Truth Magazine

By Louis J. Sharp

“Hellenism is the name we give to the manifold achievements of the Greeks in social and political institutions, in the various arts, in science and philosophy, in morals and religion” (ISBE 1371). “It is difficult to define this spirit, but one may say that it was marked from the first by an inclination to permit the free development and expression of individuality subordinated to the common good. A healthy social life was the result for those who shared the privileges of citizenship, and also, in hardly less degree, for those resident aliens who received the protection of the state. Women also, though not so free as men, enjoyed, even at Athens where they were most limited, liberties unknown to the Orientals (includes the Jews, LHS) . . . their lot was mitigated in general by a steadily growing humanity” (Ibid. 1372).

Pfeiffer submits that “Alexander the Great had been a missionary as well as a conqueror. Alexander continued to think of himself as one who was bringing the blessings of Hellenism, as the Greek way of life is called, to the more benighted parts of the world” (Between the Testaments 83). “Fine buildings were erected. A gymnasium was built for that culture of the boy which the Greek always stressed. An open air theatre was built to entertain the populace. Greek dress was observed in the city, with people speaking the Greek language and subscribing to one of the schools of Greek philosophy” (Ibid. 83-84). “Palestine itself was not so far removed as to be untouched. Especially the educated classes were enamored with the Greek way of doing things. The amphitheater and the gymnasium were attractive to the young, and a strong Hellenistic party emerged. In Judea . . . an anti-Hellenistic party arose which considered the Greek manner of life a threat to Judaism. The emphasis on things material, the nude appearance of athletes in the gymnasium, the neglect of Jewish rites, were regarded as evidence of defection from the law of God” (Ibid. 90).

Do not these happening sound very familiar today? I see a strong parallel between the influence of Greece in the ancient world and America in our own era. Our emphasis seems to be the same as was theirs. Edward J. Young wrote of the development of Hellenism under Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) in his commentary on Daniel.

It was under the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes that the Jews particularly suffered. When he came to the throne the Jews were being subjected to a process of Hellenization, which Antiochus continued. Under the leadership of Joshua, a brother of the high priest Onias III, many of the Jews were willing to fall in line with Antiochus’ policy of Hellenization. By means of a bribe, Joshua, who had changed his name to Jason, induced Antiochus to depose Onias and to place himself in the office of high priest. He immediately set about to permit an influx of Grecian customs, even establishing a gymnasium (an exercise-ground) under the citadel in Jerusalem (303).

Why do we fail to learn lessons from history? What happened in reference to the Hellenizing of the Jews has occurred in the “social gospel” in the church of our Lord in this century. The perceptive student of history cannot help but see that history is “repeating itself” under different labels, yet motivated by the same spirit. John cautioned, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 Jn. 2:1517).

Lord, help us to follow Thee being led by Thy Word without addition, subtraction, or alteration. May we ever speak “as the Oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, p. 169
March 19, 1992

By Lewis Willis

Most of us live busy lives which require just about all of our effort to take care of our own business. The increased demands upon our strength and time over the last 25 years have made this problem more critical. It is possible to observe the “wear and tear” in the tired faces of most of us. As we have sought to deal with these increasing demands, I am afraid we might have over looked a very important responsibility we have as Christians.

When it is difficult for us to attend to all of our own duties, it is easy to forget that we have a responsibility to each other that is also important. The Hebrew writer set forth that responsibility in these words: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). The very nature of the statement – the language used – establishes beyond any shadow of doubt that this is a duty, not an optional matter. Therefore, as the Christian contemplates his duty to his own affairs, he must remember and consider others. This is not an obligation to simply think about others, but it sets forth a requirement that we do for them what we can for their good.

This brief article is not intended to catalog specific things we are to do for one another, It is intended to get us to stop and think about the effect we have on others in the things we do, the way we act, and in the things we say. Unless we are thoughtful of others, we will frequently cause them harm by our words and deeds. It would not be possible to meet the demands of Hebrews 10:24 without considering how our lives affect people around us and, in the case of Christians, how we impact other Christians. What do other people think when they look at us?

Would they think that we are arrogant? Proud? Self-righteous? The Word of God says, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:5-6). Clearly God rejects an arrogant, self-righteous demeanor. It not only looks bad, but it is deceptive. “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himse1f” (Gal. 6:3). I have met a few Christians who appeared to be as arrogant as they acted. However, most who are charged with this sin just do not realize how they are affecting other people. It is not intentional, but it has the same effect.

The concept of Christianity which many people have is frequently that which they observe in the lives of people they consider to be Christians. It would be a mistake if Christians did not stop to consider that they are having this impact on people around them, especially those who are babes in Christ.

I like these words from the song, “The World’s Bible.” I think they capture for us the essence of our duty to “consider one another.”

We are the only Bible the careless world will read, We are the sinners gospel, we are the scoffers’ creed; We are the Lord’s last message given in deed and word, What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

Non-Christians look upon us in the way described in the song, and so do some Christians, especially new Christians. Thus, we must consider them in the things we say and do. Unless we are very careful, we might cause them to be disappointed in us, particularly if our conduct is not consistent with what they regard to be proper conduct. If they are struggling with living the Christian life, and if they have looked to us for direction, it would be an easy thing to discourage them by our conduct. It could reach the point that a new Christian could suffer great damage to his faith. On reflection, it should be added that even mature Christians could be hurt in the same way by the conduct of other mature Christians. No one, knowing the will of the Lord (1 Cor. 10:32; Rom. 14:13), wants to do injury to another.

It must be noted that this is “a two-way street. ” We must learn that we are following the Lord, not other Christians. We must remember that people – all people – have problems living righteous lives consistently. All of us sin, and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). A new Christian has no more right to demand perfection of other members of the local church than those members have to demand perfection of the new Christian. We must all try to help each other, because we all need help. This is not an easy lesson to learn, but it is learned when we “consider one another.” What I am saying is that thoughtfulness and consideration must flow from both.

Thus, the warning of God’s Word is before us. No one wants to hurt, disappoint, weaken or destroy another Christian. We want to prompt each other to involve ourselves in things of love and good works. When we become aware that we have adversely affected others, we should strive to correct the matter. If the matter is not correctable, we should resolve that we will not allow it to happen again. One thing that will prevent a breakdown in relationships is to remember we are serving the Lord, living by his Word, trying to learn and we are aware of the imperfections in each other. Then we will all be acting in the interest of the Lord, and of one another.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, p. 168
March 19, 1992

By Mike Willis

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Cor. 5:14).

There are several things which motivate men to obedience to Christ, several of which are mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5. Paul mentioned this things: (a) The expected inheritance of the house not made with hands which is eternal in the heavens (5:1-9); (b) The fear of judgment (5:10); (c) The terror of the Lord (5:11); and (d) The love of Christ (5:14). None of these motivators should be eliminated in our preaching, although in this article, I shall only discuss the motivating power of Christ’s love for us.

The Power of Love

Each of us has seen the motivating power of love on purely human terms. When a young man falls in love with a young lady, his life begins to change. That young man who did not care whether or not he tucked in his shirt or washed his face all of a sudden begins to take baths every time he goes out, pays careful attention to combing his hair, and borrows his dad’s best after shave lotion before leaving home. Although he has no interest in flowers, he will spend the money he made mowing yards to buy a bouquet. He is anxious to go to a movie that you would have had to drag him to just a few months before. He will sometimes act foolishly just to win and keep the attention of his girlfriend.

This same love will cause the young man to marry his lady, get a job, buy a family car (instead of a sports car), and do the duties expected of a husband. Their love for each other will bind their hearts together throughout life and into old age. Then when one becomes ill and unable to care for himself, his mate will dutifully minister to his needs until they are separated by death. This is the motivating power of love. It is stronger than threats of physical violence and inducements based on selfish desires. “For love is strong as death . . . Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” (Song of Sol. 8:6-7).

God induces men to obedience based on his love for us. He could have used only the threat of eternal damnation to motivate us. He could have appealed only to the bliss of heaven to move us. However, God has sought to win our hearts by his own self-sacrificing love. The love God has for us causes us to understand that all of his commandments are imposed for our own good; hence, they are not grievous and his yoke is not galling (1 Jn. 5:3; Matt. 11:28-30).

Christ’s Love For Us

We are told of God’s great love in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christ’s love for us is demonstrated by his willingness to leave heaven and to take upon himself the form of a servant (Phil. 2:5-8). Paul said, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Christ’s love for us is shown in the incarnation.

Christ’s love for mankind is also shown in his life. Luke tells us that Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). When we read of Jesus’ kindnesses to mankind, we are impressed with his love for man.

His death on the cross displays his love for us. He willingly sacrificed his own life in order that we might be saved from sin. Paul marveled about Jesus’ love as he wrote, “. . . because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holly Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:58).

Dottie Rambo wrote this beautiful tribute to Christ’s love for us.

If That Isn’t Love

He left the splendor of heaven,

Knowing his destiny

Was the lonely hill of Golgotha,

There to lay down his life for me.

Even in death he remembered

The thief hanging by his side;

He spoke with love and compassion

Then he took him to Paradise.

If that isn’t love the ocean is dry,

There’s no star in the sky,

And the sparrow can’t fly!

If that isn’t love then heaven’s a myth,

There’s no feeling like this

If that isn’t love.

Christ’s love for us kindles in our hearts the flame of love for God. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).

The Constraining Power of Christ’s Love

The love of Christ “constrains” us. The word sunecho means “to urge, impel.” In what ways does Christ’s love motivate us to action?

1. It restrains us from sin. The young man who falls in love with the young lady soon learns that some of his actions cause his girlfriend pain. If he truly loves her, he will quit doing those things which hurt her. Similarly, the Christian recognizes that his sins “grieve” the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Because of his concern for his relationship with God ‘ his godly sorrow will move him to repentance (2 Cor. 7: 10).

2. It impels him to action. The young man’s love will cause him to do those things which please his girlfriend, whether it be buying her flowers or holding her hand in public. In the same way, Christ’s love for us, which causes our love for Christ, will move us to do those things which please Christ. Even Christ himself did those things which pleased God (Jn. 8:29). The Christian will learn the will of God and do those things which please him, such as worshiping God, teaching the gospel, praying, etc.

3. It causes him to live a life of service to God. Christians are determined to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2). Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). He also said that “they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15).

Because of his life being devoted to Christ’s service, the Christian is willing to go out on Monday nights to visit the new move-ins, to gather to paint a member’s house, to use his Saturdays to visit sick and shut in folks, to meet together for a work day at the church building, and to use his money to assist someone who is needy. His life is devoted to the service of God.

4. It causes him to sacrifice for the Lord. Christians are willing to make sacrifices for the Lord’s work to prosper. They are willing to suffer the persecution of social ostracism and ridicule (2 Tim. 3:12). They are willing to give up some legitimate pleasures for the greater good of Christ’s kingdom. These sacrifices they gladly make because of their love for Christ.

The World Does Not Understand

Those who have never experienced the constraining power of Christ’s love do not understand why Christians are willing to forego the new car or larger house which they could afford if they did not contribute so much to the church or why they go to worship four services every week and every night during a gospel meeting. They cannot understand why we would believe and teach that there is only one reason for divorce that allows the person the right to remarriage. They cannot conceive that we would be opposed to the lotteries and other forms of gambling. Indeed, they may think that we are crazy. The world did not judge Paul much better. Paul said, “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause” (2 Cor. 5:13).

Conclusion

Christ’s love is a powerful, driving force in the lives of God’s children. The world is amazed that we would willingly accept the demands of this love. We Christians stand amazed, not at what some of us are willing to give in love to Christ, but that the world can read of Christ’s love for us and then walk away unaffected by his love. Something is truly wrong in the lives of men who witness such wondrous love for us and never reciprocate.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 6, pp. 162, 182
March 19, 1992

By Harry Osborne

The recent trial of William Kennedy Smith revealed some disturbing facts about accepted sexual behavior in this country. A jury found Mr. Smith “not guilty” of the charge of rape and that decision must be respected as legitimate under the law of the land. However, the conduct admitted by Mr. Smith in the trial put him in conflict with a higher law -God’s law.

The television coverage of the trial gave little attention to the shameful nature of the admitted conduct, but focused almost solely upon whether or not rape was committed. The conclusion seemed to be that as long as rape was not committed, Mr. Smith’s reputation as an honorable and decent man was restored. That is a disastrous message to send to a society already given to hedonism!

By his own admission, Mr. Smith says the incident started at a bar where he and the woman drank alcohol. The record showed that over $600 worth of drinks were consumed by the four people in Mr. Smith’s party. He then says he took this woman whom he had just met on the dance floor and engaged in the sexually provocative movements of “slow dancing” and “dirty dancing” like the “lambada.” The disc jockey for the club described such dances as “sexy” with “a lot of touching of the partner’s body.” One writer called it “an imitation of the sex act on the dance floor.” It is the most popular form of modern dancing among young people today. Mr. Smith then admits he was involved in fornication on the lawn with this one to whom he was not married. Sounds like one honorable, respectable evening, doesn’t it?

God’s word makes it clear that a problem exists with every step in that sequence of events regardless of whether or not rape was involved. Let us see what God says about the nature of such acts and the character of one so acting.

Step One: Drinking Alcohol

The Bible repeatedly warns about the danger of drinking alcohol. “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things” (Prov. 23:31-33). “Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

The fortified wines and liquor of our time were called “strong drink” shekar in the Bible. The word is used 22 times in the Old Testament and is never approved for human consumption. Instead, the Bible clearly and consistently condemns any partaking of “strong drink” (e.g. Lev. 10:9; Num. 6:3; Isa. 28:7). Why? Its use inherently robs one of the full rational facilities of the mind in decision making and results in one acting improperly. As a matter of fact, no passage in the word of God ever approves the recreational use of any alcoholic beverage! If those justifying social drinking would like to attempt a defense of their practice, let them try to do so from the Scriptures. The fact is they cannot prove it to be “good” from the word of God (1 Thess. 5:21-22). God knew that messing around with alcohol would lead to one evil after another. It is high time we figure out the same!

Step Two: Dancing

The Bible condemns lasciviousness which is inherently involved in the modern dances. The word “lasciviousness” refers to unbridled lusts and the actions proceeding from such. Arndt and Gingrich define it to mean “licentiousness, debauchery, sensuality . . . (to)follow the inclination to sensuality” (114). Thayer comments on the meaning by saying it deals with “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.” (7980). Remember the disc jockey’s description of the modern dance? These definitions given of “lasciviousness” describe the modern dance perfectly!

Paul characterized lasciviousness as a “work of the flesh” and went on to say that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21). Other passages make the point just as plainly (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 4:1-5). Mark 6:21-28 records an example of the evil produced by sensual dancing. The daughter of Herodias so aroused her step-father, Herod, through a dance emphasizing sensuality that Herod promised to give her anything up to half of his kingdom. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. Sensual dancing has continued to keep sinful company to the present day – it never has produced good.

Step Three: Fornication

The Bible condemns the sexual union of any people except a man and woman who are lawfully joined to one another in marriage. Marriage was given by God to provide among other things for the sexual fulfillment of the desires of the man and the woman so that they might “avoid fornication” (1 Cor. 7:2). Any sexual relationship outside of marriage is called “fornication” and is expressly forbidden (1 Cor. 6:15-20). God says that those who violate this law will not be allowed into heaven.

Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with’ men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Instead, we are commanded to live in sanctification by abstaining from fornication (1 Thess. 4:1-8).

Sexual union between two people is not right just because they both agree to engage in it. The Bible declares it is only in a God ordained marriage that a man and woman have the right to engage in sexual activity.

Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge (Heb. 13:4).

When one has so little regard for God’s law that he violates it upon the lawn, there is no honor to be found in it. It is shameful!

Conclusion

Why do many in our time fail to see the shame in such hedonistic behavior? Young people are urged to make sure they have “consensual sex” and “safe sex,” but I hear precious little talk about “only marital sex.” However, God’s law still says that is the only proper place for the sexual union of a man and woman. Though men may disobey it, that is and will continue to be his law on the matter!

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, pp. 161, 183
March 19, 1992