Truth Magazine

By Andy Alexander

The local church of Christ is to be overseen by men who meet all of the qualifications given in the New Testament (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7). These men are to rule in the congregation as taught by the Scriptures (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28-30). They are to, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not be constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (I Pet. 5:2-3). This job, when properly fulfilled, is tremendous blessing to a local congregation. And congregations who have dedicated men faithfully carrying out this difficult task should be ever thankful to God for this blessing.

The apostle Paul instructed the Thessalonians, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Many of us (members of the local church) do not witness all the effort that is put into overseeing the work; therefore we may fail to fully appreciate their work. For that reason the admonition of the apostle Paul is needed. We need to consider the work that is being done and let the elders know that we are grateful to them for taking the time to study and make decisions that help the congregation grow spiritually.

Too often we are quick to find fault or let it be known that if we were making the decisions we would operate in a different fashion than those men who are currently serving and making decisions. However, if we were in exactly the same position and had access to the same facts the elders had access to, we may very well have made the exact same decision. Let us always think good of the men who lead the local church. They are human and they will make mistakes at times, but rarely, if ever, will the elders of a local congregation knowingly do anything that will hurt the work. If they are qualified, then they surely understand that they will give account to God for their stewardship (Heb. 13:17).

Managers or owners of most businesses will often hear from customers who are dissatisfied with their product or service. Ninety-eight percent of their customers may be completely satisfied and they may never hear a word from them. Silence is one form of approval and most business-men know this to be the case, so it is not too discouraging when no one calls or writes to extol the virtues of their product or service. However, the two percent who are unhappy will most certainly be heard and these can be a grief to a company. Sometimes the fault lies with the purchaser and not the company who manufactured the product, but still the company will hear the complaints.

This same scenario can happen in the local church. The elders may hear from those who are upset about some decision that is made or action that is taken. That is fine; it is part of the work of the overseers and they expect to hear criticism from time to time. In fact, constructive criticism is welcomed because they will always want to serve God and the brethren better. We should never be afraid to approach the elders with some problem or question that we may have.

Like the illustration above, there are many times when everything is going well and things are progressing steadily and we neglect to tell the elders that we appreciate the work they are doing. Not that they have to have us thank them, but it is good to know that people notice. All of us in our jobs or hobbies like to feel appreciated. It lifts our spirits when someone thanks us or commends us for a job well done and it also causes us to want to do a better job. The elders are no different, it is a boost to their spirit when someone lets them know they are appreciated. This is one form of exhortation that we can practice (Heb. 3:13).

Consider the work the elders do for the local congregation and remember this work is in addition to their work as husbands and fathers, providers for the family, and the ordinary activities of life.

They oversee the teaching program, the material and the teachers who will teach. This is an on-going responsibility and one that takes much time. Also included in this is the selection of men who will hold meetings in the future. Suggestions are welcomed from the members, but these suggestions must be checked out and arrangements made for their coming.

The elders usually handle an extra load of correspondence. Men who write and request financial support need to be answered. Questions or comments sometimes arrive in the mail and these deserve their attention, so some of their time will be used in reading and responding to these inquiries.

Individual problems arise from time to time that will require the attention of the elders. Personal visits to erring members sometimes have to be made and many times more than a few visits are required before a problem can be resolved. Sometimes the elders will have to help two brothers work out differences so that peace in the local church can be maintained. Again, this takes time, sometimes much time, and this is being done while the rest of the congregation is going about its ordinary daily activities.

In addition to these activities, the elders are usually called to the hospital or home of a sick brother or sister in Christ for their prayers and/or help in some situation that the sickness has created.

Many elders also teach Bible classes during the year and this adds to their work load. They must find time to study their lesson as any other teacher, but also continue to shepherd the flock in all the ways that we have discussed.

Remember, much of this type of work goes unnoticed by the congregation as a whole. While we are busy attending ball games, watching television, visiting our relatives, fishing, playing golf, or working overtime to bring additional revenue for the house-hold, the elders are quietly giving their time to overseeing the flock. Let us be thankful for the men who are fulfilling this responsibility and let us remember to thank them as well, thus encouraging them to better service for the Lord.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 9-10
April 6, 1995

By Olen Holderby

“Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life” (Job 9:21). This statement is in the midst of Job’s reply to the speech of Bildad the Shuhite. We must keep in mind Job’ s suffering, and the efforts of his three friends to explain that suffering. Chapter 8 gives Bildad’s speech, while chapters 9-10 record Job’s reply. Job points out the extreme unlikeliness of man’s being able to answer God (9:3), and that no one can really prosper by hardening himself against God (9:4). Then he speaks of the great power and wisdom of God, and of God being able to do what he pleases without man being able to alter his action (9:5ff).

Job considers arguing his case with God; but he is at a loss for arguments with such a wise and powerful opponent. Even if God should hear his concern, Job’s own limitations preclude his knowing how to answer God. Further, he feels that his own mouth would condemn him. However, Job cannot accept responsibility for his suffering condition and, at the same time, be honest with himself. He thinks himself to be innocent, “I am blameless, yet I do not know myself; I despise my life” (NKJ). What does Job mean by saying, “I despise my life”?

Some have suggested that Job was saying that he despised his past life; while others have said that Job was declaring that his life was not worth striving for with God. Tome, it seems more likely that Job was drawing a contrast between self-importance and the importance of Gods plans for him. Perhaps the NIV is plainer for verse 21, “Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.” If this be accurate, the verse appears to offer some good lessons for us today.

1. We do not argue with God. How well this is taught in the New Testament, “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, 0 man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Rom. 9:19-20) Whatever God says, on any subject, settles the matter on that subject. Will a man argue with God?

2. The relative insignificance of our life as compared with the plans of God for us. This, too, is well taught in the New Testament, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John12:25). Luke 14:26, Matthew16:24-25, and Luke 10:16, all reflect very pointedly on this thought. How is it that the creature who receives life from the Mighty God, can argue with the Giver over the use of that life?

Webster defines “despise” as “feel contempt for,” and offers as synonyms: abhor, disdain, scorn, look down, etc. Vine says that it means, “To make of no account, to regard as nothing.” One very important question is in order: In contrast with the plans of God for you, can you say, I despise my own life?

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 6
April 6, 1995

By Jarod Jacobs

As a young person, it is a hard decision to “pick up and move” to a new area. It is, however, a necessary decision when making the choice to “preach the gospel” to a lost and dying world. My wife, Becky, has told me many times that 1 Timothy 4:12 is “my verse.” It describes how my attitude should be as well as the attitude of my peers in Christ.

Remember, the words of Paul in this passage are to a young preacher. “Let no man despise thy youth… .” In other words, do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. He continues, “. . . but be an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” We can see a contrast in this verse. “Do not let any-one look down on you because you are young. To keep people from doing this, show the right example in every facet of your life.”

This is something all young Christians need to remember. It would be a good idea as well to commit 1 Timothy 4:12 to memory.

Paul said in Romans 1:15, “So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also.” He continued, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth: to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). After some hindrances, Paul was “ready to preach the gospel” (v. 15). He knew it was God’s power to save, and that it would save the world from sin. He considered himself the “chief ” of sinners, but was ready to preach (I Tim. 1:15). There is a shortage of gospel preachers in this country, and one important reason is that men with the ability to preach are not “ready to preach the gospel.”

Called Through The Gospel

Young men! There is a call from God through the gospel for sound preaching. Are you ready to answer that call (Matt. 28:18-20)7I heard this call of the gospel several years ago, but never felt “ready” until receiving the following advice from my best friend. He said, “If you wait until you `know it all,’ or until it feels right, you will never go.” He continued, “There will always be a subject you do not know, or an area you are not comfortable with. This is a part of life. When the time comes, you will know it and you will preach.” He continued to support me while I was preaching by “appointment” for over two years. He was the best man at my wedding, and continues to be my best friend and “brother in the faith.”

I grew up in a “Christian” environment, being the son of a deacon in the church. While I love my parents dearly, my faith is not inherited. Paul tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). My faith is mine, and the fact I am preaching is a decision I have made. One of the reasons I became a preacher was that I could see many being lost in sin, and without a person to help them. This is not just those who refuse to worship God, but those in denominations. While I worked in several jobs after school, then full-time secular work, I tried to talk to those outside of Christ, only to see they were “turned to fables” (2 Tim. 4:4). I only became more determined as I talked to those who did not know the church of Christ from a denomination. Can anyone relate? Young men who want to preach, have you experienced this?

I was baptized and a member of the Ellettsville church of Christ in Ellettsville, Indiana. There I received the training from Johnie Edwards who gave me the knowledge and boldness I needed to preach. As of February 1, 1995, I will have been preaching full-time for 8 1/2 months. If you add the total preaching experience, it has been just over three years. The more I preach, the more I see the need for young men strong in the faith ready to take up the sword of the Spirit and to war a good warfare (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Tim. 1:18). Friend, do not give up because some may discourage you, but be an “example to the believers” (1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:15).

Preach The Word At All Costs

Remember what Paul said, “For the time will come when men will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3). It is very important that young men do not give in to the crowd, but “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Yes, there are many experienced gospel preachers who are sound and who do not compromise the truth for anyone’s sake, but some of our older preaching brethren do not wish to speak “sound doctrine” anymore. They let family concerns, concerns of the congregation, and views of other “distinguished brethren” sway their view on various Bible subjects. This must not be so if we wish to please God, no matter what our age may be. I learned early on that when a man preaches, he must not have a friend in the audience. This rule applies in the writing a man may do, in his relations with others, etc. When it comes to the Word of God, we cannot play favorites, just as God does not (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9)!

The apostles spoke sound doctrine at all costs (Acts 5:40-42; I Cor. 1 I :23-28). Let us as preachers of the Word be no different. Let us not fall into the trap of “hero-worship.” You will be elevating a man above what he should be and you will be let down every time. We may speak the truth and alienate our friends and family (Matt. 10:21-22, 36-37), but the reward is much greater than the hurt you may endure (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 3:13-14).

While thinking these things through, do not forget that “all the counsel of God” must be preached (Acts 20:27). As I said, a preacher must not have a friend in the audience. We need to preach the Word in its purity and simplicity. Paul preached to the Ephesians for three years (Acts 20:31). I am sure it made people mad at times, but it was for their own good. It was souls he was concerned about, not hurt feelings! After three years, he could say, “I kept back nothing from you that was profitable unto you, but have chewed you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). In verse 27, he said, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” 2 Timothy 4:2 teaches us to preach “in season and out of season.” Preach it when they like it and preach it when they do not like it, is the meaning of this text.

I remember a lady coming to me after I had preached a sermon from 1 Timothy 5:22 about purity and keeping oneself pure. One of the points I made was on immodest apparel. She came to me afterward and we had a discussion on that subject. It had never been an issue with her until she heard it preached from the Word of God. After a few minutes of discussion, she agreed to what the Bible said, and has made the necessary changes since then. Can we see from this the necessity of preaching “the whole counsel of God”? We can gain a soul from the Devil when we do as Paul and the other apostles did.

Are You Ready?

Young men who want to preach, do not be discouraged! If your wish is to preach the Word, you are surrounded by many opportunities if you will only look for them. Please do not try to simply impress people, or do it for money, but preach because that is all you can think about. Be a Jeremiah, who had to preach because the word was “as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9-12). Preach because you can see the “fields are white unto harvest” (Jn. 4:35). “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matt. 9:37). Be a preacher! Be a servant of God (Rom. 1:1). Do all you can to bring others to Jesus before it is too late!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 16-17
March 16, 1995

By Cindy Bryant

Dressing modestly is not a matter of choice, but a command of God. God has revealed how we are to dress and, if we are to be pleasing in his sight, we must do as he commands. In 1 Timothy 2:9, we are told that women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines modesty as “orderly, well-arranged, decent” and he goes on to add that it is not only the outward dress and demeanor which are important, but also the inward spirit and how we use it to conduct our lives.

Much clothing that is readily accepted by the world would have to be rejected by the child of God. The world will think us strange for not going to the same extremes as they do in their dress, but one who has died to sin and been raised in Christ will seek to please God and not man (I Pet. 4:4; Rom. 6:3,4). The world accepts shorts, halter tops, swim suits, low cut blouses, see-through clothing, tight clothing, and other types of revealing apparel, but the child of God seeking to dress modestly and with shame fastness will not run with the world by wearing such clothes. The Christian’s attitude should be to shrink back from the line that separates modest and immodest clothing.

We are not to look to the world as our standard of dress, but let God’s Word be our guide. In today’s society, there is a great temptation to follow fashions and styles. How-ever, we must remember these fashions are set by the world, without God in mind. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are told not to love the world nor the things in it. We should “blush” at even the thought of dressing ungodly. If we get to the point where sin does not make us ashamed, that is when we will fall (Jer. 6:15). Worldly things are temporary, but those who obey the will of God will abide forever. If we truly love the Lord, we will be obedient to his commandments (Jn. 14:15).

Jesus tells us we are the light of the world and it is our responsibility to let our lights shine before others (Matt. 5:14,16). We are told to study God’s Word diligently, but we cannot stop there (2 Tim. 2:15). We must take what we learn and practice it. It is our duty as young people to be an example to those around us (1 Tim. 4:12). How will people in the world know we are Christians unless the proper example is set before them?

We must also think about how others will view us when choosing our dress. As Christians, we are to be the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16). If we dress immodestly, our influence will be severely damaged, besides causing others to sin (Matt. 5:28; Lk. 17:1,2). We are commanded to teach the lost and rebuke their sins (Mk. 16:15; 2 Tim. 4:2). We cannot do a very effective job if we are living just like them (Matt. 7:1-5).

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we are told that our “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” and we belong to God. We should use our bodies to glorify God and not to shame him. Not only does God want us to do those things that are pleasing to him, but also he wants us to do them for our own good (Deut. 6:24). God tells us what is good for us just as our parents teach us things that are good for us. God looks down on us with love and he has made the greatest sacrifice for us in giving up his only Son. Our goal in life should be to please God in everything we do.

Sometimes we do things in our lives that we are ashamed to tell our parents and we know that if they find out they will be sorely disappointed. God is not only disappointed when we sin, but it grieves him, the Holy Spirit, and Christ, who have done so much to save us (Gen. 6:6; Eph. 4:30; Lk.19:41). We must always remember that if we will confess our faults to one another and repent of the sins we have committed, God will forgive us (1 Jn. 1:9; Jas. 5:16). He is always ready for us to come back to him (2 Pet. 3:9).

1 Peter 3:2-5 tell us that we are to be chaste, or pure, in our conduct. We are not to be overly concerned with outward beauty, for God looks at the inner spirit. He expects us to have a gentle and quiet spirit, not boisterous or loud. This is how the holy women who trusted in God adorned themselves. If we have the inward beauty de-scribed in this passage, it should be revealed in our outward person. How we act, dress, and speak will be brought forth from that inward beauty. Our bodies belong to God and they are to be used to his honor (1 Thess. 4:4).

As Christians, we are “to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reason-able service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1,2). This will mean that we will give up wearing immodest clothes which are popular in the eyes of the world. Considering the sacrifice God made on our behalf and the reward that God has for those who love him, this truly is a minor sacrifice. Modest dress is a must for the child of God modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 21
March 16, 1995