Truth Magazine

By Marc Gibson

“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, `Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Thus began what Luke describes as “no small dissension and dispute” among brethren in the first century. Issues and problems arise from time to time in the Lord’s church that threaten the unity and work of the people of God. Issues ranging from personal opinions to false doctrine have challenged God’s people from the beginning of the church. We should not be so concerned as to the fact of these problems as much as how we handle them. God now speaks to us through his Son (Heb. 1:12), and has given us all that we need to be “complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:1617). The revelation of the New Testament establishes the authority of God for us until the end of time. Our task is to search/study the Scriptures (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15) and determine to “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

God’s Word and Our Thought Process

One blessing most of us enjoy is a mind and the ability to use it. God, therefore, appeals to the mind of man in the revelation of his mind and will (Eph. 3:15). We are called by the gospel of Christ to surrender our lives by faith in obedience to his will (Rom. 1:16; 2 Thess. 2:14). Man must respond in order to enjoy the free gift of his grace – salvation. As Christians we continue to surrender ourselves to God by living our lives according to the precepts and principles of his will revealed in the Scriptures (Rom. 12:12). But how do we determine what God has authorized or not authorized?

Everyday we put forth an effort to understand one another as we communicate through voice, signals, or the written word. Barely realizing it, we use basic methods of thinking and logic accepted by all such as direct statements, commands, examples, and necessary conclusions. Parents give rules to children and we follow the rules of the road when we drive. The concept of precedent is used in judicial rulings and we learn not to touch hot stoves by making some very necessary inferences (I hope you didn’t learn the hard way!). When we endeavor to study and rightly divide the word of God, we use the same methods of thinking. We must look for direct statements and commands from God, approved examples to direct our actions, and draw necessary conclusions from the stories and accounts recorded for our learning. This is not “human wisdom” as we are often accused of, but simply doing what God commanded of us. God revealed his mind; we study, learn, and apply. Is there some other secret, unknowable way to do it? Apparently not, for these are the methods used and accepted by the apostles and elders in Acts 15.

It is totally beyond me as to how people lose their ability to think straight when they deal with religious matters. Suddenly, accepted ways of understanding basic communication are thrown out the door in favor of “new” and superior ways of thinking (or no thinking at all). Talk about human wisdom! The call for a “new hermeneutic” and the reduction of New Testament teaching to the level of simple “love letters” (just suggestions devoid of any real authority) should be repugnant to all who love God and his word, and respect his authority. Thankfully, such an attitude would not win the day on that momentous occasion in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15.

Our Common Source of Authority

Did the brethren of the first century have a special means of determining and establishing the authority of God? Did the fact that they had apostles, prophets, and spiritual gifts give them an advantage? No, they settled disputes and questions with an appeal to the same data that we have access to – the revealed will of God. It is true that God’s word was in the process of being revealed in its entirety at that time, but it was always the final authority. We now have the faith once delivered, the doctrine of God. It is most timely for us to examine again how men who spoke by inspiration and possessed great faith established the authority of God concerning issues and questions of great importance to the faith and work of the church. You will not read about their “think so’s”; there are no appeals to human testimony. The Holy Spirit recorded their words that we might learn how to respect the authority of God. Are we listening?

Acts 15: The Issue

At the center of the controversy was the question of circumcising Gentiles who had become Christians and commanding them to keep the law of Moses (vv. 1,5). This was a serious issue that threatened the unity of the early Christians. Paul and Barnabas engaged in “no small dissension and dispute with certain men from Judea. There is nothing objectionable about honorable controversy, even in “dispute” (vv. 6,7). Granted there are some matters we are not to dispute about (see 1 Tim. 6:4), yet we are to exhaust every effort to settle important, doctrinal questions. It has been my experience to observe many a false teacher quit a scriptural discussion before it had hardly started. For shame! A faithful Christian should be willing to discuss any legitimate issue no matter how long it takes to search the Scriptures fairly and thoroughly for truth. The brethren of Acts 15 came together for this effort. It saddens me that so many people today are not interested in similar discussions. Such discussions are right and they are needed!

The Speakers: Their Method and Message

Peter took opportunity to remind the brethren how God had by him preached the gospel to the Gentiles (v. 7). This was his experience with Cornelius and his household (Acts 10). The facts were that God “acknowledged them” by the giving of the Holy Spirit and “made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith” (vs. 89). Peter had learned these truths by making necessary conclusions (inferences) from his experiences with the vision on the rooftop and events at Cornelius’ house. No one could dispute his conclusions any more than the events of that day. Based on those necessary conclusions, Peter describes their contention concerning circumcision and the Law of Moses as testing God and shakes them up by stating that “we (Jews) shall be saved in the same manner as they (Gentiles)” (vv. 1011). Peter, therefore, uses both an approved example (conversion of Cornelius and his household) from which he drew necessary conclusions (God’s acceptance of the Gentiles without the yoke of circumcision and the Law of Moses).

Paul and Barnabas then “declared how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles” (v. 12). They were speaking of work done during their first missionary journey, especially beginning at Antioch where, in disgust with the rejection of the gospel by the Jews, they turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:4249). They had been openly reporting these things to many brethren (Acts 14:27; 15:13). This is a case of establishing authority by approved example, approved by God in the working of miracles and wonders. God had approved the work of Paul and Barnabas in the converting of Gentiles, and no circumcision had been involved. The examples spoke for themselves as to what God had authorized in the salvation of the Gentiles. Approved examples are a legitimate part of the oracles of God. They are binding upon us in demonstrating the authority and wisdom of God. God did not give us “suggestions” on how to do our work as Christians and as his church. He gave us the doctrine of Christ. Are we listening? Are we obeying?

James then speaks by quoting a passage of Scripture that supported the conclusion that Peter had reached. He quoted Amos 9:1112, a direct statement of God concerning the Gentiles being called by his name and a part of the rebuilt tabernacle of David. A direct statement or command speaks for itself in establishing the authority of God. With the direct statement of God, the approved examples, and the necessary conclusions, James is able to make a proper application of truth to the question of circumcision and the Gentile Christians. He concluded “that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God” but only to keep a few important matters that were necessary (vv. 1920). God had spoken. The matter was settled. Men, using the thinking ability of the mind and considering carefully the evidence of God’s revelation, were able to understand the will of the Lord. He speaks to us now through the same revealed word. Can we not use these same scriptural methods to determine the authority of God? If not, why not?

Respecting God’s Truth and Authority

In the letter that was shortly thereafter sent to the troubled brethren, they were told that “no such commandment” had been given, affirming the respect we should have for the silence of God. Let us only speak as God has spoken, just as Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James did. If we confine our study and conclusions to the oracles of God and preach the word, no more and no less, we can give credit to whom the credit is due, God. They gave credit to the Holy Spirit (v. 28) for the truth that was understood that day in Acts 15. The authority of God has already been established; we must understand and accept it by faith. Give God all the glory and praise.

Faithless men today may continue to ridicule commands, examples, and necessary inferences as human wisdom and legalism. Apparently some have become so “wise” as to now proclaim scriptural methods as foolish. I make no apologies for using methods used by men who spoke and acted by the direction of God. God recorded Acts 15 for our learning and I intend to follow its example. But I fear that the doctrines and commandments of men are the culprits that have led these ones to deny the faith, deny authority, and deny the scriptural method of determining truth. We must oppose their error with no compromise. They preach peace, but there will be no true peace in the hearts and ranks of those who deny the authority of God. The peace and joy of God reigns in the heart of the Christian who knows and does the will of the Father, because “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of tire Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). Then, and only then, can we have the same wonderful feeling as those good brethren who read that letter from Jerusalem, for “… they rejoiced over its encouragement” (v. 31).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 19, p. 3-5
October 6, 1994

By T. Doy Moyer

To have authority for what we do means that we have freedom, the right and permission to act as it comes from one who has the right to order and give permission. Our authority is Jesus Christ. He has the right to order and command. He said: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18).

God has the right to tell us what to do by virtue of the fact that he is our Creator (Gen. 1:1,26,27; Acts 17:2431). When man tries to become his own authority, then he is acting according to the same evil desires with which Satan tempted Eve. Concerning the forbidden fruit, the serpent said, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5). Satan was telling Adam and Eve that they could become their own authority (i.e., their own gods). They did not need Jehovah telling them what to do. They could decide for themselves what is right and wrong. This is the message of secular humanism. It is born out of the concept that the highest authority is man; we don’t need any Deity to tell us what to do. Such is a denial of the authority that God inherently has because he is Creator. The foundation for the teaching of authority is thus rooted in Genesis. In order for us to fully understand the need for authority, we must first understand God as our Maker.

Authority Needed Everywhere

Authority is necessary in all aspects of life. Without it, there can only be anarchy and chaos. Without authority in the home, it will fall apart. Without authority in school, there will only be problems. Imagine what it would be like without authority in the workplace. Some may like the idea of having no boss, but unless someone acts with authority, it will be impossible for the business to flourish. Without authority in the nation and government, many citizens will act wickedly with no judgment on their actions. Authority is needed everywhere. This is something that most people freely recognize. No group, organization or nation can function smoothly without someone who can “call the shots.”

The Need for Authority in Religious Matters

The need for authority is seen especially in the religious world. The existence of hundreds of denominations show this. The many divisions that exist, even among God’s people, testify of the need for authority. Divisions and denominations exist because people, at sometime, did not listen and submit to the authority of God. Instead, they became their own authority and acted in lawlessness.

The nature of man requires authority. Man simply cannot provide this authority by himself. Jeremiah said, “0 Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23; cf. Prov. 14:12). When man begins to act on his own authority, then he is trying to do what cannot be rightly done. Some deny that we need authority for all that we do and teach. But if this be the case, would someone explain the grounds for such a position? When people act or teach something without God’s authority, then they must look to one of two things: (1) themselves as the authority, or (2) other men as the authority. Yet, the Bible condemns looking to men as the source of authority (Jer. 10:23; Col. 2:2022; Matt. 15:9; Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 4:6). A position which states that we do not need authority is an unbiblical and sinful position. Without God’s authority, we only have man’s and man’s authority is worthless without God.

Again, the position of humanism is that we do not need God to tell us what to do. We must look to humanity as the highest source of authority. But there is a fatal flaw in this position. If what one man or group says can be the source of authority, then what another man or group says can also be a source of authority, even if what they say contradicts what others say. If one person can appeal to himself or another man as authority, then why can’t another person do the same? Who is to say who is right or wrong? When men contradict each other, how will the issues and questions be settled? Where else can we appeal? Without God, confusion and every evil thing will exist in society. We are seeing this first hand. But the same principle applies to religious matters. When those who claim to believe in God tell us that we do not need authority for a particular belief or practice, they are unwittingly taking the position of humanism. Only division and evil will result. There is no way for us to be united based on the authority of man.

Sadly, this attitude has invaded the Lord’s people. The various and sundry divisions among Christians are the result of a failure to submit to God’s authority. Instead of recognizing that we must have authority for all we do and teach, some are insisting that the pleas for authority are legalistic and unnecessary. “The church must change with the times,” we hear. Such attitudes are nothing short of a total rejection of the authority of God’s Word. It is also an outright rejection of Jesus Christ, who claimed to have all authority (Matt. 28:18; Jn. 12:48).

A standard of right and wrong is essential to mankind. The only way that truth and error can be distinguished is by having an objective Standard by which all else is to be judged. This Standard is the Bible, God’s inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Without the Bible, we cannot know God’s will. We can only act according to our own will, which will ultimately bring destruction (Prov. 14:12). This is why it is vital for us to plea for “book, chapter and verse” for what we do. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Mock it if they want to, but a firm grounding in and heeding of the Book is the only acceptable starting point for doing God’s will (1 Cor. 2:913). Unless God has revealed something to us in his word, there is no way that we can say we are doing God’s will. There is no way that we can act with authority, unless God has, in some way, revealed it in the Scriptures.

An Insightful Question

The Pharisees recognized the need for authority when they asked Jesus about his teaching and works: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” (Matt. 21:23) Jesus did not shout them down or tell them they were wrong for asking. He nowhere said, “Why, we don’t need authority. You’re just being legalistic!” His response was to ask them about the authority for the baptism of John: “Where was it from? From heaven or from men?” (v. 25) This response gives even more support to the fact that we need authority. Why would Jesus ask about it if it wasn’t necessary? Jesus fully recognized that authority for practices and teachings is necessary. This question also reveals the only two sources from which a practice or teaching can come: heaven (God) or men. If not from heaven, then a teaching must come from men. Teachings that come from men result in vain service to God (Matt. 15:19). Again, only God is the proper source for authority. For authority to be worth anything, it must come from One who has the power to grant it. Men simply do not have this power.

Illustrated in the Old Testament

Many examples given to us in the Old Testament testify to the need for acting with authority (cf. Rom. 15:4). The account of Cain and Abel shows us what it means to act by faith. Abel acted by faith, which means that he must have heard God’s Word and obeyed it (Heb. 11:4; Rom. 10:17). Cain acted presumptuously and substituted his own will. He was rejected for this.

Nadab and Abihu were condemned to death because they did not act according to the authority of God (Lev. 10:1,2). They used a strange fire which the Lord “had not commanded them” (v. 1). Perhaps they thought that they did not need authority. Maybe they thought, “But God didn’t say not to.” Even if they had good intentions, the fact remains that they acted presumptuously, without authority, and were judged for it.

Uzziah acted without authority when he went into the temple and tried to bum incense (2 Chron. 26:1620). This work was only for the priests (Exod. 20:110). Uzziah was told, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to bum incense to the Lord, but for the priests” (v. 18). It was a good work, ordained by God, but it was for a specific group of people. We need to remember this principle when thinking about the work of the church and the work of individuals. There are things that individuals may do that are not given to the church to do as a collective body. Some things “are not for the church” to do “as a church” (cf. 1 Cor. 11:18ff). The point is that Uzziah acted without authority and was punished for it. We need to be careful not to do the same.

It is interesting to hear some fuss about using examples like these to demonstrate our need for authority. “Not that old Noah argument again. Why, that’s the Old Testament; we’re tired of hearing those old arguments.” Are they telling us that they don’t like to hear examples from God’s Word? Are they admitting that they don’t believe that the Bible is really a good example for us to follow? Are they saying that what was written before is not profitable for us? Friends, if you’re going to accept the Bible at all, then listen to it! If you don’t want to listen to it, then quit pretending to respect the Word of God. At the heart of this issue is the way we look at the Bible. Either we will accept it for what it is, or we will reject it to do what we want.

The New Testament

We are hearing a lot about this “new hermeneutic,” which insists on following Jesus as we think he might have acted or taught. But if we want to know how he would act or teach, then we need to read the Scriptures to see how he acted and what he really taught. He would not do anything today that is inconsistent with his actions and teachings in the first century. His words, which are ever relevant, are just as true today as they were then (Matt. 24:35).

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:2123: “Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

If we had no other Scriptures telling us of the importance of acting with authority (i.e., within the bounds of his revealed will), this one would be sufficient to show why we need it and what happens when people don’t have it. First, Jesus is Lord, which again stresses the fact that he has the right to tell us what to do. Acting without authority is an assault on his leadership. We need authority because he is the Lord and he has all authority. Second, acting without authority (i.e., “lawlessness”) results in eternal condemnation. People may claim many wonderful works in the name of Jesus, but if these works are not done according to the will of God, they will be lawless and sinful (1 Jn. 3:4). Jesus unequivocally taught the necessity for acting with authority. He also taught the penalty for acting without authority. Let those of the “new hermeneutic” persuasion grapple with that, for it comes from the One who changes not (Heb. 13:8).

The apostles likewise taught the need for acting with authority from God. For example, the apostasy is thus born out of a lack of respect for divine authority. Name any unscriptural division that has taken place, and the roots can be traced to a lack of respect for the authority of God and his word.

We are to the endeavor for unity (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:10). The only way for unity to be maintained is through respect for God’s authority. We must all recognize the same Standard and abide by it (Phil. 3:16). True disciples of Jesus abide in his word (Jn. 8:3132). We must remain within the confines of the revealed Word of God (cf. 1 Cor. 4:6). To go beyond the Scriptures is to manifest disrespect for our Lord and bring destruction (2 Jn. 9; cf. Rev. 22:18,19). This is the consistent teaching of the New Testament.

Conclusion

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). If we are to do all in the name of Jesus (i.e., by his authority), then we are to have his sanction for everything that we do and teach. The body (church) is to be the subject to Christ, the head, in everything (Eph.5:24). Without question, then, the Scriptures teach the need for acting with authority in all that we do and teach. This is the only position consistent with Scripture. It is the only position that will bring honor and glory to our Authority and Creator. Therefore, let us never deride fervent appeals to the Bible. Let us never complain at a “thus saith the Lord.” Let us not mock “book, chapter and verse” preaching. Instead, let us bring honor and glory to God by full submission to his will. Remember who God is (creator), and remember who we are (the /created). And remember: Christ is the “author of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb. 5:9).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 19, p. 2
October 6, 1994

By Richard Boone

In the ’70’s it was gonorrhea and syphilis. In the early 80’s (my high school years) it was a certain strain of Herpes. During the last 10 years, AIDS has dominated the scene. To be protected from sexually-transmitted diseases (STD’s) we are encouraged to practice “safe sex.” The message of “safe sex” is, “Go ahead and have sex, just use a condom to prevent STD’s.” In recent weeks, commercials during prime-time network TV programs have advocated condom use. They leave a clear message  while listing abstinence as a possible option, it is actually unrealistic for twentieth-century Americans to abstain from sexual activity, therefore use a condom when you are sexually active. Is abstinence unrealistic? This is my concern in this article.

Societal Attitudes Towards

Sexual Relationships

Through humanism’s influence, our society has accepted the “live and let live” view. Humanist philosophy is stated in their words: “In the area of sexuality, we believe that in-tolerant attitudes, often cultivated by orthodox religions and puritanical cultures, unduly repress sexual conduct. The right to birth control, abortion, and divorce should be recognized. While we do not approve of exploitive denigrating forms of sexual expression, neither do we wish to prohibit, by law or social sanction, sexual behavior between consenting adults…. Short of harming others or compelling them to do likewise, individuals should be permitted to express their sexual proclivities and pursue their lifestyles as they desire” (“The Individual,” Humanist Manifestos I and II, p. 18; italics mine – rb). This thinking has infected society  fornication and adultery are glamorized on TV and in music, homosexuality is defended and promoted, NAMBLA (North American Man/ Boy Love Association) and like organizations exist, etc.

God’s Teaching About “Safe Sex”

One visits a doctor to find the cause of an illness, not just to treat the symptoms of it. Where is the root of our moral problems? The answer is in Romans 1  like the Gentile world of Paul’s day, our society has departed from God and is drowning in the muck of depravity. Our only remedy is to turn back to God and his teaching. To assist in that, consider several principles in his word.

God’s creation of man and woman and bringing them together as husband and wife were “very good.” God made man and woman to complement each other. He put sexual desires in both. These desires are natural, whole-some and good (Gen. 1:31; 2:24-25; 4:1; etc.). They become filthy and disgusting when the boundaries governing those de-sires are transgressed.

God ordained “marriage” to satisfy sexual desires (1 Cor. 7:1-5). Fornication (with its attendant physical and spiritual consequences) can be avoided by satisfying natural desires in the God-given relationship for them  marriage.

One is to remain pure until marriage (Heb. 13:4). The marriage bed is to be “undefiled.”

Fornication and adultery violate that purity and those guilty of such will be judged by God (Heb. 13:4). To stand before God unforgiven of these sins results in one being kept out of heaven (Gal. 5:19-21).

Thoughts precede actions (Prov. 4:23; 23:7). For our actions to be pure our thoughts must be pure. We are to bring all thoughts into subjection of the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

We can control our thoughts and actions. Joseph did  he would not lie with his master’s wife and sin “against God” (Gen. 39:7-12). He literally ran from the situation!

The New Testament explicitly teaches abstinence from fornication. “Flee sexual immorality…” (1 Cor. 6:18). “But fornication . . . let it not even be named among you” (Eph. 5:3). “. . . put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire” (Col. 3:5). “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thess. 4:3). “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age” (Tit. 2:11).

What Can We Do?

Learn God’s will on these matters and submit to it: Most people are ignorant of God’s teaching on this matter, therefore they are gullible (2 Tim. 3:5-6). Sadly, this includes Christians. We can learn and apply God’s teaching (Eph. 3:3-5). His will is given to make us complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Stand firm on God’s teaching regardless of the consequences: Persecutions will come (2 Tim. 3:12). God loved us enough to send his only Son to die when we were sinners; his love and guidance will not fail us when we, as his children, face trials (Rom. 5:7-11).

Draw strength from the faithful stand of others: Timothy drew such strength from Paul (2 Tim. 3:10-11,14). Joseph, Daniel, Ruth, the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, and other heroes of faith provide such examples.

Teach our children plainly what God teaches: Timothy was told to continue in what he had learned from childhood (2 Tim. 3:14-15). Parents, we have the responsibility to rear our children in the nurture and admonition of God (Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5). Let us not fail. They will learn from us or from a source of which we would not approve! Equally important, if we fail to teach them about these and other spiritual matters, their blood will be upon us at the judgment (Ezek. 33:6-8; Acts 20:26-27).

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:11-12).

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 18, p. 20-21
September 15, 1994

By Harry R. Osborne

This time of the year is traditionally associated with leisure. Young people are getting out of school. Families are making plans for a summer vacation to relax. Most of us have put some thought into the best place to go on a trip to escape work and worry. With all of the recent rain, heat and resulting humidity which plague our area at this time of year, a cool climate to “take it easy” for a week or two is very inviting. A measure of that is certainly good for every family. However, we must not become a people obsessed with leisure and frivolity to the exclusion of honest, diligent labor.

Historically, once a society has achieved affluence, it begins to have a declining esteem for hard work and the worker. Those at the top of the economic ladder deem labor bringing the worker to a sweat as beneath their dignity. Those at the bottom of the ladder try to imitate the rich people’s disdain for work thus becoming less productive in their jobs.

A quick look around us will confirm that we are afflicted with this problem some are now calling “Affluenza.” Many in our time see work as a “low class” endeavor to be avoided. The advertisements of “get rich quick” schemes to avoid honest labor are all around us. The streets of many cities are filled with drug dealers, panhandlers, and others who have rejected work as a means of support.

God sees the value of work differently. When he made man and set him in the ideal world of the garden of Eden, God gave him work to do (Gen. 2:15). It was not as hard as the work man had to do after the fall (Gen. 3:17-19), but it was work. The God who made us knew that it was best for us to work  work was part of that ideal world.

God’s word repeatedly states the value of labor. Honest work is always held in honor, but laziness is consistently seen as a disgrace bringing problems to the sluggard. The book of Proverbs frequently declares the folly of the lazy man. The following passages illustrate the point:

Proverbs 14:23  “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

Proverbs 6:9-11 “How long will you slumber, 0 sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep; so shall your poverty come on you like a robber, and your need like an armed man.”

Since slothfulness is condemned, the Bible exhorts us to vigorously engage in honest work. Labor is portrayed as the mean to produce good, but the lack of it only brings hardship. Notice what God’s word says:

Ecclesiastes 9:10  “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

Ephesians 4:28  “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12  “. . . work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12  “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.”

The severity with which God views laziness can be seen in clear words. “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).

If such is God’s view towards laziness, should it not also be our view? We need to see the value of honest labor and properly honor such. We need to engage in our work with all of our strength, not in a slothful fashion. Laziness needs to be abhorred in every facet of life. It should be seen as a disgrace! God does not encourage us to give the sluggard a free ride. Instead, he says the lazy person should bear the consequences of that laziness. Our efforts in benevolence should not minimize the consequences upon those who will not work.

When we are enjoying our leisure time this summer, let’s keep it in balance. While all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all play and no work will cause Jack to grow up into a lazy, useless man who thinks work is a dirty four-letter word! However, God clearly upholds the honor and value of honest labor in his word.

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 18, p. 21-22
September 15, 1994