Truth Magazine

By Barney Keith

How does one determine whether he is “spiritual” or “carnal”? This has to be considered seriously by every Christian, “for to be carnally minded is death,” Paul wrote in Romans 8:6. His added clause “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” offers the greatest of incentives to the child of God to develop a visible faith that will evidence his concern about things spiritual. With regret Paul stated to his Corinthian brethren, “I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to carnal” (1 Cor. 3:1). One of our greatest needs in the Lord’s church is to be spiritual people in the face of a hostile, materialistic world.

In What Do We “Glory”?

The spring from which spirituality flows is genuine conversion to Christ. It exists where one has truly “turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21) and has resolved “that with purpose of heart” he is going to “cleave to the Lord” (Acts 11:23). It is then that the Christian will honor Paul’s admonition, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:31).

Whatever one takes pride in indicates accurately the center of his affections. Whatever he counts to be “treasure” takes hold of his heart (Matt. 6:2 1). It is appropriate, therefore, to ask, “In what do we glory? What is it that delights us and gives us the greatest joy?” When we answer this with honesty, we can tell whether we are spiritual or carnal.

Is Our “Glorying” In Men?

It may be that the spirituality of some has been eroded by an inordinate attachment to men, especially to preachers. This was one of the serious problems in the church at Corinth. Faithful, capable and dedicated preachers are deserving of our appreciation, as are all saints who work diligently in the kingdom to do whatever they are capable of doing. They are still men, and our glorying should not be in them. To the carnally-minded it lends great prestige to a congregation if “our preacher” has credentials from a renowned center of learning. This, plus the fact that “he is so dynamic,” may lead to idolizing a man.

Is it possible that first-century preachers would not “fill the bill” for some churches today? Even the apostle Paul? When one reads Paul’s comments about the right kind of preaching (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 1 Thess. 2:2-7), he may well wonder where some obtained their concept of a kind so different. Some brethren may be able to tolerate only the finest specimen of rhetoric by the most polished speaker to be found. Something is clearly out of joint when this is the case. By no means is that a criticism of men who have a marked talent in the public proclamation of the gospel. The criticism is not of men who have ability to stir our hearts with truth. Rather it is criticism of that carnal mind set which loses interest in preaching that does not attain such a high level of excellence. There is room in the kingdom for an Apollos; but there is also room for him who must say, with Paul, that he does not have that “excellence of speech” (1 Cor. 2:1). Let us. not become so fascinated by the man who is preaching that we lose sight of the Son of man who saved us.

Is Our Pride Centered On the Premises?

Is it possible that some have gloried in the elaborate show places that are called “church buildings”? On occasions there have been articles by liberal-minded brethren about their new buildings – the tremendous size, the fantastic cost the wonderful facilities and the marvelous equipment, something “the community can be proud of.” Modest, unpretentious meeting houses may soon be simply relics of another day. Need it be said that the Lord’s building is people who are living stones in a spiritual house? The place where these people gather for worship is by no means the most important consideration. It is sad when someone is actually embarrassed to worship with brethren who meet under rather plain circumstances, or perhaps in a section of two that is less than elegant or fashionable. Is this not an indication of a carnal rather than a spiritual heart? Remember, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Are We Too Class Conscious?

New Testament congregations were made up of all classes of people. In the same church might be found both slaves and masters. In the same assembly could be found both in rich and the poor, the advantaged and the disadvantaged. All stood on the same level before him with whom there is no respect of persons. If they felt uncomfortable with one another and made distinctions, they were to be censured (Jas. 2:1-5). It is important, therefore, for spiritually-minded disciples to avoid being respecters of persons because of social, economic, educational or other factors. Very often it is those in the most humble circumstances who are the spiritual ones. It may be that some are even reluctant to teach the gospel to those in the “lower class.” We wonder if they fear some of these will obey the gospel and have to be received into their fellowship. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

What Really Matters?

When Christians are oriented toward heaven where Christ is, they know that the real strength of the people of God is not measured by such physical or material considerations as those herein discussed. When a Christian correctly perceives what the true spiritual values are, his attitude and actions will inevitably demonstrate it. His main concern will be that Christ be honored and exalted in everything. When members of the body of Christ stop trying to impress a materialistic society and cease pampering their vanity and pride, they will be able to get on with the simple, unpretentious ana humble service the Lord wants. When we get to the place that we are truly caught up in worshiping our God, living righteous lives and seeking to save souls, we shall have dropped our prideful concerns for the greater ones — those of our Lord.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 10, pp. 289, 310
May 18, 1989

By Tommy L. McClure

(Note: To get the most from this study, the reader should first read the entire 7th chapter of Proverbs, TLM).

Introduction

Much regard is shown for young people in the Bible. The children of the rebellious Israelites were allowed to enter Canaan, whereas their fathers were condemned to die in the wilderness (Deut. 1:35-40). Jesus, very busy throughout his personal ministry, was not too busy to be concerned about children (Mk. 10:13-16).

Many instructions are given in the word of God with children’s benefit in view. They are taught to honor their parents, “the first commandment with promise”; the promise was and is “that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3; cf. Exod. 20:12). Fathers are not to provoke them to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Paul was not unmindful of the welfare of children in giving instructions to Titus concerning the duties of aged women who were to “teach the young women . . . to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home” (Tit. 2:3,4).

Special regard for many people is shown in Proverbs. Solomon wrote with the “young man” in mind (1:1-4); the vocative, “my son,” heads many of his instructions (1:8,10,15; 2;1-5; 3:1,11,21; 4:10; 5:1; 6:1,20).

In chapter 7, Solomon exhorts to govern the mind by the word of God as the antidote against fornication (vv. 1-5), tells the story of a young man being snared by an adulterous woman (w. 6-23), and makes application of the story, showing the importance of taking good counsel and fair warning (vv. 24-27).

The lessons in this study will deal primarily with the facts set forth in the story (vv. 6-23).

The Person Being Tempted

1. The person tempted is a “young man ” (v. 7). Thus, he was at an age when this temptation is unusually strong (cf. 2 Tim. 2:22); he was without wisdom necessary to fully discern the evil intended and involved; and was without sufficient courage and know how to resist the flatteries of his seducer.

Youth is a crucial age when minds and bodies are storehouses of energy which will be expended – either for God and righteousness, resulting in salvation; or the devil and sin, resulting in damnation. Both God and Satan make powerful bids for youth! God says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1); he tells youth how to cleanse its ways (Psa. 119:9); instructs parents to train up the child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6); makes clear how that it is to be done by the words “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4); and, shows the importance of setting the proper example before them (2 Tim. 1:5). The devil, on the other hand, knows that poisoning the minds of youth is his most effective weapon, and strives to reach that goal by Nazism, Communism, Catholicism, atheism, infidelity, agnosticism, evolution, liberalism, humanism and thousands of other damning devices.

2. The person tempted was “a young man void of understanding” (v. 7). Not properly principled with wisdom and the fear of God, he ventured to sea without chart and compass. No wonder the importance of understanding is so of, en repeated by Solomon! He teaches that it keeps one from evil (2:11,12; cf. Job 28:28); that getting it brings happiness (3:13); that obtaining it is more important than the getting of silver and obtaining wisdom is better than gold (16:16); that it is a wellspring of life to him who has it (16:22); and, that it should be a permanent acquisition (23:23). Truly, one void of understanding is on dangerous ground – “the man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead” (21:16).

Assuredly, someone was to blame for the young man’s condition! Possibly, his parents did not teach him the words of the Lord, contrary to the command of Moses (Deut. 6:6,7). Or, the young man himself may have been stubborn and rebellious, comparable to the one Moses described (Deut. 21:18-21), or to the one described by Solomon himself (Prov. 15:5). The cause of the young man’s “void” is not revealed and we may never know. But, we should ask ourselves, “If my son starts the voyage of life void of understanding, will it be because of me or in spite of me?” For our own good, we had better make sure it is not the former, for his good, we should try hard to prevent it being either!

3. The person tempted was in the wrong company “among the simple ones” and “among the youths” (v. 7). Had he been with wiser and older people, the sin might not have taken place.

Bad company is indeed dangerous! “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Provl. 13:20). “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33, ASV). The painful regret of many, so dominated by Satan that they “cannot cease from sin” (2 Pet. 2:14), is, “I got in with the wrong crowd.” Young man, don’t say, “It won’t happen to me!” It has happened to countless thousands who said the same – but, it happened! Look at a few Bible examples of people who became tainted with the evil influence of their associates: (a) Lot, seemingly oblivious to the evil environment he and his family were entering and looking only at the prospects for great wealth, “pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Gen. 13:12,13). That Lot was affected, in some degree, by this evil environment is obvious (Gen. 19:4-9); so were his daughters who conceived seed in incest and gave birth to the evil and feared Moabites and Ammonites (w. 30-38). (b) Israel wanted a king so she could be like the nations round about (I Sam. 8), and became almost, if not fully, as sinful as they were. (c) Solomon, in his later years, allowed his idolatrous wives whom he had married contrary to the will of God to turn away his heart from following the Lord (1 Kgs. 11: 1- 13). Since these were adversely affected by evil company, how do you know you won’t be? You don’t! Remember that Peter was very sure of himself, too (Matt. 26:33-35), only to find out later that he was grossly mistaken (vv. 69-75).

Young and old people need each other, contrary to the thinking of some. It is good to respect age differences, but we can become too regimented. This extreme regimentation has produced “youth churches,” “youth worship services,” “youth rallies,” and the like, in which older people are looked upon as intruders if they merely attend. When old and young associate together, the old can be a source of wisdom and maturity to the young, and the young a source of freshness and energy to the old. Those who are so overly concerned about regimentation need to consider the example of Jesus: “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions” (Lk. 2:46). Jesus, then only twelve years old, did not consider those old men, doctors of the law, a bunch of outdated mossbacks, eggheads, ignoramuses and old foggies – he heard them and asked them questions! Nor did they brush him aside as a little egotistical up-start or a young “Johnny-come-lately” – they were astonished at his understanding and answers (v. 47)! The modern “generation gap” may have been produced by humanism or some other false system bearing the “ain’t so” label (“ism”), but not by the word of God (see Mal. 4:5,6; Lk. 1:17).

4. The victim of the temptation was sauntering “passing through the street” (v. 8). Like many young people now, he was idle, aimless and wandering; I call it ‘.’pressing concrete” for want of a better term. Had he been going with purpose and with a look of determination, the evil woman might have paid him no attention.

Idleness is a great curse, especially to young people. They have boundless energy which will be expended, if they are idle toward good, they will soon be active in evil, Satan will make sure the vacuum is filled. The old adage “an idle brain is the devil’s workshop” is still true, and doubly so of young because they lack age, experience and wisdom. Trouble is sure to come when a young man has nothing better to do than grow bangs, a beard, wear outlandish clothing and pound a drum, and when a young girl has only to keep up on sexy styles and dances. Idleness was one of the sins of filthy Sodom (Ezek. 16:49) upon which the Lord rained brimstone and fire from heaven (Gen. 19:24,25). Get the point? If he rejected it then, he does not favor it now (see Mal. 3:6).

5. He steered his course in the wrong direction – “he went the way to her house” (v. 8). He may have heard something about the women and been curious. If so, he was flirting with temptation contrary to Solomon’s instruction already given (5:8): “Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house.” Many flut with temptation now by participating in dancing, social drinking, mixed bathing, scanty dress, petting and watching X-rated movies. Paul’s instruction is: “Abstain from every appearance (“form,” ASV) of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). “Abstain” does not mean “flirt with” nor “sample.” If the youngster was ignorant of the woman, which is not likely, still he was in a place where he had no business. The devil quickly finds “business” for such (cf. 1 Pet. 5:8). Places in which young people (and old) have no business include taverns, dance halls, gambling casinos, topless joints, and such like.

6. He was a “night owl” – “he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness” (vv. 8,9 ASV).

The four terms – “twilight,” “evening,” “middle of the night,” and “darkness” – indicate repeated trips and that he was ambling around in the woman’s neighborhood most of the night. A young man now who saunters around in a “red light” district most of the night is up to no good and headed for trouble!

Like Eli who restrained not his sons (1 Sam. 3:11-13), his parents may have been at fault because they had not administered proper restraint. Many parents now act as though what their children do is none of their business; they never inquire as to where they go, what they do, with whom they associate, nor when they return home; they regard curfew enforcement as infringement on the civil liberties of their “little darlings”; and, they think their children are above wrong-doing – much like the proverbial mother who, having watched her son march in boot camp, later observed, “Every body on the field was out of step except my Johnny!”

This youngster, like many of the young set now, likely considered day life dull, drab and boring, so decided to experience night life. If he followed the course pursued by many in our generation, he slept most of the day while his parents did all the work, and at sundown was as fresh as a daisy in the morning dew, ready to play the role of a two-legged nocturnal animal. In the darkest part of the night it seems, the evil woman met him (vv. 9, 10). The episode reminds us of Job’s words: “The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face” (Job 24:15); also of the words of Jesus. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither corneth to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (Jn. 3:19-21).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 10, pp. 294-295, 310
May 18, 1989

By Andy Alexander

The common thread which runs throughout all mankind is suffering. All of us at times in our lives will experience some form of suffering. It may be the loss of a loved one, the illness of a family member, or some injury or illness to our own body, but at one or usually more times in our life we will all experience pain and suffering. At these times in our life we should we drawn closer to God, realizing that he can supply the strength which we need to continue in this life. However, many times in our depressed state, we turn from the one true Source of strength and courage and fall into the hands of the crafty individual who is the real cause of our problems. Satan will use these times in our lives, when we are the most vulnerable, to try to turn our hearts from God.

The case of Job is an example of how Satan will use these tragedies in our lives. Not only was he the one who caused the evil to come upon Job, but during the whole ordeal he used Job’s wife and friends to try to convince him that God was the source of his pain and suffering (Job 2:9). Satan will attack us in similar ways using our friends and relatives at times in an effort to shake our confidence in God. Anyone who would kick somebody when he is down is a despicable character. There is no depth to which he won’t stoop in order to lure some unsuspecting soul from God (Eph. 6:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:8-10).

The apostle Paul understood who was behind his suffering. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, he informs us that the thorn in his flesh was a “messenger of Satan.” He also knew that when he was hindered from returning to Thessalonica, the ultimate cause of the hindrance was Satan (1 Thess. 2:18). Satan, not God, is the source of our suffering.

Those of us who are followers of God and put our hope and trust in God are not promised a life free from pain and sorrow. But, we do have someone to turn to in those times and someone who knows our problems and can help (Heb. 4:15-16). The faithful Christian can go to God in prayer and be confident that God will answer his prayer (I Jn. 3:22; 5:14-15). But, we must be willing to accept the answer God gives us. It may not be God’s will to heal us, but our attitude should be that whatever the will of God is, we will remain faithful.

An excellent illustration of his principle can be seen in the lives of three Jewish captives. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol erected in Babylon and, when threatened with death in a burning fiery furnace, they answered, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us” (Dan. 3:17). Now, they did not know if it was God’s will to deliver them, but they believed that he could do it. Their next statement in verse 18 is an example of what our attitude should be like when we are facing trials in our lives. “But if not, be it known unto thee, 0 king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Let us never succumb to the temptation to blame God for our problems. Our attitude needs to be that we are going to serve God faithfully, no matter what trials or tribulations we are asked to bear in this life.

The blessing of prayer belongs to those who are following Christ and doing his will (1 Jn. 3:22). If you are outside of Christ and you want to have all the blessings that belong to those who are in Christ including prayer, the Lord stands ready at all times to receive you (Matt. 1:28). The alien sinner must believe in Jesus as the Son of God, confess Jesus before men, repent of his sins, and be baptized, for the remission of those sins. Then the Lord will add him to his body (Jn. 3:16; Matt. 10:32; Acts 2:38). Many people will balk at baptism, but baptism washes away the sins of a penitent believer and puts him into Christ (Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27). All spiritual blessings are in Christ and baptism is the means chosen by God to put one into Christ (Eph. 1:3; 1 Cor. 12:13). If we reject baptism, were rejecting a command of God (Acts 10:48).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 9, p. 271
May 4, 1989

By Greg Gwin

It happened again just the other day. Someone called me a “Pharisee.” This religious name calling is the equivalent of being branded a Communist in politics, or a bigot in social matters. It is meant to draw instant negative response. The very notion of the Pharisees, based upon what we learn of them in the Scriptures, calls to mind things that we all despise. My immediate reaction is to deny the charge! Surely, I don’t want to be like the Pharisees.

Do you know why I was so accused? It was during a time of private Bible study with a “liberal” brother. I was stressing the importance of Bible authority. I was condemning any practice that could not be justified by a “thus saith the Lord.” I was demanding book, chapter, and verse for all that we do in service to God. And then he let me have it. Without any answer to my challenges, he hit me with that despicable title, “Pharisee.” I’m sure he expected me to surrender my position. After all, no one wants to be like the Pharisees.

But wait! What was wrong with the Pharisees anyway? They certainly received Jesus’ strongest condemnations, but why? Why would Jesus, in one brief address, call them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “fools,” “whited sepulchers,” and “serpents” (Matt. 23:1-33)? Why did they deserve all of this?

The same text (Matt. 23) gives us the answer. They would not do what they taught others to do (vv. 3,4). They did their religious works “to be seen of men” (vv. 5-7). They embezzled widow’s money (v. 14). They blatantly violated their oaths (vv. 16-22). They were merciless (v. 23). They gave the appearance of being devout, but their hearts were “full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (vv. 25-28).

Obviously, there was a lot wrong with the Pharisees. But, unless I am mistaken, the man who accused me of being like them had none of these things in mind. His complaint was that I, like the Pharisees, demanded strict, exact, and careful adherence to the things taught in God’s word. Is this wrong? Am I wrong? Were the Pharisees wrong in this regard.

We have noted that the Pharisees truly had their problems. And, additionally, we realize that they had erred in binding some of their own traditions, making them even more important than God’s commands (Matt. 15:1-9). But what about their insistence on a careful observance of the law was that wrong? Did Jesus rebuke them for stressing (at least in their teaching, if not in their practice) that the commands of God must be meticulously obeyed? No! In fact, Jesus said of them, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do” (Matt. 23:2,3). And concerning their punctilious practice of tithing even their garden herbs, Jesus said, “These ought ye to have done” (Matt. 23:23).

So then, are we wrong when we demand Bible authority for all we do? Have we “missed the boat” in calling for “book, chapter, and verse”? The answer is “no!” And that’s one place where the Pharisees weren’t wrong either!

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 9, p. 269
May 4, 1989