Plans. Introduction. The Plans of God. As Conceived. By Mark Mayberry 12/31/2017

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1 Plans By Mark Mayberry 12/31/2017 Introduction We look forward to a new year with expectation and hope. Let us consider what Sacred Scripture says regarding plans and purposes. Individually and collectively, future success is dependent upon formulating and following an effective plan. The Plans of God As Conceived The plans of God, perfectly formulated, have existed from long ago, i.e., from eternity (Isa. 25:1). Fashioned before the foundation of the world, prophetically foreshadowed down through history, God's redemptive purpose was revealed in the fullness of times in the person of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-12). O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness (Isa. 25:1). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:3-12).

2 As Revealed The importance of following God's pattern is seen in the admonition given to Moses regarding the tabernacle: "According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture," said the Lord at Sinai, "just so you shall construct it" (Exod. 25:9, 40; cf. Heb. 8:1-6). According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it (Exod. 25:9). See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain (Exod. 25:40). Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN." But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises (Heb. 8:1-6). Later, David supplied Solomon with the plans for the temple, received by divine revelation (1 Chron. 28:11-19), which were faithfully implemented. After seven years of diligent labor, "the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans" (1 Kings 6:37-38). Then David gave to his son Solomon the plan of the porch of the temple, its buildings, its storehouses, its upper rooms, its inner rooms and the room for the mercy seat; and the plan of all that he had in mind, for the courts of the house of the LORD, and for all the surrounding rooms, for the storehouses of the house of God and for the storehouses of the dedicated things; also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD and for all the utensils of service in the house of the LORD; for the golden utensils, the weight of gold for all utensils for every kind of service; for the silver utensils, the weight of silver for all utensils for every kind of service; and the weight of gold for the golden lampstands and their golden lamps, with the weight of each lampstand and its lamps; and the weight of silver for the silver lampstands, with the weight of each lampstand and its lamps according to the use of each lampstand; and the gold by weight for the tables of showbread, for each table; and silver for the silver tables; and the

3 forks, the basins, and the pitchers of pure gold; and for the golden bowls with the weight for each bowl; and for the silver bowls with the weight for each bowl; and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the model of the chariot, even the cherubim that spread out their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. "All this," said David, "the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern" (1 Chron. 28:11-19). In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans. So he was seven years in building it (1 Kings 6:37-38). Although the house of God is no longer physical, but spiritual, we must follow the biblical pattern in the Christian era as we worship God in spirit and truth. Faithful disciples are obedient to that form (i.e., model, mold, pattern) of teaching that is revealed in the gospel (Rom. 6:17-18; Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Tim. 1:13-14). But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself (Phil. 3:17-21). Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:13-14). As Implemented While God frustrates the plans of the peoples (i.e., those who are wicked), His counsel stands forever, and the plans of His heart endure from generation to generation (Ps. 33:6-12). The messianic kingdom, divinely established during the Roman domination, will never be destroyed, but will endure forever (Dan. 2:44-45).

4 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance (Ps. 33:6-12). In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. Inasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy (Dan. 2:44-45). Even in administering punishment, God has a plan for His people, if they will humbly seek Him and submit to His will: "For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:10-14, esp. v. 11). For thus says the Lord, "When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you," declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile" (Jer. 29:10-14). The Plans of the Wicked The wickedness of ungodly men is reflected in their words, deeds, and plans: "He plans wickedness upon his bed " (Ps. 36:1-4). Sinful men plot against God and His chosen people (Ps. 83:2-5), scheming and devising folly (Prov. 24:8-9). They overlook God's divine omniscience: "Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the Lord, and whose deeds are done in a dark place, and they say, 'Who sees us?' or 'Who knows us?'" (Isa. 29:15). Rejecting His call to repentance, they stubbornly persist in their evil plans and plot against faithful prophets (Jer. 18:11-12, 18). Nevertheless, the Lord God sees, knows, and judges. Classed among those sinful behaviors that God hates/abhors is "a heart that devises wicked plans" (Prov. 6:16-19; 15:26). He

5 will recompense: "I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listened to My words" (Jer. 6:19). Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes. For it flatters him in his own eyes Concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil (Ps. 36:1-4). For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, And those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people, And conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, "Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, That the name of Israel be remembered no more." For they have conspired together with one mind; Against You they make a covenant (Ps. 83:2-5). One who plans to do evil, Men will call a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men (Prov. 24:8-9). Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?" (Isa. 29:15). So now then, speak to the men of Judah and against the inhabitants of Jerusalem saying, "Thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds.' But they will say, 'It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart'" (Jer. 18:11-12). Then they said, "Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. Surely the law is not going to be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the sage, nor the divine word to the prophet! Come on and let us strike at him with our tongue, and let us give no heed to any of his words" (Jer. 18:18). There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers (Prov. 6:16-19). Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure (Prov. 15:26).

6 Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, The fruit of their plans, Because they have not listened to My words, And as for My law, they have rejected it also (Jer. 6:19). The Plans of the Righteous Successful plans require consultation and counselors (Prov. 15:22; 20:18). Successful plans require a humble acknowledgment of human limitations (Prov. 16:1, 9; 19:21). Successful plans require a spiritual commitment (Prov. 16:3). Successful plans require diligent and thoughtful implementation (Prov. 21:5). In contrast with the rogue, who devises wicked schemes, the noble man devises noble (i.e., honorable) plans, and by such, he stands (Isa. 32:7-8). Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed (Prov. 15:22). Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance (Prov. 20:18). The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD (Prov. 16:1). The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Prov. 16:9). Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand (Prov. 19:21). Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3). The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty (Prov. 21:5). As for a rogue, his weapons are evil; He devises wicked schemes To destroy the afflicted with slander, Even though the needy one speaks what is right. But the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands (Isa. 32:7-8). Conclusion Successful plans require that we learn to deal with disappointment (Job 17:6-11; 1 Thess. 2:17-18). Successful plans require that, in looking to the future, we do not lose faith or focus. Let us determine to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness," trusting that God will provide (Matt. 6:31-34). Avoiding a materialistic mindset, may we remember the words of Jesus, who said, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:13-21, esp. vs. 15). Finally, as we

7 formulate and follow well-laid plans, let us never discount God's power and providential purpose, but say "If the Lord wills " (Acts 18:18-21; James 4:13-17). Job said, "But He has made me a byword of the people, and I am one at whom men spit. My eye has also grown dim because of grief, And all my members are as a shadow My days are past, my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart." (Job 17:6-11). But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while in person, not in spirit were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you I, Paul, more than once and yet Satan hindered us (1 Thess. 2:17-18). Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?" or "What will we wear for clothing?" For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matt. 6:31-34). Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."" (Luke 12:13-21). Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, but taking leave of them and saying, "I will return to you again if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21). Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." But

8 as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:13-17).