Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the ,which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (Matt. 13:44-46).

Jesus taught these two parables to emphasize how men should treasure and value the kingdom of heaven. “The whole point of the parable is the joy with which the man finds the treasure, and his abandonment of everything else in order to secure it” (B.T.D. Smith, Cambridge Greek Testament: The Gospel According to Matthew, p. 141). There are several lessons in this parable which deserve our careful study.

The Gospel Is A Treasure

In both parables, the gospel of Jesus Christ or the kingdom of heaven is presented as a treasure or a pearl of great price. The riches of earth, the pleasures of life, and the praise of fellow men are not worthy to be compared with the blessings which God has prepared for man in the gospel. Many who have attained the riches of this earth, personal fame, and political power manifest a dissatisfaction down deep in their soul. The rainbows after which many seek cannot satisfy man’s deepest longings.

In contrast to the lesser treasures which most men seek, the Lord has provided a treasure for us in the gospel. The treasure was expensive from the point of view of the cost to provide it. God the Father had to give up His dear Son to suffer the agonies of death on Calvary. God the Son shed His precious blood in order that mankind could be redeemed from sin. As one considers the high price of the gospel, he is impressed that it is a treasure.

The gospel is a treasure when considered on the basis of what it does for its recipient. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides forgiveness of sin for mankind, a peace which passes all understanding, a guide to right living which provides for personal happiness now and eternal life when we die. The realization that there is purpose in life, the means of obtaining inner peace with one’s self, the hope for a bright tomorrow, the hope for justice to triumph, and other such human ideals can only find attainment through what God has provided for us in the gospel. Indeed, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a treasure, a pearl of great price.

The Discovery Of The Treasure And Pearl

The two parables have many points of similarity; however, they also have a significant difference with reference to how the two men found their respective treasures. The one man accidentally stumbled upon his treasure; the other man found the pearl after a long, arduous search for it. Let us consider the significance of each of these men.

1. The One Found The Treasure. The parable relates that a certain man found a treasure in a field. We do not know what he was doing in the field, whether plowing it for someone else, passing through it, or something else; that is unimportant. The point is that he accidentally discovered a treasure, recognized its value, and did everything necessary in order to obtain it.

There are men who find the Kingdom of heaven just as the man found the treasure in the field. They accidentally stumble onto the gospel. The woman at the well in John 4 did not go in search of eternal life; she stumbled onto it. The Philippian jailor was not looking for the gospel of Jesus Christ on the night when the earthquake freed his prisoners (Acts 16:26-34). There are many others who accidentally find the gospel. Some meet a friend who tells them about Jesus while on the job, some tune in a radio program, some pick up a tract, or otherwise happen to come in contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ without looking for it.

2. The One Who Found The Pearl. The man who found the pearl of great price was different from the man who found the treasure in that he was pursuing pearls. He found his pearl of great price at the end of a diligent search for valuable pearls. There are men who find the gospel in this manner as well. Lydia learned the gospel while assembled by the banks of a river in the worship of God (Acts 16:14-15). Cornelius was taught the gospel after diligently pursuing prayer, good works, and other acts of devotion to the Lord (Acts 10:1-2). The Bereans sought and searched diligently to be sure that the things which they were taught were so (Acts 17:11). These men were searching for the truth and recognized it when they found it.

There are men like that who find the gospel today. Some of them have wandered in and out of several denominations. Some of them put us to shame in the good deeds which they have done. In their searching for the truth, they come into contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ, recognize it for what it is, and give up everything necessary in order to obtain it.

The Effort To Obtain The Treasure And The Pearl

The parables are similar in demonstrating the effort which each man made to obtain his respective treasure. The two men in the parables are alike in two respects: they know a very valuable thing when they see it, and they are willing to pay the highest price in order to secure it. The attitude of both men was to make the discovered treasure their own at whatever price it cost them. Each sold all that he had in order to obtain his treasure. The man who discovered the treasure was beside himself with joy at having found the treasure. Neither man be-grudged what he had to give up to obtain his treasure. Each man thought that his treasure was worth more than the things which he gave up to obtain it.

In order to obtain the gospel treasure or the pearl of great price, men have had to be willing to pay the price. Moses gave up all of the riches, political power, and fame of Egypt in order to be identified with the Christ (Heb. 11:24-25). Paul had to give up his position in the Jewish religion in order to become a Christian (Phil. 3:4-11). The rich young ruler was called upon to sell all that he had and give it to the poor in order to be Christ’s disciple (Matt. 19:16-22). Some men have had to sacrifice their families in order to be faithful to Jesus (Lk. 14:26). Other men have had to sacrifice life itself for Christ (Acts 7:54-8: 1; Acts 12:1-3; Rev. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Yet, these men gave their lives joyfully because they valued the kingdom of heaven as being of more value than life itself.

“We are inclined to say that a person who discovers treasure anywhere or in any form and then walks away from it is a fool. But many do that with the gospel” (James Montgomery Boice, The Parables of Jesus, p. 32).

What we commonly find is that the kingdom of heaven is not so esteemed. We see men hesitating to part with anything for it, looking at it as a sad alternative, as a resort to which they must perhaps betake themselves when too old to enjoy life any longer, as what they have to come to when all the real joy and intensity of life are gone, but. not as that on which life itself can be spent. Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is looked upon much as entrance into the fortified town is viewed by the rural population. It may be necessary in time of danger, but they will think with longing of the fields and homesteads they must abandon; it is by constraint, not from love, that they make the change. In short, it is plain that men generally do not reckon the kingdom of heaven to be of such value that they sacrifice everything else for its sake (Marcus Dods, The Parables Of Our Lord, p. 104).

The fact remains that, in the minds of most people, the gospel is not worth nearly so much as the treasures of this life. Consequently, when they come into contact with the gospel, they have to be exhorted and beseeched to make them give up anything to obey the gospel. Churches are filled with “Christians” who are unwilling to weather three drops of rain to attend worship services, who would think nothing of missing an evening worship service to watch a ball game or attend a game, who never rind time to read their Bibles, and who pray very little on a day to day basis. The problem is that the gospel or the kingdom of heaven is not considered by them to be a treasure worth much of anything at all.

When sacrifices are made in order to “put Jesus first,” the sacrifices are made amidst groanings and complaints. What is sacrificed is done with a sour-puss attitude and disposition which is attractive to no one – not even to their own children who frequently grow up with this mistaken concept of Christianity and turn away from it, being repulsed by it. Christianity which makes a man miserable is not worth much to its owner.

Merchants who go from one end of the earth to the other, and venture everything in search of worldly gain, may well put to shame many Christians who care so little for the Lord, and their own salvation.

Conclusion

“The idea embodied in the parable is to this effect: the Messianic Kingdom, as being the most valuable of all possessions, can become ours only on condition that we are prepared joyfully to surrender for its sake every other earthly treasure” (H.A.W. Meyer, Critical and Exegetical Hand-Book To The Gospel Of Matthew, p. 262). To adorn the body with pearls, but to forget the pearl of great price will bring one to shame in the day of judgment. What is your disposition toward the kingdom of heaven? Do you truly consider it to be a treasure or pearl of great price for which you are willing to surrender everything else in the world?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, pp. 98, 114-115
February 16, 1984

By Larry Ray Hafley

Football teams succeed with a “balanced attack,” i.e., a coordinated combination of rushing and passing on offense and an equally strong defense against the run and the pass. This prime principle prevails in “the good fight of faith.” The Guardian of Truth endeavors to adhere to “a balanced attack.” We seek to maintain a level approach in the material printed and presented. This is not always easy. It requires editorial skill. But an editor’s artfulness is limited by the material he receives.

One Issue Paper

There is a time and place for a “one issue paper.” When a formidable foe looms, an imbalance may occur as resources and reinforcements are sent to repel the arsenal and assault of the enemy. Even a balanced football team may spend a whole quarter running the ball as the situation dictates, but it has the ability to pass as the conditions of the opponent adjust. So, for a time it may appear out of balance. The same is true with this paper. Circumstances may demand strong emphasis on one particular problem, but the overall balance is there, ready to parry and thrust at all the fierce and fiery darts of the wicked.

The apostle Paul wrote Galatians because the trend and tenor of the times called for it. Should we charge him with being a “one issue” writer since he fought for the faith as opposed to the law for justification? Nay, verily. Should we cite and indict him for being “personally defensive” due to the tone of 2 Corinthians? Paul was as even-handed as the conditions required – see the variety of 1 Corinthians, for example. Just so Guardian of Truth strives for a variety of teaching material, though certain fields may necessitate greater stress at specific moments (cf. Jude 3, 4).

“Preach The Word”

No preacher or publisher can improve upon the counsel of 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” All Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). These passages represent the purposes and ideals of the articles appearing in this magazine. Errors within and without the church must be examined and exercised.

(1) The nature, work, worship and organization of the church, so often perverted and so frequently the subverted symbols of apostasy, must be constantly considered.

(2) Heresies regarding the freedom of the gospel of grace and the bondage of the law, historically the fountain from which has gushed ignorance of the nature of saving faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, are concepts which cannot be ignored.

(3) Sects and factions, the result of the divisive spirit of partyism, breed on base pride and feed on embittered desire for vain glory. These attitudes must be exposed from without and expelled from within.

(4) Impurity and immorality, the children of the lusts of worldliness, “war against the soul,” and, as such, must be defied and denied by daily, personal buffeting (1 Cor. 9:27; Titus 2:12).

(5) The home and family unit, the bastion and bulwark of personal, social and civil growth and stability, is under incessant, insidious attack by the liberal forces of self-indulgence and ungodliness. The structure and discipline of the marriage relationship must be taught to the lisping child, the blushing bride, the nervous groom and unto all.

Summary and Conclusion

Balance has been stressed, but do not forget the term, “attack.” Be balanced, but attack! Christians are in a fight, a war, a wrestling match (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:12). Self-control, not wild, blind swinging, is needed. Fights and wars require calculating strategy, equanimity of spirit (2 Tim. 1:7). Let cranks and critics gripe and grumble; let them twitter in bitter railing accusations – sores must ooze their pus. Thus, be not distracted by foamy-mouthed madness; rather, press the attack with poise, not poison, with truth, not trifles.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, p. 97
February 16, 1984

By Carol R. Lumpkin

There are problems in many local churches of Christ which have been brought about over church discipline. This is true because brethren over the years have not been taught what the law of Christ is on discipline, or because some brethren just are not ready to accept the necessity of doing what is taught. When we allow the word of God to govern us in church discipline, all such problems can be removed.

God knew that there would be brethren who would not abide by His law; so He has given us rules to be applied in such cases. If all brethren would respect and obey God, the need for church discipline would be seldom needed. We now call to your attention occasions when church discipline was authorized in the New Testament.

Adulterers and Fornicators

The man who was married to his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1) was a fornicator. Paul did not instruct the church at Corinth to: (1) leave him alone, (2) continue to fellowship him, (3) set up a study with him, or (4) encourage him in this sin. Paul did say, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:4-5). These instructions are equally binding today.

False Teachers

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 12:17). “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness . . . . from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:3-5). “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject” (Tit. 3:10).

Brother Who Will Not Forgive Brother

When one brother shall trespass against his brother this should be corrected between the two and God (Matt. 18:15). When the above step fails then take one or two more brethren and try to solve the trespass (Matt. 18:16). Should this fail then the church becomes involved. “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” (Matt. 18:17).

Disorderly Brethren

“Now we command you,.brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thess. 3:6). To walk disorderly (out of rank) was to violate any of the teachings they had heard from Paul. Paul adds, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man (consider him as disobedient-crl), and have no company with him (lend no encouragement to him in his effor-crl), that he may be ashamed” (2 Thess. 3:14).

Brethren who forsake the assembly (Heb. 10:25) are disorderly, out of rank. Brethren, who leave God and the church to return to a life of sin are disorderly (2 Tim. 4: 10). Brethren, who will not work when able are disorderly (2 Thess. 3: 10). These are only a few examples of disorderly brethren from whom the church must withdraw.

These examples of church discipline are just as explicit as Acts 2:38 on the plan of salvation and Acts 20:7 on the day the Lord’s supper is to be observed. The church which does not practice discipline, where and when needed, is not doing God’s will.

Purpose Church Discipline Serves

1. To obey God (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6).

2. To keep the church pure (1 Cor. 5:7).

3. To save the erring brother (Jas. 5:19-20).

4. To have respect from the world (2 Pet. 2:2).

Since God authorizes that each church is to judge those within (1 Cor. 5:12); since the authority of Christ commands discipline (2 Thess. 3:6); since the law of Christ reveals who must be disciplined (above cited examples); since each local church should desire to be patterned after the word of God; then discipline is practiced by all churches which please God.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 85
February 2, 1984

By William C. Sexton

“I have long been convinced that, if a young person will give his job, though a humble one, the best that is in him, he will be trusted and promoted to better jobs. A strong desire to succeed, loyal and faithful service will still be rewarded” (W.W. Otey: The Tree of Life Lost and Regained, p. 60)

The above statement was written by an aged warrior, claiming a faith that is so lacking in many people today. Yet, it is a faith that should be re-established, manifested and acted upon for the good of individuals and society, too.

People are unwilling to shoulder the responsibility for their situation, lack of success, unhappiness, etc. So many have come to look for something for nothing. Various teachers have proclaimed the message that success is ours to demand rather than achieve! Such is unfortunate and harmful, to persons who could succeed and society in which we live.

Brother Otey’s declaration is issued while pointing to the success of Joseph in very adverse circumstances (Gen. 37:150:26). Wherever he was, Joseph conducted himself honorably, trusting in God! “God was with him, and delivered him out of his afflictions, and gave him, favor and wisdom . . . enabling him to achieve for himself, his people and Egypt” (Acts 7:816). God blessed him and those associated with him, even some who tried to corrupt him and destroy his life, they failed while he succeeded. His people and the Egyptian were blessed greatly through him, God directing his life and he submitting.

Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Lk. 16: 10).

Man needs to learn early in life that he is required to be “faithful,” loyal, honest and honorable I He who conducts himself so shall have real success, providing he is trusting in God’s directions. We do not claim, of course, that one will be as rich in material goods as all others! But we do claim, however, that he who will conduct himself honorably and honestly under God’s directions will experience real success, even in this life (Jas. 2:5; 1 Tim. 6:18-19; Matt. 6:19-21; Gal. 6:7-9). One is to earn his way, however (2 Thess. 3:8-10; 1 Thess. 5:11-12; Eph. 4:28).

It is easy in our day for one to develop the philosophy that those who have “riches” have gotten them unrighteously and “I really deserve to have some of what they have without working for and earning it.” Beloved, I know of no passages that so teach. Do you? If you do, bring it out and put it on display and let us all examine it. God’s word tells the child of God to work with his hands in that which is good, that he might have to supply one’s own needs and to assist those who are in real need.

The Bible also tells us to conduct ourselves humbly regardless of the position that we occupy – servant or master (Eph. 6:59; Col. 3:22-4:1).

We challenge each of us to learn from God’s book that we need not be victims of our environment! Let us not try to escape the responsibility for being honestly productive in the midst of a social milieu that is less than conductive to righteousness. Rather, let us have faith to do right, trusting in God’s ability to produce goodness even through imperfect creatures and in an evil society (Rom. 8:28). Let us demonstrate that we have faith in the principle of success, when the directions from God are followed!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 84
February 2, 1984