Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Have you ever seen a fire burn uncontrolled? It destroys everything in its path. Yet, when controlled, fire can heat a house, power an automobile down a highway, send a rocket to outer space, and many other good things.

A man’s temper is like that. A temper that is uncontrolled can destroy and hurt those around it. When controlled and disciplined, the temper of man enables him to do some of his best work. The proverbs emphasize the need for control over one’s spirit.

What An Uncontrolled Temper Does

The proverbs repeatedly discuss the dangers of having an uncontrolled temper. Consider the following facts about an undisciplined temper:

1. It acts foolishly (Prov. 14:17,29; 29:20; Eccl. 7:9). “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly . . . he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Those who lose control of their temper do many foolish things, such as kicking a car.

2. It abounds in transgression (Prov. 29:22). “. . . A furious man aboundeth in transgression.” James said that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:20). Paul warned, “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Eph. 4:26). Here are some sins frequently committed while angry:

Cursing

Abusive speech

Murder

Character assassination

False Witnessing

Fighting

Revenge

Hatred

Slander

Clamor

Simeon and Levi murdered a man in their anger (Gen. 49:6). Saul attempted to slay David when his envy gave place to anger. David was ready to slay Nabal in his anger (1 Sam. 25). Ahasuerus deposed his wife as queen of Persia in his anger (Esth. 1:12). These examples confirm that when a man is angry, he frequently falls into sin.

3. It stirs up strife (Prov. 10:12; 15:18; 29:22). “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife” (Prov. 15:18). An angry man is looking for a fight and generally finds one, not necessarily with the one at whom his anger should be directed.

4. It is outrageous (Prov. 27:4). “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous. . . ” The NASB reads “anger is a flood.” Like the flash floods of the mountains destroy everything in their paths, uncontrolled anger attacks everything in its path.

5. Is sometimes related to pride. Proverbs 21:24 describes “proud wrath.” Much anger is related to an individual’s pride. In an effort to save face, an insulted person may start a fight or otherwise defend his territory.

6. It leaves an individual exposed to the devil. “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Prov. 25:28). In ancient time’ a city without walls was unprotected and vulnerable to attack. An angry man is vulnerable to Satan’s assaults against his soul, as is evident from a consideration of the sins committed in anger (#2).

7. It is a work of theflesh. The word “wrath” (thumos) describes hot anger. William Barclay wrote this description of this kind of anger:

Thumos, the Greeks said, was like fire in straw, quickly blazing up and just as quickly burning itself out. . . . Many a person is well aware that he has a violent temper; and many a person claims that he cannot help it, and expects others to accept and to forgive his bursts of passion. The NT is quite clear that such displays of temper are sinful manifestations that a man is still in the grip of his own lower nature. It may well be that such a person is never fully aware of the way in which he wounds others and produces a situation in which fellowship becomes very difficult. Because he blazes and forgets he thinks that others should equally be able to forget the pain he has inflicted. Let such a person remember that such displays of temper are sin, and that the way to overcome them is through the power of the Spirit in his heart (Flesh and Spirit, pp. 52-53).

In Ephesians 4:3 1, Paul forbade “wrath, and anger, and clamour (yelling, shouting)” as things characteristic of the old man of sin.

8. It disqualifies a man from being an elder. ” An elder must not be “soon angry” (Tit. 1:7) and “not a brawler” (1 Tim. 3:3). A man with an undisciplined spirit who becomes angry at the drop of a hat and is ready to fight cannot serve as God’s elder.

The Results of Uncontrolled Temper

What will happen to the person who never learns to control his temper? In his anger, he will inflict pain and injury on those around him. Friendships and relationships with others will be permanently injured. This will force him into isolation and the consequent loneliness. He will become more involved in sin because godly people will not put themselves in jeopardy of being victimized by his wrath by rebuking him (Prov. 9:7-8). Indeed, the wise man said that godly people will not make friends of the man who has an uncontrolled temper (Prov. 22:24-25).

How Controlled Anger Acts

Anger is not sinful! Jesus, who lived without sin, was angry (Mk. 3:5). Many Bible passages refer to God’s anger and wrath (cf. Num. 11:1, 10; 12:9; consult a concordance). We see that anger is not inherently sinful. We can learn how our anger should be by looking at God’s anger. Compare God’s anger with sinful anger:

God’s Anger	Man’s Anger
Controlled, with purpose	Uncontrolled, without purpose
Not with hatred, malice and resentment	With hatred, malice and resentment
Not selfish	Selfish
As an expression of concern	As an expression of indignation
To correct or curtail destructive behavior	To destroy the individual
As an expression of care	As an expression of revenge
Not to break relationships	To break relationships, to hurt
At injustice	At violations of self
At willful disobedience	At those who cross me
From Tim LaHaye, Anger Is A Choice, p. 105

“Wherein lies the antiseptic which turns the strong poision of anger into a useful medicine? The broad answer is simply this – anger which is selfish, and which comes from pride, and undue sensitiveness to one’s own feelings is always and invariably wrong; anger for the sake of others, anger which is cleansed of self, can often be a weapon to be used by God” (William Barclay, Flesh and Spirit, p. 53).

This kind of anger shows great understanding (Prov. 14:29; 19:11; Jas. 1:20), appeases strife (Prov. 15:18), and prevents further problems (Prov. 25:8).

The Value of A Man With Controlled Temper

The man who has learned self-control is valuable. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Prov. 16:32). We tend to exalt national military heroes. To show their regard for David, the Israelites sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7). Yet, the man who has conquered his own spirit is greater than he who captures a city. Indeed, the former may be a greater battle than the latter.

Conclusion

Some of us have been raised in environments where little effort was made to control the temper. Consequently, we have learned to use abusive speech (cursing, yelling, etc.) in the heat of anger. Sometimes a man becomes so violent in his anger that he will kill his fellowman. These have learned to express their anger but not in an acceptable manner.

Others of us have been raised in environments in which anger is so suppressed that we learn to be men without backbones, compromising and yielding in order to avoid someone’s wrath and conflict. This kind of character needs to develop his temper, learning to express his anger.

This disciplining of one’s soul is not easy. Let us study the example of Jesus and learn the proper manner to handle anger in order that we not leave ourselves open to the temptations of the devil.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 21, pp. 642, 660
November 6, 1986

By Jimmy Tuten

Introduction:

A. Man has no more exalted privilege or awesome responsibility than the worship of almighty God. A failure to grasp this truth plunged the likes of Cain (Gen. 4), Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10) and King Saul (1 Sam. 13) into terrible calamities. Our Lord chastised His contemporaries for their vain worship, because they followed man’s teaching instead of God’s.

B. Worshipers of God must worship Him in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24). Some Christians do not enjoy worshiping God because they mistake its purpose.

1. Our materialistic society is most often the contributor to the neglect of spirituality.

2. It is not generally popular to attend all the services where worship to God is expressed. This is manifested by the great difference in attendance at the Sunday morning services and the others conducted during the week.

C. Worship is to serve or do homage, to do reverence and involved in it is a feeling of awe. Religion is to be the involvement of a personal relation between an individual and God wherein one does God’s commandments in order to establish the proper relation with Him. Attendance at services is for the purpose of pleasing God!

I. What are some of the objections to not attending services?

A. “I can find better things to do elsewhere. ” This shows a misconception of worship. One should go to services to praise God, not to be entertained. On the first day of the week disciples meet to commemorate Jesus’ death (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-27) and to be with those of like mind who offer services and devotion to Jehovah.

1. The Church is God’s creation and is His temple. It is not a human creation. It is only with the saints that one is to assemble to worship and such is not to be neglected (Heb. 10:25). In this you encourage each other.

2. Finding better things to do elsewhere is a display of misunderstanding of the church and the purpose of the assembly.

2 Timothy 2:4 – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. “

B. “The assembly is basically a social gathering, so my presence is optional. ” This position views the church as being of human origin where worship in it can be ignored, if one so chooses. But the church is the body of God’s chosen people and since He expects of them devotion and service, one should not feel that the worship can be ignored.

C. “I don’t attend because there are hypocrites that attend. ” This is erroneous because one is measuring the divine standard in terms of wayward men, and not wayward men in terms of the divine standard. Men may be wicked through hypocrisy, but that should be no reason for our becoming wicked too. What is the difference between a hypocritical man and a person who hides behind him (using him for an excuse to neglect one’s duty)? Will God excuse either? Our goal should be to please God and avoid hell where unquestionably all hypocrites will be.

D. “I don’t get anything from services. ” The preacher is often compared to worldly entertainers. We are not pleased, so we go elsewhere. But is it not what one gets, but what one gives. Worship is something that one does, not gets. One gets out of it what one puts into it. With this view one can never have the fruit of genuine religion. There must be a change of viewpoint. The service must be given before the fruit is forthcoming (cf. Heb. 13:15).

E. “Those assembling are not friendly, their attitude is not right and the singing is not good. ” Such expresses a carnal mind that should be more concerned with pleasing God. Worship is man’s expression of love, devotion and service to God. If this is not one’s goal then there will be disappointment.

1. We are not the audience, God is. . . We come together to give our praise, money, etc. because we love him.

2. Failure to understand this turns those in the pew into hyper-critics of song leaders, preachers, etc. God hears and observes the hearer as much as the preacher, song leader, etc. He cares as much for the singer in the pew as he does the one leading singing.

II. Why attend services?

A. This question is often asked by those. seeking to sooth one’s own conscience by putting the other person underfire (i.e., put one on the defense). A truly pious person will not ask such questions because he wants to express his praise and thanks to God.

B. Why attend all services?

1. To commune with God. The very nature of worship demands an expression that involves a personal relationship (Jn. 4:24; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 6:17-18).

2. To express the feeling of our souls. The book of Psalms shows the proper disposition (Psa. 122: 1; 26:6-8; 65:4; 95:6-7; cf. Heb. 10: 19ff).

3. To praise God (Heb. 13:15). If one is cheerful he can praise God; if one is suffering he can pray to God, etc. (Jas. 5:13; Phil. 4:6).

4. Because God teaches us to worship (Matt. 18:20). No person who truly wants to be with the Lord will miss when conditions are under his control (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25).

III. Conclusion

A. One can see that worship is to “press spirituality – not arouse it.

B. When we esteem, serve or bow down to God, our spirit will be stimulated and love for God will be intensified. These are natural by-products that flow from true worship. (They are not the purpose for which we worship.)

C. Hence: the more often that one communes with God, the more spiritual he or she will be in life.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 626-627
October 16, 1986

By Irven Lee

When the sower went out to sow his seed, some seed fell upon a rock, and as soon as it sprang up it withered away because it lacked moisture. These on the stony ground had not much earth. They sprang up immediately, but when the sun was up they were scorched. This is a picture of people who for a while believe and in time of temptation fall away. The parable of the sower with the Lord’s explanation is found in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8.

There are many joys that come to the gospel preacher and other faithful workers, but there are some disappointments. It is very pleasant to see people obey the gospel, but it hurts to see those who are baptized give up and ignore the church which our Lord purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). He evidently considers the church to be important or He would not have purchased it at such a price.

Christians are taught to do certain things while together. (Read Acts 20:7; Eph. 5:19; Acts 2:42.) We should not be guilty of willful sin by forsaking the assembling (Heb. 10:25-31). The one who is absent does not exert the good influence on others that he is capable of rendering, and he is not protected by the example and teachings of others. The early disciples at Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.” It is evident that they were to be steadfast in these things, and that their faith and love were such that they were glad to worship together. (See Acts 2:46,47.) 1 wish that all that I baptize would show such zeal and concern for the church.

Some may not have been properly taught. The apostles were asked to teach and baptize and then continue to teach men to observe all things taught by the Lord (Matt. 28:18-20). The edifying is important (Eph. 4:11-16). There is to be the watering as well as the planting (1 Cor. 3:1-8). Even in the matter of helping the babes in Christ, they need to desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow (1 Pet. 2:2). It is not easy to feed one who is not hungry (Matt. 5:6).

Parents who do not attend worship are not likely to teach their children the wonderful words of life at home. The failure to teach and the negative example will likely lead the children into ignorance of the Bible and indifference toward the church. It could be very different if the parents had unfeigned faith as did Eunice and Lois. (Read 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14,15.) Think of the position of parents who turn their own children into the broad way to destruction by their own lukewarmness. The word makes it very clear that they are to train the child in the way he should go. (See Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:14.)

In the parable of the sower some seed fell among thorns and produced no fruit because they were choked. The Lord mentioned cares, riches, and pleasures as thorns. People in this class become too busy in trivial things to have time to do the very important things. They do not have time to teach their children or neighbors because they are watching TV or earning extra money to satisfy some fancy. If we could arrange our priorities we could have some pleasure, meet our responsibilities to the family, and earn enough to provide proper things for their needs. We are to seek the kingdom of God above things in this life, but our riches and pleasures must not choke out our spiritual growth.

It is the will of God that the gospel be preached to every creature since God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. He knows that all will not receive the word into honest and good hearts, but we cannot be sure who will until proper effort has been made to reach the lost, but we are not to condemn ourselves too severely if we fail. Failure may come because of a lack of effort on the part of the teacher, but it may also come because of the condition of those to be taught. If one’s ears and eyes are closed he cannot be taught. He cannot be taught against his will.

If there are one hundred fifty members of the church in a given community there will likely be fifteen or more who never attend, with as many others who are not regular at all. These figures are not accurate, but they are used to suggest the seriousness of this tendency to drop out of the work.

There may be another fifteen in such a community who were carried to worship as babies but were never baptized and

who never attend now that they are adults.

Some members of the church marry companions who will not encourage their steadfastness nor help in training children to be Christians. It is not easy to walk the narrow way alone, nor to bring up the children in the nurture and admonishment of the Lord without the help of the marriage companion. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me smttereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). It is good if young Christians consider these things before they marry.

If efforts are made again and again, some of these dropouts might be reached, or their children might be encouraged to come into the family of God. Each soul is precious in the sight of God. Let each faithful Christian remember that much of the effective teaching is done privately, so many should teach publicly and privately in the effort to reach as many as possible before it is too late. If one is reached, this often leads to the saving of others.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 621, 633
October 16, 1986

By Raymond E. Harris

One of the clearest lessons taught in the New Testament is that of individual responsibility to know and obey God’s word. Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them did not have the knowledge of God. And, he said, “I speak this to your shame” (1 Cor. 15:34).

Recently I read that the Bible is the best selling unread book in the world. What a shame! Most everyone wants to own a Bible, but it seems few really read and study God’s word.

Often, when a question comes up that has to do with the Bible, folks are too lazy to study, so they just ask their preacher for the answer. That may, or may not be a good idea. It is proper and right that people should listen to preachers and give them a respectful hearing. However, no one’s responsibility ends there. No one can please God by blindly following a preacher.

Remember that preachers are human. Today preachers are all uninspired. All any of them really knows of truth is what they have learned from the Scriptures.

Also, we must remember that preachers differ greatly in their interpretation of the Bible. Hence, there are over 300 major religious groups in America. All the preachers may be wrong on a particular passage. But, with all the division, it is obvious they cannot all be tight.

On judgment day, it will do no good to say, “We did as the preacher said.” The creed book, the preacher or even the college theology professor will not be our judge. Rather Jesus said, “The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). And in Matthew 7:24-27,, the Lord explained that those that heard and did His word would be numbered among the wise. Truly, Jesus is the author of eternal salvation unto “all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9).

If a preacher is what he ought to be, he will be happy to have people ask him questions which “pertain unto fife and godliness.” Such a preacher will do his best to give them a “thus saith the Lord” relative to their question. Anyone who professes to be a preacher and who publicly proclaims the Scriptures is obliged to do his best to assist those who seek his help to understand the word.

We would like to suggest a few questions for your preacher. The proper answer to these questions are vital to the eternal welfare of your soul!

1. How many churches did the Lord promise to build? Consider the following Scriptures (1) Matthew 16:18 ” . .. I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”‘ (2) Acts 2:47: “. . The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (3) Ephesians 5:23: “. . . Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (4) 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.” (5) Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body. . .”

The March 1980 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine listed 1,200 religious groups in America! Obviously about all of them are man-made. If the Lord started and intends to save more than one church, ask your preacher where in the New Testament you can read about it. I can read where Christ said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18). Where is the church you attend mentioned in the Scriptures?

2. Where can you find the name of your church in the Bible? Look at these verses: (1) 1 Corinthians 1:2: “unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus.” (2) Acts 20:28: ” … feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (3) Romans 16:16: “The churches of Christ salute you. ‘I If the name of the church where your preacher preaches is in the Bible, he will surely know where to find it. If it is not in God’s word you need to know! You wouldn’t want to be a part of a man-made church not even mentioned in the Holy Scriptures! Ask your preacher to show you the verse.

3. Where does the Bible say sinners are saved by faith only? (1) In James 2:24, we read: “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (emph. mine, R.E.H.) (2) In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (3) In John 14:15, Christ said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (4) Hebrews 5:9: “He (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

In fact, a careful search of the Scriptures reveals that no one thing saves. Consider the following:

1 . God saves (1 Tim. 4:10).

2. Grace saves (Eph. 2:8).

3. Jesus saves (Matt. 1:21).

4. Blood of Jesus saves (Rom. 5:9):

5. The Gospel saves (Rom. 1:16).

6. God’s word saves (Acts 11:14).

7. Faith saves (Rom. 5:1).

8. Works save (James 2:14-26).

9. Repentance saves (Lk. 13:5; Acts 3:19).

10. Confession saves (Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32).

11. Baptism saves (Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).

12. We save ourselves (Acts 2:40; 1 Tim. 4:16).

13. Hope saves (Rom. 8:24).

14. Continued faithfulness saves (Rev. 2:10).

15. Preaching saves (1 Cor. 1:21).

If your preacher teaches that one is saved the moment he believes and accepts Christ as his Savior, ask him to explain the verses above. If your preacher teaches that one is saved by just humbly praying for God to forgive your sins, ask him to harmonize that with all the foregoing.

4. Where does the Bible make a Clergy-Laity distinction? In this day of specialists, far too many professed religious people seem to be saying: “I’m too busy for Bible study; I’ll leave the theology to the Theologians.”

At the same time we have a number of nationally known “media preachers” who are promoted as all wise and all knowing. They seem to revel in their popularity, notoriety and prestige. And, most of them flaunt some kind of title in front of their name, such as “Reverend,” “Father,” “Doctor,” etc.

It might be interesting to ask your preacher for a verse of Scripture authorizing such. Is it right to exalt one Christian above another? Where in the Bible does it speak of the clergy and the laity? If anyone knows where that verse is please, please let me hear from you!

I know the Apostles were called apostles. Evangelists were called evangelists. Bishops (elders) were called bishops. And, deacons were called deacons. But, what kind of a title did they wear? These were men with special works or services to perform; but, even they were not exalted as some men are today.

In Acts 10:25-26, when Cornelius met the apostle Peter, he “fell down at his feet, and worshiped him”; Peter took him up saying, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Then in Acts 14, when Paul and Barnabas preached and worked miracles in the city of Lystra, the people tried to worship them. Again, these men of God cried out, “We also are men of like passions with you.” They told the people they should not reverence them, but rather, “Turn from these vanities unto the living God.”

And in regard to titles we must always remember that Jesus said, “Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your master even Christ: and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:8-12).

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, pp. 622-623
October 16, 1986