Truth Magazine

By Mike Grushon

King Asa of Judah was generally a good king. Throughout his life, he had done much to return Judah to faithfulness to God. Yet there stands in the Biblical record of his life’s achievements one monumental mistake. In 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, we can read of this incident in his life. Basically, Asa’s mistake was that he used the silver and gold of King Benhadad’s assistance against Baasha the king of Israel. Hanani the seer communicated the Lord’s displeasure with Asa’s actions, saying, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped out of your hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand” (2 Chr. 16:7-8). Asa had trusted in the strength of military alliance rather than in the strength of his Lord.

Hanani pointed out to Asa a principle that everyone of us needs to take to heart. He said, “For the eyes of the Lord trove to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chr. 16:9). Asa’s failing had been that he was not totally dedicated to the Lord. When he was confronted with a crisis, his thought turned to help from other men rather than from His God. If Asa would have relied upon God and given himself completely to God, he would have avoided the problems that beset him the rest of his life. Asa’s failing was that his heart did not totally belong to God.

It seems to me that this incident in the life of Asa and the admonition it prompted from God’s prophet should be of profit to each one of us. The principle laid down by Hanani still holds true. The Lord still strongly supports those who have completely given their heart to Him. How many of the predicaments that we often find ourselves in are caused by our shortsighted reliance upon human solutions? How many of us only think of God when we have gotten in over our heads in some difficulty? It is no secret that Christians have business problems, family problems, bills, tragedies and sickness just like all other human beings. But the real tragedy is when Christians approach these problems no differently than those of the world. Asa approached his problem like most kings would, he sought a favorable alliance but the temple treasury to buy that was not acceptable because he was not just any king, he was God’s king, over God’s people. Christians should not approach their problems like everyone else because we are different, we are God’s people.

We need to have a heart that is completely God’s. That means that: (1) Our lives are given to putting God first. And, (2) That we rely upon God for strength in our times of need. We place our confidence in His ability to provide our needs. A heart that is completely God’s does not involve sinless perfection or perfect performance. We only have to look at the life of another king of God’s people, David, to see that. David had the type of heart that God wanted but he was not sinless. However even when David sinned, he relied upon the Lord as the only solution to the problem of his sin. That is the meaning of being completely God’s. Asa was a good king but he failed when he did not completely rely upon God. Let us see the difference between David’s heart and Asa’s heart and develop one like David’s.

Truth Magazine XXII: 48, p. 774
December 7, 1978

By William Y. Beasley

The book of 1 John was written that people living in the first century or in the twentieth century may know concerning eternal life. If in this series of studies you come to know that you have eternal life, keep the faith. If you learn or know you do not have eternal life, turn in obedience (“doeth righteousness”-1 John 2:29) and be saved.

Children of God (1 John 3:1-2)

The greatness of God’s love toward us is beyond full comprehension (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). Perhaps we can get a glimpse of that love when we consider the exalted state to which we have been elevated: “. . . that we should be called children of God; and we are” (3:1). As children of God, we are to be an enigma to our neighbors (3:1, 13). This idea is presented not only by John (John 1:10; 16:3; 17:25) but also by Peter (1 Pet. 2:9; 4:3-4) and Paul (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 6:9). I once read, I remember not where, that “the names of God’s greatest saints are not engraved on tablets of the world’s temple of fame.” This is true, but, beloved, God knows His own. We are children of God, but our glory is not yet complete. We shall be with Christ (John 17:24) and “be like him” (3:2).

“Purifieth Himself” (1 John 3:3-5)

The hope to “be like him” (3:2) causes each of us to `purifieth himself” (3:3). The word “purifieth” refers not to baptism (except it be as an initial step), but to the continual action (present tense) of obedience. “If this were perfectionalism,” R. C. H. Lenski says, “an aorist would be required: `did purify himself’ ” (Interpretation of Peter, John, Jude, pp. 453-454). The thought seems to be that when one stops purifying himself it indicates that he has lost the hope. The one who is purifying himself is the one who “doeth righteousness” (1 John 2:29; Psa. 119:172).

“Sin is lawlessness” (3:4) or a transgression of the law. Not necessarily the doing of that which is forbidden, but living where and doing that which law does not authorize (2 John 9). All sin is outside the protection of law. One commentator translated this (3:4): “Everyone who worketh sin . . .” and then explained its continual action by saying, “. . . he who worketh sin as one worketh a trade or occupation” (James Macknight, Macknight on the Epistles Vol. VI, p. 67). Christ came to “take away sin” (3:5) which is to “destroy the works of the devil” (3:8; see also John 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:24; Tit. 2:14). Jesus Christ in the flesh was sinless (1 Pet. 2:22) and in His spiritual body, the church, “Sin has no place” (3:5, TCNT).

“Sinneth Not” (I John 3:6-9)

The many expressions in this section, like “purifieth” (3:5) are present tense and denote continual action. This is not teaching that there is a state of total sanctification where it is impossible for a child of God to sin. Nor is it teaching that one sin shows that a person was not begotten of God-if it were the reverse (3:7) would of necessity also be true. It does teach that the one begotten of God cannot continue to live in sin-to do so is to be one who “hath not seen him, neither knoweth him” (3:6). The righteous individual is “he that doeth righteousness” (3:7; Psa. 119172). John tells us that the one begotten of God cannot continue in sin “because his seed abideth in him” (3:9). What does this mean? Whose seed? It is speaking not of the seed of man, but of the seed of God (see 1 Pet. 1:23; Psa. 119:11). Notice some other translations of this: (1) “. . . because the very nature of God dwells within him . . .” (TCNT), (2) “. . . for God’s nature abides in him” (RSV), (3) “A divine germ remains in him . . .” (Weymouth) and (4) “. . . because the God-given lifeprinciple continues to live in him. . .” (Williams).

The Divine Test (I John 3:10-12)

The one who does not continue in righteousness is not of God and neither is the one who “loveth not his brother” (3:10; John 13:34). God must have known that love of brethren was going to be a problem; He mentions it so often to warn us. Why do the unrighteous hate the righteous? Because they, like Cain, see themselves as they really are. Instead of changing their lives they try to destroy the contrast, the righteous.

Conclusion

“These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that Ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13). Do you know you have eternal life? Are you an enigma to your friends and neighbors, a peculiar person zealous of good works (Tit. 2:14)? Are you continually purifying self, continually doing righteousness? Are you walking under protection of law, doing only that which the law of Christ authorizes? Does the nature of God dwell in you to keep you from continuing in sin? Do you continually love your brothers and sisters in the Lord? By these you can know-yea or nay!

Truth Magazine XXII: 48, p. 770
December 7, 1978

By Ron Halbrook

For The Truth’s Sake, all men need to learn the sinfulness of drunkenness. Though Noah was a great man of faith, he stumbled on one occasion by this sin. A proper sense of restraint, caution, and modesty is weakened or destroyed by drunkenness–Noah laid naked, a thing he would not otherwise have done. His son Ham was led to gaze sinfully upon his father’s naked body and so was cursed (Gen. 9:18-27). In a drunken condition, Lot commited incest with his two daughters (Gen. 19:30-38). Husbands and wives, children and parents abuse one another while drunk. Marital promises are broken and purity violated by those in a drunken state’ divorces result, homes are destroyed, and children are deprived of family blessings.

“Who bath woe? who bath sorrow? who bath contentions? who bath babbling? who bath wounds without cause? who bath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine. . . At last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (Proverbs 23:29-35). The writer went on to explain some of the consequences of drunkenness: fornication and adultery, vile speech, lack of caution in the presence of danger, brawling and fighting, and addiction.

Drunkenness has been a common sin throughout man’s history. God’s people were warned against it in the first century A.D. when the New Testament was written. Aged, godly women who expected to set a good example were to be “not given to much wine” (Tit. 2:3), nor were mature men who desired to be special servants in the church (1 Tim. 3:8). The Lard directed that each local church be overseen by men of age, experience, and maturity; these overseers were variously known as elders, bishops, pastors, or presbyters (Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-2; Tit. 1:5,7). In no case could these leaders be “given to wine” or drunkards (See 1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).

Drunkenness is sinful. Like any sin not repented of, it will bar us from heaven and condemn us to hell. Those who die guilty of such things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). The debauchery called “excess of wine” in 1 Pet. 4:3 rendered Alexander the Great senseless and killed him in the youth. of manhood. The world will “think it strange that ye run not with them” to the excesses of such sin, so that they will speak “evil of you.” Not only will they be judged for this evil speaking, but for their drunkenness as well (1 Pet. 4:1-5).

No matter what sin we are guilty of, we are all invited into the Lord’s family on the same terms: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Christians who sin must repent, pray God’s forgiveness, and turn away from their error (Acts 8:22-24; 1 John 1:6-9).

Truth Magazine XXII: 47, p. 763
November 30, 1978

By Don R. Hastings

Many people are concerned with the high cost of living today. However, few have paid any attention to the high cost of discipleship. Even many, who are the disciples of the Lord, have given very little thought to the cost for the privilege of being His disciples. One major reason for this unconcern is that many are unaware of the demands the Lord has placed upon His disciples. In our efforts to convert others, we emphasize the wonderful privileges that a Christian enjoys. However, we have failed to point out, with equal fervor, the great responsibilities imposed by the Lord upon those who would become His disciples! We have failed to present the complete picture. This ought not to be!

It seems to be a trait of mankind to want something for nothing. This is, particularly, true in the religious realm. We want the joy of wearing the name Christian, our sins washed away, fellowship with the Father, prayer, having hope of receiving the crown of life, etc. Yet, we do not want to accept the responsibilities that go along with such highly esteemed blessings.

What is the high cost of discipleship? The Lord has answered this question very clearly and emphatically. We must permit His answer to impress itself deeply upon our hearts that we may examine ourselves to see if we are paying the cost, and so we can teach others what ‘the Lord expects of them should they desire to become His followers. The Lord wants us to inform others of the cost. He did (Luke 9:57-62). Here is what it costs to be the Lord’s disciple:

We Must Place The Lord Above Everyone!

“If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). No one is permitted to come between the Lord and our worship and service to Him. He demands, and deserves, first place in our lives (Matt. 6:33; 22:37). We must not allow our parents to hinder our obedience to Him. We cannot permit our husband, wife, or children to interfere with our faithful service to Him (Matt. 10:37). Many have allowed others to keep them from obeying the Lord and becoming His disciples. Some, who have become Christians, are not worthy to be the Lord’s disciples for they have allowed others to hinder them from doing their Master’s will.

We Must Sacrifice Worldly Pleasures, Desires, Passions, and Live For Him!

“Then said Jesus unto His disciples, if any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). It is hard to practice self-denial, but we must. We must put to death our old man of sin (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 5:24). Paul was a wonderful child of God because he had accomplished this difficult task (Gal. 2:20). We must crucify our fleshly desires if Christ is going to live, and reign, within us. Our first thought, in every situation, should always be, “What would Christ want me to do?” Having discerned His will in the matter, we should proceed to do it. The cross which we are called to bear is an emblem of sacrifice. Christ sacrificed His life on His cross for us. What are we sacrificing on our cross for Him? When we refuse to assemble with the saints because we are too tired, have company, the weather is bad, want to go somewhere else, etc., are we practicing self-denial? No! When we look at some filthy picture at the theater, on television, in a book, etc., are we practicing self-denial? No! You can make further application of this principle.

We Must Renounce All That Is Ours For Him!

“So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Paul said, “. . . I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ . . . ” (Phil. 3:8). This is the precise attitude every disciple must possess towards his wordly attainments and possessions if he is to be a worthy disciple. With this attitude, we will not permit the pursuit of worldly riches, knowledge, fame, etc., to come above our service to the Lord. Nothing on this earth is as valuable as the Lord’s approval of us. We must be willing to give up anything that hinders us from putting “on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14).

We Must Continually Abide In His Word!

“Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples” (John 8:31). We must not go beyond the teachings of Christ (2 John 9). This means that we must have book, chapter and verse for everything we believe and practice. The silence of the Lord is prohibitive. If what we are doing cannot be found in His Work, we are not His true disciples.

Are You Paying the Price of Discipleship?

Examine yourself and see. If you are not, do not expect the Lord to reward you. If you are paying the cost, you should not feel that you are earning the “crown of life” (Luke 17:10). However, because you are doing your part, God through His grace, will give it to you (Eph. 2:8,9). If you think the cost is too great, then think about the consequences of refusing to pay 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

Truth Magazine XXII: 48, p. 777
December 7, 1978