Truth Magazine

By Doug Lancaster

Though the Persian Gulf war has officially ended, we are not quick to forget the events that literally unfolded before our eyes as they were broadcast on public television. The news media covered well those terrifying days, perhaps too well. One scene in particular continues to weigh heavily on my mind. As the allied soldiers were nearing the end of the war, Iraqi soldiers in great companies began to surrender. The scenes were flashed on our TV sets of how happy the Iraqis were as they finally got the food and water they needed. The problem was many were fighting for fear of their lives; not fear of the allies, but of their own commander. In debriefings, they told of their harsh treatment by Saddam Hussein. They said they were forced to be soldiers with life threats, and when they were on the front, they did not receive the food and water they needed, all these events taking place before the allied bombing actually started. The bottom line is they just did not believe in the cause for which they were fighting.

Psalm 19 shows us that David realized the way of the Lord is the perfect way. The one who would be a child of God must concede that he is not in authority, but must submit to the authority of the Almighty. Sometimes man must answer to other men but ultimately he will answer to God for how he has conducted his life.

The Bible word “faith” is used in more than just one way in the Scriptures. In one sense, it denotes the “system of belief, what is believed, the faith.” Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:4-13, shows that God has revealed to man his will. He is not dealing with the opinion of Paul but the revelation of God through the Spirit. 2 John 9-11 bears out that we must abide in the faith if we would be pleasing. The reference here is to the “system of belief.” Paul also told the Galatians not to heed any “other” gospel, stating they must abide in the truth.

In the primary use of the word, faith is “firm persuasion, conviction based on hearing.” This faith is personal where the system of faith is not. Romans 10:17 shows that faith can be produced in man only by hearing the Word of God. Neither the experiences nor observations on life are capable of producing one ounce of faith. Your personal faith is dependent upon your heart as you hear the Word. This personal faith is always used of conviction in God, Christ or otherwise spiritual things. It is never in the physical but always in the spiritual.

Personal faith is essential. The Hebrew writer shows that without faith one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). Paul stated we are saved by faith (Rom 5:1-2). Faith is more than a simple acknowledgment of a thing. It is the “conviction of the truth of something; the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the bestower of eternal salvation through Christ.” Faith is not a result of scientific proof because, scientifically, you cannot prove something unless it can be duplicated in an experiment. Faith is a result of examining the evidence God has provided for man, in hopes that man will seek after him and find him. (Acts 17:25-27)

Now to the point. Why do you do the things you do ? If the Bible teaches anything it teaches that a man is responsible for himself. Paul told of the judgment scene and shows that it will be an individual judging (2 Cor. 5:10). This means there will be no local church judgment or family judgment or judging of a group of friends. You will be individually judged on how you have handled your opportunities based on your abilities. All through the Bible there are instructions to the individual on how he can please God. If you are to please him, you must follow him (Matt. 16:24). There is no denying some things must be done collectively, but still, the individual will be judged.

Are you convicted? We “know” the authority principle. That is, we must not act without God’s authority to do so (Col. 3:17). We also “know” we will be judged individually, but do we know why we do the things we do? Could you show someone, without help, your authority for your actions ? The problem is that we are oftentimes just like the Iraqi soldiers. We are simply not convicted in the cause for which we are “fighting.”

The sad but true fact of the matter is that people act for various reasons, other than the correct ones. Some act because of tradition. Please do not misunderstand. Tradition is not always a bad thing, but some would bind tradition as God’s law. Note Matthew 15:7-9 and see what warranted the condemnation of Christ on the Pharisees. They too had a “form” of righteousness, but they tried to bind their own traditions as necessary elements of God’s law. Perhaps an example for today would be the time of worship services. Some would be unchangeably bent out of shape if the local church worship time were moved by as little as half an hour. There are literally hundreds of examples that are silly to some but are matters of “law” to others.

Some act because of influence. Just because my family or friends do a particular thing I will too, even though I really do not know why. Influence can be either a good or a bad thing. Paul taught of the danger of influence by alluding to leaven. Leaven was not a bad thing at that time. It was sour dough frequently used in making bread when time allowed. The adultery that existed in Corinth was to be taken care of quickly before it could influence others to sin (1 Cor. 5). Note also one of my personal favorites in Acts 19:28-32. As Paul finished his discourse to the Ephesians, a violent uproar occurred. Verse 32 shows that there were a variety of things being said, because the most of them did not even know why they were there. This sounds like us sometimes. Some say one thing and some another because we just do not know why we do the things we do.

The monkey is on your back and mine individually to study and know for ourselves how we must act and why. Peter informed his audience that they must be ready to make a defense for their hope. To be ready necessitates willingness and ability, for both of which I will give answer individually. We simply must take a stand for our convictions, but first make sure we are convicted. May the accusation never be made against you that you do not believe in the cause of Christ. The faith has been delivered (Jude 3), but you are responsible for your faith. Let us follow after God’s righteousness because we believe and not because someone else does. May God help us be pleasing to him.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, pp. 686-687
November 21, 1991

By Jimmy Tuten

Introduction:

A. Responsibility involves two things: ability and opportunity.

1. It carries the idea of obligation.

2. While not questioning the fact that man has abilities, our Lord in parables taught that men are not equal therein and that each has at least one (Matt. 25:14-30, “according to his several ability”).

3. Obligation is laid upon us in the care and use of our abilities (Tit. 2:11-12). To fail constitutes disobedience in that we have received “the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). That is, we have not acted in accordance with the conditions stated in the “word of his grace” (Acts 20:32).

B. We are to be ready unto every good work (Tit. 3:1).

1. The Scriptures furnish us completely for this (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

2. No step must be taken without heaven’s directives before us.

C. Christians are a part of the “one body” in Christ, joined in one communion and fellowship with each other, where competition for honors gives place to loving concern on the part of every member for every one of the others.

1.. The various gifts, abilities and “offices” should not become the occasion for jealousy, envy and deprecation on the part of the “have nots,” nor should pride, arrogance, conceit and self-importance mar the attitude of the “haves.”

2. In the parallel passage (1 Cor. 12) the writer shows that it would be just as logical for the foot to be jealous of the ear, as for Christians to corrupt their love of one another through pride, etc.

D. There is logical form to this section of Scripture evidenced by established thoughts from the previous verses, with the exhortation that the Roman brethren in their estimation of themselves should not be exalted above what each one ought to be.

1. Problems in this area have always existed (Mk. 9:33-41, “who is the greatest”).

2. Salome wanted places of honor for her sons James and John (Matt. 20:21).

3. Today many count degrees and positions as if God himself made these established rules of greatness (we have witnessed brethren who retire to our area from positions of prominence up North only to have problems just being one of the brethren).

E. Two of the basic elements of Christianity are humility and faithfulness. We should think of ourselves as useful in the body and discharge our responsibilities, however big or small, without seeking preeminence or thinking of ourselves more important than other honorable and necessary members in the body.

Body:

I. “All have not the same office:”

A. The force of the term “office” carries the idea of function or use; so when used concerning the Christian, it is to be understood as being purely functional. (Correctly understood, it stifles every impulse of thinking more highly than we should. If we look upon the term as if it denoted officialdom or authority, then the disposition to think improperly is encouraged.)

B. Up to this point three things are taught clearly in Romans 12:

1. No member of the body should consider himself of no importance. “In his own place he may be of as much consequence as the man of learning, wealth, and talent may be in his” (Barnes Notes).

2. God designed that there be differences of endowments in the Church just as there are differences in the members of the human body.

3. No one should despise or lightly esteem another.

4. “Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness” (1 Cor. 12:22-23).

C. Whatever our role or position in the body, “all ye are brethren” (Matt. 23:8). There is not to be found, comparatively speaking, places of honor, but rather places of service.

1. In this we are mutually dependent upon one another as we have the same interest, i.e., to save ourselves and them who will listen to us (1 Tim. 4:16).

2. We cannot afford not to be interested in other members of the body. But at the same time we must at all times seek the best interest and welfare of the whole body.

3. In the brotherhood we must have the same concern that the Apostle Paul had when he spoke of the continual “care of the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28).

II. “In Christ.”

A. Members of the body perform their work as the motivation of the head gives strength and movement (Prov. 3:5-6).

1. The perfecting of the body demands that “speaking the truth in love, we may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:15-16).

2. In the one body under one head we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1), and our relationship with Christ must be one of complete obedience (Rom. 6:16-18).

3. With other members under the same head and in the same body we endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

4. Harmonious living within the body is the evident result of submission to his divine will to the point that the smallest member bears its responsibility to make the body strong, healthy and united. Thus, Eph. 4:15-16 is talking about zeal for truth being tempered by a loving spirit (true doctrine is absolutely necessary, but we must not be harsh and repellent), i.e., true belief and conduct are under consideration in the passage, rather than true speech per se.

5. There are errors and false teachers to contend with and oppose, but holding truth in love demands that we make distinctions between those who are having problems, and need help, and those who are advocates of false doctrine, who lead the church astray and create factions in the church (Jude 22-23; Tit. 3:8,10-11). Threats and hindrances are seen in the church in the rise of the following:

a. The spirit of compromise.

b. The trend of young people’s lack of submission to older brethren.

c. The rise of the spirit of the feminist movement in the church (a definite rise of a critical spirit on the part of some Christian women toward the elders and the preacher, and an increase in general arrogance).

B. Members are to develop in such a way as to correspond with Christ, expressing perfectly the purposes and intents which have their origin in him who is the head.

1. Spiritual gifts were temporary and provisional (1 Cor. 12 gives a list of the gifts, while Eph. 4:8,11-12 mentions the various ones to whom the gifts were given and the functions they performed). The basic purpose was to co-ordinate the saints, with a view to the work of service in the building up of the body of Christ (supported by the fact that there is a change of preposition in verse 12 (for, Gr. eis – unto, Gr. pros) meaning that gifts were given in order to perfect or equip the church so that she could carry on the work of ministering and building up the body of Christ.

2. The text of Romans 12 stresses the perpetuation (work of ministering and growing) on the part of that which Christ fully equipped (fitted together), making an harmonious body out of many separate individuals, so that each member could perform his special task better because all work together (E.F. Scott, The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians, to Philemon and to the Ephesians, pp. 210-211). James Bales rightfully concludes on the passage: “in both parts (perfect man and stature of the fulness of Christ, jt) there is the same metaphor of fitting separate stones into a single edifice, with the further suggestion that the work is to be solid and permanent” (Restoration, Reformation, or Revelation, p. 142).

3. Therefore, welded and compacted the body grows “according to the working in measure of each part” (each part has due activity and appointed function in the measure required).

C. The conclusion then is this: The faith delivered by the inspired men of the first century was given to perfect (equip) the church so that she could do the work of ministering and building.

1. Romans 12:4-8 deals with the responsibilities of those in the body of Christ toward the work of ministry and growth. The body has been fully prepared and equipped for this purpose.

2. Colossians 2:2-7; 1:22-12 – observe the connection with Romans 12.

3. Without the standard of the New Testament one cannot distinguish between healthy growth and cancerous growth (unscriptural). With the equipment the Lord has given we can fulfill our purpose as a member of the body of Christ.

Conclusion:

1. Let us recognize our role in the purpose of God for the salvation of the human race.

2. In humbleness let each member of the body function to the fullest extent and even as God hath placed us therein.

3. 2 Peter 1:3.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, pp. 680-681
November 21, 1991

By Bobby Witherington

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (Jn. 8:31,32).

This article is being written on “Independence Day” (July 4), the day on which Americans celebrate the birth of their country’s independence. This day commemorates the adoption by the Continental Congress (on July 4, 1776) of the Declaration of Independence, which declared to the world “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.” Underlying this Declaration was the belief that Americans were a separate people, and not British subjects.

This intense desire for political, economic, and religious freedom in the hearts of our forefathers motivated them to take drastic action. They knew all too well that freedom is neither free nor cheap. The American Revolution, or “The American War of Independence” (1775-83), concluded with the 13 English colonies becoming the United States of America. The freedom for which our forefathers dreamed, fought, and died continues to this day. But this freedom was not easy to obtain, nor has it been easy to keep. We still remember the Alamo and Pearl Harbor. We must not forget the heroic dead in Flanders Field, or Coregidor, Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, nor the steaming desert sands of Kuwait. Whatever else you may think about these conflicts, you must agree that they all reflect the high cost of freedom.

We must surely appreciate the valiant efforts of those whose genius, struggles, and death gave birth to the freedom we enjoy, and all too often take for granted. But such men as Jefferson, Adams, Revere, Washington, etc., were not the first to recognize the value of freedom. Long before these men ever breathed the breath of life, Jesus made the supreme sacrifice in behalf of freedom. He left the portals of glory, lived among men, and died on a cruel cross in order to make freedom both a possibility and a reality. During his earthly ministry he addressed the subject of freedom. This is what our opening text, John 8:31,32, is all about. In view of the value of freedom these verses deserve and demand a closer scrutiny.

In the eighth chapter of the gospel according to John a discussion which took place between Jesus and the Pharisees is recorded. Jesus stressed the fact that he is “the light of the world” (v. 12), and that the Father in heaven bore “witness” of him (v. 18). Prophetically, he spoke of the time when they would lift “up the Son of man” (v. 28), and he further declared that “I do always those things that please” the Father (v. 29). According to verse 30, “as he spake these words, many believed on him.” And it was those who “believed on him” that Jesus addressed in verses 31 and 32. In view of the discussion that followed, wherein the Pharisees took issue with the words of Jesus, and which concluded with them taking up stones to cast at him, we surmise that their belief in Him was superficial. Perhaps they regarded him as a Messiah, but not as the Messiah. Or perhaps they were so wedded to their carnal views of the kingdom that they could not accept the words of truth which Jesus so eloquently spoke.

To those Jews which believed on him, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my words, then are ye my disciples indeed.” Not disciples in need, nor disciples in name only, but “disciples indeed.” Jesus further said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (v.32). Implied in this statement is the fact that those Pharisees were not free, but that they could be free.

The Pharisees, as usual, missed the point. And they took issue with Jesus. They said, “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man” (v. 33). Really? Had they forgotten their own Decalogue wherein God prefaced the Ten Commandments, saying, “I . . . brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exod. 20:2)? Had they forgotten their oppression during the time of the Judges? Had they forgotten Syria? Or their bondage in Assyria? Or the 70 years’ Babylonian Captivity? Had they forgotten that they even then were oppressed by Rome?

On the other hand, perhaps the Pharisees referred to their own indomitable sense of independence. Regardless of what others had done to them they never forgot that they were Jews. They were “Abraham’s seed” (v. 33). Or so they thought!

Physically, Jesus knew they were Abraham’s seed (v. 37). But the freedom Jesus had in mind was based on spirituality, not nationality. Hence, Jesus said, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (v. 39). Abraham was a man of faith. He did not argue with God. When God commanded, Abraham responded. He “sojourned in the land” of Canaan, but his real interest was not in that land. Rather “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:9,10). Abraham’s connection with these Pharisees was based purely on human race, not on God’s grace. The real seed of Abraham are those who belong to Jesus Christ, in whom all social, sexual, and racial barriers are broken down (Gal. 3:27-29). The Pharisecs missed the point. They were enduring bondage and thought they were enjoying freedom! They prided themselves on being the children of Abraham, and knew not that Satan was their father, and that they were his children! (Jn. 8:44) Jesus charged those who claimed to be free as being the servants “of sin” (Jn. 8:34). They were in the bondage of sin – the worst form of servitude!

Please compare John 8:32 with John 8:36. In the former “the truth” makes one free. In the latter “the Son” makes one free. “Disciples indeed” (v.31) can be “free indeed” (v. 36). Jesus, “the Son,” is the agent who brings freedom. “The truth” is the agency which “the son” uses to bring freedom. The Pharisees missed out on this freedom because, as Jesus said, “My word hath no place in you” (v. 37). There is no way that one can accept Jesus and at the same time reject his word.

This brings us to the amazing paradox. To be free, one must submit to the servitude of the word. Being “free indeed” is based on being “disciples indeed,” and being “disciples indeed” is based on continuing in his word (Jn. 8:31).

The freedom Christ brings is precious indeed. Those who commit sin are the servants of sin (Jn. 8:34). Think of the misery this taskmaster causes! Consider the anguish of those who have given themselves over to lust, drugs, alcohol, greed, and avarice. Like the “wretched man” of Romans 7:24, they discover that they are “carnal, sold under sin” (v. 14), and are forced to conclude that “what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do” (Rom. 7:15). But the true student of the Bible learns that Jesus is able to “deliver me from this body of death” (Rom. 7:24), and that it is accomplished through “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:2), or by the gospel.

Jesus brings freedom. Freedom from the habits and enslavement of the flesh. Freedom from spiritual lies, falsehoods, and deceptions. Freedom from sin, its guilt, and penalty. Freedom from the fear of death. Freedom not to do and be what one ought not to do and be – but freedom to do what he ought to do, and to be what he ought to be. This kind of freedom not only makes one “free indeed,” it makes one happy indeed. No wonder the eunuch, rising from the waters of baptism, “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39)! He was happy indeed because he was “free indeed.”

But servitude continues. One is either a servant of sin or a servant of righteousness (Rom. 6:17,18). But this kind of servitude brings forgiveness, peace of mind, happiness, hope, and yes, true freedom. Thank God for the freedom which Jesus provides! Friend, are you “free indeed”?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, pp. 675-676
November 21, 1991

By Mike Willis

The apostle Paul commanded that Christians walk “circumspectly” in Ephesians 5:15. He said, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” The word akribos is translated “circumspectly” and is defined to mean “accurately, carefully, well” (Arndt and Gingrich) or “exactly, accurately, diligently” (Thayer). Thayer specifically says about this passage “to live carefully, circumspectly, deviating in no respect from the law of duty.” H.A.W. Meyer said that the meaning of “circumspectly” is explained by the words which follow – “not as unwise, but as wise” (503).

There are several reasons why men should walk circumspectly, not as foolish men but as wise. Here are some of them:

1. The Devil is seeking to destroy our souls. Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). When we understand that the devil is actively trying to cause us to fall into sin, we see the need to walk circumspectly. The situation may be compared to a person walking in a den of snakes; he will watch every step he takes, making sure that there is nothing lurking in the shadows which might attack him.

2. Our example is influencing others. Others are watching how we live. Jesus taught us to use our influence when he said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16).

This matter of influence is not confined to preachers, elders, and deacons. Even the younger Christians influence others. Our 12-year-olds are not watching how the 44-year-old preacher combs his hair and dresses to learn how he will dress; his eyes are watching the 15-year-olds. The 15-year-old is watching the 17-year-old. How sad is the sight we witness when a worldly 17-year-old who attends worship shows his disdain for God, disrespect for his worship, and rejection of his commandments. This is sad not only because he will lose his own soul but also because he will influence those around him to live like he lives. Recognizing the power of one’s influence, a Christian should certainly walk circumspectly.

“Not as Unwise, But as Wise”

That many Christians stumble into sin is understandable. One can predict the fall because of the foolish conduct in which they are engaged. Here are some areas of concern which manifest that some are not walking circumspectly; they are walking foolishly.

1. In choosing their friends. The Scriptures warn us of the influence of our companions on our lives.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Prov. 13:20).

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father (Prov. 28:7).

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked (Psa. 26:4-5).

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Psa. 1:1).

Brother Irven Lee wrote of the impact of one’s companions on his future happiness in his book Good Homes In A Wicked World.

A young man will choose a wife from the crowd with whom he associates. If he is pure and clean and if his associates are pure and clean, then he will choose one for his life’s companion who is worthy to share his life. If, on the other hand, he is vulgar and cheap and his constant associates are the same type, he will not even have the acquaintance of a good, clean, pure girl, and therefore he will have no chance to choose one for his wife. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8). The reaping will continue for many decades after the sowing. The devil himself is the author of the idea that a young man must sow his “wild oats.” The Bible teaching is very different. It says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Eccl. 12:1). The youth, who thinks that drunkenness, fornication, and other forms of ungodliness are the smart things to do in order to be popular with the crowd, is not likely to find himself happily married when he is an adult. Such a young man is destroying all hope for a happy marriage (27).

A person is not walking circumspectly, but like a fool when he makes the devil’s children his best friends.

2. In his playing with worldliness. A person is not walking circumspectly when he plays with those things which he knows will hurt him. Take, for example, the use of intoxicating beverages. The Lord warned his children of the dangers which they pose to one’s soul. He said, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (Prov. 23:31-32). Again, he warned, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

Despite these warnings, some Christians dally with sin, acting foolishly, not walking circumspectly. They are like foolish children who play with a rattlesnake and then act surprised when it bites them. These Christians want to “social drink” at the Christmas office party, have a martini with their lunch, and keep a six-pack of beer in the refrigerator. They cringe every time the preacher condemns social drinking. They argue that drinking is not wrong so long as a person does not get drunk, ignoring the teaching of 1 Peter 4:1-3 (which condemns drinking other than drunkenness) and the warnings of the dangers of intoxicating beverages. They tell themselves that they can handle their beer because they do not get drunk. Such men are not walking circumspectly as the Lord commanded; they are walking foolishly.

Another manner in which men show virtually no wisdom in their conduct is with reference to sensuality. Our age is consumed with sex; every deviant practice from fornication to homosexuality is commonly practiced. Yet there are some Christians who want to see just how close they can come to committing immorality without actually stumbling. They walk without circumspection; they walk as fools when they so act. I refer to those who practice various forms of lascivious behavior – things which stir the sexual passions. These Christians want to dress in immodest attire in public, wearing skin tight blue jeans, low cut blouses, shorts, or bathing suits. Not only do they wear such garments, they visit places where such immodest dress is common place the crowded beaches. Frequently, these same Christians will go to the dances which further stir their sensual passions. (The dancing of our age has gotten so sensuous that even the Hollywood producers call some of it “dirty dancing.” But there are still some Christians who say they see nothing wrong with dancing.) When they go on dates, they go to isolated places where they engage in heavy petting for hours. Is this circumspect conduct? This is the conduct of fools who are making little effort to guard themselves against the devil’s temptations. We are not surprised when those who act so foolishly fall into fornication and unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusion

I am confident that you can think of other areas where a Christian could avoid sin if he would give a little more forethought to the temptations of the devil if he participated in a given activity. As a person matures as an adult, he begins to see the dangers attendant with various forms of conduct; similarly, as a person matures as a Christian, he becomes more aware of the temptations of the devil which are associated with various activities. The text before us commands us to keep our eyes open to the devil’s temptations, using wisdom to avoid those kinds of conduct which tempt us to sin. Are you walking circumspectly?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 22, pp. 674, 694
November 21, 1991