Truth Magazine

By Andy Alexander

David’s sin with Bathsheba supplies us with many valuable lessons. The temptations created by indecent dress or improper exposure of the body, the downward spiral of one who sins and tries to hide it, the consequences of sin, and the internal pain of the sinner who has a tender conscious toward God are some of these lessons (2 Sam. 11-18; Psa. 32:1-5; 51). However, there are two lessons from 2 Samuel 12 that we want to consider in this article.

First, let’s notice God’s method for convincing the sinner of his sin. God sent the prophet Nathan to David for the purpose of convicting David of his sin.

Nathan related the story of the poor man with one little ewe lamb that was stolen by a rich man who had many flocks and herds (2 Sam. 12:1-4). When Nathan finished the story, “David’s anger burned greatly against the man” (2 Sam. 12:5). David’s anger was justified because the rich man had wronged the poor man and ought to be punished for such an evil and insensitive deed.

After David had made the proper judgment toward the rich man who had done such a hideous deed, God said to David through Nathan, “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7)

This story taught the exact principle that God wanted David to learn. Actually, David already understood the principle that God was impressing upon his mind, but he had not made the proper application of that principle in his own personal life.

How did God convict the sinner of his sin? He sent a messenger (Nathan) to tell him directly that he was guilty of sin. God was straight forward in trying to turn his wayward child back in the right direction.

When King Saul violated the commandment of God by not destroying all the Amalekites and all their possessions, God sent Samuel to deliver his message to Saul (1 Sam. 15:11). Saul’s sin brought a great amount of grief to Samuel, but he delivered the message just as God gave it to him. This message, like the one to David, was direct and to the point (1 Sam. 15:16-23). Saul tried to blame others for his disobedience, but this did not justify him before God (1 Sam. 15:20).

Peter was speaking to the Jews on the day of Pentecost and trying to convict them of their sins. He spoke as the Holy Spirit gave him utterance and told them directly that they had taken Jesus and by wicked hands nailed him to the cross (Acts 2:4,23). Again, we see God’s method was direct and to the point when it came to convicting men of their sins.

When Peter and John were in Samaria for the purpose of imparting spiritual gifts to the new converts, a man by the name of Simon tried to buy the same power the apostles had (Acts 8:19). He sinned in so doing and was quickly and directly rebuked for his sinful actions and urged to repent (Acts 8:20-23). God knows the best way to reach those who are in sin and he has left a pattern for us to follow of being direct and to the point.

The case of Stephen is one which again was direct and to the point. He lost his life because of the hardness of the hearts of his hearers (Acts 7:51-60). This does not prove the method to be wrong. It proves that all of those we approach may not respond as they should to God’s message. Other examples could be cited, but these are enough to show that God’s method of reaching the sinner is direct and to the point. There is an urgency in convicting men of their sins.

They are some today who resent being told they have sinned. They deny their sin, blame others for their sin, or seek to justify their ungodly actions in some way or another. There were other fornicators in David’s day, but that did make his actions any less sinful. Bathsheba was a party to the sin, but that did not alter David’s responsibility to keep himself pure. David was king of a great country, but he still must give account to God. David repented and confessed his sin to God and God forgave him (2 Sam. 12:13).

Let us deliver God’s message in a clear and forceful manner. Let us teach principles of righteousness in terms that can be clearly and easily understood, and let us make application so that those who are guilty will be convinced of their sins.

There is a second lesson that we can glean from 2 Samuel 12. We, who hear God’s message, must make application in our own personal lives. Knowledge without obedience is foolishness (Matt. 7:24-27). The righteous principles taught in God’s word are valuable; however, they are only valuable to those who use them.

Compare this to medicine prescribed by a doctor for a physical ailment. It is good to know that penicillin will cure malaria, but if one has malaria and penicillin is available but not taken, the knowledge is of no real value.

Likewise, it is valuable to know that belief, repentance, and baptism put an alien sinner into the kingdom of God. But, if we are alien sinners and we do not obey these simple conditions given by God, then eternal damnation is our destiny. The knowledge is of no real valuable to us unless we use it.

Society may be rotten, the preacher may be a hypocrite, one of the elders may not meet “my” standards for serving, or some member may be a backbiter, but none of these “excuses” makes my disobedience any better. If I am guilty of sin, then my sin will keep me out of heaven. No one else’s sin can change my impure state into a pure one.

Each of us must make application of God’s word in his own personal life and make corrections wherever and whenever necessary. Some may have a tendency to discard what the preacher says because he is just a man. But if the message he delivers is from God’s word as it should be, then the listener had better take heed. Apply the lesson!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p. 24
January 7, 1993

By Weldon E. Warnock

“There is no faculty of the human soul so persistent and universal as that of hatred. There are hatreds of race; hatreds of sect; social and personal hatreds. If thoughts of hatred were thunder and lightning, there would be a storm over the whole earth all the year round” (Beecher).

Hatred means an “intense aversion or active hostility that is expressed in settled opposition to a person or thing” (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia). A kindred word is “bitterness.” A good description of this word is given by Eadie as “that fretted and irritable state of mind that keeps a man in perpetual animosity — that inclines him to harsh and uncharitable opinions of men and things — that makes him sour, crabbed, and repulsive in his general demeanor — that brings a scowl over this face, and infuses venom into the words of his tongue” (Word Meanings in the New Testament, Ralph Earle).

People hate because they do not love. A loving heart has no place for hate, bitterness and malice. William Barclay stated it well when he said that love “is that attitude of mind which will never allow itself to be bitter to any man, and which will never seek anything but the highest good of others, no matter what the attitude of others be to it” (Flesh and Spirit).

The Effects of Hatred

Hatred is a deadly poison that exudes from the depths of hell, destroying every soul that breathes in its toxic fumes. Its carcinogenic chemical has many side effects:

1. Hatred stirs up trouble. Listen to Solomon: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Prov. 10:12). The friction between Joseph and his brethren was induced by hate (cf. Gen. 37:4,5,8). Congregations are torn asunder because brethren despise and detest, reject and repel one another.

2. Hatred leads to murder. Because the brethren of Joseph hated him, they said, “Let us slay him” (Gen. 37:20). Because of perpetual hatred, the Edomites (Mt. Seir) shed the blood of the children of Israel (Ezek. 35:5). The Jews crucified Jesus because of their animosity and hostility toward him (Jn. 15:18-25). The apostle John succinctly states, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 Jn. 3:15).

Brother Guy N. Woods, commenting on 1 John 3:15, wrote, “What is meant is, he has exhibited the disposition and spirit of a murderer; he has allowed passions to arise in his heart which, when carried to their ultimate ends, result in murder . . . . Murder is simply hate expressed in an overt act” (A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles).

3. Hatred provokes sins of the tongue. David was the target of the biting barbs from the mouth of his enemies. He says, “They compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause” (Psa. 109:3). The vitriolic opposition to David was nothing but a fabrication, but hatred needed no justification. Solomon said, “A lying tongue hates those it hurts” (Prov. 26:28, NIV).

Abrasive, rude, cutting and harsh language generates from those whose hearts are filled with hate. This is also true of gossip, slander, faultfinding and false witnessing. Jesus said, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36). The way we use our tongue is a most serious and grave matter.

4. Hatred fosters resentment and retaliation. The Bible is replete with passages forbidding revenge (Prov. 19:11; 24:27,29; Matt. 5:38-48; Lk. 6:27-36; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:9). When Jesus was “reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not” (1 Pet. 2:23).

Somone said that to render evil for evil is devilish; to render good for good is human, but to render good for evil is God-like.

5. Hatred begets envy and envy begets hate. We see this vicious cycle in the life of Joseph and his brethren. They hated Joseph (Gen. 37:4,5,8) and, subsequently, “his brethren envied him” (Gen. 37:11). The Jews hated Jesus and they delivered him to be crucified because of envy (Matt. 27:18; Mk. 15:10). Envy is “rottenness of the bones” (Prov. 14:30).

Those who harbor hate, malice and envy are miserable wretches, and unless they excise this virulent cancer from their hearts, they will slowly destroy themselves as a malignancy emaciates the body.

The Character of Hate

Hate is an odious, malevolent malady. Gothold said, “Malevolence is, in point of fact, a real colocynth juice; for, if once it infects the heart, nothing in a neighbor any longer pleases. If he walk, his gait is proud and haughty; if he laugh, he is derisive; if he weep, he is hypocritical; if he look grave, he is insolent. Every fault swells into magnitude, and every virtue shrinks into littleness.” Let us focus upon the following features of hate:

1. Hate is a characteristic of the world. Paul wrote of those in the unregenerated state, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (Tit. 3:3). Those in the kingdom of Satan, hate. But the children of God must put off such works of darkness.

2. Hate is a work of the flesh. It is cataloged with fornication, idolatry, witchcraft, murder and drunkenness (Gal. 5:19-21). They who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Hatred will keep us out of heaven.

3. Hate is harbored only by fools. Solomon said, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” (Prov. 10:18). Analyzing this verse, David Thomas astutely said, “Wickedness hides hatred by lies, and slays reputation by slanders. It is often honey on the lips and venom in the heart. It is always associated more or less with a villany that hides itself under flattering words, and works out its ends by treachery and lies” (Book of Proverbs).

4. Hate is cruel and mean. The enemies of David were many and they hated him “with cruel hatred” (Psa. 25:19). We see this kind of ill treatment vented upon Abel by Cain, upon Joseph by his jealous brothers and upon Jesus by the rebellious Jews. Today, several members of the church, including elders and preachers, are the targets of this venomous gall that is spued out by those whose hearts are full of hate and bitterness. Let us guard against this root of bitterness that defiles us (Heb. 12:15).

The Cure for Hate

There is only one remedy for hate and that is love, a love that is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, etc. (1 Cor. 13:4-7, NIV). If we love as we ought, we will love our brethren:

1. As the Lord loves us. “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (Jn. 13:34; cf. 15:12).

2. With unfeigned love. Love is to be genuine and unhypocritical. Peter said, “Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren” (1 Pet. 1:22). This kind of love is not in word only, but also in deed and in truth (1 Jn. 3:18).

3. With a pure heart (1 Pet. 1:22). To love with a pure heart is to be free of malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies and evil speakings (1 Pet. 2:1). Peter says we are to lay aside these evil things as a result of being born again. These are layed aside (put off) as one would discard filthy and dirty clothing.

4. With fervency (1 Pet. 1:22). This shows the intensity of love. It describes an emotion that is forceful, vivid and earnest. We are not to love loosely, indifferently or casually, but vigorously and energetically.

“Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1). In the words of Solomon, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Prov. 15:17).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p. 10
January 7, 1993

By Don R. Freling

Memorial Day is more special to some than others. “How soon they forget” is a thought verbalized by veterans of World War II as they observe Memorial Day ignorers. One veteran wrote about an amphibious landing on an island in the South Pacific. He recalled how the sea swarmed with landing barges filled with troops. The barges approached the beach under heavy fire from concrete bunkers. The air was filled with lead and soon the sea was colored by the blood of gallant boys who would never fire a shot for their cause. A few barges made it to the beach and many of the men on these were slaughtered in the shallow water.

Those who survived to the sand dunes were pinned down by machine guns from concrete bunkers. Many were dying. With no visible hesitation they pressed forward. When they reached the bunker they realized that it was no longer active. They looked inside and saw four dead enemy gunners and two dead Marines. There were no survivors to tell the story of this frantic hand-to-hand combat.

Time and circumstance did not permit longer reflection and discovery of the identity of these two Marines who gave their lives that so many might live. But these veterans never forgot. Memorial Day is special to them. It is special to their families. What is the value of those two dead Marines who got to the bunker first?

In the same sense we owe something to the One who died for us. What value would you place on the forgiveness of your sins?

Sometimes a short story of a suffering sacrifice in a real life situation closer to us brings to reality the death of Jesus for us. We have a Memorial Day — the Lord’s day. It’s once a week. It’s important to remember. Two Marines died for a few men in the invasion force. Jesus died for all men of every nation of all time. Other men could have given their lives on that bloody beach but only one could have given his life for the sins of the world.

Christians meet to remember as they partake of the Lord’s Supper. This shows our common hope and unified purpose. Despite our separation geographically or even doctrinally, the Lord’s Supper could be the platform for unity and love for each other and for all men.

Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians that we must “individually examine ourselves and not partake in an unworthy manner.” Simple instructions. How can one presiding over the Lord’s Supper assist each individual? One cannot partake and remember for another. The leader can effectively read appropriate passages from different translations, make comments, or relate a story pertinent to members which brings to vivid reality the events on the cross. The leader can also describe a crucifixion or the helplessness of the on-lookers.

Personally, I recommend against:

(1) Dramatizing Scripture with undocumented speculation about what someone might have said or thought.

(2) Praying about things not associated with the Lord’s Supper.

(3) Using familiar phrases too often. This might imply the leader is just going through the motions — not really meaning what he says. However, if using familiar phrases best ex-presses one’s heart use them. (4) Hurrying the service could diminish its importance. (5) Prolonging the service. Time should be given for other things that must be done while we’re together. (6) Using external effects — light dimming or soft singing. This puts my mind on what’s coming next and off the subject. Personally, I need time and silence to better put my mind on the subject. (7) Using a play or skit because this brings a sacred spiritual event down to a secular level. (8) Thinking the Lord’s Supper is the main purpose for gathering.

Such an attitude leads to people just coming for the Lord’s Supper and then leaving. This could lead to arbitrarily assigning a greater or lesser importance to other things God has required. The Corinthian church assembled together and were edified (ch. 14). They sang together, they prayed together, and they gave of their means. Is preaching less important than the Lord’s Supper? Romans 10 proclaims the need of preaching and following the Lord’s charge in the Great Commission. Who would say singing is more important than prayer? The Bible does not say the Lord’s Supper has more weight on God’s scale than singing, praying, preaching, and giving. If we have the correct attitude we will seek to do everything God requires in the best way we know how. (9) Reading from the writings of men. Someone less informed may read something in-appropriate or with Calvinistic assumptions. (10) Trying to attain a new “spiritual high” each time one partakes. This leads to “let downs,” depression, or even guilt.

The best thing we can do, in my opinion, is to dignify the Lord’s Sup-per with reflective silence. Introduce what is about to occur (for visitors) then allow a long moment to pass before offering prayer for the element being taken.

In time, the brave sacrifice of those two Marines will be forgotten and piled on top of countless other heroic acts on time’s face. Lincoln said in another war not too long ago, “Men will little note nor long remember what we say here but they will never forget what they did here.” Yes, we will remember but only as long as we are reminded.

Why is the Lord’s Supper more special to some than others? Perhaps some have sinned more, committed high consequence sins, omitted doing what God wants done. Perhaps they just regret past sins more. Remind the rememberers.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p. 5
January 7, 1993

By Randy Harshbarger

Revelation 2:10 says: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” A new year is upon us. This is a time when many are making resolutions for 1993. How did you do with keeping last year’s resolutions? Did you accomplish everything you set out to do? A better question is: What were your goals for this past year and what will they be for the coming days? Will the Lord be included in your plans? Are you making preparations to grow spiritually? Are your dreams and aspirations concerned solely with “this life” and the things therein? Revelation 2:10 speaks to Christians who were being persecuted because of their faith in the Lord. In a very real way, being faithful unto death meant unto the point of death. Even if they were asked to lay their life on the line, they should do so willingly. Are we asked to serve the Lord to such an extreme degree? No, but what would be our reaction if that time came? Actually, you can determine your willingness to serve the Lord in difficult times by how you are serving the Lord now. When the times are favor-able for spreading the gospel and worshipping the Father above, do you use every opportunity to put the Lord first? Why do you think that you would give up your life for the Lord, when you will not even put him first now. Jesus plainly says to put him first (Matt. 6:33). As the new year begins let us be concerned about “the good part” that cannot be taken away (Mk. 10:48).

There will be disappointments this year. Family trouble, a financial crisis, or even trouble on the job will surely come to some. Will we continue to faithfully do the Lord’s will in spite of these problems? Undoubtedly Jesus was disappointed when his followers turned away (Jn. 6:66-69). Paul experienced heartache as his once faithful co-workers turned away in his time of need. Christians are not immune from troubles (Job 14:1). Let us resolve not to let anything or anyone turn us away from the Lord.

Satan will be seeking to gain an advantage over us during this year. He seeks our spiritual destruction (1 Pet. 5:8). The Lord provides the way of escape; let us make sure we look for it and use it (1 Cor. 10:13).

We continue to be blessed beyond measure in the riches of this world. Are our possessions possessing us or do we possess them? “I have to work all the time.” “I have to make ends meet.” Is this really true? Is your soul worth all that you are working for? The things of this life have a way of choking out the true riches that should be in our hearts (Lk. 8:14). Are you working for a good retirement in this life or in the one to come (Lk. 12:15-21)? Faithful stewardship means that we willingly give back to the Lord what is his already (1 Cor. 4:2). The rich fall into a trap that is hard to get out of (1 Tim. 6:6-8).

Let our resolve this year be that our reward in heaven is the one goal we will work for. Let everything else be secondary. Put the Lord first. Seek heaven. When we do that, we have blessings now and in the world to come, eternal life!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p.1
January 7, 1993