Sound Teaching

In Ephesians 5:15-16, the Apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” We are to walk as the wise, which calls for circumspection. What is that? Well, the Greek word is akrib?s and means exactly, accurately, diligently (Thayer).

The word is translated in several ways in the Greek New Testament, but always indicates a need for accuracy or perfection. So, how does this apply to our walk?

Simply, we are to walk in exactly the way God expects us to walk. Consider the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman in John 4, “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews” (22). The difference between the Jews at that time and the Samaritans, is the Jews knew and were following God’s will by worshipping Him where He wished to be worshiped.

In our context, Paul gave some specifics. We are not to get drunk. We are to sing songs of praise to God. We are to constantly give thanks to God for His blessings. This is to be done in the name of Jesus. We are to submit to one another as we respect God and His will for us.

These are not exhaustive, but show us we are “not to be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (17).

Anger is an ever present problem in all men, even those in the kingdom.  It is not that the emotion of anger is intrinsically sinful. It does however, leave the child of God vulnerable to temptation and sin.

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An analysis of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s well, recorded in John 4.  (Note: The video camera failed in the last couple of minutes of the sermon).

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See (7:1-10) for an explanation of Jesus’ standing as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” The emphasis of the writer here is that such a concept was difficult to understand because they were “dull of hearing.”

He explains their problem in verses 12-14. They were spiritually immature. They had been taught the rudiments of the gospel, but had not fully retained that teaching, nor had they learned more. A diligent and consistent study of God’s word is needed by His people. It contains the mind of God, and if I am diligent as a child, I will hide them “in my heart, that I might not sin against You [God]” (Psalm 111:11).

The writer describes those who know only the milk of the word to be babes. While we all have different capabilities, God expects us all to grow in faith! This is commanded by Him, but it is a commandment with benefits to us. The more we know and understand of God’s will, the more capable we are to share that message, and to inoculate ourselves against the wiles of the devil. As the Hebrew writer says, “by reason of use [we] have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (14).

In Galatians 5:9 Paul expressed a simple truth that reveals a very significant spiritual application. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

It brings to mind the time Debbie and I purchased a bread making machine. It made great tasting bread so easy to make, I decided to try it a time or two myself. I remember opening the refrigerator to get a small amount of leaven as prescribed by the recipe I was using, dropping the pittance into a full loaf of bread, and waiting for the change. The cover was clear glass, and with a small amount of time the rising of the bread was evident. Any baker (and most others of us) recognize the lesson Paul was sharing with the Galatians.

Leaven corrupts, it changes the nature. If leaven is used to illustrated evil influences, then we understand the Holy Spirit to say that evil influences will corrupt us. It can corrupt all of us! Paul uses that truth to note the leavening influence of the Judaizing teachers who had come into the region of Galatia. Their corrupting influence led him to write, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…” (1:6).

We too must be aware of the leavening influence of sin. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” Wise words!

Here the writer repeats the truth established in Chapter 2 regarding the humanity of Jesus. His descent to earth, having been made “a little lower than the angels” (2:7), and suffering death, “perfected” Him. The Greek word here (teleio?) indicates completion or fulfillment. He accomplished everything God required of Him on earth. All was fulfilled in His sacrificial death. He became the “author” of salvation to those who obey. (Note the distinction between the lost and saved, as Christ has died for all, is whether or not they obey Jesus).

So, God exalted Him to the position of High Priest. It is noted elsewhere that Jesus, of the tribe of Judah, could not serve as priest under the Old Covenant. This position was relegated to the tribe of Levi. Under the New Covenant, Christ reigns as both King and High Priest. In this, His order is that of another King Priest of old, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, and a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18).

While the Hebrew writer later discusses this priesthood (cf. 7:1-10) this reference allowed him to rebuke his readers for their digression and ignorance. This takes place from Hebrew 5:12 – 6:8.

Another important aspect of our collective worship is the offering up of prayers. It is evident in examining the practice of prayer that God expects it. Like with singing, no prohibitions are given regarding time or place. We are told to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). We have examples of Jesus praying in solitude (cf. Luke 5:16), and are instructed in the practice of solitary prayer ourselves (cf. Matthew 6:5-6).

We are also given examples of Christians praying together. In Acts 12, we find Peter to have been imprisoned. With the help of God he escaped, and went to his brethren. “So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (12). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Praying” →

God chose to save the world through the gospel, the truth concerning the advent, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father reigning on His throne.  When we hear that gospel, our actions or lack thereof will determine whether we are saved . What must we do?

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Note:  PPTX presentation and verses supplied by Emberly Cox, age 9.

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Peter uses in several words and phrases to describe God’s people under Jesus.  (1 Peter 1).  Anyone who professes to be a Christian needs to ask if these descriptions fit!

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As we continue to consider the idea of corporate (collective) worship in an assembly, I would like to direct our minds to the topic of singing. Several truths are to be considered in this simple article.

The practice of musical worship to God is authorized, but in some ways limited. In other words, God allows (actually demands) we worship Him with song, but He specifies clearly the way in which we are to do it. There are many choices with regard to songs in worship, and sometimes God does not specify His limiting desire in any particular aspect. When this happens we are given choice. However, when God chooses we are to abide by His choice rather than substituting our own. This is a simple principle. Jesus said that in His kingdom, “true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Singing” →

It is important to note that Jesus was not a usurper. He did not come to earth to “glorify Himself.” In fact, His coming was an act of humility, to do the will of His Father. While on earth He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death” (Philippians 2:8). Because of His obedience, we are told “God has also highly exalted Him” (2:9).

The Hebrew writer quotes two references to the Messiah (Psalm 2:7; 110:4) to establish this truth. He is, in fact, the Son of God. Likewise, He has been given a priesthood “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek was the king of Salem (Jerusalem) in the days of Abraham, and “the priest of God Most High.” (Genesis 14:18).

Consider this truth. Jesus alone has God’s approval as Mediator between God and man. This is true because Jesus alone is ordained by the Father as the High Priest of Christians, (cf. John 14:6). It is true because of His obedience to His Father’s will. This obedience is fully demonstrated in His willingness to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Read verse 8, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

We recognize the opportunity for us to worship God as individual Christians. For example, we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” And in James 5:16, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” These verses are examples of personal worship to God, as we praise His name in our devotions toward Him.

There is also an idea of collective worship in the New Testament. From the very beginning of the church we are told the new converts, “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). An explicit example of this worship is given in Acts 20:7, when the disciples in Troas “came together to break bread.”

A term used for such worship is “corporate” worship. The word corporate in this context means “group.” Simply put, worship that God calls us to do together. As we look severally at the different acts of worship authorized by God, we begin here with some introductory thoughts. Continue reading “Corporate Worship: An Introduction” →

After giving specific admonitions first to wives then husbands in 1 Peter 3, Peter continues with more general admonitions which apply to us all: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).

These admonitions are summed up on the call of all Christians to love one another. In this both Peter and John are in agreement, “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10-11). Continue reading “Inheriting a Blessing” →

Our text continues the discussion of Jesus Christ as our legitimate and superior High Priest. In these verses, the writer establishes the qualifications for High Priest. He notes that the position is one who serves as a spiritual leader in man’s relationship as it pertains to God. His qualifications allow him to be compassionate towards men, and to appease God. It is important to note that it is God who appointed these men to serve; it was not a self-proclaimed position.

In this way, Jesus qualifies as our High Priest. He too is our spiritual leader. One important part of His office is that he too can be compassionate because of His humanity, (4:15). However, His sacrifice for the sins of man are greater because He Himself was guiltless “who committed no sin… who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:22,24).

Jesus too was ordained as priest by the Father. It was not by His own authority. He was called by God. “Called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek’” (5:10).

An interesting phrase is found in Amos 2:4 regarding the punishment the Lord was to bring against His people. “Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Judah and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept His commandments.”

This passage indicates an important point about the longsuffering of God. One that has an application to us today. God is gracious and loves us very much. As such He is always willing to forgive transgressions that we commit against Him and His law for us. This forgiveness is contingent upon our repentance, but is available to us even after multiple transgressions. This is an aspect of God that we His children are to emulate, (cf. Luke 17:3-4).

However, at some point God’s longsuffering comes to and end with regard to persistent, unrepented sin. Thus our expression, “for three transgressions, and for four…” As it applies to us, we have no way of knowing when His longsuffering will be spent, but we know that is the day we are to experience God’s final judgment. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).