Truth Magazine

By David J. Halter

I. Introduction:

A. Background of text.

1. Corinth was one of the most important commercial cities on the Mediterranean Sea.

2. However, sin and extravagant living were rampant there.

3. Located on an isthmus which connected northern Greece with southern Greece.

4. For this reason, it became an important commercial city.

5. The sailors would push their boats across the 6 mile isthmus instead of sailing the 200 miles around the peninsula.

6. Many different kinds of people lived and did business there.

7. The heathen goddess of bloom and beauty Venus was worshiped here.

8. The common bonds were business interests and sins engaged in.

9. Its tremendous wealth brought an intense desire for pleasure and entertainment.

B. Why did Paul write the letter?

1. He heard there was division in the church there (1 Cor. 1:11).

2. There was sin in the church and the church was tolerating it (1 Cor. 5:1).

3. Add all this to the fact that Corinth was a center of intellectual and cultural thought and we have an interesting lesson (1 Cor. 1:17-19).

II. Discussion: Notice Reactions, Ideas, Decision.

A. What is the foolishness of preaching?

1. Preaching: not the act of preaching, but the substance of the testimony; all that God has made known concerning the gospel.

2. Foolishness: tasteless nonsense.

3. The gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16,17).

4. It saves those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21).

5. Its facts are the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 1:23; 15:3-4).

B. Reactions to it:

1. To the Jews, it was a stumbling block (1 Cor. 1:23).

a. Jesus was a Jew yet not welcomed by them (1 Cor. 1:23).

b. They would not accept Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 13:44-46).

c. They could not believe Jesus was the Messiah because of his death on the cross (Deut. 21:22-23).

d. They looked for a sign (1 Cor. 1:22).

2. To the Greeks, it was foolishness (1 Cor. 1:23).

a. A fool is a silly person, a simpleton, a person without good sense, unwise.

b. Foolishness then is a teaching or doctrine that is without good sense, it is believed by silly people or simpletons.

c. Why was the gospel foolish to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1:20-23)?

d. They were spoiled through the philosophy of the world (Col. 2:8).

e. The wise of then and now: the rich, powerful, etc. (1 Cor. 1:26).

3. To the saved, the gospel is the power of God to salvation (1 Cor. 1:21,24).

a. To the called, both Jews and Greeks (Rom. 1:16,17).

b. Called by the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14).

c. Abraham’s call (Gen. 12:1-3).

C. Ideas concerning foolishness:

1. Jews required a sign (1 Cor. 1:22).

a. Even Christ’s disciples wanted a sign (Matt. 24:3).

b. People today look for the same (Matt. 24:36,42).

2. The Greeks sought after wisdom (1:22).

a. In Athens they had an altar to the unknown God (Acts 17:16-23).

b. Many today are in idolatry (Acts 17:24,25).

3. Today, many religious groups teach many different doctrines (Matt. 15:8,9).

a. Faith only, sprinkling for baptism, etc.

b. Join the church of your choice.

D. God’s decision concerning this foolishness:

1. Compare the foolishness of God with the wisdom of men (1 Cor. 1:25).

a. What seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom.

b. What seems as God’s weakness is stronger than man’s strength.

2. God chose the foolish things to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27).

a. God’s plan for the overthrow of Canaan (Num. 13:25-14:3).

b. God’s plan to help Gideon defeat the Midianites (Judg. 7:2-3,6-7,12,16,21).

c. God’s instructions to Naaman to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kgs. 5:1-14).

d. God’s instructions on how to take Jericho (Josh. 6:1-5).

e. Jesus’ healing of the blind man (Jn. 9:1-7).

3. God’s decision concerning the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Cor. 1:18,11).

a. God chose to save the world by his Son, his grace (Rom. 5:7,8). God’s part is foolish to man.

b. Faith, repentance, confession and baptism all seem to be foolishness to men (Heb. 11:6; Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3,5; Matt. 10:32,33; Acts 8:37; Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3,4).

c. Man’s part is by faith, foolishness to him.

d. Man’s wisdom alone is insufficient, must have relation from God.

Conclusion

1. God chose the foolish things to save man (1 Cor. 1:27).

2. God’s ways are higher than man’s ways (Isa. 55:8,9).

3. We are drawn to God through’Christ (Jn. 6:44,45).

4. The true test of faith is obedience by faith of the gospel (2 Cor. 5:7).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 106, 119
February 15, 1990

By Dennis C. Abernathy

Webster defines “resolve” as: “to determine or decide; to settle, or settle on; to form a purpose or resolution; to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.” He defines “resolution” as follows: “act of, or quality of mind admitting or productive of, resolving or determining; resoluteness, firmness; also, that which is resolved upon or decided upon; settled determination.”

In other words, to make resolution, or to resolve to do a thing is to decide or determine in your own mind a course of action you shall pursue. In the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16, the word “resolve” is found in verse 14 and there it “presses the definiteness of the steward’s realization, and his consequent determination of his course of action.

God himself resolved to do certain things. In Acts 2:23, we read: “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” Hence, it was God’s determined or pre-determined plan for Jesus to die by the hands of wicked men on a cross. So, God made a determination (resolution or resolve), and he made it ahead of time.

Let us notice briefly some resolutions which we need to make and which will be helpful to us in our service to God. But remember, that we must be determined in our own mind. We run into serious trouble when our resolutions collide with our old set habits.

I. I Resolve To Watch What I Say With My Mouth

Psalms 17:3 says, “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” We ought to pray with David: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). And further: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psa. 141:3). We need to determine right now, that we will watch what we say. How easy it is to sin with our mouth. Therefore, we ought to “put away perversity from our mouth and keep corrupt talk far from our lips” (Prov. 4:24).

Sometimes we speak in haste, saying the wrong thing without thinking. “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. . . . Do not let your mouth lead you into sin” (Eccl. 5:2-3,6).

We need to realize that what comes out of our mouths reflects that which is in our hearts (Mk. 7:20-23). Therefore, it behooves each of us to exercise care not to be guilty of filthy talk, gossip, backbiting, grumbling, slander and talebearing. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29). If we would just take this precept to heart, the Lord’s church, as well as society, would be the better for it.

Last of all on this point, brethren, let us resolve or determine not to praise God with our mouths and forget him in our practice. “These people draw near (honor) Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9). Long ago, the prophet Ezekiel condemned this popular practice. “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain . . . for they hear your words but do not put them into practice” (Ezek. 33:31-32).

Let each of us determine to watch what he says. What a better person we will be in the Lord’s service and what a greater influence we will have among our fellow men.

II. I Resolve Not To Defile Myself

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself” (Dan. 1:8). Defile means “to make filthy, or to befoul; to tarnish, as reputation; to dishonor.” I am reminded of the following passages: “Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates (filthiness) body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Cor. 7:1-2). “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevelant and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (Jas. 1:21).

We defile ourselves, tarnish our reputations, and bring dishonor on the Lord and his church when we give ourselves over to the works of the flesh (see Gal. 5:19-21). The same apostle said the following in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolators nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

I want to emphasize the phrase: “Do not be deceived.” In our day an age, many are deceived into thinking that they can commit these sins and be teachers and preachers and God will usher them right into heaven. But Paul said “and that is what some of you were, ” not “what some of you are”! One could not be washed, sanctified, and justified from his defilement and continue to commit such acts. Let us resolve not to defile ourselves, but to keep ourselves pure and holy even as our Lord did before us.

III. I Resolve To Preach Christ To A Lost World

As Paul proclaimed the testimony of God, he said: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Like Paul, we need to determine now that we will preach Christ (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15). “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5).

Many have the idea that to preach Christ, is to preach only the facts about him and not his doctrine or teaching. But preaching Christ is the same as preaching the word or the gospel. This is made clear in Acts 8:4-5: “Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip, went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.” Philip preached the same thing those who were scattered preached! In verse 35 of the same chapter, it says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.” You cannot preach Jesus independent of the Word! Also we note that, involved in “preaching Jesus,” was preaching water baptism. Since Philip was doing the preaching on this occasion, it stands to reason that he introduced the matter of baptism, because the Ethiopian asked about being baptized as soon as they came to sufficient water. Preaching Jesus, a part of which, is preaching water baptism, is preaching salvation to lost souls. This is true because Jesus died to save lost souls, shedding his precious blood on a Roman cross, and we contact that blood in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4). Also, it was Jesus himself who commanded baptism in order to be saved (Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:5,38).

The only way the church will grow numerically or spiritually is for you and me to get busy preaching Christ. People will not come to our buildings unless we first go to them! The Lord said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” He didn’t say “build a building and sit down and wait for the people to come to you that you may then preach to them.” Let each of us resolve now to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

IV. I Resolve To Forget The Past And Press On Toward Heaven

” . . . forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Dear reader, we must not dwell on the past. We must put it behind and move on in our service to God. I don’t mean that we are just to forget sin – no, we must correct sin. But we can’t allow the past to hold up our progress for the Lord.

It is so easy to allow church problems of the past to hinder us in our service in the Lord’s work. They can warp our concept of faithful brethren and make us bitter and cynical, if we will allow it. Personal sin can hold us up. We need always to repent when we sin, asking God’s forgiveness, and then move on in his service. Perhaps we have received mistreatment from brethren. Will we allow such to cloud our thinking and hinder us from faithfulness to him?

Eric Liddell was a strong favorite to win the 400 yard dash at the 1923 Triangular International. However, 15 yards after the start, he lay sprawled across the track infield, the victim of a tripping accident. Undaunted, “The Flying Scot” picked himself up and resumed his race. With the finish line drawing near, Eric Liddell drew upon his utmost reserves. As the stunned crowd watched, he crossed the tape three yards ahead of his nearest competitor, the man who had tripped him.

In many ways the Christian life is like a foot race. We sometimes encounter adverse track conditions. Competitors may occasionally jostle us as we run. At times we might even trip and fall. No doubt, all of us have probably stumbled a time or two along the way. We have said something we should not have said, we have failed to do things we know we should have and could have done. Instead of heading toward the goal, we find ourselves flat on our face! Brethren, this will happen. It happened to the best of God’s servants. But, when it does, what will we do? Do we stay down? Do we bemoan our situation, or do we get up, like Eric Liddell and double our efforts? If you have fallen down in the past, get up and dust yourself off and get back into the race. Forget the failures of the past – God does – if you will repent and confess them (1 Jn. 1:7,9).

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 107-108
February 15, 1990

By David A. Beck

There are only three ways that I know of to have peace within a congregation of God’s people. As we look around, usually not having to look very far, we find that churches are not at total peace. Some wind up in division; some wind up divided (but determine to stay together), and some wind up running headlong into denominationalism as they try to cover over their problems.

It seems that there is a strong parallel between churches and marriages. Some marriages end in divorce; others decide to stay together to save face (or for the children); and others just totally corrupt the marriage with things like “open marriages,” “wife-swapping,” etc.

This article is not about marriage; it is about church problems. Ideally, churches (and marriages) should be perfect. There should never be any disagreement, and if there is, the party in error should quickly repent. But I don’t know of any perfect marriages, nor do I know of any perfect churches.

So what are these three ways to have peace?

First, we should “all agree, and there should be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and the same judgment” as Paul admonished the church in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:10). Each member should be “blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). There may be some congregations who have achieved this perfect state, and have been able to maintain it. I have never seen it personally, though. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t always be pressing toward that mark. But what should we do while we are still imperfect?

Many times brethren bring these passages as a simple solution to complicated problems. What shall we do if we disagree on ___________________ (you fill in the controversial topic of your choice)? “It is easy, we must ‘be of the same mind and the same judgment,”‘ they will say. But what if the ones who are “right” can’t convince the ones who are “wrong”? (I am always on the side of the ones who are “right.” Aren’t you?) Again, we must always press toward perfection. But in the meantime we must find a way to remain at peace.

If you are not among those who remain in total agreement on all things then you must be among us who have had to face controversial problems in our congregations. That brings me to the second way that we can have peace.

Just deny that there is a problem. Simply keep “sweeping it under the carpet.” Find any way possible to keep from having to have a confrontation over it. Find all kinds of ways of compromise. (This usually involves the sacrifice of truth.) This is, by far, the easiest way to have peace. It is pleasing to almost everyone. Everyone but the Lord. We can refuse to face our problems, even deny that we have problems, only to find that they not only don’t go away but they fester. Growth, the kind that counts, is thwarted. The congregation is weak, untaught, and many times is swept away into apostasy. Satan wins the victory.

There is a third way to have peace in the congregation. We should all agree, and have no divisions, but be of the same mind and the same judgment. But if we find that we are in disagreement on some topic, don’t “sweep it under the rug” or deny that there is a problem. Instead, kick it out into the open. Each member study and pray about it. Come together and share your study, being unafraid of the consequences. If it remains unresolved, look for ways of compromise where no one is put in a position of violating his conscience. If some brethren demand their way and are contentious, deal with that brother or sister as the Scriptures direct.

One of the weaknesses of this method of peace is that some brethren don’t want to study. We must remember that Paul, through the Holy Spirit, directs us to “be diligent (study KJV) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness” (2 Tim. 2:15-16). Some will put up “road blocks” for this reason alone. We must, those who will, continue to study anyway. We must also remember that we are to help these brethren to grow. We can do that by being an example for them, and not letting their feeble excuses stand in our way. Remember, they have learned to be scripturally lazy from others.

Another weakness of this method of peace is that some brethren are just contentious and looking for a fight. But we must remember that these brethren need to repent. God is going to deal with such a one. If we love him we must love him enough to deal with his problem. Read Romans 2:5-8. Paul told Titus that a factious man should be “rej ected after the first and second warning” (Tit. 3:10). This is a sin that must be dealt with like any other. If not, it will go to seed and could destroy the church.

At least one other way, we can see as a weakness in this method of peace. Some brethren don’t know how to disagree and not take it personally. I believe we need more teaching on the commands of God to “love one another” (i.e. Jn. 15:12; 1 Jn. 2:9-11; 3:10-18,23; 4:7-11; 5:1-2, etc.). It is not “just a good idea.” God commands us to love one another; and puts it in the same relationship to our salvation as following his commands.

These three weaknesses are not weakness of God’s plan. These weaknesses are weaknesses among some brethren. If we study and pray when we have problems; deal with the contentious or factious brother; and love one another in spite of our differences, then Satan is defeated and the Lord is pleased. We can have peace without sacrifice of truth. But we must do it the way the first century church did it. It may not be the easiest way, but it’s the way that leads to eternal life.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 109, 119
February 15, 1990

By Keith Pruitt

As our text, we read two verses from Acts. “When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37) “And when he heard these things, he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'” (Acts 16:30)

The world is confused over salvation. Foreign voices sound unfamiliar sounds. Yet the Bible furnishes the answer to this and other questions of eternal importance (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The occasions of the above references reveal the divine answer to the most important question frail tongue has ever asked. The purpose of this article is to examine and develop both the question and the divinely given answer.

The Question

In examining the question, three very important aspects become apparent. The question asks that which is necessary to be done for one’s salvation. These three key words relay very important understandings.

(1) What must I do to be saved? This question presupposes that there are necessary requirements. Jesus was asked what man must do to please God. He responded, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” Qn. 6:28). God has always required obedience of man since the beginning. Adam was punished for his failure to obey (Gen. 3). Sin left its ugly scars upon mankind, yet God still requires those who love him to follow (Rom. 16:26). The question of salvation acknowledges man’s need for obedience. Sin is caused by disobedience (1 Jn. 3:4). Righteousness is the following of God’s commands (Psa. 119:172).

Love for God demands our willful following of his every command. Friendship with Christ is based upon a trustful submission to his will (Jn. 14:15; 15:14). How could one claim love for one whose will is rejected? Christ declared, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46)

Christ came to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). His sacrifice was for all men (Heb. 9:28). Man must follow the trail of his saving blood for redemption.

Yet, to follow Christ based upon the teachings of men is folly. The question implies what God desires for us to do. Who should be concerned with the desires and wishes of men, for they are mere bags of dust? Man has not the ability to give eternal direction to a physical existence which is corrupt with sin. God’s ways are supreme (Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12). The way you follow today, dear reader may not be the Highway of Holiness plotted by the eternal Father even though it seems right (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 35:8).

“What must . . . ” Rest assured. God has required something of you! Will you respond or bid doom be your eternal abode (2 Thess. 1:7-8)?

(2) What must I do to be saved? So often, today’s tele-evangelists invite their listeners to perform all sorts of acts promising salvation to “the faithful.” Among their pleadings, “Pray the sinner’s prayer” or “Put your hand on the radio dial.” Man’s commands nullify the blood of Christ and make void even the worship of those supposing to be the children of God (Matt. 15:9; 2 Jn. 9; Gal. 1:6 ff).

On the day of Pentecost and in a Philippian jail, those present desired to obey God. Salvation is by grace (God’s actions) through faith (man’s obedience) as Paul instructed in Ephesians 2:8. There is something man must do. Faith often expresses the essence of man’s actions because every attempt on man’s part to please God is based upon faith. Faith is the essential ingredient activating man’s responses to God. Why does one confess Jesus as the Son of God or repent of sins? What prompts one to be baptized in water?

Faith is the foundation stone upon which one’s religion is built. Without faith, one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). The Christian walks according to faith in the revealed will of God (2 Cor. 5:7). This faith lives and thrives in the word delivered (Jas. 2:14 ff). It is established and supported by the command of Jesus (Rom. 10:17).

That something is required of man is surely demonstrated at Pentecost as Peter proclaims: “Save yourselves from this untoward generations” (Acts 2:40). Man must take steps toward God. The Unitarian believes in universal salvation based upon the atonement of Jesus. Were salvation wholly an act of God, then would not all be saved? God desires the salvation of a men (2 Pet. 3:9). But Jesus, Paul declares, is the savior to those who obey him (Heb. 5:8-9). One must call him “Lord” and follow his divine direction (Matt. 7:21-23).

(3) What must I do to be saved? Salvation is the need of every man because sin’s ways have overcome us all (Rom. 3:23). None can stand before God righteous of his own accord (Rom. 3:10). All would face the penalties of sin and death were it not for the atonement of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:15).

Sin separates one from God’s divine favor. As was Adam when driven from the garden, so are all men: tainted by the hideousness of sin (Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12). Man’s unwillingness to follow after truth causes continued enmity with God.

The Answer

Thus far, we have defined the question as being that of understanding the will of God for man’s obedience relative to man’s need for forgiveness and eternal redemption. The gospel is that which furnishes the answer of good news: one can be saved. Here’s how!

On Pentecost, Peter told the Jews, “Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Faith, obviously manifest in the asking of the question, needed to exercise itself in a turn from sin. Repentance, while often neglected in today’s preaching, is required for one to become a Christian (Lk. 13:3,5).

Peter also commanded, in a manner of equal importance with repentance, and for the purpose of accomplishing the same result, that his listeners be baptized. One cannot deny successfully what God has required in regards to baptism. it is for salvation (1 Pet. 3:21). It is commanded (Acts 10:47-48). It washes away sin (Acts 22:16). Baptism puts one in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). Since all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3), to refuse to be baptized into Christ is to be void of the blessings that are spiritual

Conclusion

When man comes to a knowledge of sin and is touched by his need of a savior, he will ask what God expects of him. In doing so, he acknowledges that God has a plan that man must obey to enjoy the blessings of forgiveness and the hope of eternal life.

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 4, pp. 110-111
February 15, 1990