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2 Kings 17 reveals Hoshea to be the final king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Israel had persisted in her idolatry and rebellion from the day she was established as a kingdom, as Jeroboam took the people away in rebellion against Solomon’s son Rehoboam.

Chapter 15 reveals that during the reign of Pekah, the Assyrians had come in, and raided the land, taking hostages back to Assyria. Only a short time later Shalmaneser, the king of Israel subjugated the nation, making a vassal of Hoshea, and imposing tribute money upon him (17:3). No longer was Israel a sovereign nation. When Hoshea tried to avoid paying the tribute, the conspiracy became known and the king of Assyria threw him into prison. (17:4). In the ninth year of Hoshea’s reign, with the king in prison, the Assyrians carried the people of Israel into captivity, and the nation ceased to exist.

This was the final end of generations of sin. While Hoshea’s reign was doomed to end in this way, (God’s judgment was inevitable), he was not faultless. He “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (17:2). Sin brings ruin, collectively and individually. It may be a slow descent into ruin, or a headlong rush, but the end is inevitable, as men rebel against the God of heaven. “For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God… until the Lord removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day.” (17:7, 23-24).

May we learn from the sad example of Israel, and seek always to maintain faithfulness to the Lord. May we choose the way of righteousness rather than the way of ruin.

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“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11).

This fairly long quote needs to be given in its entirety to establish Paul’s commitment and motivation. His commitment was total. There was no accomplishment, possession or relationship he previously experienced that any longer had any value to him outside of the context of his relationship with Christ. His commitment to His Lord was without compromise. In this he serves as an example to us. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

His motivation was clear. He desired to be resurrected from the dead. His desire was eternal life, and his life was lived successfully (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8). At the end of your life, will you also be able to say, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day”?

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Paul quotes Job’s friend Eliphaz in 1 Corinthians 3:19 while admonishing the Corinthians to avoid the “wisdom” of the world. The full quote from Job 5 is:

“He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them. They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope at noontime as in the night” (Job 5:13-14).

This truth is affirmed time and again in scripture. What men consider to be “wise” is often at odds with the Lord and His will.

Consider that wisdom is often associated with illumination. A truly wise man has insight, an ability to “see” that is not available to the foolish. And yet, Eliphaz talks of the “wise” as groping at noontime as in the night. The only explanation for this is that the wisdom noted in the passage is not true wisdom.

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 26:12).

Remember that true wisdom descends from above (cf. James 3:13-17). Any time the wisdom of men conflicts with the mind of God, it is counterfeit. It has no real ability to illuminate and guide a man in the way he should go. As Paul notes, the thoughts of the wise, “they are futile” (1 Corinthians 3:20).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 2:5-6).

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“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand” (Proverbs 19:20-21).

Wisdom comes from instruction. The reason for this? Wisdom is the perceptive application of truth. In order to act wisely, one must first know the truth. God’s truths, ultimate truths, are revealed in His word. If a man listens to those who know those truths, and comes to know them himself, he has established a foundation for wisdom. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Men often reject wisdom for their own desires and goals. Truly, “There are many plans in a man’s heart.” Men design wicked, selfish and foolish plans that result in ruin. “No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil” (Proverbs 12:21).

Their evil ends in ruin for two reasons. First, it is foolish. That is, what they do is most often self-destructive. By rebelling against God’s plans, they reject counsel that is designed to benefit man. God’s knows best, and yet men consistently reject His good counsel.

Second, rejection of God’s counsel leads to judgment. God said to Israel, “Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against Me!” (Hosea 7:13).

Be wise. Listen to and heed God’s counsel. “The Lord’s counsel – that will stand.”

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One interesting part of being a Pappy is that you may forget some of the “bad” words parents teach their children not to say. A couple of times I have used the word “stupid” in front of my granddaughters, and they have been scandalized! “Pappy, that’s a bad word!” So Pappy has to say he’s sorry, and promise not to say it again.

The word “stupid” is certainly an ugly word, and we generally are right to avoid it’s use. It is also an appropriate word to use from time to time. One such time is in describing a man who hates to be corrected.

“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).

The Hebrew word that is translated stupid in the NKJV is ba’ar. It is translated “brutish” in older translations as a nod to its etymology. You have heard the insult “dumb cow” or “dumb as a cow”? Cattle are not known to be particularly smart animals. The Hebrew word is taken from a root which means to consume or eat cattle. If you are brutish, you are like a cow. In a word, stupid!

God’s people appreciate both His word, and those who are willing to reprove and rebuke in accord with that word. A person who is unwilling to take such correction is actually acting in a self-destructive manner. He is being stupid! It is not always comfortable or enjoyable to be corrected by someone more knowledgeable, but it is smart to listen.

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“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 1:12). Paul’s words here are often passed over in favor of quoting the two that follow. “Brethren I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (1:13-14).

But, verse 12 adds much to the thought Paul is expressing in the text. Primarily, it states the fact that Paul had not yet attained whatever “that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” is. What is it? The glorious prize! The crown of righteousness!

You have two religious attitudes that prevail in our day. The first is the view that because I have been saved, the attaining of the goal is a fait accompli. I may should press on, but I don’t have to press on. I am saved. I am going to heaven. My eternal destiny is set.

The second is that expressed by Paul in our text. He was saved, but he knew that the crown of righteousness had not yet been awarded. As such, he lived with purpose. He sought daily to maintain his relationship with the Lord, pressing forward to attain the goal. He did not want to become a castaway! (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul’s attitude is the correct one. Don’t presume, get to work!

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The apostle Paul’s affection for other Christians was always evident in his letters to the churches. For example, he began his letter to the Thessalonians with these words:

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).

It is obvious that these words were sincerely stated. They serve as a wonderful example to us. They tell us just how mindful we should be of our brethren, and just how much they should mean to us.

Two phrases are especially meaningful. “We give thanks always for you all” and “remembering without ceasing.” Paul was aware of their faith, love and hope in Jesus Christ. He appreciated their labor for the Lord, and was mindful that they were God’s elect. He had an affinity for them that led him to pray for them frequently. He acknowledged that the gospel had changed them, and its power was evident in the fruit that they bore for God. For this, He thanked God for them and their work.

Are we as mindful for, and thankful for our brethren? Do we appreciate them? Do we thank God for them, and intercede on their behalf? It’s something to think about.

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“Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16).

Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians clearly shows the importance of reading scripture. He intended that his epistle (letter) be read by the Colossians, and then sent to the Laodiceans that they might read it as well. And vice versa. Why? Because the principles found in them have universal application to believers. When combined, all the writings of scripture (God’s revelation) perfect a man, equipping him for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Those principles are equally applicable in our time. We too should read scripture. In this way, as Paul states, we can fully understand God’s revelation to man.

“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:3-4).

Do you like to read? Maybe not. Some don’t have the love of reading that others do. Here’s another question. Do you love reading God’s word? That’s different. Even if reading in general is “not your thing”, surely an opportunity to know the revelation of God to man is something that piques the curiosity, and overcomes any resistance to the work of reading. The reward is well worth the effort!

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A friend recently lent me a book to read. There is much good material in it. In one chapter, the basic premise is the need to recognize that the world is broken.
It is not something that should shock us. Rather than get surprised and offended when we see evil, we should instead note its commonality, and give thanks to God for His intervention and ultimate cure for sin. Following is a quote from the book:

War is not exceptional; peace is. Worry is not exceptional; trust is. Decay is not exceptional; restoration is. Anger is not exceptional; gratitude is. Selfishness is not exceptional; sacrifice is. Defensiveness is not exceptional; love is. And judgmentalism is not exceptional… But grace is.

(Brant Hansen, Unoffendable, page 40)

It is in this way that Christians are able to be an influence for good in our world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). In the midst of a broken world, we are to be peacemakers, to trust in God, to edify, to give thanks, to give, to love, and to forgive.

We are to be as God is, who has extended His grace to all mankind. It is easy to “walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk” (cf. Ephesians 4:17). Instead, “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

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“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Since familiarizing myself with the verse above, it has been my common practice to pray to God that my walk be worthy of that calling to which God has called me. In this, I acknowledge that such a walk is my responsibility. In other words, by prayer I can not petition God to overlook my sins, and find me acceptable despite any ongoing rebellion on my part. Rather, my prayer is that I am living in such a way as to satisfy the standard God has established.

That is not to say that I can’t and don’t pray that God forgive me of my sins and failures. I can and do. It is simply an acknowledgment that God requires an obedient faithfulness on the part of His children. Paul recognized this, and begged the Ephesians that they would act as God had called them to act.

His description of that behavior is not exhaustive, but certainly representative. Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, love and a peaceful disposition should characterize the actions of every child of God.

Are you walking worthy of this calling to which God has called you?

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The wise man of Ecclesiastes used his book to consider the vanity of life lived under the sun. Put simply, life is not fair, and seeking for lasting happiness and value by trusting in the here and now is a mistake. He illustrated the main point of his treatise in chapter six by noting “an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men.” It was not an evil in the same sense we typically use it, that is, sin. Rather, it was the observation that many receive great physical blessings from God, but before they can be enjoyed, they lose their ability to enjoy their blessings. It may be illness, tragedy, or death, but “a foreigner consumes it” instead of them. “This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction” (vs. 1-2).

Consider this lesson, “For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell what will happen after him under the sun?” (12).

Rather than seeking joy and happiness in this fickle world, with all its injustice and uncertainty, the wise man instead places his hope in heaven. In order to gain that eternal reward, it is necessary to live a life of faithful obedience! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

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It is not surprising that the apostle John is known and the apostle of love. He frequently talked about love. In his epistles, he especially exhorted Christians to show love for one another.

One such example of these exhortations is found in 1 John 3. In verse 16 he reveals the quality of that love, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I imagine that on our best day, we all can imagine ourselves to show such nobility, standing in the breech and laying down our lives in the ultimate loving sacrifice.

In the next breath, though, John continues, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (vs. 17).

Perhaps we flatter ourselves in thinking we are capable of the grandest of sacrifices, when we find ourselves put out by the smallest of needs. The next time a brother or sister expresses a need — a ride to the doctor, a meal, a ear to listen, a comforting hug — don’t let any perceived inconvenience on your part keep you from showing your true love for them.

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (vs. 18)!

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Why do we have gospel meetings? That is a good question. A better question might be, what are you wanting from our gospel meeting starting Saturday?

First, understand that the gospel meeting has been prepared specifically to benefit you. A decision has been made to support a man for a week in an effort to strengthen you as a Christian. A significant amount of the Lord’s money will be utilized. Plans and preparations have been made. The meeting has been scheduled long in advance to give everyone an opportunity to clear their schedule and be present at every service. The preacher has prepared as best as possible to edify those who hear him.

We have invited others from other congregations. They may or may not come. We have made efforts to invite people from our community. Typically, those efforts have limited success, but we are hopeful that a few might decide to attend. But, we are confident our own members will understand the importance of this effort — both for personal growth, and to encourage one another.

Surprisingly, some of our members don’t seem to think the meeting is important. They show this by their lax attendance. So, let me share with you my view.

There is nothing more important to me than my own spiritual welfare, (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16) . There is no better way to strengthen myself spiritually than through a study of God’s word. There is no more intense week of study that has been scheduled by the congregation this year than the one which will begin Saturday. So, I think it is one of the most important weeks of the year, period.

I’m going to be there every service. I think it will help me get to heaven. It is that important. What do you think?

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“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

John’s words ring so true. Men have been “made in the similitude of God” (James 3:9). Thayer defines the word “similitude”, 1) a making like; 2) likeness. When we combine the facts that men are made like God, and our Christian brethren have the motivations, principles and character that He personifies, it is simply not possible to have love for Him and animus for them.

Further, we profess a love for God when we know Him only by Faith. We have not seen Him. We know of His character and person only as they are revealed in His word, His creation, and His providential care for us. That doesn’t mean our profession of love is not true. But, our brethren we know experientially. We see them, converse with them, live with them, worship with them, work with them. If we hate them, our profession of love for the God they emulate is demonstrably hollow.

If we truly love God, we will keep His commandments (cf. John 14:15). “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”

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“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Colossians 3:18-19).

Paul’s instructions are in keeping with his teaching in Ephesians 5, highlighting the importance of submission on the part of the wife, and love on the part of the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:22,25).

The difference in instructions is not because of any inequality, either perceived or actual. In fact, Paul establishes the equal worth of all humans in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The difference in instructions comes because of the position of each in the marriage relationship. To illustrate, consider that an employer has a different position, (and therefore authority), in a company than his employees. As such his responsibilities and actions are influenced by his position. This does not mean that he has more human value. Remember our founding fathers’ words, “All men are created equal.”

The wife is to submit because God gave the headship in the home to the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:23). The husband is to love the wife (seek her welfare) because to exercise authority without that limitation leads to despotism. Consider how destructively a man might wield his authority in the home if he harbors bitterness in his heart toward his wife.

As always, God’s way brings harmony and blessings.

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