is the latter. Someone has said, “Education is going commanded her, for Esther did what Mordecai told her as she had done when under from an unconscious to conscious awareness of one’s ignorance.” his care” (Esther 2:10, 20). How beautiful it is to I agree. No one has a corEven becoming a finalist in this frenzied competi- find a servant-hearted, ner on wisdom. All the in the tion, or later, becoming teachable spirit among name-dropping world doesn’t heighten queen, didn’t cause Esther those who occupy the significance of your to flaunt her independence high-profile positions character. If anything, it and strut her stuff. Not this reduces it. Our acute need lady! The lovely, dignified, of authority. is to cultivate a willingness wise woman was still willto learn and to remain teachable. Learning ing to listen and learn. She remains a sterling example for from your children. Learning from your women today. Some of you are wonder- friends. Learning even from our enemies. fully gifted teachers. You have the ability How beautiful it is to find a servant-hearted, to stand before a group and to open the teachable spirit among those who occupy Scriptures or some other area of expertise high-profile positions of authority. Are you, like Esther, still willing to listen and hold an audience in rapt attention with your insight and creativity. Others of and learn? you have distinguished yourself in public service. You have played prestigious roles Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the and offices in the community. You may be Great Lives: Daily Insight from Great Lives of the well-traveled and rather confidently move Bible (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005) 196. Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All in exclusive circles with powerful men and rights reserved. Used by permission. women whom you know on a first-name basis. There is nothing wrong with any of
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Puzzle — Word Jumble
Build Up Others Difficulty ● ○ ○ ○ The objective of this puzzle is to unscramble the letters to form a word. Each word indicates a way to build up others. Use the following passages as a guide: 1 Thessalonians 5:9–15; Romans 12:3–21; 14:1–23; Philippians 2:1–11 (NIV).
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First and last name
Email address
Phone number
INSIGHT FOR LIVING CANADA PUZZLE CONTEST RULES
21MIN2
Insights magazine subscribers are invited to submit their completed puzzles by mail, email, or fax for a chance to win a Swindoll Study Bible. Each month from January 15, 2021 to October 31, 2021 there will be a new puzzle challenge with another opportunity to gain a contest entry. Completed puzzles received before November 12, 2021 will be entered into a draw. One grand prize winner will be selected by random draw and notified by email or phone. Contest entries are limited to one per household, per puzzle. Open only to legal residents of Canada who are of legal age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside, and at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Not open to Quebec residents. Not open to Insight for Living Canada staff or their immediate family. Mathematical skill testing question to be answered correctly to win. No purchase necessary. Puzzle solutions will be posted at insightforliving.ca/puzzle at a later date. Mail: 1-30445 Progressive Way Abbotsford BC V2T 6W3 // Email: info@insightforliving.ca // Fax: 1.604.870.8743
Jesus told His disciples to love one another “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Is that an impossible example to follow? You bet it is! That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and empower us with His supernatural love. Want to learn more? Visit our topical page and let the resources set you on the path of loving with the Saviour’s love. insightforliving.ca/love
