Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Question:

From Ohio: “What are some passages provided by God to strengthen the inner man so that the reckless, offensive conduct of someone else will not embitter and destroy my own soul?”

Reply: Numerous passages can be cited. My favorite one in this connection is 1 Peter 2:20-24:

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: By whose stripes ye were healed.

Paul faced anguish of spirit because of “reckless, offensive conduct,” but he did not permit it to embitter him. “When we are slandered, we try to conciliate” (1 Cor. 4:13-NASB). “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world . . . . Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil . . . . At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me . . . . And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:10, 14, 16-18). “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities” (2 Cor. 11:30). “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Kindred Scriptures offer solace and strength. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:2, 3). “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3-5). “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).

Three Things To Do

When one is mistreated, there are three things that will help to dispel malice. Also, these three items have no defense; there is no way for your enemies to forbid them.

(1) Love: God loved us when we were without hope and undeserving. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” So, too, we must love those who abuse us. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matt. 5:44). “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:20, 21). An opponent cannot keep you from loving him.

(2) Prayer: Pray for those who snidely or maliciously malign you – “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). An enemy might not let you feed him, but he cannot prevent you from praying for him.

(3) Silence: An abusive heart desires a response. Any kind will do. He is ready to pounce on it and use it against you. Often, therefore, it is best to be like the Lord and say nothing (Matt. 27:12-14). “I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me” (Psa. 39:1). Those who are dedicated to degradation and deprecation can “answer” any reply, but they are frustrated by silence. A wicked man will wrest your best words in the worst way, but he cannot grapple with silence.

Psalm 64

Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: All that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 42, p. 674
October 25, 1979

By Carol R. Lumpkin

This article is written while knowing that about every local church is troubled with some who do not attend all the services of the church that they should. I sense the attitude of such to be that, you cannot prove it to be binding; therefore, it is not essential to assemble. This attitude retards the growth of the church, relates an unholy disposition, services as a bad influence upon others.

Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). When the devil tempted Jesus to worship him, Jesus replied, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt. 4:10). The church is instructed to assemble to worship God in: song ( Eph. 5:19), prayer (Acts 2:42), preaching or teaching (Acts 20:7), giving as prospered (1 Cor. 16:2), and the observance of the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:25-26).

The first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7), the Lord’s day (Rev. 1:10), has been commanded of God as a day of worship; therefore it is binding upon all Christians to observe each week. Those who are not sick, or otherwise hindered beyond their ability to assemble will assemble with the saints for worship. This would mean that social events, fishing, hunting, visiting, vocation, vacation, etc., should not prevent first day of the week worship.

God has ordained that elders rule over His church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 3:1-3). Men who desire the office of an elder and meet the qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9), have the charge to, oversee, superintend, feed, the flock over which they are appointed. To feed the flock may well require additional assemblies that the church might receive sufficient spiritual food. The edification, up building, of each member is essential for the growth and well being of the Lord’s church (Eph. 4:11-16).

God has authorized elders over each church (Ac. 14:23), who watch for the souls of the members (Acts 20:28). Members are subject to the elders who rule according to God’s word. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).

Elders are to see that church members grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). Elders may plan extra studies for such edification of the church. This may include, gospel meetings, singings, lectureships, Bible studies, and prayer meetings. When such services are planned for the growth and development of the membership, all should do their best to be present. Those who willfully fail to obey the elders are in disobedience to God and, thus, sin.

Whether or not the members do or do not attend such services reflects their attitude toward God, the elders, and the church. It is not a matter of, do I have to attend, or whether or not it is binding. The attitude of converted people is that I will do all in my power to be present to study, learn, and to join to the fellowship with God, Christ and fellow saints.

When this life has drawn to a close and when each of us stand before the judgment seat of Jesus, don’t you really believe it will be a plus for a man that he attended the church services while on earth? Think of what it means to please the Lord.

God does not require the impossible from anyone, but he does demand first place in our life (Matt. 6:33; 16:26). I do not believe God has first place in my life when I put myself, other people, or other things, before my service to Him, do you?

Brethren, let us love God and keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15). This will save our souls, bind us together in that one mind and judgment, and make the church strong and united. Will you do your part to make this possible?

Truth Magazine XXIII: 41, p. 668
October 18, 1979

By Earl Robertson

Church government known in the New Testament is purely local. The Scriptures say nothing about universal government of churches of Christ. Each local church is independent of all other congregations. They all work independently of each other and yet they all do the same work; they work concurrently accomplishing the will of Christ. The Lord authorized elders in each church (Acts 14:23). Inasmuch as this is the rule for each congregation it manifests the fact that each church has the same need for the same government.

It was not long, however, until this scriptural independency was ignored and destroyed in unscriptural actions of men. Paul wrote “the mystery of iniquity doth already work” (2 Thess. 2:7). Apostasy in organization was the first major departure from the apostolic pattern in churches of Christ. The “falling away” would come (2 Thess. 2:3). Perilous times would characterize the age (2 Tim. 3:1f). History tells us from Ignatius of Antioch (early in the 2nd century) onward the terms “bishops” and “presbyters” used to designate two different offices. Yet, the New Testament uses these two terms with reference to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28). Lightfoot says, “The episcopate was formed, not out of the apostolic order by localization, but out of the presbyteral by elevation; and the title, which originally was common to all, came at length to be appropriated to the chief among them.”

This departure from apostolic doctrine – bishops overseeing one local church – brought experiences through elevation that they would have never known on a local basis! This reminds me of a letter received the other day from a liberal in North Carolina. He wrote of the church in Cherokee, saying: “The elders of the Concord Road Church of Christ, Brentwood, TN, have the oversight of this mission congregation, and they have requested that I look after the work since I am located only 13 miles from the Reservation.” Shades of Romanism! Why do people, claiming to speak as the Bible speaks and act as it directs, do like this? They cannot take the word of God to guide them in this action because it teaches the oversight of bishops is limited to the church “among” them (1 Pet. 5:1, 2). The liberals should cease being identified as churches of Christ, being unwilling to act within New Testament authority. Let us practice congregationalism!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 41, p. 667
October 18, 1979

By William C. Sexton

Nehemiah, one of the men who made a great effort to restore true worship and service to the God of heaven in Judah after the captivity, revealed the true motivating force in producing acceptable and beneficial behavior: “the fear of God” (Neh. 5:15). We believe that such is the correct mental state to have as we perform religiously, and we would like to see evidence of such in more people today.

“Fear of God,” however, is often thought of as being a negative quality and consequently bringing harmful results. We would not deny that there is a sense in which this could be true; an examination of this is in order and understanding in this area is needed. Truly, there are harmful effects produced by “fear.” Many “fear” in a way that keeps them from living a full life, fruitful and enjoyable. Yet, we are convinced that proper respect for God is basic to a full life (Psa. 111:10; Job. 28:28). “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever; holy and revered is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” They who do not have a “fear of God,” which is gained by reading His word and understanding His greatness and goodness, are not equipped to act and serve correctly in many important phases of life. Let us consider and re-evaluate the nature and fruits of different types of fear:

1. Realistic Fear. If one understands God’s word and sees the consequences of disobeying certain restrictions or of failing to live up to certain demands, if he obeys from fear, such is realistic fear. The fear encompasses admiration for the wisdom, mercy, and longsuffering of God (2 Pet. 3:15; Rom. 11:33-36; Tit. 3:5). Just as one who observes an approaching lion should be fearful, so he who contemplates standing before the God of heaven in disobedience has a realistic basis for his fear, (Heb. 10:31; 12:29). Only one without the ability to reason and calculate the conclusion would be unfearful.

2. Anxiety. For one to have a sense of inadequacy and such low esteem of himself or herself that they allow such to immobilize them – keep from doing the job that needs to be done – such is classified by Social Psychologist as “anxiety” and such is indeed harmful to each person who is so captured. However, such is condemned by the revelation of God, and should be so recognized by His children (Matt. 25:24-30). As spiritually minded and mature members of the Lord’s body we need to point to the detrimental effect of such and also point to the unscripturalness of such an attitude and mental state (Matt. 6:33-34).

3. Lack of fear, foolishly proud. If one sees no danger and acts freely as though there is nothing threatening his eternal safety and well-being, then he is foolishly proud being on the edge of destruction and not knowing it. Eternal destruction will be his destiny, although from all appearances he may be “having a ball,” he is insane, spiritually speaking. “Tribulation and anguish” awaits him just outside the prison gate, behind which he is held in captivity, to which he shall be transferred shortly, (Rom. 2:5-9).

4. Creative and dynamic fear. As Peter said long ago (Acts 10:34-35), the person who acts from the “fear of God,” doing what the Lord has said do, regardless of the nation, social standing, cultural background from which he has come, is accepted by God and will find “glory, honor, and peace” (Rom. 2:10) because God is no respecter of persons.

5. Fear directing – to be selective and active. Yes, we hope that the “fear of God” is moving us in two directions: (1) moving us to be selective in our behavior and activity – to please God; (2) moving us to be actively involved in the greatest work ever designed, that outlined in the New Testament: doing good unto all men and presenting the soul-saving-message in word and demonstration (Col. 3:16-17).

Beloved, have you committed your life to Christ, the Son of God? Have you gained a fear of God in the sense of awe and admiration, witnessing His power and goodness as He has dealt with mankind, as you read and meditate on His recorded dealings with us? Faith and fear of that sort will move you to repent, (Acts 17:30-31). Is there evidence of that fear creatively functioning in your life and destiny? That dynamically functioning fear produces confession in the Lordship and Sonship of Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10). Have such fruits been brought forth in your life? Having experienced the death to sin by repentance, one is buried with the Lord and raised to walk with Him (Rom. 6:1-6). Have you been raised through the operative power of God, from this watery grave (Col. 2:11-12)? Is that fearful force moving you to be selective in what you do and being consistent and determined in faithful services all day every day even if our life is threatened in efforts to stop us (Rev. 2:10)?

Yes, in short, beloved, are we motivated by the fear of God to do His will in being prepared to face the reality of eternity? If not, then we had better become motivated, before the time arrives that the opportunity is withdrawn. If there is no fear of God in our heart, manifest in our lives, then we have not reached the beginning of knowledge!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 41, pp. 666-667
October 18, 1979