"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"
A Preacher Worthy Of Imitation (2:1-12)INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson we mentioned the value of a good role
model...
a. It demonstrates what can be done
b. It provides direction for what should be done
c. It inspires one to do what ought to be done
-- The church at Thessalonica certainly serves as "A Church Worthy
Of Imitation"
2. In the second chapter of 1st Thessalonians, we find Paul reflecting
upon...
a. His preaching while at Thessalonica - 1Th 2:1-8
b. His conduct while at Thessalonica - 1Th 2:9-12
-- From which we learn that Paul certainly serves as "A Preacher
Worthy Of Imitation"
[Just as churches would do well to emulate the church at Thessalonica,
so preachers would do well to imitate the example of the apostle Paul
while he worked with them. But not just preachers; all Christians
would benefit by imitating the example of Paul. Consider therefore...]
I. THE MANNER OF HIS PREACHINGA. WITH BOLDNESS...
1. Paul preached with boldness - 1Th 2:1-2
a. Despite his previous persecution at Philippi
b. Despite the persecution at Thessalonica
2. Such boldness was not natural for Paul, or for others
a. Paul often experienced fear and trembling - 1Co 2:3
b. Timothy needed encouragement to be bold - 2Ti 1:6-8
3. But he found boldness "in our God"
a. For which reason he asked others to pray for him, that God
would grant him boldness - Ep 6:19-20
b. Others also looked to God when in need of boldness
- Ac 4:29,31
-- To proclaim the word with all boldness, look to God for
courage!
B. WITH TRUTH AND HONESTY...
1. Paul preached the truth, not error - 1Th 2:3
2. He did so with honesty, not through impure motives or trickery
- 1Th 2:3; 2Co 4:2
3. Note the need for both truth and honesty:
a. It is not enough to speak the truth, we must do so honestly
b. It is not enough to be honest, we must speak the truth
-- Let's strive to have both truth and honesty! - cf. 2Co 2:17C. PLEASING GOD, NOT MEN...
1. Paul was aware that God had trusted him with the gospel
- 1Th 2:4
a. As an expression of grace - Ep 3:8
b. As an example of mercy and longsuffering - 1Ti 1:11-16
2. Therefore it was God he sought to please, not man - 1Th 2:4
a. Knowing that it is God who tries the heart - He 4:13
b. Knowing that this is what made him a true servant of Christ
- Ga 1:10
-- Be concerned with pleasing God, not gaining the popularity of
men!
D. WITHOUT FLATTERY OR COVETOUSNESS...
1. Paul did not resort to flattering words to gain an audience
- 1Th 2:5
a. He undoubtedly knew that using flattery was dangerous
- Pr 29:5
b. Flattery is a tool used by false teachers - 2Pe 2:18
2. Nor did Paul resort to using covetousness, either to persuade
or for his own personal gain - 1Th 2:5
a. Covetousness is another tool of false teachers - 1Pe 2:1-3
b. Paul was careful not to take advantage of his brethren,
becoming wealthy off of them - Ac 20:33; 2Co 11:9; 12:17
-- Win souls through the truth, not flattery, and avoid any
semblance of taking advantage of brethren for monetary gain
E. WITHOUT SEEKING FOR GLORY FROM MEN...
1. Paul was careful not to seek glory from them or from others
- 1Th 2:6
a. As an apostle of Christ it would have been easy to do
b. He could have easily abused his authority, but he was
careful not to
2. Any such glory would have been vain glory - Pr 25:27
-- True servants do not seek glory from men, but from God!
F. WITH GENTLENESS AND AFFECTION...
1. He was gentle, like a nursing mother with her children
- 1Th 2:7
a. As he counseled Timothy to be towards those in error
- 2 Ti 2:24-25
b. As he instructed the spiritual to be toward those overtaken
in a fault - Ga 6:1
2. He had affection for them, which prompted him to share not
just the gospel, but his own life - 1Th 2:8
a. Paul was a preacher who loved his brethren - cf. Php 1:8
b. For which he joyfully sacrificed his life as necessary
- cf. Php 2:17
-- Let gentleness and love for the brethren be apparent both in
our preaching and in life!
[Indeed, one cannot separate our preaching from our life. So as we
continue to learn what made Paul "A Preacher Worthy Of Imitation", we
focus our attention more closely on...]
II. THE MANNER OF HIS LIFEA. LABORING NIGHT AND DAY...
1. Paul did not desire to be a burden, and so worked to support
himself - 1Th 2:9
a. Not that it is inappropriate for preachers to be supported
- 1Co 9:7-14
b. Paul chose to preach the gospel without charge as a way of
demonstrating his willingness to accept his calling as a
steward - cf. 1Co 9:6,15-18
c. So Paul often worked as a tent maker while preaching
- e.g., Ac 18:1-4
2. His example should remind us of the sacrificial nature of our
service
a. Some may choose to support themselves like Paul did
b. All should be available and accessible both night and day
- Ac 20:31
c. Note also that we can serve by praying "night and day"
- 1Th 3:10; 1Ti 5:5
-- The main point is that our service to God and one another is a
not a 9-5 job!
B. DEVOUT, JUST, AND BLAMELESS...
1. "Devoutly" depicts the nature of his service - 1Th 2:10
a. It was "holy" (NIV)
b. It was "pure" (NRSV)
2. "Justly" describes his dealings with his fellow man
a. It was "upright" (NRSV)
b. It was "righteous" (NIV)
3. "Blamelessly" reflects his carefulness to be above reproach
a. Something he was always careful about - Ac 24:16; 2Co 6:3
b. Even before he became a Christian - Php 3:6
-- All three of these graces are important; they impact our
relationship to God, our relationship to our fellow man, and
help keep our reputation pure
F. FATHERLY...
1. Paul was like a father to them - 1Th 2:11
a. Exhorting and comforting them (encouraging them) - e.g.,
1Th 4:1
b. Charging them as necessary (commanding them)
- e.g., 2Th 3:6,12
2. For he was concerned about their walk (life) as a Christian
- 1Th 2:12
a. He wanted their walk to be worthy of God
b. For God had called them into His kingdom and glory
CONCLUSION
1. Certainly all preachers would do well to have the same kind of
fatherly concern (and motherly gentleness and affection) that Paul
had!
2. But not only preachers...how much better it would be if all members
of the church served one another as Paul served his brethren!
a. With boldness, truth and honesty, seeking to pleasing God and not
men
b. Without flattery, covetousness, or seeking glory from men
c. With labor night and day, seeking to be devout, just, and
blameless
-- With the gentleness and affection of a nursing mother, and the
guidance and encouragement of a caring father
Yes, the apostle Paul is indeed "A Preacher Worthy Of Imitation"...for
such reasons every Christian would do well to heed his admonition as
found in another place:
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1Co 11:1)
When contrasting the Old Testament with the New Testament, we often
hear those in the religious world make statements such as: “The old law
was concerned only about man’s actions, whereas the new law emphasizes
the heart of man,” or “The Old Testament stressed rules and regulations;
the New Testament is all about love,” or “The old law emphasized being
pure on the outside; the new law is concerned about the inside.”
Statements like these have caused many people to view the Old Testament,
and perhaps even the “God of the Old Testament,” as cold, cruel, and
unmerciful. But is that really how we should view the first 39 books of
the Bible? Was the old law concerned only about the actions of
man? Was it oblivious to such concepts as love, mercy, and kindness?
Just how are we to understand the Old Testament?
The Old Testament contains numerous laws, and story after story of
people breaking these laws and suffering the consequences (e.g., the
book of Judges). However, the Bible declares that the Old Testament (and
the “God of the Old Testament”) also placed great emphasis on the
“heart” of man. Even before the Law of Moses ever was given, we learn
that God judged both man’s thoughts and actions. Prior to the Flood He
“saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart
was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5, emp. added). It was not only
their actions that were evil, but also their thoughts. Once the Law of
Moses was given, God revealed to the Israelites that He was still
concerned with man’s inner self. Moses commanded them to “love the Lord
your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your
heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6). A few hundred years later when David was
about to be anointed King of Israel, the Lord told Samuel that He “does
not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”
(1 Samuel 16:7, emp. added). Then, approximately 700 years before the
new law was given, the prophet Isaiah taught that actions apart from a
sincere heart are worthless: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with
their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts
far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of
men” (Isaiah 29:13).
As one can see, the old law was not as cold and heartless as some
theologians would have us believe. In fact, the apostle Paul summed up
the Law of Moses with these words:
[L]ove one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law [the
law of Moses—EL]. For the commandments, “You shall not commit
adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not
bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other
commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10, emp. added).
And as if Paul’s summary were not enough, Jesus summed up the old law
thusly: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,
for this is the Law and the prophets” (v.12, emp. added). Jesus
explained that doing “to others what you would have them do to you” is a
summary expression of all that the Old Testament required. The Master
Teacher Himself let us know that the Old Law, although unable to take
away the sins of man and make him perfect (i.e., Hebrews 10:1,11), was
not the cold, cruel law that so many make it out to be. Rather, it was
intended to prick both the heart and actions of man.
We
human beings find it very easy to live life as if we will be here
forever. On occasion, we come face to face with death when a loved one
or friend passes away. But the essence of daily living is such that it
is easy to ignore the reality of death and the certainty of existence
beyond the grave. Numerous ideas exist in the world regarding life after
death—from annihilation to reincarnation. Islam speaks of “paradise”
while Catholicism speaks of “purgatory.” While it does not answer all of
our questions, the Bible nevertheless speaks definitively and
decisively regarding afterlife.
The Bible teaches that human beings are composite creatures. Humans
possess a fleshly body that is composed of physical elements made from
“the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7). Unlike animals, humans also
possess a spiritual dimension—made in God’s own image—that
transcends the body and physical life on Earth (Genesis 1:26-27). God
places within each prenatal person at conception a spirit that makes
each individual a unique personality that will survive physical death,
living on immortally throughout eternity (Zechariah 12:1). At death, the
spirit separates from the body and exists in a conscious condition in
the spirit realm (Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21-22). Thus the Bible
defines “death” as “separation”—not “extinction” or
“annihilation” (Thayer, 1901, p. 282; Vine, 1940, p. 276). Since “the
body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26), the separation of one’s
spirit from one’s body results in the physical death of the body. But
what about the spirit?
The clearest depiction of existence beyond physical death is seen in Luke 16:19-31. In this account, both men are said to have died. Wherever Lazarus went, angels transported him there. The rich man’s body was buried—but
his person was in Hades where he was tormented in flames. The rich man
could see and recognize Lazarus and Abraham. Abraham referred to the
rich man’s former existence as “your lifetime.” Abraham made clear that
their respective locations were irreversible. The rich man’s brothers
still occupied their father’s house on Earth. The rich man’s plea to
send Lazarus to his living relatives would require Lazarus to “rise from
the dead” (vs. 31).
The term translated “hell” in verse 23 (KJV) is the Greek word hades, and is not to be confused with the term gehenna. “Gehenna”
(found twelve times in the New Testament) refers to the place of
eternal, everlasting punishment—the “lake of fire” where Satan, his
angels, and all wicked people will be consigned after the Second Coming
of Jesus and the Judgment. Gehenna is hell. On the other hand, “hades” (occurring ten times in the New Testament and paralleling the Hebrew Old Testament term sheol)
always refers to the unseen realm of the dead—the receptacle of
disembodied spirits where dead people await the return of the Lord
(Revelation 1:18). Hades is not hell.
Observe further that Luke 16 depicts Hades as including two regions:
one for the deceased righteous, and a second for the deceased wicked.
The former is referred to as the “bosom of Abraham” (meaning “near” or
“in the presence of ” Abraham—cf. John 1:18). Jesus referred to this
location as “paradise” (Luke 23:43; cf. Acts 2:25-34). The term
“paradise” is of Persian derivation, and referred to “a grand enclosure
or preserve, hunting-ground, park, shady and well-watered” (Thayer,
1901, p. 480). The Jews used the term as “a garden, pleasure-ground,
grove, park,” and came to apply it to that portion of Hades that was
thought “to be the abode of the souls of the pious until the
resurrection” (p. 480). The word is used in three senses in the Bible:
(1) In the Septuagint (Genesis 2:8,9,10,15,16; 3:2,3,4,9,11,24,25), the
Greek translation of the Old Testament, it refers to the literal Garden
of Eden on Earth where Adam and Eve lived (Septuagint, 1970, pp.
3-5). It normally is translated “garden” in English versions; (2) It is
used one time, in a highly figurative New Testament book, to refer to
the final abode of the saved, i.e., heaven (Revelation 2:7); and (3) It
is used in connection with the Hadean realm.
While Jesus, the thief, and Lazarus went to the paradise portion of
Hades, the rich man went to the unpleasant area that entailed torment
and flame—tartarosas, or Tartarus (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The occupants there await “the judgment of the great day.” Thus, Hades is a temporary realm that will be terminated at the Judgment (Revelation 20:13-14).
God gives people only their earthly life to prepare their spirits for
their eternal abode (Hebrews 9:27). When a person dies, his or her body
goes into the grave, while the spirit enters the Hadean realm to await
the final Judgment. At the Second Coming of Christ, all spirits will
come forth from Hades and be resurrected in immortal bodies (John
5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54). All will then face God in judgment,
receive the pronouncement of eternal sentence, and be consigned to
heaven or hell for eternity.
[NOTE: For an audio sermon on this topic, click here.]
REFERENCES
Septuagint Version of the Old Testament (1970 reprint), (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).
Thayer, J.H. (1901), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1977 reprint).
Vine, W.E. (1966 reprint), An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Old Tappan, NJ: Revell).
Did Adam and Eve know of good and evil prior to sinning? It was only
after Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
that the Bible says they came “to know good and evil” (Genesis 3:5,22).
How could God punish them for an evil action if they did not know what
evil was?
A.
Consider a hypothetical situation: What if two godly parents living in
the most wicked city in the world chose never to let their children out
of their house. They gave them everything they needed for survival
inside the house. They filled their home with only good things. Their
children never saw evil on television, heard of it on the radio, nor
read of it in books. The children could play in any room in the house
and open any door, except they had been forbidden to
open the front door that leads to “Sodom and Gomorrah.” Do these
children know what they can do and cannot do? Yes. Have they seen,
witnessed, or experienced the evil outside their house (and compared
that evil to the good within their own house)? No. Everything in their
house was good. They had the freedom to do any number of things within
their own house. They were forbidden to do one thing: open the front
door. Did they know they were not supposed to open the front door? Yes.
But did they know of the evil on the other side? No. They had never seen it, heard it, thought it, or experienced it.
The term “know” (Hebrew yada, Greek ginosko) or one
of its derivatives (i.e., knew, known, etc.) is used in Scripture in a
variety of ways. Several times it refers to a man and woman having
sexual intercourse (Genesis 4:1,17,25; Judges 11:39; 19:25). Jesus used
the term to refer to His regard for His sheep (i.e., people—John 10:27).
In contrast to the way of the wicked that will perish, the psalmist
wrote that God “knows” (i.e., approves, takes delight in, etc.) the way
of the righteous (Psalm 1:6). Paul used the term “know” in Ephesians
3:19 in the sense of knowing “experimentally what intellectually is
beyond our powers of knowing”—the love of Christ (Jamieson, 1997). The
fact is, like so many other words in Scripture (and in modern times) the
word “know” has a variety of meanings.
When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden everything was “very good”
(Genesis 1:31). They had the freedom to eat of “of every tree of the
garden” (2:16), but were forbidden to eat of the fruit of one of them
(2:17). They knew of God’s good creation and they knew
that if they ate of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (the
one forbidden tree), God said they would die (3:2-3). However, it was
not until after they ate of the forbidden tree that they actually “knew”
(experienced) evil. Thus, in one sense Adam and Eve
did know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil (they
knew what they should and should not do; they understood moral
distinctions), but they did not know of good and evil experientially
until after their disobedience.
REFERENCE
Jamieson, Robert, et al. (1997), Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown Bible Commentary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).
Is there any question that America has lost her moral compass as a
country? We as a culture and a nation, including many of those who
profess to be church-going Christians, have become so diluted in moral,
religious, and spiritual knowledge and convictions that “compassion” and
“love” have been redefined. “Compassion” now means “tolerance” and
acceptance of “diversity.” In other words, we will not take issue with
anyone on anything, we will not punish anyone for anything, and we will
not condemn or pronounce as unacceptable any behavior—no matter how
bizarre, distasteful, or wicked. The sad corollary is that neither do we
have a wholesome regard for what is good.
As the Christian moral framework on which the nation was founded has
experienced significant erosion, many citizens have embraced the
self-contradictory viewpoint that they can appreciate, and even
“celebrate,” a host of mutually exclusive religions, ideologies, and
behaviors. Homosexuality and killing unborn babies are supported and
affirmed, while those who profess a non-Christian religion like Islam
are also being welcomed—though Muslims believe abortion is a crime and
homosexuals ought to be executed. Polygamy has always been immoral and
illegal in American civilization (Miller, 2006; Miller, 2009), yet the Quran teaches that a man may have up to four wives (Miller,
2004, 3[4]:9-R), and the thousands of Muslims that are coming to
America obviously are not foregoing their polygamous relationships. The
result? Complete social and moral confusion.
The God of the Bible declares: “Woe to those who call evil good, and
good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put
bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).
Regarding those who engage in immoral behavior, Christians are
admonished to attempt to “save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,
hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 23). All people are
called upon to “[a]bhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans
12:9). Sadly, few these days seem even to know what is good or evil.
A necessary logical conclusion of the absolute extension
of God's sovereignty and predestination,
Calvin's doctrine of "Unconditional Election" explains that
each man, woman, and child are chosen as saved or lost before time began.
Since each man is born depraved and could not alter God's will for him,
then each man's election for salvation must be unconditional. If it
were truly conditional, then man might could change God's predetermined
order, violating the assumption of predestination. Therefore, his election
must stand outside of anything he may do, and the reprobate will conversely
be condemned, regardless of their actions.
Implications of Unconditional Election
The doctrine of unconditional election has several necessary,
logical implications and requirements. Among these are:
Predestination: God has predestined
ALL events concerning and related to men and their salvation
Unconditional: God never places conditions on salvation or condemnation
Immutable: The elect cannot be lost, and the condemned cannot be saved
Irresistible: The elect cannot
refuse salvation, and the condemned cannot accept it
These implications can be observed in quotations from Calvin's Institutes:
"I again ask how it is that the fall of Adam
involves so many nations with their infant children in eternal death
without remedy, unless that it so seemed meet to God? Here the most
loquacious tongues must be dumb. The decree, I admit, is dreadful; and
yet it is impossible to deny that God foreknew what the end of man was
to be before he made him, and foreknew, because he had so ordained by
his decree." Institutes, Book III,
chap. 23, para. 7
"All are not created on equal terms, but some
are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly,
as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that
he has been predestinated to life or to death."
Institutes, Book III, chapter 21, para. 5
"Nor ought it to seem absurd when I say, that
God not only foresaw the fall of the first man, and in him the ruin
of his posterity; but also at His own pleasure arranged it."
Institutes, Book III, chapter 32, p. 232
They can also be observed in this statement of creed:
"Question: What are the decrees of God?
"Answer: God's decrees are the wise,
free and holy acts of the counsel of His will, whereby, from all eternity,
He hath for His own glory, unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes
to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men"
The Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 12, p. 97
Predestination
The Bible does teach that God has immutably predestined some things,
even things relating to our salvation.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places in Christ, just as
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world
, that we should be holy and without
blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as
sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His
will," Ephesians 1:3-5
So, certainly God predestines certain events and outcomes, even that
Jesus would die for our sins (I Peter 1:19-20).
This passage in Ephesians does teach that God has predestined those who
would be saved, but it is a leap in logic to assume that God has predestined
each Christian by name and independent of their own will. This passage
is almost entirely ambiguous as to the basis of this predestination. The
only language which refers to how Christians were predestined are the
phrases, "blessed ... in Christ",
"chose ... in Him", and
"predestined ... by Jesus Christ".
Each of these modifying phrases indicate that it is by being in Jesus,
or as a member of His group, that one receives these blessings. The only
"predestined" activity is that those in Christ would be adopted.
The real question now is,
"How does one get 'into Christ'?"
Unconditional Election?
If Calvinism be true, then it does not matter how the saint or the reprobate
live. Either way, he or she is predetermined for heaven or hell, independent
of their actions. Our actions would then be of no significance or concern,
and certainly not the basis of our judgment. But, this is not what the
Bible teaches.
"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."
II Corinthians 5:10
Therefore, if we receive according to what each one has done in our own
body, how can "unconditional election", or even "
inherited sin" be true? Moreover, there would be no way for us to make
our election sure, since it would be unconditional, yet the apostle Peter
said:
"Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent
to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you
will never stumble" II Peter 1:10
What is the purpose of "diligence", especially toward making
our "election sure", unless it is not? And, if it is not sure,
how can it be unconditional? How can this verse's language be rational
if Calvinism be true? To which language will cling, Calvin's or Peter's?
The Analogy of the Olive Tree
In Romans 11, Paul uses an analogy
of an olive tree to illustrate to his Gentile readers the role of the
Jewish nation in their salvation. The theme of this illustration is a
warning to prevent overconfidence in their current saved condition. Before
we ask the fundamental question how this could even be a danger in a Calvinistic
world, let us read a few verses:
For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is
also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if
some of the branches were broken off, and you,
being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them
, and with them became a partaker
of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the
branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the
root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken
off that I might be grafted in."
Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off
, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you
either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those
who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness,
if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off
. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in
, for God is able to graft them in again." Romans 11:16-23
Not only from this passage do we see the actual severing and removal
of those who were once original, or natural branches, but we also see
different branches, who were not originally branches, being grafted in
their place.
If the election is ordained from before time, how is it possible that
the elect should become reprobate and the reprobate could become elect?
Moreover, how could "unbelief" be a condition of severance,
while "continuing in His goodness" be a condition of blessing,
if there are no conditions? Furthermore, the reprobated elect can become
elect once again, but only "if they do not continue in unbelief".
The very fact that the
elect do not necessarily persevere
is a testimony that the election is both changeable and
conditional. It is neither immutable or unconditional. Therefore, their
relationship to God was conditional upon their belief and continuing in
His goodness, obedience.
"If"
No word has more impact on our study than the word, "if". It's
very use implies condition and possibility. It implies the possibility
of resistance and deviation. This
is seen in how the word is used in the Bible. Nowhere will we read of
this word being used in conjunction with events that are sure, unchangeable,
or foreordained. Nowhere do we read of "If God loved us ..."
or a prophecy worded "If Jesus dies on the cross...". However,
we do read this word, and similar words, being used in conjunction with
man's salvation and his response to God's message - frequently and throughout
the entire Bible.
"Therefore I said to you that you will
die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you
will die in your sins." John 8:24
"I tell you, no; but unless you repent
you will all likewise perish." Luke
13:3
"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you
the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which
you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word
which I preached to you -- unless you believed in vain."
I Corinthians 15:1-2
"that if you confess with your mouth
the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Romans 10:9-10
Throughout the Bible, we find God pleading with men to repent and come
to Him. Often He warned, through the prophets, of the punishment that
would come to them if they refused to repent. In many cases, God explained
"if you do not repent ..." (
Jeremiah 18:1-11; Ezekiel 33:1-20).
Was God lying in these situations, or was He mocking His creation mercilessly
to no profit? What we see is God providing man options and a choice, promising
him of the reward or punishment that awaited as a result of either choice.
How can there realistically be an "if", if there are no conditions
and only absolute predestination?
Conclusion
The conclusion of "conditional works" is difficult for many
to accept. But, these are not works that earn salvation. No amount of
good deeds can merit or demand our entrance to heaven. That is the price
of our sin. However, true faith does not exist without these works, because
it is only manifested through them (James 2:14-26).
It is God's right to require a condition for forgiveness
(Matthew 6:14-15), and it is our choice whether or not we want
to comply with those conditions, aware the whole time that it is grace
that saves us (Ephesians 2:4-10).
It is not of ourselves, but it is not independent of us either
(Hebrews 11:6). It is a conditional election and calling
(II Peter 1:10).
Next: Limited Atonement
Be sure to consult our summary
and FAQ on Calvinism
for thoughts on more points related to these above that explore many common
Calvinistic questions. Trevor Bowen
Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath.
Most people know the story of David and Bathsheba. Fewer people know the
story of David, Nabal, and Abigail.
It concerns those times when we un grateful or even feel insulted or not appreciated.
In this story we see a surprising response from David which we may not
expect from a man after God’s own heart. But thanks to the wisdom of a
godly woman, David comes to his senses and calms down. The story can be
read in 1 Samuel 25:1-38. (click on cerse to read)
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum wrote“It is
basic human nature to want to feel appreciated, acknowledged and
grateful for a job well done, for our efforts, our time, our talents,
our skills. A simple thank you goes a long way.”
When was the last time you said to yourself, “I did so much for
so-and-so, but it seems like they don’t feel appreciate it?,” or “This
relationship seems like a one way street. There’s no reciprocation.”
Sometimes in our personal life, we may feel unappreciated by our own family members, wives,
husbands, parents, siblings, and children. Even friends and
acquaintances sometimes seem to take our friendship for granted. The
same is true of bosses and co-workers. And sometimes it can even be a
fair and generous boss who is not appreciated by his or her employees.
Do you know someone who has ever felt underappreciated? It happens more often than not. The feeling of being used and unappreciated is a painful feeling. Like David it can change and mess with our head if we are not careful. Every day we encounter people who need encouragement:
A caregiver drags with exhaustion. A single parent feels lost. A spouse
who feels unappreciated. A newly hired worker is discouraged because of
his mistakes. A widow faces the raw wounds of her grief. A store clerk
wonders if human courtesy exists. Moms and dad that simply feel used by
their kids.
The words we speak to those around us are so very important and are a
way to show Christ’s love and give support to those who are in need. What about you? Are you good at telling others how grateful you are? I’m
not just talking about thanking God. Today I would like to focus more
on how well we show our gratitude towards those around us.
Like Nabel, if you ask most people if they are ungrateful, they will
probably reply, “Of course not!” However, this attitude is so ingrained
in some of our lives, we are blind to it and do not see how ungrateful
we really are. But how can you tell if you are ungrateful? Are there things that identify an ingratitude attitude? And if so, what can you do about it? Webster’s Dictionarydefines “Ingratitude” as: “Forgetfulness of, or poor return for, kindness received.” It can also be defined as not appreciating or valuing what you have, or have been given.Unexpressed gratitude is also ingratitude!” What about an example of Ingratitude in Christ’s Day Most
are familiar with the many Bible accounts of Christ’s miracles. He
walked on water, turned water into wine, fed thousands of people from a
small amount of food, cast out demons and healed many people. But,
although He healed many, how many do you think actually came back to
thank Him?
Luke’s gospel records one such miraculous healing. In this account, Christ healed ten lepers. Luke 17:12-19 “Now
on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between
Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had
leprosymet him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he
was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself
at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all
ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give
praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go;
your faith has made you well.”
Between these lines I can almost hear how sad Jesus was. Of the ten lepers, only one returned to thank Christ. Think of that statement. Only one of the ten thanked Him for healing them of an awful disease!
Even though Jesus’ reaction was not quite the same as David’s, it
obviously hurt when those people did not come back to say, “Thank you.” All too often the sad reality is that we do not realize how much our lack of gratitude can affect others.
How many of those people around us feel unappreciated by their own
family members, wives, husbands, parents, siblings, and children, even
our friends or acquaintances that we come in contact with. And what
kind of effect is it having on their heart? What kind of effect does it have on you? What I am proposing today is that we need to Encouraging Others by showing our gratitude: #1) Ask God to show you those who are overwhelmed—the
single parent, the abandoned spouse, or stressed out father who needs a
word of hope, or a friend who feels weighed down by their spouse’s
infidelity or their parent’s impending death.
Bring them a flower or a cup of coffee and tell them, “I know this is a hard time, but never forget that I’ve got your back and I am praying for you.”
When we see a young mother trying to deal with tired, whiny children. Give them a hug and encourage them and let them know, “You’re doing fine. With little kids, some days are hard. But you’re a great mom.” #2) Affirm the caregivers.Try to
understand the physical and emotional drain that often accompanies such a
responsibility of taking care of one’s elderly and sometimes sick
parents or loved one. Watch for chances to tell caregivers, “I know it’s not easy, but God can see what you do for your loved one and is very pleased.” #3) Be sensitive to the needs of the grievinglong
after a death. I still feel sad at times at the loss of my dad. And we
need to realize the even though a friend who may have experienced such a
loss can paste a smile on their face and say they are ‘OK’, realize
that they may still be hurting, lonely, and sad in the inside. #4) Show appreciation and gratitude to those you work with everyday. The grind of the workplace needs the oil of kind and affirming words like: “I
appreciate your diligence what you do here.” “I’m really glad that you
are here. It makes a real difference.” “Thanks for helping me out here”.
“Good work.” #5) Spread the fragrance of Christ through appreciation and gratitude to people in the service industries.
Thank, and even tip those who do those menial tasks for you;
Waitresses, check out lady, garbage man, mailman, paper boy, etc. Let
them know that they are appreciated! #6) Build up your family memberswith public and private words of affirmation.
“Thanks for working so hard on the yard.” “I appreciate you doing so
much around the house.” “Wow, you are a great bargain hunter.” “Thank
you so much for filling the gas tank for me.” “I’m so blessed to have
you as a child.” “Mom, dad, I can never say thank you enough.” Whatever it takes, show your gratitude regularly. It will pay of in the long run. #7) Also it good to Remember Your Spiritual Family Thank
those who do their best to serve Christ in some manner. Satan seems to
work overtime to discourage them. If someone goes out of their way to
serve or does something special in their service to Christ encourage
them and show your appreciation. Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement.
Sometimes it won’t cost you anything but your kind words. But other
times it takes a bit more effort to lift someone up after they get
feeling unappreciated and discouraged. Abigail made a serious effort to
pick David back up and show her appreciation. Let encouragement and sharing you gratitude become a lifestyle.
Proverbs 15:4 says “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,”
And 25:11 says “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
And of course Hebrews 10:24-25 that says, “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.”
My encouragement today is that you make it a daily practice to spread
the fragrance of Christ’s love to others through showing your
appreciation to those you come in contact with. Don’t make the mistake
of becoming an ungrateful person.
For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566
Jesus came to earth, was beaten, mocked, scourged, crucified between two
thieves, and arose from the dead. Jesus did His part. Now it’s time for
us to do ours. Obey, and be faithful to the the gospel of Christ today.
It’s the least we must do, it’s the most we can do, it’s all He ever
asked us to do. 1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 10:17; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:38; Rev 2:10
The church was conceived in the mind of God. We read, “To the intent that now unto
principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold
wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Ephesians 3:10-11).
God said that the seed of Abraham was to bless all nations (Genesis 22:18). Paul said that the
promise was not to seeds but to SEED. That seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16). Isaiah said, “And it shall
come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be exalted above the hills and
all nations shall flow unto it” (Isaiah 2:2). This would be a change from the Old Testament, for God, in
giving the law to Moses, said, “Write thou these words for after the tenor of these words have I made a
covenant with Israel” (Exodus 34:27-28). Isaiah said that all nations would flow into God's house (Isaiah
2:2). John the Baptist had one message. Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 3:2).
John was cast into prison and beheaded, and Jesus began His earthly ministry. His message was:
“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus used the terms kingdom and church
together (Matthew 16:18,19). In Mark 9:1 Jesus said that the kingdom would come in the lifetime of
those to whom He spoke, and He said that it would come with power.
After Jesus arose from the dead, the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost with power. Jesus said that
His chosen men would carry the message of the gospel into the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Paul says that Christ, “was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness,
by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). Paul further declares that the gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to the believer (Romans 1:16). He further tells us that the gospel is the facts of the
death, burial and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3-5).
Jesus summarized all this by saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned”:
(Mark 16:15, 16). The apostles were to wait in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit was to come to
them there. Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, declared that God had made Him Lord and Christ, this Jesus
whom ye crucified (Acts 2:36). This Jesus was at the right hand of God (Acts 2:32.33). The effect of this
sermon was immediate. “Now when they heard this they were pricked to the hearts and said to Peter and
the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, what shall we do?'” There can be no mistake in the answer. Those
who gave the answer were guided by the Holy Spirit.
“And Peter said unto them, 'Repent ye and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 2:38).
This was not a limited command, for the next verse says, “For to you is the promise and to your
children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).
One of the most popular doctrines in the world today is the doctrine of justification by faith
alone. If that doctrine is true, then Acts 2:38 is not true. To say it is not true is to charge God with folly.
Jesus saves those who obey (Hebrews 5:9). Yes, we are saved by faith but we are saved by an obedient
faith (James 2:14, 24). Peter, by the Holy Spirit, said they were to save themselves (Acts 2:40). Now note
that they that received his word were baptized (Acts 2:41). Now, what did they do? “And they continued
steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41).
Our duty is revealed in that verse. If we would restore New Testament Christianity, we must return to the
pattern as revealed in this chapter. Jude tells us that the faith was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude
3).
We pass under judgment when we reject the words of Jesus (John 12:48). Here are the words of
Jesus, “Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine and doeth them shall be likened unto a wise
man who built his house upon the rock and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew
and beat upon the house; it fell not for it was founded on the rock. And every one that heareth these
words of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man who built his house on the sand
and the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew, and smote upon that house and it fell and
great was the fall thereof” (Matthew 7:24-27).
All life comes from a seed. Each seed produces after its kind. Wheat produces wheat; it does not
produce oats. Jesus said that the seed of the kingdom is the word of God. He was talking about the
church. That seed never produced anything but a church of Christ in the New Testament.
Let us see what happened the day the church was born. “And Peter said to them, 'Repent ye, and
be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise and to your children and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto Him.' And with many other words he testified and
exhorted them saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.' They then that received his word
were baptized; and there were added unto them in that day, about three thousand souls. And they
continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers”
(Acts 2:38-42).
“Wherefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the
implanted word which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Then he adds this warning, “But be ye
doers of the Word and not hearers only deluding your own selves” (James 1:22).
J. C. Bailey, 1992, Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)
The INTERNET can be very addicting;and social media is the most addicting of all. Meeting old friends and finding new ones is a great source of pleasure. But, what if the power goes out (as it does frequently in the rainy season in Florida)? What do you do?
Read a book?
Work?
Actually talk to someone.
What if there is nothing to do and suddenly you realize how alone you really are- or are you?
Psalm 46 (World English Bible)
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (emphasis added) 2 Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; 3 though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. 5 God is in her midst. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. 6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice, and the earth melted. 7 Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, see Yahweh’s works, what desolations he has made in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. 10“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” (emphasis added)
11 Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
God is always there, waiting. He and He alone will never leave you or forsake you. And maybe, just maybe that power went out for a reason? So, use the opportunity to re-connect with God. Remember, you always have the power to prayer. Go ahead, our Heavenly Father would love to hear from you!!!
We
human beings find it very easy to live life as if we will be here
forever. On occasion, we come face to face with death when a loved one
or friend passes away. But the essence of daily living is such that it
is easy to ignore the reality of death and the certainty of existence
beyond the grave. Numerous ideas exist in the world regarding life after
death—from annihilation to reincarnation. Islam speaks of “paradise”
while Catholicism speaks of “purgatory.” While it does not answer all of
our questions, the Bible nevertheless speaks definitively and
decisively regarding afterlife.
