Talk is Cheap
Can you trust people who say one thing and then don’t do it? Or say one thing and then do another? Are you that person? I am guilty too. That’s where we get the saying, “Talk is Cheap.” Jesus has very clear instructions. Thank You, Jesus!
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. – Luk 21:8 KJV
Thank God that we are not called to trust people! See “Love Yourself” to see how God loves you and the whole world. When you know the perfect love that casts out fear, you will not be deceived by the talk that is cheap. You will know Jesus when you see Him in yourself and others.
Discipleship
Jesus gave the above answer to the question below. According to Matthew 24:3 and knowing how Jesus teaches, we see that Jesus is teaching His disciples in private. He can’t disciple us if we won’t show up to ask and learn of Him (Matthew 7:7, 11:29, 21:22, Isaiah 26:9)!
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign [will there be] when these things shall come to pass? – Luk 21:7 KJV
It is very important to know what people group Jesus is talking to and about. And which group do you fall into? Do you call Him Master in your heart? Or just with your lips for show in a religious setting? Are you asking Him questions to get to know Him more (John 17:3)? Or just to have more biblical knowledge?
Don’t Be Afraid
The end is not near. We see all of these signs right now. Jesus’ disciples have no reason to be afraid. We cannot lose for winning! Jesus has already conquered death, hell, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-58, Revelation 1:8, 20:13-14)!
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by. – Luk 21:9 KJV
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: – Luk 21:10 KJV
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. – Luk 21:11 KJV
Persecution
One of the definitions of “persecution” on Blue Letter Bible is as follows:
in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
If you are walking in the abundant life Jesus came for you to have, you will face persecution. And, If you are speaking, teaching, and preaching the full gospel, you will be persecuted.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. – Luk 21:12 KJV
Don’t let anyone else minimize or downsize the persecution you are facing because it doesn’t seem as severe as someone suffering unto physical death. Jesus, Paul, and all who diligently seek first God’s kingdom suffer persecution throughout their entire ministries. Some even unto death.
Peter was ready to die to protect Jesus, but denied even knowing Him when faced with the fear of being persecuted (John 18:10, 17, Matthew 26:69-75). Persecution is the cross we must deny ourselves and pick up, to follow Jesus.
Come Alive
The Word of Your Testimony
And it shall turn to you for a testimony. – Luk 21:13 KJV
When we fellowship with Jesus privately every day by renewing our minds by the washing of the Word, we will produce a powerful testimony. We overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb (salvation/being born again), the word of our testimony, and denying the honor of men (Revelation 12:10-11).
God has already provided atonement for every other trial and tribulation. The only reason His grace has to be sufficient for us is because He cannot violate His own Word! He will not take away our free will and the power, authority, and dominion that He gave us to rule ourselves and in our own worlds. We can submit to the devil and blame God for being in control. Or we can submit to God, and kick the devil’s “buts.”
The Devil wants you to walk by sight and hear the talk that is cheap:
- God says that you are already His righteousness in Christ Jesus, but… (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- I know the Bible says you are healed, but…(Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24)
- God says He wishes ABOVE ALL THINGS that you would receive wealth, health, and wisdom, but…(3 John 1:2)
- All of God’s promises are yes and amen, but…(2 Corinthians 1:20)
- Delight yourself in Jesus, and He will give you the desires of your heart, but…(Psalm 37:4)
- You can renew your mind and make your body line up, but…(Romans 12:1-2)
- I know God tells us not to fear 365 times, but…(Genesis 15:1, John 6:20, Deuteronomy 18:20, 31:6)
What You Shall Answer
Talk is cheap! You have the Word of God to meditate on day and night. Why? To get to know God the Father, and His Son, Jesus. AKA: Life Eternal!
Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: – Luk 21:14 KJV
The Power of His Might
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. – Luk 21:15 KJV
Laughed to Scorn
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death. – Luk 21:16 KJV
Blessed Are You
Jesus says in Matthew 5:11 be blessed because their talk is cheap! He goes on to say that we can even rejoice in their foolishness in Matthew 5:12! Hallelujah!
And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name’s sake. – Luk 21:17 KJV
Jesus and John also tell us that people being angry with you is the equivalent of being murdered (Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15). Notice that the people who put you down for preaching the good news, the glorious gospel, don’t go after the porn industry. They aren’t after the websites that promote filth and sin.
No Worries! Talk is Cheap!
But there shall not an hair of your head perish. – Luk 21:18 KJV
Even at physical death, we know that to be absent from our physical bodies is to be present with the Lord! We can’t lose for winning.
Never, never, never give up!
In your patience possess ye your souls. – Luk 21:19 KJV
The more you get to know God and get to know who you are in Christ, the more You Will Want To FIGHT!