Truth Magazine

By Morris Hafley

I wish I had a dollar for every time I had heard or said that phrase. I think we all know what application is made of that statement. However, I think further application can also be made and it is concerning parents and not the children in school.

Parents, please do your homework! Do you know the joy it will bring you in years to come. Don’t be “ignorant” of the responsibility that is yours. The all-sufficient book has provided us the instruction. As a teacher to his student, the book of Proverbs informs us to tell our children to “hear (obey) the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chain about thy neck.” May our children’s heads and necks be abundantly adorned with these ornaments and chains. They can only be so if we as their parents will give them instruction. The Psalmist compares our children to arrows. Make certain the targets at which you aim your children are soberness, righteousness and godliness. They can only hit the target if we aim than in the proper direction.

Parents do not received an “F” on your report card; you guessed it, do your homework!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 23, p. 722
December 4, 1986

By Raymond E. Harris

The foregoing statement by the Apostle Paul is found in Galatians 5:17. It is a reminder that all of us live under law, in various realms, all the days of our lives.

(1) As children we must abide by the laws of our parents.

(2) As students we must abide by the laws of the school.

(3) As citizens we must abide by the laws of the land.

(4) As human-beings we must abide by the laws of God.

To be law-abiding is to live a peaceful and quiet life. To disobey law is to bring punishment upon ourselves that can range in severity from a paddling, to physical execution, to eternity in Hell!

In the strictest sense all disobedience is disobedience against God. The Scriptures tell us that it is God’s will that children obey their parents (Eph. 6:1) and that citizens are to obey the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1-2). Furthermore, God demands that all mankind live according to His commandments.

We need to understand that God is a loving God and that His commandments are for our own good. That in fact is the purpose of all law. Laws are enacted to promote the common good. Parents lay down the law for our own good. Schools must have rules and regulations to prevent accidents and chaos. Government at all levels must have laws to regulate society for the just benefit of all citizens. And, finally we need to realize that God knows man better than man knows himself. God’s laws are the laws of a loving Father who wishes only good for His creation. If you will consider the laws of God as found in the Bible, you will find that they are all there to promote love and respect toward God and our fellow man.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Also, when we consider the consequences of violating God’s laws, His commandments are “not grievous.”

No one can escape the restraints of law. From the cradle to the grave we find ourselves subject to the laws of parents, teachers, governments and Almighty God. At the same time the self-willed nature of man cries out to be totally unrestrained. However, when mankind is unrestrained, grief and disaster will follow. Jeremiah wrote, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (10:23). Hence, man left to his own desires, passions and lust cannot survive.

Adultery

In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul specifies actions and attitudes that will bring the downfall of all who engage in such. Verse 19 begins, “Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed . . . .” Then the list of evil, soul condemning practices unfolds. First on the list is adultery! Unfaithfulness in marriage has always stirred the wrath of God.

In Genesis 2:24, it is written, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife – and they shall be one flesh.” When God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews they were instructed, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and “thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife” (Ex. 20:14,17).

And then when Jesus appeared upon the scene He said, “. . whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication (unfaithfulness, unlawful sex, REH), causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery” (Matt. 5:32). Then in Matthew 19:3-12, the Lord dealt with the subject again. On that occasion He warned, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (v. 6). And in v. 9 He continued, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Note that the term “fornication” as used in Matthew 5 and 9 refers to all unlawful sex by either married or unmarried persons and would include homosexuality.

In Hebrews 13:4, it is written, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Truly man cannot do just anything and everything he might want to do! Adulterers will be condemned in the judgment. Paul wrote, “. . . they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).

Fornication and Homosexuality

In Galatians 5:19-21, “works of the flesh” which can cause one to be denied the inheritance from God are listed. The list is headed by acts of immorality such as adultery, fornication and homosexuality. America would do well to take heed! Suddenly we find our country has become a world leader in divorce which is a vain attempt to legalize adultery and fornication. We have an ever growing “Gay” community which is popularizing homosexuality to a degree that makes our country a powder-keg, potentially as doomed as Sodom and Gomorrah.

Idolatry and Witchcraft

But then in Galatians 5:20, Paul moves on to warn of yet another grievous evil. He lists two more works of the flesh as “Idolatry” and “Witchcraft.” Throughout the Old and New Testaments God denounced the folly of supposing that a man-made god could in any way bless or enlighten any one. Romans 1:21-25, 1 Corinthians 10:7, 14-,8:4, are but three of many New Testament passages forbidding the use of idols. Also we need to understand that turning to anyone or anything, other than Jehovah, for spiritual enlightenment or guidance is a form of idolatry. That would include, witchcraft, astrology, spiritualism and fortune tellers of every stripe. Anyone who becomes serious about horoscopes, palm readers, seances or Ouija boards, is practicing idolatry and cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. Paul’s warnings are clear and unmistakable. To dabble in the Occult or Mysticism will bring the wrath of God.

Attitudes

In Galatins 5:19-21 we notice a variety of evils that have to do with ugly and unacceptable attitudes and dispositions. God reveals that evil attitudes can be just as soul-corrupting as wicked acts. In Galatians 5:20 (NASV) Paul explains that enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions and envyings are attitudes that would bar one from inheriting the Kingdom of God.

These sins of attitude are often relegated to the realm of “Little Sins.” Often these attitudes are excused with a casual, “I’m only human.” Or, “you will have to excuse me and understand that, that’s just the way I am.”

Such self-righteousness and self-justification is unacceptable. The whole point of Christianity is self-control and selfdenial. Just as we are commanded to be moral and to worship the one true God, the Almighty expects us to develop a kind and loving nature. All of the aforementioned evil attitudes can be overcome if we will develop the “Divine Nature,” “walk after the spirit” and have “the mind of Christ.”

In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul wrote; “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

It is interesting that everyone insists that they want to be happy. Yet, it seems that most people never stop to realize that they can neither please God nor be happy so long as they are filled with anger, jealousy, envy and contentiousness. How awful to die and spend eternity in a Devil’s Hell just because we could not forgive, forget and live in peace with our fellow man.

Drunkenness and Revelry

In Galatians 5:21 Paul concludes his list of soul damning practices with, “drunkenness” and “revelings.” It is natural that these two words are used together. In Romans 13:13 we find the same. The KJV of the New Testament reads: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness.” The NASV renders the verse: “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness.

It is obvious from reading both secular history and the Old and New Testaments that throughout the centuries, the ancient world had nothing but contempt for a drunk. The ancients knew nothing of modern brewing techniques that greatly increase the alcohol content of wine, etc. Therefore, for a person to be drunk in Bible days, fie would have to consume considerable quantities of strong drink. The British scholar Barclay notes that the common practice was to dilute the wine with three parts water to two parts wine. Therefore, drunkenness, which produced temporary insanity, portrayed one who was to be held in contempt because he was gluttonous and totally without restraint. And, to this day, the results of drunkenness are the same. Acts of robbery, brutality and immorality are coupled with loss of employment, divorce, ill health, loss of self-respect and death. Woe be to those who indulge in strong drink!

Above we noted the Greek word komos is variously translated: “Revelings, riotous, and carousing.” Such activity would greatly contribute to the gluttonous drinking that produced drunkenness. Komos is defined as unrestrained and uncontrolled partying, dancing, brawling, drinking – debauchery!

Conclusion

Again we conclude with Paul’s warning, “They which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” It is truly amazing that so many trade their very souls for a drink that “biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (Prov. 23:32).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 24, pp. 744-745
December 18, 1986

By Bobby L. Graham

The Book of Ruth stands as a monumental reminder of the possibility of practicing goodness, even when most around us are doing evil. Set in the days of Israel’s judges (1:1) – a time when moral and spiritual degeneracy was the rule (Judg. 21:25) – the narrative depicts the contrasting virtues of moral uprightness, familial loyalty, and spiritual devotion.

During this checkered period of ancient history, a famine forced Naomi to go to Moab with her husband and two sons, where all of the males in the family died. Though she lost these loved ones, she gained the loyal attachment of two daughters-in-law from Moab, one of whom returned with her to Bethlehem. There Ruth attracted the attention of Boaz, a wealthy relation of her dead husband’s family, whom she ultimately married.

Woven into the fabric of this inspired narrative is the record of a simple, happy, godly life. Such life forever proclaims a forceful example and exhibits the benefits of life in which love for both God and man are mingled. Let us explore some of the virtues here depicted in the domestic life of this family.

Devotion to God

Ruth’s resolve to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem makes it clear that a godly influence had been an important part of their association. Read about the effect of such influence upon this Moabitess in Ruth 1:16,17. Study also Naomi’s prayer on behalf of the two daughters-in-law in 1:8,9. Such faith on the part of this godly mother-in-law, combined with her genuine concern shown in prayer to God, surely has an influence that abides in minds and lives for generations. We do not know the religious associations of Ruth in Moab, but it is reasonable to associate her with the influence of idolatry among the departed family of Lot.

After Boaz had begun to extend helpful kindness to Ruth and Naomi, Naomi prayed that God would bless Boaz and indicated that the kindnesses shown the two women were really a bestowal from God to “the living and the dead” (2:20).

Love of Family

Ruth’s kindness to Naomi after the death of Elimelech – coming to a strange land after leaving father and mother – were cited by Boaz as influences on his decision to treat Ruth in a similar fashion. He insisted that she eat at his table and glean in his fields (2:8-14).

Ruth and Naomi’s discussion of the day’s activities and Ruth’s willingness to receive counsel from her mother-inlaw provide cheerful glimpses into the loving life of this family. The filial piety, the loving constancy, and the human kindness in their dealings are today too often absent from family life (1:8, 16-18, 15-22). It is urgent that adults impress upon the younger ones their responsibilities to parents in later years. Such financial aid is good and acceptable in God’s sight and constitutes repayment, according to 1 Timothy 5:4. That natural affection that should be strong is frequently non-existent, as seen in the abortions taking place, older parents being neglected at home or in nursing homes, and parental abuse of children in various ways (Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3).

Liberality to the Poor

Permission to glean in the fields of Boaz was a part of God’s provision for the poor under the Mosaic economy. In addition to granting such permission, Boaz also instructed his workers to drop additional grain for the benefit of Ruth (2:14-17). Oppression of the poor was forbidden in Deuteronomy 24:14,15, and definite provisions were made for them in Deuteronomy 24:19-22.

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed” (Psa. 41:1-3). “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given” (Prov. 19:17). Both passages present principles that still operate today in a society of plenty.

Uncomplaining Toil

The younger Ruth went to the grain fields and worked without complaint. It is too often the case that many think themselves superior to manual work, viewing such as undignified. The God of our being dignified such work at the time when He assigned man his work. Ruth was not the kind of woman who would have stood in line at the welfare office. This is not to say that none should ever do so. The willing work of the virtuous woman, in Proverbs 3 1, for the benefit of her family and the poor, is a model deserving current study and effort.

True Chastity

All of Bethlehem’s residents knew Ruth to be a virtuous woman (3:11). Such a reputation had been earned through her circumspect conduct in relation to young men (3:10). Youthfulness was not then a justification for unwise actions like careless familiarity, nor should it be so used today. Ruth followed the advice of Naomi in conforming to the custom of her day and place as he proposed to her goel (near kinsman) in keeping with Levirate Law in Deuteronomy 25:5. The near kinsman bore the responsibility to redeem the dead relative’s inheritance and to raise up seed for him. This proposal is chronicled in 3:3-9.

The simple, yet stablizing virtues of this lesson must be instilled in the minds of us all, lest we forget them and disregard them. When we earnestly practice them, we shall speak “with double sway.” In the closing verses of the Book of Ruth, we learn that Naomi held in her arms an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David . . . Jesus; 4:16,17). How inconsistent it is for one claiming to be Jesus’ spiritual follower and joint heir to be unconcerned about such matters as these!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 23, pp. 714-715
December 4, 1986

By Larry Ray Hafley

“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

With the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, it appears that the church had a period of “rest.” The lack of persecution was not the reason for growth. The abatement and assuagement that came as the result of a lighter, temporary degree of opposition was not the cause of growth. The church has always shown an ability to thrive under intense assault. What, then, prompted the renewed vigor?

First, it was edified, built up. A church, like a body, begins to stagnate if it does not continue to receive nourishment. Churches are torn by personality conflicts, acrid bitterness, hatred and strife when they do not receive proper exercise in godliness. This growth is not an accident. It must be planned and purposed. Elders, watch for trouble, confusion and division if there are no efforts to increase the fruits of righteousness.

Second, they walked “in the fear of the Lord.” To serve God acceptably, we must act with “reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:28). There must be an awesome concept of the God we serve. We must know His might, power, purity, love, grace, truth, mercy and justice. We must be aware of our weakness, frailty, sin and hopelessness without Him. “How Great Thou Art” is not just a song. It is a reminder of the exalted majesty of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Where this attitude toward Him does not exist, man is crowned king and God is toppled from the throne of the heart. Failure is then made certain. Growth in grace is impossible.

Third, they walked “in the comfort of the Holy Ghost.” They were led by His word (cf. Rom. 15:4). The “fellowship of the spirit, ” the human spirit, is made possible by the word of the Spirit. Those who do not fear God do not walk in the truth and they are not comforted by the Spirit. The peace and comfort of the Spirit comes by walking in the truth with prayer and thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-9).

These three items are the key to growth. Without them there is discord and spiritual retardation. Let us follow the Divine formula for growth here and for heaven there.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 23, p. 715
December 4, 1986