September 2000

[7 of 7]

he Lord surprised me years ago by revealing to me the meanings of “labor” (Gk 4704) and how they were used in other enlightening passages. The primary meaning given repeatedly is “TO USE SPEED”; and while this word is not actually used in Scripture, the Lord explained to me that He chose it to indicate the overtone for the other definitions including: “DILIGENCE, STUDY, and BUSINESS”! [See Episode 6 for an important passage given using, “diligence”.] The word “study” is only used once in the N.T.

“STUDY (labor, be eager and do your utmost) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who never has to be ashamed (as the first Adamic nature), because
he rightly divides the Word of Truth (separates the Wheat from the chaff - as he is
taught by the Anointing of God) !” (2 Tim 2:15)

                God is not speaking here of simply ingesting and committing to memory endless verses of Scripture so we can win the approval of men! Rather He is telling us just to “STUDY HIS SON”!! In other words, to seek Him about the Life, Nature and Character of Christ- which was the Pattern He gave Moses to build a Tabernacle; Noah to build an ark; and the Carpenter, Jesus, to build a Church as a House of Prayer! The righteous task of the Holy Spirit is to teach us to live the Life of God’s sinless, spiritual Son; just as it is our righteous task to learn of Him! But this instruction is achieved only one way, by experience! To study Christ simply means to LIVE THE CHRIST LIFE! While the Holy Spirit uses Scripture as the basis for our tutorage in Godliness, it is not for “Head knowledge that puffs up”; but rather a relationship with “Love that builds up!” (1 Co 8:1) Studying Christ’s Life by experience is indeed hard labor for it means a birthing of His Life in us! But Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden (with your sin life), for I will give you rest! Take My Yoke on you and learn of Me (study Me as you bear My sinless Life in your womb) for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls! For My Yoke is easy, and My Burden is light!” (Mt 11:18-29) This brings us to the third synonym from the Greek root for “labor”which is also used only once.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor! DO NOT BE SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS, rather: be fervent in Spirit, serve the Lord, rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation, and be constantly in prayer!” (Ro 12:11)

More than ever before, man is all consumed with the “business” of becoming wealthy! This money-mania is the bottom line of all his endeavors! Pyramid schemes are founded on forming false friendships and exploiting old relationships to curry new business! Such is the selfish nature of carnal man and we leave him to his folly. God’s “Business” is to produce His Son in our lives! He defines this glorious ambition beautifully in the five edicts listed above: 1) Be fervent in Spirit; 2) Serve the Lord, 3) Rejoice in hope; 4) Be patient in tribulation; and 5) Be constantly in prayer!!
                As “five” is the number of “Grace”, the Lord is saying that these activities are the means by which His Grace is dispensed to man! And He exhorts us not to be “slothful” in this business! [“Slothful” (Gk 3636) means: “Tardy. indolent, irksome, grievous, hesitant. or slow”; and we just read earlier that the Greek root for “Labor” is defined as “USE SPEED”!!]
                As the 11th hour gives way to NOONDAY, it is imperative that all who claim or hope to be among the soon-to-be “Manifested Sons of God” (Ro 8:19) pray for Grace to endure the present tribulations that usher them in! We leave you with these admonishments of God: “BE DILIGENT to make sure the hope of your calling and election”; “Be not slothful in (spiritual) BUSINESS”; and “STUDY to be approved of God”! This is how we must “LABOR to enter into His REST” so HAPPY LABOR DAY! Amen!