Foul Odors and Ruined Reputations
“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).
Sermon: The Destructive Path of the Sinner
Just as a tornado leaves a path of destruction in its wake, the sinner leaves destruction to himself and others, everywhere he goes.
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Sermon: Paul’s Indomitable Approach to Life
The apostle Paul, even while in prison, was positive in outlook, and in his determination to minister to others.We can learn from his example.
Viewing the Planets
Several weeks ago I made a bit of a big thing with the grandkids, showing them Venus and Jupiter in the western sky. Sawyer and I actually went on the roof to use her telescope (didn’t work, too windy), but they got a kick out of seeing and identifying the planets.
A week from Tuesday, I have read, there will actually be five planets that will be viewable shortly after sunset in the western sky (at least if you have a flat horizon and are away from city lights, and maybe have binoculars). Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Uranus will all be visible. How do we know that? Well, because of the predictable nature of the planets orbits, combined with a healthy knowledge of physics and higher math. (That means I have no idea where they will be, but others have figured it out and told me). Continue reading “Viewing the Planets”
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 1:15-16
In verses 5-9, Paul instructed Timothy to find qualified men to serve as elders in the churches of Crete. This was especially needed at that time because of false teaches described in verses 10-14.
Our text continues this theme, describing the hypocrisy of these evil men, especially the Jews who were seeking to bind the Law upon the brethren. First, Paul noted that those who are “pure” have liberty in “all things.” (Context is important here, as Paul is referring to the limitations regarding diet, etc., that were given to the Jews, but were removed when the law was nailed to the cross, cf. Colossians 2:14-17).
In contrast, these evil men claimed to be religious, “They profess to know God”, but their evil hearts brought defilement to them, even as they imbibed in things that otherwise were pure (cf. Romans 14). Paul was able to discern their hypocrisy (claiming purity, but being defiled) by their actions. They deny Him, being characterized by disobedience. Thus, qualified elders were needed to deal with them.
You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).
It takes a bit of arrogance (or ignorance) to actually believe that you have power over tomorrow. So often we see lives cut short by disease or accident, always with expressed shock and dismay. This is understandable, but the truth is such events happen often. Continue reading “You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!”
Humility Cures Worldliness
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).
Sermon: And Ezra Opened the Book
A discussion of Nehemiah 8, emphasizing the commendable attitudes and demeanor of God’s people as the Law of Moses was read.
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Sermon: The Curious Case of Simon the Sorcerer
A discussion of Simon’s conversion, and the sin he committed following, taken from the text of Acts 8.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
In his second letter to Timothy, as Paul neared the end of his life, he was again in prison. The fact that he referred to his “chain” in verse 16 indicates that his circumstances were far worse than the house arrest of his first imprisonment.
During this imprisonment, the apostle had been deserted by some. He mentions individuals in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes. These two are mentioned only here, and we know nothing else about them.
In contrast, we have Onesiphorus. While others deserted Paul, this man sought to help him. In doing this, Onesiphorus helped not only Paul, but the Lord Himself (cf. Matthew 15:36). We are told he “refreshed” Paul. Consider the relief that comes amidst dark despair when your brethren bring encouragement and help.
When Paul received such encouragement, he was quick to note that such diligence brings benefits to the one offering the gift (cf. Philippians 4:17). Here Paul prayed such for Onesiphorus and his family.
Love for the Brethren
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).
