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“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).

Paul’s description of the divisive man is a rather strong denunciation of the sin. In the NKJV, the word “warped” is used in translating the Greek ekstrepho. Other translations use the words words “perverted” and “subverted.”

Warped best reflects the etymology of the word. It literally means to twist or turn out. Thayer defines the word, “to change for the worse, pervert, corrupt.”

Picture a warped piece of wood. It is useless to the carpenter who desires a precise and square result for his project. Since it is twisted or turned from that which is straight, it can’t serve its intended purpose.

The purpose of the Christian is to reflect His God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The primary attributes of God include love (John 3:16) and unity (John 17:20-21). A divisive man has turned away from these fundamental characteristics, to something that is much worse, something corrupt.

Brethren, we need to examine ourselves, and be sure that we are not guilty of bringing strife to God’s people. There is nothing more antithetical to being a child of God!

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“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).

Tedious: too long, slow, or dull;
tiresome or monotonous.

Paul, as an apostle and preacher, continually exhorted Christians to faithfulness, and was committed to instruction in the ways of righteousness. As such, he often repeated himself, even to the same congregations. This was not irksome to him. It was a labor of love. It was important. He told the Ephesian elders, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God… Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27,31).

Two certain motivations for Paul in the repetition were:

1. The sense of debt he felt toward God and man because of the grace shown him, cf. Romans 1:15-16.
2. As stated in our text, because such repetition was “safe” for those who heard and read him.

Being constantly reminded of God’s will for man provides Christians with security. It equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the faithful preacher, it is never tedious to declare any aspect of God’s will, though it may have been preached thousands of times before. He knows its importance, and its benefit to God’s people.

The question for you… is it tedious for you? Or is it, (as it should be), appreciated, because of the security it provides?

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2 Kings 2 is an interesting chapter. It chronicles the departure of Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind by God in a chariot of fire. It must have been quite a sight.

The chapter also contains a simple object lesson for our consideration. Elijah’s protégé, Elisha faithfully followed Elijah. (Note: Though younger than Elijah, Elisha himself was a mature man). Perhaps his maturity is what led him to act as he did as Elijah was taken up. In their last conversation, Elijah said, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” In response, Elisha requested, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (cf. vs. 9-15). Such an interesting request, showing the great respect Elisha had for his mentor.

Shortly after, some youths of Bethel came upon the prophet Elisha. They showed great disrespect for the prophet, and mocked him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” (verse 23). No doubt the youths thought themselves to be funny, but they (as is often the case with those who are young) showed horrible disrespect to this great man of God. In response, we are told that after Elisha pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the youths.

This narrative shows how important it is that we show proper respect for God, and for that which belongs to Him.

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In answer to the question above, it certainly is important to God! The act of His son’s sacrifice on the cross was to, “purchase with His own blood” the church (cf. Acts 20:28).

The term church, used correctly, refers to the redeemed. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

There is no more important fellowship of which to be a part. And, understanding the importance of the church, perhaps it is good to consider the purpose of its establishment.

Men have ideas about this. They believe the church should be an agent of societal change. Of course, there are many such organizations that exist, so the church would only be another voice in the crowd.

Some think the church is simply a community of people who enjoy each other’s company. The church is a place to visit, eat and play together with people you like. A kind of social club. Many congregations make socializing the primary emphasis.

God said the church was established to save people. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned'” (Mark 16:15-16).

The Lord’s church is unique in the world. It is the divine institution given the responsibility by God to share the precious message of salvation. It is disturbing that men would trivialize it by giving it purposes and works that are neither unique nor divinely authorized.

The West Side church of Christ focuses on God’s work. We would love to have you come visit our worship services. If you do, you have this promise – the effort to save and strengthen souls will be the focus of our worship, teaching and work. That’s what God wants, what we want, and we hope it is your desire as well. Please come join us!

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Most people enjoy learning new things. Gaining new knowledge is exciting and important. This is certainly so when God’s will is the subject being considered.

What is rare is the mastering of a subject. We are in awe of those individuals who show such a mastery. A philatelist who can discuss the value of an inverted Jenny, or the 1847 issue of the block of 16 Ben Franklins is pretty impressive to those of us who had to look up the term “philatelist” (stamp collector), and have no idea what an inverted Jenny is! Conversely, those of us who know Dirk Nowitzki’s rank on the list of career NBA scorers (6th), and who he last passed to get there (Wilt Chamberlain) may be considered a little crazy. (Note: I didn’t have to look those up).

Familiarity and relative mastery of God’s revealed will is impressive (few make the effort), and important (the subject is impactful of our final standing in eternity). As such it is worthy of our effort to not only learn new things, but to become completely familiar with what we already know. With that in mind, consider Peter’s words:

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease” (2 Peter 1:12-15).

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It is obvious that the Jews during the first century had no love for other nations. The Gentiles were reviled, dismissed, and disrespected by the Jewish nation.

God had separated to Himself the Jewish nation in preparation for the Messiah’s appearance. As Paul wrote, “the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:23).

The Jews, however, typically took an extreme view of Gentiles as unworthy of God’s mercy and salvation. It took divine intervention (the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”, cf. Acts 11:15) for the Jews to come to grips with the truth, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life” (Acts 11:18).

Paul taught differently, making two points. First, both Jew and Gentile were guilty of sin (cf. Romans 2:1-2) and stood condemned by it. Second, nationality has no bearing on an individuals standing with God, “who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’” (Romans 2:6). “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11).

Regardless, the New Testament does speak disparagingly of the Gentiles. Paul wrote the Ephesians, “that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind” (Ephesians 4:17; cf. 1 Peter 4:1-6). This was not a criticism of their nationality, but of their characteristically sinful life. Not all Gentiles fell into this category (cf. Luke 7:1-10; Acts 10:1-4; Romans 2:26-29).

Racism is wrong. Prejudice against others is inexcusable. However, pointing out sinful works is both good and necessary. We will be judged by what we do! (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11).

(Note: Image of Peter preaching to the household of Cornelius. Artist unknown. Wikipedia Commons).

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“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Have you ever experienced mistreatment, and asked the question, “Why Me Lord?”

Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long
While there are others living about us
Never molested though in the wrong
~ Farther Along

The reality is that Christians do not ultimately belong here. The world is antagonistic towards our faith, and it is inevitable that on occasion their opposition will result in the “fiery trial” to which Peter alludes.

Regardless, we have reason to “rejoice to the extent that [we] partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed [we] may also be glad with exceeding joy” (vs. 13). So, our suffering really is not a strange thing at all, and is a cause for rejoicing!

“…And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (cf. Acts 5:40-42).

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“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

What a blessed privilege enjoyed by Paul and the rest of the apostles! These men were not famous or important people. They were tax collectors and fishermen. When the gospel was first sounded forth from Jerusalem, the Jews who heard the apostles speaking in tongues were shocked! “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?…. Whatever could this mean?” (Acts 2:7,12).

What it meant was that these men were chosen by God to bring the “power of God to salvation” – the gospel – to the world. Paul, as one born out of due time, joined that group of men with this important task. He took it seriously. He determined to please God, not men. He determined to rest in the power of the gospel, rather than seeking approval by flattering words (2:5). He determined to never seek glory, though it would have easy for him to abuse his position of authority (2:6). In short, he accepted the gravity and weight of his appointment, and acted in keeping with that responsibility. “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (2:8).

It is our work to continue that proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Are we exhibiting that same integrity, determination and zeal present among the apostles? If not, why not?

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“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

This passage is rightly understood as an exhortation to focus on spiritual matters to the saving of the soul. Our interest in this article, however, is to the first half of the “if, then” construction in the passage. “If then you were raised with Christ…” Notice also verse 3, “For you died…”

The reference is to baptism. In chapter 2, verse 12 Paul wrote, “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Paul wrote a similar passage to the Romans, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).

The logical conclusion to be found in these words is that baptism plays a part in one being born again. It is not merely a sign of what has been accomplished. It is a step taken to begin a new life, being “raised with Christ.”

Baptism is necessary to salvation. When one is saved, it is then necessary, as a new creature, to “seek those things which are above.” In this short verse, the false doctrines of “faith only” and “once saved always saved” are denied.

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What is it about a son or daughter that makes a father happy? I’m not talking about the day of their birth (everyone rejoices at that). I’m not talking about the fact that they are healthy. I am talking about their character, their behavior, their actions, their accomplishments.

For some fathers it might be that they are competitive. They are successful at sports or some other challenging endeavor. For some it may be aggression. They never back down. Other fathers may rejoice that their child is intelligent, getting good grades, going to college, getting a high paying job. Some are most interested in their physical beauty or stature. They are proud of their beauty queen or good looking son.

For the wise man of Proverbs, it was wisdom and righteousness that made his heart rejoice.

“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; Yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things” (Proverbs 23:15-16).

Some things are good things to rejoice in, some not so good. Nothing should bring more joy than for a child to show wisdom when it comes to spiritual matters.

When your child shows such wisdom, when he or she speaks right things, do you show them how happy you are? Do they know your heart rejoices?

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“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good” (Psalm 53:1).

The infidel is a fool. He is wicked, living his life without the one thing that can bring good action — faith in God.

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:24-25).

There is a philosophical question that is often asked. Can atheism account for morality? In other words, without God, can there be true right and wrong, good and evil?

Accepting the reality of God, the point is moot. If God exists, and created us for His purpose, then one can’t be “good” unless one is doing God’s will. This is what the Bible affirms. Left to our own devices, we are incapable of serving God acceptably. “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). And, it is required of us, if we are to be good, to obey Him. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Don’t be a fool! Believe in God, and do His will!

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In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul expressed the importance of every single Christian doing his or her part to bring growth to the local congregation. He noted that each individual member is unique, “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ’I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ’I have no need of you’” (21). He concluded that even those members who seem to be weaker “are necessary” (22).

Do we have the same view of our participation in congregational activities and duties? Do we consider our part to be necessary? Or even important?

Paul clearly states that “God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (18). “But God composed the body…” (24).

Never underestimate your importance to God and His people. Never underestimate what God expects of you, and how much His people need you to do your part.

Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (27). We need you to be an active member of the West Side congregation. We need to grow spiritually every day, and diligently perform the duties our Lord expects of our congregation. We can’t do that unless each and every one of us are doing our part. You are special! God knows it, and so do we. Do you?

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“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12).

Paul, in this passage is discussing the character of the elect of God. He calls upon them to be holy, humble, kind, longsuffering, and willing to forgive. The overriding command is to put on love.

It is observed that the call to love is the overriding commandment of God. It encapsulates the law and the prophets (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). It is the characteristic that will preeminently identify a man or woman as a disciple of Jesus. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

In our text, this love is referred to as “the bond of perfection.” This word indicates a measure of completeness, or maturity to which the child of God strives. One who is capable of loving as God expects is a mature, complete Christian. Without love, regardless of the good works done, it is of no real profit (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). True Christian charity, or love, is indispensable. It serves to bind the other Christian graces together.

Do you want to be perfect, complete, whole? Put on love!

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There are some who claim that Jesus was a good man whose moral teachings are worthy of discipleship, despite denying His claims to be God’s Son.

There is no logical reason for this. Jesus did not merely teach (as any other rabbi), He claimed to be the Messiah. As such, if His claims are not so, it can’t be said that He was a good man, worthy of being followed. In fact, only two possibilities emerge. If Jesus is not God, the Son, He is either self-deluded, or a charlatan.

Consider the occasion related in Matthew 15:21-28. A Gentile woman, knowing the prophecies concerning the Messiah, referred to Jesus as “Son of David” (vs. 22). This was a title that many of the Jews refused to give Him, despite all of miracles Jesus did which attested to His claims. Further, the woman, “came and worshiped Him” (25).

The apostles of the Lord, when efforts to worship them occurred, quickly demurred (cf. Acts 10:25-26). “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you…” (Acts 14:15).

And yet, Jesus accepted the worship. This clearly reveals a man who believed Himself to be the anointed of God.
Jesus is worthy of our discipleship, not because He is a good man, but because He is God’s son!

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“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will drink; nor about your body, what will you put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).

The world looks at money as the means of escaping the cares of the world. The rich can better handle the difficulties of life, or so it is believed.

In reality, the rich have their own baggage. Anecdotally, you read and hear of the unhappiness and discontent of the rich, powerful and famous every day.

It is not money that brings happiness. Rather, it is a trust in God. When our focus is on serving God, and the hope He has given us, our perspective changes. And, perspective is the key.

The Christian says, “I know that God will take care of me. He is sufficiently powerful and He loves me. I may not be rich, but if I serve Him I will have what I need.” He goes through his life laying up treasures in heaven. That is the focus of his heart (cf. Matthew 6:19-21).

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (needful things) will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34).

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