Category: Benevolence
Subject: Benevolence
Mining the Scriptures: Galatians 2:6-10
As Paul continues here his reference to the meeting in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15, some might think that he writes disparagingly about the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Those who “seemed to be something”, “it makes no difference to me”, “who seemed to be pillars.” This is absolutely untrue, as Paul was simply using this occasion to again argue for his independent, God given position as an apostle. His standing did not depend upon James, Peter and John and they had nothing to add to the gospel he preached. Despite the efforts of the Judaizers to diminish Paul, he was acknowledged by the other apostles to be an ambassador “toward the Gentiles.”
As such, Paul receive from them the “right hand of fellowship.” Such a shaking of hands was and is now an expression of Christians of our joint participation in the faith of Jesus Christ. Paul was not a usurper, he was an equal partner in God’s work.
Paul was also eager to help the poor, a truth clearly established in the record of scripture, (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:26).
What Can I Do for Others?
Fairly soon after leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness. As they talked, Jethro witnessed Moses acting as judge before the people, and suggested that Moses give some of the responsibility to others. “And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). Moses liked the idea, and it apparently pleased God as well, (cf. 18:19), so Moses followed the advice.
There is an analogue to this in the church. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (4:12). So, the whole body will grow by the work done by “every joint”, “according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (4:16).
Rather than the clergy/laity model, where the clergy ministers to the needs of the laity, God’s pattern is for the spiritually mature to equip all others so that they can themselves become ministers of the gospel. In simple terms, it is not my purpose to do for you. Rather, my purpose is to train you to do your own work; to equip you for ministry; to help you take part in the work of edification.
We each have our own part to play. Is your attitude, “What can you do for me?” Or, “What can I do for others?!”
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Sermon: Charitable Giving
A discussion of the importance of individual benevolence as an expression of the love we have for men and God.
COVID-19 (30) Be Careful
In Titus 3, Paul gave instructions to the evangelist Titus. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
The frequency
Paul told Titus to affirm the truth constantly. The phrase is not translated consistently by English versions. While the KJV and NKJV say to “affirm constantly”, the ESV says “to insist”, and the ASV to “affirm confidently.” Young’s Literal translation says, to “affirm fully.” Regardless of the different words used, the translations are not far apart in expressing the intent of Paul’s admonition.
COVID-19 (12) Are We Too Preoccupied?
One of our members forwarded a post today that mirrors some things that my son and I have been discussing the last several weeks. It is on the mind of many, and has been stated by the President himself when he said that we must make sure the “cure isn’t worse than the disease.” Justin’s post read:
“There isn’t actually any contradiction in the beliefs that (A) the virus is dangerous, (B) mass unemployments is dangerous, and (C) authoritarian government policies are dangerous. There needn’t be any cognitive dissonance holding all three at once; they’re not mutually exclusive.” – Caitlin Johnstone
COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion
The tendency of our time is to minimize religion. For many, a self designed “spirituality” has taken the place of religion. In this view, the concept of belief in God (or something out there) is divorced from any concept of religious duty or involvement.
I am convinced a reason for this is the self-sufficiency of our nation. The first world countries that enjoy a measure of material prosperity and reasonable health care are almost always secular and dismissive of any dependence upon deity. In fact, it is common to look down upon the religious as fanatical, superstitious and backwards.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion”
Sermon: Raising the Widow’s Son
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle in Luke 7:11-17, where he raised from the dead the son of the widow of Nain. Lessons about compassion, and the Lordship of Jesus are applied.
Sermon: Barnabas – Son of Encouragement
Barnabas stood out as an encourager of his brethren. He had a benevolent nature, a helpful spirit, and a loving nature that helped him to encourage the people of God. We must strive to be as he was!
Sermon: God’s Pattern for Benevolence
An examination of 2 Corinthians 8, and similar passages helps to establish God’s pattern for the benevolent work of the local church.
Devoted Disciples
The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.
Sermon: Gaining the Father’s Reward
Sermon: Retaining God’s Standard of Benevolence
Fall 2014 Meeting
Speaker: Bryan Gary of Dumas, TX
In 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul wrote Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (NASB).
This seventh in a series of 9 lessons emphasizes what the Bible teaches about Benevolence, and examines some of the perversions of men on that aspect of God’s will.
The Patternists: Applications of Authority – Benevolence
The Bible emphasizes the work of benevolence. To be benevolent to another is an expression of love. Jesus taught in Luke 10 the importance of benevolence by recounting a certain Samaritan’s actions. The man encountered an unfortunate traveler who had been mugged and left for dead. He bandaged his wounds, took care of him, and made provision for further care. Jesus instructs us to “Go and do likewise” (25-37, esp. 37).
James wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (1:27). Though we must not reward indolence (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10), Christians are to take advantage of the opportunities we have to relieve suffering or want.
God expects benevolence to be accomplished primarily by individuals. He has limited what the church is collectively to do in the practice of benevolence. In every instance where congregational benevolence is practiced, it is directed to indigent saints, (for example, those hit by famine in Judea, Acts 11:29-30. See also, “the collection FOR THE SAINTS,” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
This limitation is clearly affirmed by Paul (1 Timothy 5). Though certain qualified Christian widows were to be cared for by the church, those who had believing children were to be cared for BY THE CHILDREN, “and do not let the church be burdened” (3-16, esp. 16).
The work of benevolence is primarily an individual responsibility. The work of congregational benevolence is limited only to certain needy saints. A failure to recognize and respect this pattern has led to apostasy, division and sin.
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