Truth Magazine

By Dudley Ross Spears

It has always been true that to live right, one needs the courage to do so. Teenagers are confronted with the temptations that belong to their generation, regardless what the generation is. Sin has been with every generation of people to whom the reading of this article is possible or will be possible. The disguise of sin changes, but it remains the same. Bathtub gin of the roaring twenties is replaced by a toke from a joint of grass. But there is no difference in the fact of sin. Courage is still demanded to live right.

There was a young man named Daniel who was taken into captivity by the Babylonians with the rest of the Jews. This youngster was fortunate in that he was selected to serve in the king’s court. Daniel was especially bright and exceptionally physically endowed (Dan. 1:4). In order to properly cultivate the good looking young men of the court, the following order was issued by Nebuchadnezzar, the king: “And the king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah” (Dan. 1:5-6).

A three-year, full scholarship to be educated in every branch of wisdom, including the literature and language of the Chaldeans, would be highly prized by any youth of any generation. Daniel and his companions were granted such a scholarship and needed not to participate in any kind of athletic event. Being of the Jewish people, they immediately encountered problems. Eating the food of the king’s table and drinking his wine would defile these Jewish men. “Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank” (Dan. 1:8a). He begged permission from the commander of the officials to be excused from these things that would have defiled him. Daniel was granted such a favor, but it took courage for him to say, “No, I will not do that which will defile me.” He is an example for all of us of the courage that enables us to live right.

Daniel had some strong convictions about what he ate and what he drank. He could not, in good conscience, compromise his convictions and do that which would be contrary to the law of Jehovah. Daniel was convicted by the law of Moses that he should serve only one God. The law forbade the Jews to serve any other God (Exo. 20:3). Certain meats were forbidden to the Jews (Lev. 11:2-47). In eating at the table of the king of Babylon, Daniel would be put in a position of violating these ordinances. H.C. Leupold says, “All meals served at the king’s table were feasts in honor of the gods. That involved that a portion of the meat to be served would first be dedicated to some god in sacrifice. The eating of the remainder meant sharing in the sacrificial meal, which was, of course, in honor of the god to whom a portion had been sacrificed. To share in such a feast was the equivalent of honoring such an idol, admitting his claims and existence, and so practically denying the one true God. For that reason Daniel refused such contamination” (Exposition of Daniel, p. 66).

Three things seem to have been involved. (1) There was the heathen wisdom Daniel would acquire. (2) There was the wearing of a heathen name. (3) There was also the eating of heathen food. In Daniel’s reaction to these three things we learn something about convictions as well as tolerance. Names meant nothing to Daniel and did not involve him in a compromise of his convictions, so he accepted the name, “Belteshazzar.” That name could have meant, “the prince whom Bel favours” or it could have meant “Bel protect his life.” This “Bel” was the god of the Babylonians. It matters very little what it meant Daniel did not object to being called that, for it meant no change in his convictions.

The wisdom he accumulated from being educated by the heathens meant nothing to him spiritually. What he learned and how much he learned did not produce a change in his life at all. He remained a faithful, God-fearing young Jewish man, true to his commitment to Jehovah. There is nothing wrong in getting all the learning and wisdom possible. Solomon said, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel” (Prov. 1:5). As long as a youngster never forgets the basic teaching from the will of the Lord, education will pose no danger to the soul. Some people cannot handle a lot of education, though, and go off after many stupid philosophies and “the opposing arguments of what is falsely called, `knowledge”‘ (1 Tim. 6:20). Daniel is a good example of a man staying with his convictions even though he had probably the best education of anyone in the Bible.

The meat of the king’s table was a different matter. If he ate of it, he would have made a breach of the will of God. This he had to refuse to remain faithful to Jehovah. He politely said, “No, I cannot defile myself.” Sometimes it is really difficult for us to get out of situations like the one Daniel faced. We are tempted to make some sort of excuse that will not put us in a bad light with our friends. Or, perhaps we take delight in being as blunt as we can, often insulting someone who may offer us a drink of alcohol or ask us to do something contrary to our convictions. Do not get excited at me, friend, but by insulting a person who invites us to do something we feel would defile us will not provide us much of an opportunity or atmosphere to teach that person why we consider something to be sin. I think it is called “tact.” Paul says we should, “with gentleness correct those who are in opposition; if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:25). That will be good to remember the next time we are invited to participate in something wrong.

The young prophet Daniel stood firm and there is a very good reason for such a stand. The passage says, “Daniel made up his mind.” The literal translation of this is, “he set his heart upon not defiling himself.” This indicates that there was a very deep resolve in the heart of Daniel. Leupold says on this, “The Hebrew idiom describes what Daniel did as `laying upon his heart not to defile himself.’ There were no outward scruples. Daniel laid his resolve `upon his heart.’ We endeavor to catch the force of this idiom by rendering the verb be `solemnly resolved”‘ (Ibid., p. 67). Someone once said, “Resolution took its rise in the depths of the soul, like a river in the hills far away.” Anyone of us can stand firm like Daniel – if we have the depth of resolution that we will not sell ourselves cheap and become defiled. There is a German hymn that says, “Fest and treu wie Daniel,” which means “firm and true like Daniel.” I wish we had that song in English hymnals.

Like all men of all ages, we need convictions that are strong to meet the challenges we have every day we live. Convictions are also contageous – they breed strength in others. The resolve of Daniel seems to have strengthened the others with him. Who can know but that by having the courage to live right they may influence others to live right. The devil’s crowd knows the power of influence. They have their convictions and they influence people to do wrong. It is time that in our lives we have the courage to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). An intelligent stand for the truth, an uncompromising firmness of convictions and some good common courtesy brings admiration from the enemies of right living. When Daniel acted as he did and begged permission of the king’s representative to be allowed not to defile himself, the representative had respect for Daniel. Sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

No one can deny that living right is difficult. If it is not one thing, it is something else that lures us from a path of righteous living. No matter what it may be, we have the following promise, “The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job. 17:9). In a piece called, “Guesses at Truth,” I found the following line with which I close this article. “Few persons have courage enough to appear as good as they really are.” It means, dear friend, that courage will help us see that we can live right. May God bless us all with that courage.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 8, pp. 139-140
February 21, 1980

By Eugene Crawley

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psa. 19:7-14).

In this reading we learn, among other things, David’s attitude toward the word of the Lord, and his desire to be innocent of presumptuous sins. This attitude could well be repeated by many today, in the church as well as outside of it. Presumption is defined as “too great pride, hope, or confidence; also, something which is believed to be so, but not proved.” Thus, presumption is a sin, either way it might be taken, and actually becomes a matter of trying to help God.

Men in the Old Testament times were guilty of “helping God.” When God promised Abraham that He would bless him and his seed after him, Abraham had no child. This being true, and Sarah being barren, Abraham was not able to see how this promise would be kept. Therefore, he committed the sin of presumption by attempting to “help God” by taking Hagar, his wife’s handmaid, who bare him Ishmael (Gen. 16:1, 2). This was not only rebellion to God’s marriage law (Matt. 19:8), it was in ignorance of God’s true purpose, revealed in Gen. 17:1-19. This sin of presumption led to family grief, in addition to displeasing God.

When God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites because of their sins (1 Sam. 15:1-3), and he returned with Agag, the king, and the best of flocks, his was the sin of presumption. He was trying to “help God” by saving for sacrifice. This was direct rebellion against God’s order. Besides, He does not want such sacrifices. “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). For this, God rejected Saul from being king (1 Sam. 15:23).

Moses sought to “help God” by striking the rock, when God had commanded him simply to speak to the rock (Num. 20:8) in order to bring forth water for the Israelites. Moses no doubt believed that this should be done; yet, it was in disobedience to God’s command and, because of it, Moses was denied the privilege of leading the children of Israel into the land of Canaan, the promised land. He presumed it would be alright, but it was not!

Uzzah committed such a sin by touching the ark of the covenant, which he and others were not allowed to do (2 Sam. 6:6, 7). He, too, thought he could “help God,” but as a result was punished with instant death.

The question naturally arises with some, “What is wrong with such, when it’s only an effort to `help God’?” The sin is in seeking to “help God”; for first it shows distrust of God; does He need our help? And then, it shows conceit; can we give such help?

These were not the only ones guilty of the sin of presumption; others in that age, and many today, are guilty. Those who write creeds by which religious people are to be governed are guilty of “helping God.” Does He need man’s help in determining what is to be believed or practiced? Can man give such “help”? Is he capable of it? Jeremiah said in the long ago, “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps”(Jer. 10:23). Though the human creeds are claimed to be simply a help in understanding what God has written, it remains that they are an addition to God’s plan, and it is presumptuous for man to attempt to help God in this respect. Men presume (believe a thing to be right without proper proof) that many things are acceptable to God, when in reality they are rebellion against Him. Sprinkling for baptism, baptism because one is saved, wearing of religious titles, and such are only a few in denominationalism.

Various missionary arrangements, the “sponsoring church,” and others, without scriptural proof are no less sins of presumption than the others mentioned; yet some brethren insist upon such. Binding various opinions, likes and dislikes because of prejudice, brethren fall into the same class. For a man to think he can improve upon God’s arrangement, His organization for His church, and His work and desires, is to be guilty of “helping God,” committing the sin of presumption. Additions to the divinely authorized worship and work of the church are among the sins of “helping God.” He has revealed His will and His way, expects man to walk accordingly, and man had best be content to abide within His teaching!

Those who presume that they know better, and can do better with their promotions, go beyond that which is written (2 John 9), leading the way as it were, in things without divine sanction. Such is an effort to “lead” God, and is therefore, rebellion. Even though many are doubtless sincere in their efforts, it remains – presumption is sin!

Truth Magazine XXIV: 8, p. 138
February 21, 1980

By Earl Robertson

Newspaper stories and TV news reports recently have emphasized the changing of heads of the Catholic Church. Pope Paul VI died and Pope John Paul I took his place as the head of the Roman church. Now if the Roman Catholic church is truly the church of Christ, as she claims, it poses a great difficulty. The apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit of God, wrote the Ephesians concerning action of God at the resurrection of Christ and His coronation “which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and bath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:20-23).

How is it possible that a mere human being could arrogate to oneself the power, might, and dominion essential for the headship of the church of Christ? My blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is seated at the right hand of God, regally crowned and enthroned as the “one Potentate, the King of kings, the Lord of lords” is the one and only head of the church of Christ! The Roman Catholic church is not the church of Christ. If it were of Christ, Christ would be its head; but since it is not of Christ, the Pope is its universal head. The church of Christ is of Christ and Christ is its head.

When Jesus was raised from the dead, He declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18b). This power was given to Christ; He did not presumptuously assume such. Peter says that Jesus “Is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him” (1 Pet. 3:22). God alone was excluded when He put all things under the feet of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:24-28).

What the whole world needs to do is give up denominationalism and religious practices not found and authorized by the word of God and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which Paul says is God’s power to save the believer (Rom. 1:16). When so saved, the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47). Let Christ by the head!

Truth Magazine XXIV: 8, p. 137
February 21, 1980

By Leonard Tyler

The Christian’s life is founded upon two great and essential principles: (1) personal obligation, which necessitates responsibility and duty for every Christian within its own ability before God; (2) personal dependence upon God, which requires reliance and trust on the part of every Christian for that which transcends his own ability. One must never forget or neglect either of these. Regardless of one’s capabilities he is still incapable of saving himself. It is not within the power of man to save himself. (Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12; 2 Cor. 3:5). Paul makes this very plain in Phil. 3:7-16 where he rejects “mine own righteousness” that he may obtain “that which is through the faith of Christ . . . . If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” This realization humbles man and forces him to become dependent upon God to supply those things which man cannot. It builds a desire within the heart of the believer to obey as well as pray.

Faith is the basis upon which one acts toward and depends upon God. Faith gives assurance, confidence and evidence for that which is sought. By faith we seek what we do not have in personal merit: to be acceptable, to be worthy, and to obtain righteousness. This confidence of faith gives one a desire to obey and pray. Faith prays with assurance that God is able to hear and answer (Isa. 59:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:12; 2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 3:21; Heb. 7:25).

The strength of one’s faith is manifest by his desire and confidence in the all-sufficiency of God to supply his every need. In his obedience, God supplies the directives and instructions. In his dependence, God supplies his security. If one does not desire a thing, he certainly will not pray for it. If one did not have confidence that such could be had, he would not pray for it. If one does not feel dependent – if he feels that he can do it himself – he will not pray for it. I suspect, one of the great influences leading to our prayerless attitude is the lack of confidence that God will answer. (One lady said, “We pity the heathen in his praying to the idols; but, I tell you, we surround God with so many limitations that we make him little more to us than a heathen’s God is to him.”) Is not this the main reason we pray so little?

Hurtful Theories

Some hurtful theories are discussed in Sound Doctrine, Vol. II, by brethren C.R. Nichol and R.L. Whiteside (pp. 69-72). The following is given and is worthy of our patient study:

Many theories, even amongst professed Christians, have contributed greatly to the present neglect of prayer. Rationalism has crept into the church, and the teaching of the Bible on prayer is either ignored or explained away. With some theorists the plain statements of the Bible cease to be convincing, but everything must be subjected to the test of human reason. Strange as ft seems, some of the most dogmatic of this class of rationalists are to be found amongst those who claim to take the Bible as their only guide. Their theories on prayer are not found in the Bible. On the subject of prayer, they do not ask, What does the Bible say? but, Is it possible for God to answer prayer?

1. God Is Unchangeable. It is argued that since God is unchangeable our prayers can have no effect. Such a conclusion is not found in the Bible. No inspired writer ever so argued. There are numerous examples of answered prayers. It does not meet the issue to say that all these occurred in the days of the miracles; for, if the unchangeableness of God prevents his answering prayer now, it would have prevented it then, for he was unchangeable then as now. He answered prayer then. That is certain. Being unchangeable he will answer prayer now. Thus the argument on the unchangeableness of God, instead of militating against prayer, is positive proof that God will answer prayer.

2. God Is Omniscient. It is contended that God possesses infinite wisdom and knows what we need before we ask him; that his nature being perfect, and his purposes always good, he will withhold no good thing from his children; hence, there can be no reason for praying. This view is the ground for many neglected prayers. It is not true that all were answered then! It is foolish to argue against a demonstration. Do not allow your zeal for argumentative ability to discredit the Bible.

3. Miracles Have Ceased. It is insisted that God cannot answer prayer without violating the law of nature, and that would be a miracle. Suppose that be true, if God says he will answer, are we going to subscribe to a theory that will make him a liar? Many who advocate this theory cannot define a natural law nor tell what a miracle is. How can one know that God cannot answer prayer without working a miracle? Do you know everything? If not, why make a statement which implies universal knowledge? If there is in all the universe one thing you do not know, that one thing may be how God can answer a prayer and not work a miracle. Do not make a fool of yourself trying to be smart.

A friend asks a favor, and you grant it. Did you work a miracle? The birds and beasts hear the cry of their young and bring them food – do they work miracles? We use the laws of nature every day to answer the requests or prayers of our friends and children. Cannot God do as much? Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” But the advocates of this God-dishonoring theory make it possible for man and beast to do what they claim it is impossible for God to do.

That God cannot answer prayer without working a miracle is a mere assumption supported by no Bible teaching. So far as we understand the laws of nature, it is as much a miracle for God to hear us pray as it is for him to answer a prayer.

Reflex Influence

By some we are told that reflex influence is the only benefit we derive from prayer. This makes prayer a sort of spiritual gymnasium in which we take spiritual exercise – and spiritual exercise is good, we are told! It is true that the reflex influence of a sincere prayer is good; but if prayer is only a form of spiritual exercise and reflex influence is the only good derived therefrom, then the heathen is as much benefitted by prayer as the Christian. Under what conditions are the reflex influences good? Would there be a good reflex influence if you pray to a post or stone? Your own heart answers: “No, the reflex influence would be bad.” Why? Because you know the tree or stone cannot hear or answer. Such prayer would be foolish mockery. ,But is it any less so to pray to God believing he cannot hear and answer? In the very nature of the case the reflex influence of prayer is good only when we sincerely pray to One whom we believe hears us and is willing and able to grant us the desires of our hearts.

God Answers Prayers

The foregoing theories are not supported by the Bible, and no advocate of such theories ever tries to prove them by the Scriptures. Such theorists depend on a process of reasoning, and not on what God says. Not one of them points to a passage or Scripture and says: “This teaches my doctrine.” They forgot that every Bible doctrine must be settled by what the Book says, and not by our reason. We should use our reason to learn what God says, and not to set aside what he teaches. Leave that to infidels. The proof that God answers prayer is too abundant to include all in this lesson, but we briefly call attention to:

The Bible Teaching On Prayer

Jesus taught his disciples to pray (Matt. 6:5-15), and said: “Thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.” “The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psa. 34:15).

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, who; if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him”” (Matt. 7:7-11).

“The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working” (James 5:16). As an encouragement to prayer, James immediately adds: “Etijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brough forth her fruit” (James 5:17-18). This was a remarkable prayer and answer, and the answer seems to have come in a natural way. To the people it did not appear as a miracle. (See 1 Kings, chapter 17 and 18).

For What Can A Child Of God Pray?

He is told to.: (I) pray for his enemies (Matt. 5:44; Acts 7:60); (2) pray for a brother who sins but not unto death (1 Jn. 5:16; Acts 8:18-24; Jas. 5:16). (3) Pray “for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,” in fact, pray for all men (1 Tim. 2:1-2). (4) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). “In everything” covers all of life’s problems and needs. If not, why not? Will God answer prayer? Christians are taught to pray (1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:8) and, if taught to pray, the answer must be forthcoming or there is no need to pray. “By prayer” means that God is pleased with the prayers of His children. He hears and responds to their supplications or else He would not expect man to pray. (5) Pray for sinners that they might be saved (Rom. 10:1-4). (6) Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). This does not nor does any of the other texts – mean to so pray without applying one’s ability. It means that as we apply all of our powers, we still need God’s help – pray for it. This is the more reason that a man of God recognizes his need to “pray without ceasing.” God will take care of the hows. He will not violate His will but He will fulfill every promise. Therefore, we should pray without fear and doubting. Always, if one loves and has complete faith in the allsufficiency of God, he will pray, “Thy will be done – not mine.” God’s child can be content with God’s answer.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 8, pp. 136-137
February 21, 1980