Truth Magazine

By Daniel W. Petty

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones” (Prov. 14:30, KJV). When the Wise Man exhorted, “Keep thy heart” (Prov. 4:23), he was encouraging us to keep ourselves free from evil thoughts and improper attitudes from which all sorts of sinful conduct proceed. A “sound heart” is one that is free from such corruptions as greed, evil desire, resentment, or pride, and is therefore healthy. The heart that is free from envy (“passion,” NASB) is sound in the sense of being at peace with itself. Another good translation is “a tranquil heart” (NASB). There is a connection here noted between tranquility or soundness of heart, and good physical health. Whether the writer of the proverb was speaking entirely metaphorically (e.g., “a sound heart is [like] life to the body,” etc.) is debated. In any case, experience certainly teaches that people who are torn apart from within with envy or resentment toward others are not happy or healthy people; it is to them “rottenness to the bones.” And it is a sin sickness of the soul that can destroy us.

The Hebrew word qinah is found 46 times in the Old Testament, and may be translated “envy,” “jealousy,19 16 zeal.” The New Testament uses two words, primarily, to denote the concept of envy or jealousy. Zelos occurs in its various forms about 28 times, and means “zeal,” “jealousy,” or “envy.” Phthonos is found about ten times as “envy” or “jealousy.” These two Greek words are joined together by Paul in Galatians 5:20-21.

An interesting difference between zelos and phthonos is that the former word is sometimes used in a good sense. In John 2:17, Jesus quoted Psalm 69:9 to say, “Zeal for Thy house will consume me.” Here it referred to His passionate, jealous concern for the temple and its worship. Paul testified of the Jews that they had “a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge” (Rom. 10:2). The Corinthians were noted by Paul for their exemplary zeal in giving, which had stirred up the Macedonians (2 Cor. 9:2). R.C. Trench says, “When zelos is taken in good part, it signifies the honorable emulation, with the consequent imitation, of that which presents itself to the mind’s eye as excellent” (Synonyms of the New Testament, p. 87). As used in this nobler sense, zeal is “that active emulation which grieves, not that another has the good, but that itself has it not; and which, not pausing here, seeks to supply the deficiencies which it finds in itself” (Trench, p. 88).

But zelos is most often used in Scripture to denote that baser passion of jealousy, into which that “active emulation” has degenerated. “Jealousy” and “strife” often are found together as fitting partners (Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20). That good which we see in another has become a symbol of resentment, competition, and even enmity.

Phthonos, “envy,” is always used in a bad sense. Vine defines it as a “feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage of prosperity of others.” The distinction, Vine explains, between “envy” and “jealousy,” though very slight, is “that envy desires to deprive another of what he has, jealousy desires to have the same or the same sort of thing for itself.”

The condition of heart we are defining is therefore that feeling of indignation, resentment, or bad feeling that may result from pride, selfish ambition, covetousness, or inordinate competition. We all know what jealousy is because we were all children once, and jealousy is certainly a childish trait. Siblings naturally are jealous of one another, and parents know of the difficulty of trying not to give one child any apparent advantage over the others. Parents also know that as children grow to adulthood, they should learn to overcome such childish jealousy.

But such attitudes continue to linger in us even as adults. Uncontrolled, they are often the cause of the breakdown of marriages, of strife between Christians. The ugly monster of jealousy manifests itself because of some physical or material advantage of others; so-and-so makes more money, etc. It appears because someone was not included in a social activity. People are jealous because of someone else’s talents or abilities, because a good idea was somebody else’s, or because others get to have the “say-so.”

There are many examples of jealousy found in God’s word, and they illustrate what the consequences of this uncontrolled passion can be. Cain killed his brother because he was jealous that the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but not for his own (Gen. 4:4-5). Joseph was the victim of his brother’s jealousy, and was sold into slavery (Gen. 37:11; Acts 7:9). Joshua begged Moses to restrain Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp of Israel, because of his jealousy (Num. 11:26-29). It was for envy that Korah led his rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and met his unfortunate fate (Num. 16; cf. Psa. 106:16). Jealousy toward David became an obsession with King Saul, driving him to hound David in efforts to kill him (I Sam. 18:8). The chief priests of the Jews delivered up Jesus to be crucified “because of envy” (Matt. 27:18; Mk. 15: 10). Paul was driven from Antioch of Pisidia and Thessalonica as a result of the jealousy of the Jews, as they observed the crowds of people coming to hear the gospel preached (Acts 13:45; 17:5).

Jealousy and envy are not proper attitudes for Christians (Rom. 13:13). Paul classes envy among all sorts of unrighteous behavior which is more fitting for those with a “depraved mind” (Rom. 1:28-29). The church in Corinth was guilty of jealousy and strife, and Paul rebuked them as a bunch of immature, spiritual babies. Their behavior was of a carnal or fleshly nature. Paul was forced to deal with them harshly because they refused to put away such childish, unspiritual behavior (1 Cor. 3:1-3). As children of God who are led by the Spirit, we are to put away such attitudes as jealousy as works of the flesh (Gal. 5:20-21). As imitators of the love of Christ, we must learn that jealousy is not consistent with true love (1 Cor. 13:4).

The “wisdom from above” tells us that “jealousy and selfish ambition” only causes “disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:13-18). The person who is “wise and understanding” knows that “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” is a “lie against the truth” and the source of disorder, strife, and conflict. The Wise Man wrote, “Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy?” (Prov. 27:4) “And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel” (James 4:2). At the heart of many a doctrinal controversy there is also “envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions” (1 Tim. 6:4). The Apostle Paul expressed his fears that at his arrival in Corinth he would find “strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances” (2 Cor. 12:20). Would he be afraid to visit many congregations today?

We hate to admit it, but some preachers are apparently motivated by jealousy or envy of others. The same thing existed in Paul’s day: “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will” (Phil. 1:15-16). What a shame it is when something as beautiful as the gospel message, and as noble as the work of preaching it, is tarnished by a jealous pride or selfish ambition that resents the God-given talents of other ministers of the gospel, or belittles and tears down the good work that others have done. The jealous attitude needs to be purged from the hearts of many Christians, and some preachers ought to lead the way.

We will eliminate thoughts of jealousy (“envies,” 1 Pet. 2:1, KJV) from our hearts as we grow in Christ. “Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:1-2). The word of God can heal sin-sick hearts, if we will apply its teachings to our lives, “being not forgetful hearers, but doers. . . . “

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, pp. 112-113
February 19, 1987

By Raymond E. Harris

The article, “An Expression of Concern” found elsewhere in this journal is signed by over 200 preachers. They are all numbered among that segment of the church which endorses church financial support of human institutions and the sponsoring church arrangement.

They say they have a fervent desire to avert division and prevent further harm to the spiritual body of Christ. That statement seems rather hollow, meaningless and hypocritical coming from men who have personally fostered or supported activities that have caused division in the church for over thirty years.

Where was their concern back through the years when faithful preachers and churches were being called “anti” and being quarantined and cut off because they would not endorse church support for the Herald of Truth and human institutions operating in the field of benevolence.

It is rather remarkable that at this late date the 200 plus preachers are so upset about the “liberalism that is so evident in the brotherhood today.”

Well, just what is it that they label as “liberalism” that they so oppose?

1. They lament the fact that preachers across the country are preaching weak, diluted and polluted sermons. They say it is so bad that in many congregations, preachers, elders and church members can not even identify or recognize true Christianity.

I marvel that they are so surprised at what has happened. Where were they in 1957 when Athens Clay Pullias, President of Lipscomb college was going about the country preaching “Where There Is No Pattern”? Where were they back through the years when big name preachers preached and wrote, “We Do Many Things For Which There Is No Authority”? Didn’t they think young preachers and elders were listening. For more than thirty years Bible and Speech departments in “our” schools have de-emphasized “Book, Chapter and Verse” preaching. Young preachers were taught to have a quiet, conversational delivery. They were taught that evangelism can best be accomplished through benevolence. They lost their respect for the authority of God’s word as college presidents, editors of papers and noted preachers promoted countless unauthorized and unscriptural schemes, organizations and programs.

2. These preachers further bemoan the fact that some brethren want to “restructure the organization, worship and work of the church. ” Again we ask where have you Image of the Church.” Again we ask where have you been? Where were you in 1967 when Jimmy Allen, Pat Boone and Bill Carpenter were featured in the “Greater Indiana Campaign For Christ” when the expressed purpose of the campaign was to “Change and Improve the Image of the Church.”

Where were you on February 16, 1967, when the Gospel Advocate, printed a review of a speech by Athens Clay Putlias, wherein he lamented that in Nashville, TN, a city with more Christians than any other in the world, there was not one hospital operated by Christians. From the context it is obvious that the Advocate endorsed Pullias and that Pullias was advocating a Church of Christ supported hospital.

Where were you October 15, 1981, when the Gospel Advocate ran a classified advertisement for the Garrett, Indiana, church of Christ, wherein they were soliciting an eldership to “oversee the work” there?

For years prominent preachers, college presidents and editors of our “old reliable” papers have discounted plain passages such as 1 Peter 5:14 and Acts 20:28 which limits elders to overseeing a local congregation. For years they have urged that elders can and should “assume” brotherhood projects and programs that reach far beyond the resources and borders of their own congregations. And just now they are concerned about those who would restructure the church.

3. Also we are told of their concern about doctrinal compromise and brethren fellowshipping those in blatant religious error. Where were these troubled brethren back in January of 1967 when the Harding College Bulletin was obviously used to try to encourage young people to attend their school by showing what a wonderful town Searcy, Arkansas was. Among other enticements, on the back page of the bulletin they printed pictures of the church buildings of the First Methodist Church, the First Baptist Church and the St. James Catholic Church right along with that of the Downtown Church of Christ. Does this not suggest that the students at Searcy will have no trouble attending the church of their choice?

Where were they July 12, 1978, when the Nashville Tennessean reported that Dr. Ira North, was co-chairman of Nashville’s Century III steering committee? Is it any wonder some preachers, elders and church members can no longer distinguish true Christianity, when the preacher from Madison, the former Editor of the Advocate, joined with Jews, Catholics, Episcopals, Baptists, Methodists and Nazarenes to study the establishment of an inter-faith institute for Nashville?

4. Our concerned brethren further tell us that they are alarmed by the inroads that worldliness and immorality have made into the churches. We suggest their alarm is terribly belated. With three decades of soft preaching it was inevitable that the church would lose respect for the authority of God’s word. With three decades of practically no church discipline it was inevitable that church members would soon come to understand that they could live any way they pleased and still continue to be in full fellowship in the institutional churches. It is obvious that great masses of these people in churches across the country will continue to get unscriptural divorces, enter into unscriptural marriages, drink, dance, gamble, dress immodestly and live generally as the people of the world live.

5. And then these alarmed brethren make the most unbelievable cry of all. They just can’t understand the typical emphasis on recreation and entertainment. They can’t understand the emphasis on solving the social ills of society. They can’t understand why elders, preachers and churches have allowed recreation, entertainment and social programs to supplant the God-given work of meeting the spiritual needs of those both within and without the body of Christ.

Hogwash! That is surely as hypocritical a charge as you will ever see in print. I would judge that 99 percent of those who signed their names to the article, presently preach for congregations that are engaged in recreational activities and promote or finance social programs. There is not a man among them that will raise his voice against church support of man-made institutions to care for unwed mothers, dependent children or old folks. Few if any have ever opposed the pitch-ins, the luncheons and dinner on the grounds. I dare say most of them preach in buildings that have facilities in which to cook and eat. A large per cent preach presently for churches where they employ a youth minister to cater to the young people’s recreational and social wants. Who do they think they are fooling?

Where were these brethren back in 1963, when the Smithlawn church of Lubbock, along “with several other area churches” began to turn to the social gospel so prevalent in denominational churches? Look at these statements from the December 15th, edition of the Avalanche-Journal. “The Smithlawn Church of Christ . . . is providing the principal support for the service center.” “Our aim is to get the church more directly involved in the purpose of helping and working with people.” “Family counseling services, aid to the downtrodden and help for juvenile delinquents and teenagers with problems, a home for unwed mothers and other social services will be directed through the Main St. Service Center. ” “A soup kitchen will be operated when needed.” The head of their welfare committee said, “It is our feeling that by being of direct service to people who need help, the church is fulfilling its true mission.”

Over the last twenty-five years I have collected (and still have in my possession) countless church bulletins and other accounts of churches of Christ all across America engaged in fish fries, chili suppers, teachers banquets, pitch-in suppers, homecoming dinners, Halloween parties, fellowship dinners, men’s luncheons, church festivals, church open golf tournaments, Hawaiian parties, newcomers parties, Hootenannies, salad suppers, fellowship breakfasts, weekly skating parties, pot-luck business meetings and spaghetti suppers, just to name a few. And now commercial ventures such as Opry Land in Nashville, Tennessee, realize they can profit from this church of Christ entertainment craze by providing a special “Church of Christ Day” at their amusement park. Isn’t it interesting that even people in the business world have known what was going on in churches, but these poor distressed brethren have just now decided they have a problem?

The truth of the matter is this. These wailing brethren would like to be just a little liberal. But now they can see that the whole institutional church is about to be lost in worldliness, the social gospel, and denominationalism.

The truth of the matter is this. Elders, preachers and all Christians will either respect the authority of the Scriptures and remain true and faithful to God or they will be self-willed, turn to their own pleasure and after a few generations drift into complete apostasy.

These Johnny come lately, pseudo defenders of the faith nail their own hides to the wall in their closing statement. Listen as they piously declare, “Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”

Over the past 25 years many of these men have violated the truth by both falsehood and silence, and now they wonder why their brotherhood does not take them seriously when they warn of apostasy.

Woe be to the Shepherds of Israel!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, pp. 103-104
February 19, 1987

By Irvin Himmel

Frankness Finds Favor

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue (Prov. 28:23).

Although there are people who do not care what others think about them, most of us desire the esteem and good will of our acquaintances. Our words and actions toward others reflect our inclination to find favor with them.

On the surface it seems that rebuking someone is not the way to gain his respect and admiration, but frankness finds more favor then flattery.

Rebuke

The Hebrew word for “rebuke” (yakach) in this proverb means to decide, judge, reprove, or correct. We rebuke a person when we take him to task or reprimand him.

(1) Rebuking requires courage. It is much easier to brag on someone than to tell him that he wrong. When God charged Nathan the prophet to go to David and convict him of the sin of adultery, it took boldness on Nathan’s part to fulfill the assignment (2 Sam. 12). David was the king of Israel. He had great power. Already he had arranged to dispose of Uriah the Hittite. If he became angry toward Nathan, the prophet might be imprisoned or put to death. Nathan courageously went to David and pointed out his sinfulness.

(2) Rebuking may be painful. Possibly there are some who relish telling another his faults, but a conscientious person, keenly aware of his own shortcomings, finds no pleasure in confronting another about his transgressions. “Nothing is more irritating or hardening than to be rebuked by one who evidently enjoys his office. But if the one who points out our fault is evidently deeply pained himself, we must be very obdurate if we are insensible to such an appeal. The wayward child is conquered, not by the rod in his mother’s hand, but by the tears in her eyes” (E. Hurndall).

(3) Rebuking shows love. Paul found it painful to rebuke his brethren but love compelled him. He expressed his feelings this way: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (2 Cor. 2:4).

(4) Rebuking is commanded. God told the Israelites, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him” (Lev. 19:17). The command to rebuke one who sins was to avoid developing hatred toward him and to avoid complicity in his sin. Jesus taught that if a brother trespasses against thee, “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone” (Matt. 18:15). Again, Jesus commanded, “if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Lk. 17:3).

(5) A rebuke is a call to repentance. The aim in castigating someone is to produce godly sorrow which in turn brings about repentance. The design of a rebuke is not punishment. Read Paul’s remarks in 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 on this point.

(6) A rebuke may cause temporary displeasure. The one who is reproved may not like his medicine. He may get angry and attempt to justify his misconduct.

Favor Afterwards

In the long run rebuke is more likely to bring admiration and respect than displeasure. “We are so prone to self-love, and pride, that the most prudent, and needful rebukes are apt to create transient displeasure. Yet upon reflection most men will have a better opinion of a faithful reprover, than of a soothing flatterer, and will show him more favor” (T. Scott).

When the rebuked person comes to his senses, his heart will be grateful toward the individual who pointed out his fault and convicted him of his sin.

Failure of Flattery

As Proverbs 26:28 states it, “a flattering mouth worketh ruin. ” How many people do you know who have been brought to repentance through flattery? The real friend is not the flatterer but one who rebukes in the spirit of love.

“He who gives us kisses when he ought to give us reproof, or who holds back deserved rebuke from cowardice, is more cruel than if he withheld from us an indispensable medicine simply because it had a bitter taste. And if a wound is to be probed it is surely better for the patient that it should be done by a skillful and tender hand than by one who has no sympathy with us and no acquaintance with our inner life” (W. Harris).

Firm, frank, and kind rebuke finds more favor than flattery will ever produce.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, p. 108
February 19, 1987

By Jady W. Copeland

In our previous article, We noted that it is possible for a child of God to lose his faith, and hence quit walking with (being in harmony with) God. Also we saw what a tragedy it is to lose fellowship with God, as well as losing fellowship with the brethren to say nothing about losing our potential for good and the hope of eternal life. To say that losing our faith and hence our hope is a tragedy is surely an understatement. Furthermore we saw the symptoms of falling. In this article we want to look at some causes of falling away, how it can be prevented, and finally how to restore the erring.

Causes

Underneath all “causes” is Satan. The devil aims at our weak points, and has no hesitation in using any means possible to cause one to leave the fellowship of God. Let us illustrate. Suppose a football coach realizes that the left tackle of the opposing team has been injured and is not in the game. His substitute is a very weak one with no experience. Does the coach say, “We will be easy on the opposition, so we won’t run the plays over that young man”? No, indeed, but he takes that opportunity to find a weak spot in the opposition’s defense and takes advantage of it. So Satan finds a “weak spot” in our defense; he comes right at us in that area. It is Satan that wants us to fall, and is always looking for ways to cause it (1 Pet. 5:8).

Companionship, One of the greatest causes for falling is evil companionship. Paul said, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals'” (1 Cor. 15:33, NAS). Macknight says in his commentary, “Shun the company of the wicked, that ye be not deceived by their false reasonings. Profane discourses and vicious examples corrupt even those who are virtuously disposed” (James Macknight, Macknight on the Epistles, Vol. 2, p. 27 1). Solomon found out that even family members can have an evil influence on one, as his wives turned his heart from God to idols (1 Kgs. 11:1-4). It is a common experience for a mother or father to come to a preacher, elder or friend writhing in pain over a wayward child and saying, “He got into the wrong crowd.” While it is true that the parent should have thought of such earlier in the life of the child, still it is not to be denied that companionship did play a major role in the loss of the boy or girl.

Weakness Toward Pleasures. Another major cause of falling is our vulnerability to pleasures in life. Americans have become so accustomed to plenty that we are unwilling to make any sacrifices, and this applies to the Christian as well as any other. Satan strikes at the heart of our weak points, knowing that the Christian is not willing to give up his “soft” way of life. We have more money, more leisure time and more opportunities for “fun, frolic and fantasies” than ever before. And since many have become accustomed to such a life style before conversion, it is difficult to give it up. John says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). It is becoming more and more difficult to schedule a gospel meeting when people are not busy with the things of the world – not meaning necessarily immoral activities, but worldly things that crowd out the spiritual life that should take first place in the life of every child of God. In the parable of the soils Jesus explains, “And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when -tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt. 13:20-22). Are we becoming too busy with the pleasures and the cares of the world to be Christians? Along with this, we must put the material things of life as a major cause of falling. Riches are deceitful, as this passage teaches, and can and do lead many astray.,Money promises much, and delivers little in the way of happiness and contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Inability to Withstand Persecution. As noted in the parable above, some fall away because they cannot handle persecution. The Lord’s, way is not the most popular way in life’ so when pressures mount from friends, relatives and fellow-workers, they yield to such and become unfaithful. Persecutions do not usually come from physical danger, but from pressures on one’s social or family life. Having been accustomed to the ways of the world, the Christian finds himself pressured into turning back to the ways of Satan because of the social pressure placed on him for living for Christ. There are some who simply cannot bring themselves to make the sacrifice necessary to live the Christian life. They decide the “hard sayings” of Jesus are simply too much to handle and their faith fails them (Jn. 6:66-68).

Prevention

In the area of prevention of falling, Christians must be careful to help one another. Some become discouraged because, being weak in faith, they think the elders or other Christians simply don’t hold up their hands and offer help while they are growing. Perhaps they have expected too much, but still the young Christian needs all the encouragement he can get from those who are stronger. The spiritually-minded must realize that they once were where the weak person is, and therefore offer his help, encouragement and advice to hold up the hands of those who need help. In Romans 14 we have the attitude of the strong toward the weak, and we must never forget that we once stood where they now are. Perhaps we have not taken seriously enough Paul’s admonition in Romans 14:15, “For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died.” I often hear caustic remarks to a weak brother by one who has been in the church a long time. They talk to the newborn babe as if he should know everything. We seem to be more patient with the weak brother than with the older Christian who should know better. “Rebuke” is often necessary, but often (especially with the new Christian) exhortation, teaching and love is what the new Christian needs. After all he may not have been “raised in the church.”

Brotherly love is very important in the prevention of one’s falling away from Christ. “Let love of the brethren continue. . . ” (Heb. 13:1). “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another. . . ” (Rom. 12:10). Since serving as an elder for some years, I find that too many brethren say, “That’s the elders’ work” when it comes to helping a weak brother. Sure, it is the elder’s work, but Galatians 6:1 was not spoken exclusively to elders. When did brethren get the idea that the only one who could lift up a weak brother’s hand is the elder? It is often a “cop-out.” They simply don’t want to talk to the brother, or are fearful of doing so. I am afraid many have been lost to the Lord, because we are “too busy” to encourage one weak in faith. In our group here, we have asked on several occasions that the congregation go to speak to erring brethren about their life. Only a very few do so. “That’s elder’s business. ” Often a good friend can do more than an elder in such matters. Many a Christian who is “falling” could be helped if we would “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. . . ” (Heb. 10:24).

I am not saying the weak brother doesn’t have a responsibility. Surely he needs to pray more, read the Scriptures more and exercise himself unto godliness more. He must realize his eternal destiny is at stake. He must realize the Lord said to him, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). He must realize a constant search for truth is very important for as Peter also said, “As newborn babes long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2). He must realize that prevention of sin in his life necessitates the “hiding” of the word in his heart (Psa. 119:11). Also the Psalmist said in that same connection (v. 35), “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” In fact it would do well for the Christian who finds himself losing faith to read the entire 119th Psalm and note the many advantages to the knowledge of and the Application of the word of God.

Awareness is so very important to the Christian. If we are always aware of the possibility of falling and becoming an apostate, surely we will watch for pitfalls. The Hebrew writer said, “Take heed brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called Today; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12-13). A great advantage in regular attendance with the saints is the encouragement we get from other saints. While no one is going to be responsible for us in judgment, surely we can “reprove, rebuke and exhort” one another to love and good works. As we so often say, “We need all the help we can get” from God as well as the saints.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, pp. 110-111
February 19, 1987