Uh-Oh is that Blasphemy?!

In today's world we are pushed to INDULGE, splurge, satisfy ourselves in every way possible. But in Scripture we know that the Most High wants us to deny our flesh. 
Matthew 16:24

"Then Yashaya Christ said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.'" 

This is something that all believers know. Even those who are still living a Christian lifestyle, not under the basic laws and believing that they are covered by grace, know this basic principle.

I am going to take it a step further and show you some crucial verses written in 1 Timothy. In verse
1 Timothy 1:19-20 Paul says- "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."

Did that just say what I think it said? Did Paul just say that he handed some people over to Satan? In a study note found in the Nelson Study Bible it states that Hymenaeus and Alexander were believers because the word learn throughout the Bible is used mostly in reference to The Most High's chosen people as a way of discipline.  It does not say that they were cast into Hell. It says they were delivered to the enemy for the purpose of learning. So basically they needed to be checked and tested in order to gain a life lesson from the Father. 

So what is blasphemy and how can we make sure we are not doing it? 

To blaspheme is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence to the Most High, to holy persons, to sacred things, or toward something considered holy. This is according to Wikipedia aka the world's standards. 

Here are some examples:

• If the Most High considers marriage to be good and holy and you are always complaining about your spouse or accusing them. That is blasphemy. 

• If the Most High says to keep His laws, statutes, and commandments and you are caught talking about how hard and unfair it is. That is blasphemy. 

• If the Most High has put a holy leader, husband, prophet, or elder over you who is trying his best to live right and you are constantly tearing him down, talking about him behind his back, and waiting for him to mess up. That is blasphemy. 

• If you are using foul language in the holy sanctuary. That is blasphemy. 

You get the point? All of this has one thing in common. It begins as a thought and attacks you until you ALLOW it to come out of your mouth. Or sometimes even if you express this contempt through your physical actions. 

Now, how does the Word tell us to practice NOT blaspheming? Self-control. 
1 Timothy 2:13-15 says, " For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, IF THEY continue in faith and charity and holiness with self-control."

Three things jumps out at me about this last verse. It is saying that if you want to be saved from pain and complications which can come from childbirth that THEY, meaning both the man and the woman must continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control. That can also be applied to other areas of our life not just childbirth and not just a marriage! 

Proverbs 28:19 states "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law."

To be unrestrained is to lack self control. So what are we to take away from this? Action is key. We can pray all day until our knees hurt but if no action is taken with our prayer it falls short. We can pray "Most High help me control my actions and words towards those you have put in my life", BUT if we do not exercise self-control as a daily vital ACTION then we are not holding up our end of the prayer- and we may find ourselves handed over to Satan for chastisement. 

So I ask you to look at your actions today. If you know you have high blood sugar and have been praying against the spirit of infirmity through diabetes and you are offered a chocolate bar... Have self-control and politely decline. If you know when you are with certain people you tend to entertain the spirit of gossip and you are praying for the Father to deliver you from that- avoid those people or change the subject when someone else's business is brought up. 

Call to Action: Write down 2 areas in your life that you need to practice more self-control. And then be careful to take action. Every day!! Have a blessed day brothers and sisters. Shalom.