The Great Deception Series
By Rick Combs
In the early 1980’s while pastoring in a small community just west of Vinita, I had the privilege of traveling with a good friend who was the pilot for Pastor Bob Yandian. He is still today the Senior Pastor of Grace Fellowship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The plane was a single engine Cessna. On one of our many trips, we were flying to Oklahoma City to pick up an evangelist holding a revival meeting and take him home to Tulsa. I know… a one-and-a-half-hour drive requires that he be picked up and flown home. Tell that to Jesus and the twelve in ancient Israel who had to walk. But I digress.
During the flight, I inquired as to what other types of aircraft he flew. He mentioned that he was certified for this current plane as well as another twin engine plane. He then proceeded to tell me that he was in the process of obtaining his certification for a Beechcraft 400 jet plane. In my ignorance I quipped, “you mean that you can’t fly any plane you want?” He replied, “No! you have to learn to fly each particular plane according to the specifications and procedures of that aircraft”.
I thought, “how interesting that each aircraft type has specific requirements and procedures, and you have to fly them according to those procedures”. You can’t just jump in any plane and fly it without putting yourself and your passengers in great peril. Amazing what you can learn from your friend who is a pilot.
Case in point; I cannot drive a 1955 Chevy the same way I drive my new 2020 Toyota Highlander (yes, I love it by the way). Although I could get down the road, I would be using a tenth of the Highlander capabilities if I didn’t drive it according to its’ current procedures and function. Example: the ignition key function to start the car is completely different. If I try jamming a key in somewhere, I’m guaranteed problems.
So, what does all this have to do with following Jesus. EVERYTHING! We don’t “follow Jesus” any old way. We follow Him “according to” something.
Romans 16:25-26 says; “25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith”.
The phrase “according to” is used three times in these two verses. This indicates a specific gospel which establishes us… the preaching of Jesus Christ that is specific to the “revelation of the mystery”. This mystery was “kept secret since the world began”, “but now is made manifest” or revealed through the scriptures of the new testament prophets and is ”according to” the commandment of God. This is the command which God expects us to follow today “for the obedience of faith”.
Do you want to obey God in His commandment? Then follow Paul’s gospel and his preaching of Jesus Christ according to the mystery that is now revealed.
Ephesians 3:3-5 3 “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”.
This verse basically says the same thing as Romans 16:25-26. By revelation God made known unto the Apostle Paul the mystery that was not made know in other ages, but is now revealed by the Spirit. It was then proclaimed and taught by apostles and prophets in the early churches that Paul established. This mystery was not known by Peter, James, or John… not known by the old testament prophets… Moses or Abraham. This new revelation was given specifically to Paul so that we may follow the Lord in this way. It is our pattern and example today.
1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ”.
Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample”.
Do you want to be a follower of Jesus? Then do it according to the revelation of the mystery as outlined in detail in Paul’s epistles. Follow his example.
We will look closer into this mystery information in future posts.
Grace and peace unto you!
Amen