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It has (rightly) become somewhat popular when patriotic Americans see a policeman, firefighter, soldier or other first responder, to let them know “We appreciate your service.”

This is by no means a universal sentiment, but it should be.  As we consider the work and danger they involve themselves it, and know that in the end it is to benefit us, we should be grateful and it is a good thing to let them know. There is so much more we could do for them, but at the least we can let them know we recognize and appreciate their work.

The same thing should be done for those who do for you spiritually.  Their desire is for you or your loved ones to grow, and so they spend much time and effort to help you. It’s not just the preacher.  Elders, teachers, and even those who clean the building each week, do so selflessly and for the purpose of helping you to grow spiritually.

It is easy to complain when things do not suit exactly, but it is not appropriate.  Instead, gratitude should be the sentiment of the hour.  There are many passages which deal with these issues.  Showing respect and expressing gratitude is the least that we can do.  Paul wrote, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:10).

When is the last time you told someone who helped you spiritually, “I appreciate you!”

One truth that is clearly established in scripture is that true wisdom is salutatory, pleasant, and does no harm. One such passage where this is established is Proverbs 9.

“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars;  She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.  She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city,  ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!’ As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,  ‘Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.  Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding’” (1-6).

This is contrasted with foolishness.  The woman who personifies foolishness, “is clamorous, she is simple, and knows nothing” (13).  She does not make the same preparations as wisdom to welcome and benefit, but foolishness also wants to be heard.

Both wisdom and foolishness want the simple to turn to them.  “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (4, 16), but while wisdom desires to enlighten, and to help, foolishness is manipulative and destructive. Consider foolishness’s words, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (17).

If you want favor, listen to and be entertained by true wisdom.  As for foolishness, “…her guests are in the depths of hell” (18).

What does God intend the Christian to be? As indicated in Colossians 3:9-10, we are to put off the old man and put on the new man.   The way this is done is described in Romans 6:1-4. It is the process of conversion. But, the two are described in our text of Colossians 3:1-17

So, what is this old man we put off? Consider the following, expressed in Colossians 3:5-9, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

The new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Christ is described in verses 12-17, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Amen.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

A concise verse, establishing several important truths:

1. Judgment is universal. It says “we must all appear before the judgment seat.  The word “all” is inclusive. No one will escape judgment.
2. Christ is the judge. We are thankful that the one who “died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34) is the one who judges us.
3. We will receive at judgment exactly what we deserve. “whether good or bad.”
4. The judgment has a standard by which we will be judged. “The things done in the body.”

Finally, Paul writes of the consequence of these truths found in this verse. Our purpose should be His.  We should make it our aim “to be well pleasing to him” (9). It makes no sense to offend the one who is our judge.  Our primary purpose in life it to please Him. Because we know the “terror of the Lord” we do as He desires. His desire is that we persuade men, cf. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15.

Seek to please Him in your life.  It matters!

Paul recognized that the acceptance of his exhortation was in part dependent upon acceptance of his person. He told the Thessalonians, “For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Walton Weaver in his commentary on this book I think had it right when he said that this verse in Paul’s writing had to do with motive.  He basically states that he was not deceived (teaching error) nor did he seek to deceive. In addition he had no unclean motives in his teaching.

Paul was given his apostleship by God (cf. 2:4). He did not seek to please men, only God. So, the Thessalonians could accept and regard his teaching as pure.

Note that Paul stated this to make his exhortations effective, that they would be accepted by his readers.  However, it is incumbent upon a child of God to accept exhortation, admonition or criticism regardless of who gives it, or their motivation.

When anyone speaks to us, our first and most important question should be, is what they sat valid?  Regardless of motivation, slant, or personal integrity, is the criticism or exhortation just?  If so, it should be accepted because our desire is only to be right!

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

In James 1:12-15, the Lord expresses the process that occurs that leads to temptation, and if is not checked, ends with eternal death.

Following is the passage: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Continue reading “The Process of Temptation” →

The apostle Paul was the recipient of prayers on his behalf while imprisoned in Rome. The church in Philippi was concerned about him, and in addition to sending help were praying for him in his imprisonment. Paul wrote about it in Philippians 1:19-20).  He wrote:

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20).

Notice the phrase, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer…” How could he know such a thing? He was imprisoned, and had been so for some time. He was there at the whim of the most powerful person in the world, the Caesar of the Roman Empire. It is very simple, the petitions had been made to one who is more powerful than the most powerful human on earth, God Himself.

Paul was convinced that his work was not done, that God had more for him to do.  As such, he knew that God was able to easily deliver him from bondage. If God wills it, it will be done!

The same is true for us. If God wills it, it will be done. Let us ask with confidence without doubting. (Matthew 21:22).

Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. We imitate others because they are like what we would like to be! So, do you want to be like Paul?

Paul gave up his previous life because he desired to “gain Christ” and have “the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:8-9).

Paul suffered greatly. He was beaten by the Romans on 3 different occasions, and by the Jews a total of 5 times. He suffered shipwreck 3 times. He was stoned. His journeys, with robbers, Jews and Gentiles, constituted great peril both on land and by sea. He lived a life of want, weariness, and sleeplessness, all to please his Lord. (2 Corinthians 11).

Perhaps above all, his rejection by “false brethren” (2 Corinthians 11:26,28) and those he had taught were the greatest disappointments of Paul. And yet, he still called upon others to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

All that Paul gave up, and all that he suffered, he said was to “attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11). So, it was worth it to him. Is it worth it to you as well? Are you willing to suffer hardship and rejection? Are your efforts designed to secure for you a spiritual reward rather than a physical one? Will you, “Imitate [Paul] just as [he] also [imitates] Christ”?

The week of a gospel meeting can be challenging as we set aside time throughout the week to come hear the Bible taught by qualified men.

The week reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4. He made the point that our physical existence prepares us for our eternal reward with God. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels” (7).  As such Paul characterized his teaching in this way, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

This is true both for the teacher and the student. Paul was very aware of his mortality, and yet endured even through suffering to prepare himself and his hearers for eternity.  Our treasure in heaven is most important, and we have an opportunity this week to allow the “inward man” to gain great advantage through our worship and the teaching we will receive.

It is a question of importance and priority. Other things press upon us each day, but occasionally we set things aside to attend and luxuriate in a spiritual feast. “Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. ¹³ With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. ¹⁵ I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. ¹⁶ I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:12-16).

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

How many wars have been fought in the name of God? In the  new covenant ratified with the blood of Jesus Christ, the concept of warfare changed. It has nothing to do with swords, chariots, horses, or bullets, missiles and ships. What does that mean? It means that the eight crusades, battles fought between the Catholics and Muslims from 1096 — 1291 were misguided. The Kingdom of Christ had no possessions or land to guard or reclaim.

It means that Medieval Catholic tortures as a part of the Inquisition, and the conversions at sword point of the indigenous population in the Americas were likewise egregious examples of the corruption of the Christian faith.

Our method of battle is persuasive.  It is the casting down of arguments, not the blowing up of city walls. Our purpose to save is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

All accounts will be settled in judgment. Rewards and punishments will occur after our time on earth is over (2 Peter 3:14), with Christ as our judge (Romans 14:10-12).

The prophet Obadiah declared the coming of judgment against Edom because of her sins against “your brother Jacob.” Edom thought herself safe. “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?”’ (3). But, this judgment was inexorable, “‘From there I will bring you down,’ says the Lord” (4).

Why was Edom guilty?  Notice the following phrases used in the text.  “But you should not have” (12); “Nor should you have” (12); “You should not have” (13); etc., etc., etc.

These phrases indicate the concept of consequence.  You should not have… because this is the result! A result they did not desire, and would not appreciate. As Obadiah wrote, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head” (15).

In conclusion, Obadiah wrote, “Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (21).

There is much to be learned here. God’s will is inexorable. What He desires to occur on earth will happen. God’s people will be blessed, and the ungodly will suffer the consequences (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10). Sin always has unpleasant ramifications. From Adam to eternity, God has and will deal with the transgressions of men. To avoid judgment, we “should not” sin against God.

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

Odor is something to which we all can relate. All of us have some smell that is extremely unpleasant. Some are universal. Some perhaps personal. But, the idea of something that smells bad serves as a very good, visceral illustration of a damaged reputation.

As the wise man notes,  it doesn’t take much to cause the stink. We know this to be true. Consider our politicians. Newspaper reports that Edmund Muskie broke down and cried during a speech in 1972 led to his campaign defeat, as voters took it as instability. Politicians Gary Hart (1987), Gary Condit (2002), John Edwards (2008), John Ensign (2009), are examples from long list of men who have lost their campaigns or offices as a result of sexual immorality. When marijuana was an issue, almost every candidate denied smoking. Bill Clinton wasn’t able to deny it, so he decided to say he “didn’t inhale.” We could go on and on.

Some might say that it isn’t fair for “a little folly” to ruin the reputation of one “respected for wisdom and honor.” But, that’s the way it is in our world. Know this, that the world looks at your life as a Christian, and is sniffing for that foul odor that a little folly brings. Remember Christ’s words, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).

Our premise is a simple one: At the center of worldly lusts is a heart that is selfish.  In 1862 Emily Dickinson wrote a phrase that is familiar to most, “The heart wants what it wants…” Her context applied to the idea to romance, but there is truth to the saying no matter the subject of such desire.

This is what lust is. It is strong desire. It is lust because the desire is for the illicit. I want what I do not have a right to obtain, but I want it anyway. And so, I pursue it.  This is the basis for sexual immorality as demonstrated by David in 2 Samuel  11. It is the basis for all types of moral sins.

I came across a silly question recently.  “If money is the root of all evil, why do churches ask for it?” The question showed ignorance as the actual quote is: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The simple truth?  The heart wants what it wants (money), so greed, graft, fraud, pilfering, covetousness, etc. result.

This is true with all kinds of sin.  It all comes from a selfish desire for what I want.  It’s all about me. It is selfish, arrogant pride that causes a person to mistreat others, and neglect God, because the heart wants what it wants.

The cure?  Submit your desires to God! Resist the enticements of the devil! Draw near to God! Be selfless! As James wrote, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

In 1 Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul spoke of his great desire to come to Thessalonica to see the brethren there. But, he was unable as his efforts to visit were delayed time and again.  Finally, he wrote in chapter 3:1, “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.”

Consider the conflict in Paul.  He desired greatly to see their faces.  They were his “glory and joy” (2:20). He knew of their struggles in the midst of persecution, and was concerned they might be “shaken by these afflictions” (3:3). He had to know of their faith. It would be a devastating thing if they had faltered, and his labor among them to be in vain. And so he sent Timothy to minister to them.

Paul’s love for his brethren is commendable. The fact that it consumed him to such a degree is significant. It serves as a wonderful example for each of us.  “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Consider John’s words: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 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? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, near the end of his letter, he gave his friend a warning, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You must also beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

Such identification or marking of those dangerous to the faith was done on numerous occasions in the first century. Paul also named Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:15). John marked Diotrephes in his third letter.

Paul not only identified those destructive to the faith, but encouraged other Christians to do the same. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. ¹⁸ For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceived the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).

The reasons this is needed and expected are obvious from the texts. First, Timothy needed to be aware of and careful about the coppersmith. If he did Paul harm, it stands to reason that Timothy could be harmed as well. Second, those who act in this way are acting contrary to the faith and the Lord. While it is never a pleasant task it is important to protect the righteous against such ungodliness. The worldly might not see it, but it is God’s way.