Truth Magazine

By Ron Daly

Paul, in the immediate context into which the phrase “overtaken in any trespass” is woven commands the Galatians to “walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh . . . The works of the flesh are manifest . . . of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. . . If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk” (Gal. 5:16-26).

These statements of the apostle have a direct connection with his exhortation, “Use not your freedom for an occasion of the flesh” (Gal. 5:13), lest they assume that Paul’s statement “for freedom did Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1) was intended to loose them from the moral, religious, and restrictive requirements of law.

On the other hand, to preclude the thought of the impossibility of sin, and to guard against pride, vainglory, and jealousy in dealing with the violator of God’s law, the Spirit, through Paul declares, “Brethren, e4n if (this shows the possibility) a man (it could have been any of them, and can be any of us) be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual (they all should have been spiritual, i.e. people gifted with a spiritual frame of mind, but not all of them were) restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (in contrast to “provoking one another, envying one another,” (Gal. 5:26); looking to thyself (instead of becoming “vainglorious”), lest thou also be tempted (to be enticed to commit his sin or some other – a distinct possibility)” (Gal. 6:1).

The word “overtaken” is used in the text to translate the Greek term prolambano. Prolambano describes a man “being caught by the trespass, through his being off guard. . . (in) contrast (to) the premeditated practice of evil” (Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 454). Thayer, in the lexicon which he translated, cites a source indicating that one meaning of prolambano is “to take one by forestalling (i.e. before he can flee or conceal his crime), i.e. surprise, detect, (Sap. XVII. 16). . .” (Thayer’s Lexicon, p. 540, definition 3).

There are contextual reasons why we can properly conclude that to “be overtaken in any trespass” is a situation of being “caught off guard by surprise,” and not of “blunders, misdeeds, or sins” of a willful, deliberate, premeditation. Notice how the context corroborates the aforementioned conclusion. First, the actual word in the Greek Testament is prolemphthe which is passive in form, implying here a sudden onslaught. Second, the “spiritual ones,” pneumatikoi, are specifically instructed to restore (katartizo, “mend, using great caution to prevent further injury”) “such a one,” implying that the pneumatikoi possess the “wisdom from above,” “being wise and understanding . . . pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 5:13ff), and would understand that this is one having been “caught by surprise” and must be restored using extreme caution, lest he be treated rudely or antagonistically as the asophos, unwise, are prone to do. Third, the spiritual ones are admonished, that while preparing to and actually engaging in the process of restoring the overtaken one, to do so “in a spirit of gentleness: looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” The evident point here is, it is possible for spiritual ones to be caught off guard, so handle this “broken body part” gently, for you have not yet so attained as to drop your guard even for one moment! Beware lest the stealthily approaching black leopard pounce upon us, ravaging and devouring your life.

Let us give careful attention to the fact that, even though Paul uses a word that portrays “one who is overtaken – caught by surprise,” this man is nonetheless said to be “in a trespass,” and needs to be “restored.” The fact that he did not determine to sin is no excuse for the fact that he did sin! The consequences of sins committed in ignorance or weakness are as grave as those committed with the full knowledge of the transgressor. The difference is not in how God categorizes sin, but in the attitude of the one sinning; unforgiven sin’s end is eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23; et. al.)

May God grant us the wisdom, love, and concern needed to “work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,” in making the way of salvation known to all, and especially by restoring (thereby saving) a brother “overtaken in any trespass”‘ (Gal. 6:1-10).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 201
April 6, 1989

By Lonnie Fritz

God is not like the man we have a heard about who, when asked by his wife if he loved her, replied, “I told you I love you when I married you thirty years ago; if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.” On the contrary, God wants us to be fully aware of the depth of his love for each one of us, and he tells us so, over and over again. Let’s look at some beautiful Scriptures that tell of such wonderful love.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) . . . that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:4,5,7). “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us . I. . God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:5,8). “. . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge: that you may be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph. 3:17b-19). Notice the words that describe this wonderful love with which he loves us. Some synonyms that go along with this word “great” are broad, deep, wide, expansive, extensive, far reaching, grand, immense, measureless, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, marvelous, outstanding, splendid, superb, wonderful, and fantastic, all of which can be used to describe God’s love for us.

Even more amazing than the words that describe this love, is the realization that this love was extended, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, to godless sinners. “Even when we were dead in trespasses,. . . God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Eph. 2:4; Rom. 5:8). Would you sacrifice your child to save someone? I doubt that very many of us would. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, to God, because he believed God would make amends. But, God sent his Son to godless men who would put him to death, just so that we can be saved I Do you see the depth of this great love for us? Do you see the clarity of such wonderful love?.When we become keenly aware of the depth of God and Jesus’ great love for us, we cannot help but “stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how he could love me, a sinner condemned unclean.”

Contrary to what some may think, the great love that God has for us will in no way cause us to have a do-nothing religion. His love for us will go down to our very soul, and motivate us with every ounce of strength we have to love and obey him. There is no greater motivation to be pleasing to God, than this superb love he has for us. Paul said, “For the love of Christ controls us” and “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (2 Cor. 5:14; Gal. 2:20). Does this love control your life? Does your life belong to Jesus Christ?

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 203
April 6, 1989

By Thomas A. Thornhill, Jr.

As I write this article, I am reading in the news of a warrant officer who was arrested on charges of selling top secret military information to the Eastern Block. During the past year we have heard of several such incidents and we have seen the conviction of some. Treason is a very serious charge and I personally endorse prosecution and punishment to the fullest extent of the law for such a heinous crime.

However, even more appalling than this is treason against God. We read about it in the Bible and we hear about it and see it happening today with members of the Lord’s church. The purpose of this article will be to discuss “selling out” our God.

Biblical Examples

In the Old Testament we read of the nation of Israel. Sadly, in spite of all that God did for them, they sold him out to follow other gods. Consider these words of Ezekiel concerning Jerusalem, their capitol and the Holy City God established.

You trusted in your beauty, played the harlot because of your fame’ and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it (16:15).

Ezekiel then proceeds to describe their brazen harlotry. He speaks of their using God’s possessions to perform their acts of harlotry with and not seeking pay for their actions. Their insatiable lusts were so strong they went searching for more gods to satisfy them. They were described as worse than Sodom and Samaria. In spite of all that God did for them, they rejected him for everything that came along. Thus God finally rejected them:

For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as, you have done who despised the oath by breaking the covenant” (16:59).

In the New Testament, there is the account of Judas who sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16, 47-40). Also the Jews, who are so prevalent in the book of Acts, who went to great lengths to try to destroy the apostles and Christians, both Jew and Gentile, in order to save their religion, which God had done away with. They had the Scriptures which told them of this superior law, but they were willing to reject God in order to keep their traditions. God was not impressed and in 70 A.D. Jerusalem fell. Other biblical examples can be given, but these are sufficient to show that men have “sold out” God throughout the ages of the Scriptures.

Today

Sadly, this generation is no exception to the rule. We continually hear of brethren who forsake God for various reasons. There is the preacher who compromises the Word of God in order to be accepted by a certain group of people rather than proclaiming the whole counsel of God at whatever the cost. There is the brother who leaves his wife for another to satisfy his carnal desires. There is the woman who returns to the ways of the world to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin for a season, or the preacher who quits the church because everything didn’t go his way. These are a few examples of people who have an opportunity to spend eternity with God but they “sell out” God for something of lesser value. To such Peter warned:

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the Holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb I “A dog returns to this own vomit” and “a sow having washed, to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Pet. 2:20-22).

Against such, action must be taken. As individuals, we should try to provoke repentance in their lives (Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1). As a congregation, discipline should be practiced for the same reason as well as to keep the church pure (1 Cor. 5:4-7; Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:6; etc.).

Lessons to Learn

Finally, there are a few lessons that should be learned concerning our “selling out” God. First, we note the patience of God. One might ask, “Why did God let Israel get away with what they did for so long?” or “Why does God let people treat him like they do today?” I believe the answer can be found in 2 Peter 3:9:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

God does not want anyone to be condemned so he gives us opportunity to repent. Second, I can’t help but wonder what our attitude toward such people, should be. With a cold shoulder, many will reject such a person instead of rejecting his actions with grief and sadness that a soul is lost. Discipline is to be exercised with the attitude that it might cause him to come back to the Lord (1 Cor. 5:5; Heb. 12:11). My understanding is that all sin should be viewed with grief and sadness, instead of anger and callousness. Furthermore, if he asks forgiveness, no matter how terrible the sin, we must forgive him (2 Cor. 2:6-8; Matt. 18:21-22). Finally, I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10: 12, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” People are “selling; out” God. Let’s never possess the attitude that it won’t happen to me. That is when Satan will get you. He got Peter when he was like that, and Peter was with Jesus for three years witnessing his glory and power.

Conclusion

Selling out God is indeed a tragedy. But it happens. Let’s strive to ensure it does not happen tous. But when we see it happen, let’s handle it God’s way, not ours.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 207
April 6, 1989

By Dennis D. Tucker

On numerous occasions a person will call wanting to talk with the “pastor” of the church. They often assume that since I am an evangelist of a congregation that I am the “pastor.” The reason is that in many religious groups the terms evangelist and pastor do refer to the same man or group. However, the Bible makes a distinction between the two terms.

The Work of a Pastor

A number of terms are used in the Bible referring to the men in charge of overseeing the flock. The following terms refer to the same group of men (due to space all passages in the Bible cannot be given): elder is found in Acts 14:23; overseer in Acts 20:28; bishop in 1 Timothy 3: 1; shepherd in 1 Peter 5:2; presbytery in 1 Timothy 4:14; and pastor in Ephesians 4:11. The phrases referring to these men are descriptive in nature and not titles. Notice that the term pastor refers to the same person as elders, bishop, shepherd or overseer.

These men are to guide, guard, oversee, feed and protect the flock of God. “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers” (1 Pet. 5:2). They are to provide an example to the flock and rule.

The Work of an Evangelist

The evangelist is not given the same duties as the elders of a congregation. He is to proclaim the gospel of Christ. This includes teaching the Christian and non-Christian alike. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). He is to study and proclaim God’s word to all men so they might be saved by the gospel.

Most men being referred to as pastors are not elders but instead are evangelists. Many religious groups with a “pastor” either have an unscriptural eldership and/or an evangelist doing an unscriptural work.

The Qualifications

The Bible does not use the terms pastor and preacher interchangeably. It makes a distinction in the work of each one and the qualifications of each position. What matters is how the Bible uses these terms and not how we want to use them. Many men today wearing the title of pastor are not qualified to fulfill that role. The same can be said for those claiming to be preachers.

The Requirements of a Pastor

A complete list of qualifications is given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications must be met before one can be an elder/pastor. They are not suggestions but demands that come from God. While they may appear to be trivial to some of us, we must abide by the doctrine of Christ, if we are to please him. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9).

The most obvious requirements are: (1) An elder must be a man. God did not place women in the role of leadership in his church. Occasionally a woman claims to be a pastor, but she cannot be a pastor of the New Testament church. (2) He must be a husband which means he must be married. (3) He must have children. I have been introduced to men who were single, and/or childless, claiming to be pastors. God demands that elders have all of the qualities, including a wife and children. (4) His children must be Christians. If a man cannot train his own children to obey the gospel, how will he convince others? (5) He must not be a novice. This refers to age and experience. A twenty year old man cannot meet this requirement. (6) The Scriptures speak of an eldership or elders; not one man leading the flock. In other words, part of the requirement is a plurality of pastors/elders. We cannot look at all of the requirements due to space but they are all important and all essential.

Does the place that you worship have scriptural elders/pastors? Do they meet all of commands of God? Read his requirements in the above passages.

The Requirements of a Preacher

There are many requirements for the preacher but again not all can be mentioned at this time. However, some show the difference between the position of pastor and preacher. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). (For a more detailed study read Paul’s writings to Timothy and Titus.) There is no age requirement in this passage for a preacher as there is for a pastor. This passage obviously shows that a young man can be an evangelist. A preacher must provide the proper example to all men in spite of his age. Notice what is absent in Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus. There is no mention of being married or having children. But he must be willing to study, preach, and apply the word.

Conclusion

If a man is trying to fulfill any office in the church without meeting the conditions of God, he is wrong. A pastor/elder without the right to serve in that capacity is an unscriptural pastor/elder. This same statement must be said for a preacher. In order to abide by God’s will we must use biblical terms and names in their correct definition.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 7, p. 204
April 6, 1989