Category: Facebook Articles

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.

Have you ever been in so great anguish that you asked yourself these types of questions?

• “Will the Lord cast off forever?”
• “And will He be favorable no more?”
• “Has His mercy ceased forever?”
• “Has His promise failed evermore?”
• “Has God forgotten to be gracious?”
• “Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?”

The Psalmist in Psalm 77 asked just these questions.  He even said, “This is my anguish” (10). But, he knew the answers to the question even as he asked them. We know God. We know His righteousness and His mercy and love for us. We just sometimes forget them when times are difficult, or when God chastised us for our sins.

How do we overcome this? We think of all that God has done for us in the past! Hear the Psalmist’s words:

“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the Sons of Jacob and Joseph” (10-15).

An interesting illustration is used by the writer of Hebrews to describe the danger of a Christian losing his standing with God. Yes, I know that many deny it is a possibility, but both the direct words (Hebrews 6:4-6), and the illustration that follows (6:7-8) clearly teaches it is true.

“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”

Ultimately, the illustration establishes that our continued standing with God is determined by how we respond to the redemptive blessing He has granted to us. We celebrate the fruitful land that brings us sustaining crops. But if the same rain brings only thorns and briers, it is not only not useful, but not accepted. Consider the phrase, “it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”

There is hope for the unfaithful. The illustration shows, “near to being cursed,” that God’s judgment for Christians bearing thorns and briers instead of good fruit is not yet certain.  It is near, but there is time for repentance, at least until a day comes where the time is ended.  “…whose end is being burned.”

The Hebrew writer was hopeful that his warning would bring change and renewal (6:9-12). If so, diligence will bring reward. If not, rejection will be final.

Peter had instructions for women married to non-Christians. “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

It is an interesting concept, winning souls to Christ “without a word.”  Of course, this doesn’t mean that there is another way of saving souls other than through the preaching of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16). Rather, it is a strong statement about the efficacy of good influence.

Many men are not swayed by the words of a preacher. However, if they see Christian principles in action — morality, integrity, kindness, mercy and love — they may become convinced that there is “something to” being a Christian.  Then, when the gospel is shared, their heart is fertile and responsive to the truth.

It works when wives show a good example to their husbands, and when husbands show that same type of example to their wives. It also is effective in other familial relationships (an important principle for parents to consider), with friendships, and any others you may impact in the day to day exercise of your faith.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Paul’s exhortation is, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). It seems that the instructions in both verses have reference to how a Christian should behave among those who are not Christians.

They are to walk wisely. This is the general admonition.  It includes the call to redeem “the time.” The word redeem is defined by Strong—to buy up, i.e. ransom. Figuratively, to   rescue from loss, (improve opportunity). Time unused is time lost.  We have limited opportunities to both influence and teach those in the world. A wise Christian will make use of such opportunities to the best of his abilities. This is wise.

A wise Christian will measure his words. His speech will be careful, with a consideration of how they might impact the lost. Graceful speech represents Christ. It is speech where He can be seen. In the words, “seasoned with salt” we see the idea of influence. These words should exclude idle words, corrupt speech, filthiness, offensiveness, curing and lying. They should include soundness, blessings, that which edifies and expresses love for God and man.

Wise talk glorifies God, and is much more likely to bring the outsider to Christ. Our love for mankind is not only seen in such speech, but is demanded by it! May we all take this to heart.

The book of Proverbs has many pithy gems of wisdom, including this one, found in 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” These words well illustrate the concept of love that should be the foundation of our interactions with one another.

Jesus words, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), are the basis of this bit of wisdom.

A friend will seek your welfare, even if it requires him to correct you.  An admonition or criticism, if needed, will still hurt (wound). But, as it comes from a friend the intent is recognized, and the wound can bring change and improvement.  So, the wounds of a friend are “faithful.”

Interestingly, one of the most effective tools that Satan and his minions have is flattery. Any praise of our intelligence, our accomplishments, our attractiveness can be used to manipulate and deceive.  We are all vulnerable to these tactics. It is best to be on guard!

Jude talked about false teachers in this way.  “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). The apostles warned of this type, and Jude notes, “These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit” (19).

When receiving criticism OR flattery, the wise man’s words are worthy of consideration.

In the apostle Paul’s previous life he was a successful man. A Pharisee of the Pharisees, his zeal for the law commended him to the Jewish leadership. He was a Roman citizen, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, and of the tribe of Benjamin. Among the Jews, these attributes  brought him a great deal of respect.

And then, everything changed. The Lord appeared to him while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9), and Saul was confronted by a new reality. The Christians he actively persecuted turned out to be right! Their claim that Jesus was the Christ from God was absolutely true.  Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting the Messiah and his followers.

So Saul changed. This was an indication of his personal integrity. His willingness to acknowledge fault and change direction is perhaps the most laudable thing about the man.  As he put it in Philippians 3:7-9, “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…”

From Saul the Persecutor to Paul the apostle, he showed himself an honest man, acting with integrity. As such, he earns our respect, and we should seek to emulate him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

In Peter’s second letter, knowing his time on earth was short, he sought to “stir up by reminding” his readers of the Lord, and His revelation. He wrote, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” (1:12-15). What Peter wanted to share again was not a fable or story. Peter and others were eyewitnesses to the “majesty” of Jesus and His redemptive work. He was one who actually heard the words of God on the mount of transfiguration saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (1:16-18).

These events Peter witnessed were revealed by the prophets, and he appealed to his readers to heed those prophecies “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19). This is such a beautiful phrase to describe the illuminating nature of God’s revelation. Just as the dawn signifies light chasing away the darkness, God’s word brings light into the dark recesses of man’s mind.  Doubts are dissipated, lessons become visible, and our perspective is changed completely. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

The “morning star” or “day star” refers to the planet Venus. When the Greeks witnessed the planet shining just before dawn, they referred to it as phosporous, the bearer of light. In this way, the Lord Jesus and His will bring light into the world of darkness. They illuminate with a message Peter knew to be of eternal importance. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.

Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!

One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.

It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark.  At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read.  If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.

If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…

• Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month.  If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
• Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
• Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!

The book of Psalms often refer to the victory of God over either His own enemies, or the enemies of His people, the Israelites.

As Christians today are God’s people, an understanding of God’s power and ability both to protect us, and to punish the wicked, brings us comfort and hope.

In Psalm 68, the singer extolls God’s power over His enemies.  He has the ability to scatter them, causing them to flee “As smoke is driven way” (2).  He writes, “As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (2).

As a contrast we have joy as we abide in God’s favor.  “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him” (3-4).

Our God is wonderful to the righteous, those who depend upon Him.  He is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (5).  “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our Salvation!” (19).

As such, He is worthy of our praise. “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord. To Him who risdes on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds… Blessed be God!” (32-35).

As I write this, a storm has just passed through our little town. As the storm continues through the metroplex, other towns and cities are in danger. The storm has strong wind, heavy rain and lightning. The town emergency siren was activated, and a tornado was spotted above the town, though it seems it did not touch down. The schools all had their children in the hallways, to protect them from the potential of the storm.

The danger brought to mind the descriptions given of God’s judgment in the Old Testament.  For example, in Jeremiah 30:23-24 as God promised the restoration of His people, He described the judgment that would come to His enemies. “Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goes forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind; it will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord will not return until He has done it, and until He has performed the intents of His heart. In the latter days you will consider it.”

Like a tornado, when God’s wrath is visited upon the wicked, nothing can be done to withstand it. Destruction is inevitable because of the power of His purpose. Until He determines to finish, danger will remain.

It is for this reason that we seek to please Him.  As Jesus told His disciples, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Our God brings the whirlwind to the wicked, but tranquility to the just. We would do well to consider this truth.

In the 10th Psalm, the writer asks a question that many of us can relate to:  “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (1).  His question is raised because of the wickedness in the world, and because wicked men “are always prospering” (5).

This does seem to be the case, doesn’t it?  The wicked seem to have their way in the world, and the righteous are often oppressed by their duplicitous and evil ways. Take time to read the Psalm. The descriptions of the wicked man will seem familiar to you, and are well summarized by the following observations: “He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see’” (11); and, “Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, ‘You will not require an account’” (13).

Of course, this is not true. “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). The thing is, ultimately all scores are settled in judgment.  While for a time the wicked may have their way, in the end the righteous will rise up victorious.  This is God’s promise to us. “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, ⁷ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

The Psalmist knew this… “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand.” (14)

In a recent Bible study our group was discussing Acts 14. The chapter covers the efforts of Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. It relates the experiences of the men in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

In Iconium, certain Jews and Gentiles in the city joined together, and threatened to stone them (5). So, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra. The problem is, the Jews who opposed Paul’s preaching in both Antioch of Pisidia, and Iconium followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra. They incited a multitude, and managed on this occasion to stone Paul (they thought to his death!) (19). But, Paul rose up and again left, this time to Derbe. Their preaching was successful there, as they “made many disciples” (21).

Finally, they went back to the places where they were persecuted… Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Why would Paul do such a thing? First, to strengthen “the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith” (22). Second, to appoint “elders in every church” (23). It was important to Paul to minister to his brethren, no matter the danger.

At the end of the study, one man remarked, “Paul was a very brave man!” Yes, he was. Paul’s recognition of the importance of the work emboldened him in the work he did. (And, of course, we can say the same of Barnabas, and Philip, and Stephen, and all of the apostles). Too, Paul knew the promise of His Lord. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).