Category: Reflections Articles
Articles printed in the weekly bulletin of the West Side church of Christ
Grace Turned into Lewdness
Our title is a reference to Jude’s warning concerning false teachers who had come to trouble brethren. “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).
The word lewdness (or lasciviousness, KJV) means “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence” (Thayer). The description in seen not only in the consequences of the doctrine espoused by these evil men, but also in the actions taken by those emboldened by the doctrine. Note in Jude’s epistle:
Some Thoughts on Modest Dress
We are in the midst of summer, the season of minimal dress. It is understandable that people would desire to be as comfortable as possible during triple digit weather. However, it is important to consider what God thinks of all the skin that is showing in our culture.
First, you will note that the world knows what it is they are doing. They realize the effects of clothing on the opposite sex. That is why adjectives like sexy, sensual, hot, daring, revealing and provocative are used to describe clothes and swimwear. With this in mind, consider the words of John, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
Gender Blurring
The classic definition of gender is no longer considered a correct definition in our day. In the past, the word was used technically to differentiate between men and women. In this it was a synonym to the word sex. However, in the English language the word sex began to have an erotic connotation, thus it became common to use the word gender in polite discourse. For example, a form would request the information:
Gender: ___ Male ___ Female
No longer is this the case. Now, the common definition of the word is: “either of the two sexes (male and female), especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones. The term is also used more broadly to denote a range of identities that do not correspond to established ideas of male and female.
Practical Christian Attributes
The apostle Peter promised that the adding of various attributes to our faith will preclude us being “barren [or] unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, “you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,10-11).
We might ask why are these attributes key? It is because they equip us to act and to be the type of people who please God. They direct us in the paths of righteousness! This is especially true in our interactions with others. Remember, the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). If we keep the necessity of love for God and man at the forefront of our thinking, it is easy to see why Peter would call for these qualities to be present in our lives.
A Pauline Privilege?
Some have argued that 1 Corinthians 7:15 gives a Christian justification for marrying again, after a divorce from an unbelieving spouse. The passage says, “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.” You will notice that there is no explicit mention of remarriage in the text. Proponents claim that the phrase “not under bondage” implies that remarriage is possible. The reasoning is that God establishes the marriage bond. If God dissolves that bond (“not under bondage”) then the believer is free to remarry. This is often referred to as the Pauline privilege. Is this what the passage teaches?
That They May Distinguish My Service
Shortly after Rehoboam became king of Judah, the scripture reveals that he “forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel along with him” (2 Chronicles 12:1). The specific sins of the nation are stated in 1 Kings, as they “built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:23-24). God chose to chastise the king and the nation by raising up the king of Egypt against them. Shishak, the Egyptian ruler, invaded Judah with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and a large number of his people.
The Problem of Pride
In James 4, the writer discusses sin present in the lives of some Christians — specifically strife and worldliness. Notice verses 1-4:
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Pieces of Armor
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
An Elder’s Demeanor
In 1 Timothy 3, the list of qualifications is given for an elder. Regarding his character, attributes such as: blameless, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, not given to wine, not greedy for money, gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous and humble are all listed. The list is similar in Titus 1. What they describe is an older man who is a mature Christian. One who has developed and practices the type of love and discernment that God requires of all who belong to Him.
There are other lists that are given in the New Testament which describe this kind of Christian. In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul gives us a list he defines as the fruit of the Spirit. The attributes are: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Spiritual Growth
Peter calls upon Christians to grow spiritually. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). He supplies motivation, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). He also warns of a lack of growth, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (1:9).
As it is with physical growth, certain things must be present in order to grow spiritually.
Things to Learn from the Wise Man
The book of Proverbs teaches us a myriad of important lessons we need to heed. In doing so, we will both please God, and will enrich our lives and relationships. Here are a few things I have learned by reading the book of Proverbs. (Note: In order, from chapter 1 on, until I run out of space in this article).
True knowledge comes when we begin to fear God (1:7). It is important to listen to parental wisdom (1:8). Ignore evil people (1:11-19). Exercise discretion to avoid the pitfalls of evil (2:11-17). Sexual immorality leads to destruction (2:18-22).
Obeying righteousness leads to a long and peaceful life (3:1-8). Be receptive to God’s chastening, as it brings understanding (3:11-14). When you can help others, do so right then, don’t put it off (3:27-28). Don’t pick fights (3:30). God punishes wickedness and rewards righteousness (3:32-33). Don’t lie (4:24).
How Does It Look to You?
How the world views it:
“Yes, they had an affair. But, people fall in and out of love. It’s nobody’s fault, really. God wants His children to be happy. You shouldn’t judge them.”
“The most important thing in George’s life is making money. He works his fingers to the bone, and is always thinking about, and trying to get rich. That’s not for me, but to each their own. You do you, and I’ll do me.”
“Old Billy is the consummate gambler. And he is good at it! Be careful around him, or he will fleece you, and take all you’ve got. He’s a good old boy, and a lot of fun to be around. Just keep your hand on your wallet!”
That Which is Perfect
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians serves as a parenthetical discussion of the importance of love, within the greater context of spiritual gifts. In the twelfth chapter, Paul admonished the Corinthians not to turn their use of spiritual gifts into a contest. The gifts all emanate from the Holy Spirit, and He gives the gifts “to each one individually as He wills.” (11). Since this is so, no man should be seeking to elevate himself above another based upon the gift the Holy Spirit has given him. Nor should any Christian perceive his own gift to be insignificant or unneeded.
Paul ends the chapter with these questions, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (29-31).
So, what is that better way? It is the way of love. Tongues and prophecy without love do no good (cf. 13:1-2). Even charity or self-sacrifice, if love is not present will be of no profit (cf. 13:3).
The Preeminence of Christ
Colossians 1:9-18 expresses the preeminence of Jesus Christ, and our required response to Him. There is much to be found in the text, and we can examine it line by line. Remember, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (15).
We must seek to “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (9). As Christ is the “head of the body” (18), His will is our mandate. We can’t know how to act without diligently applying ourself in study of His word (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).
The Absence of Elders
God’s plan for local congregations included qualified men serving in a capacity of oversight over the group. These men are identified as “elders” (Acts 20:17), “overseers” (20:28), and “shepherds” (cf. 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).
Early on, not every New Testament congregation had elders. On two different occasions, men were sent to various congregations to identify and “appoint” men to that position in the local churches.
Paul and Barnabas: “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23).
Timothy: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Titus 1:5).
