And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD
Volume 18, Number
05
08/09/2015
Published
by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ
Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692
Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM
Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday
Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers
Editor......Joe R. Price
Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt
Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
Dan Head
In this issue:
Not every sin is specifically named in the Bible. For instance, the list of the "works of the flesh" is not exhaustive (Gel. 5:19-21). Paul noted there are others sins ("and the like") of the same nature, left unnamed, but which also condemn the soul (Gal. 5:21).
This truth upsets the notion that we cannot be so bold as to call something sin unless it is specifically identified as sin in the Scriptures.
Just as both generic and specific authority exist in the Scriptures (by which we establish and apply Bible authority to what we teach and practice), the same can be said of sin. Some sins are specifically identified, while others are generically included and equally prohibited.
For example, "lewdness" embodies a wide range of sins, all of which are connoted by behavior that is sensual and lustful. Therefore, such things as the lustful touching of bodies outside of marriage, though not specifically identified by name, such practices are identified as sin (Mk. 7:22; Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:21). This word condemns the sinfulness of modern dancing, although "dancing" per se is not mentioned in the New Testament as sinful. It is lewd or lascivious conduct, and hence qualifies as a "work of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19, 21).
James said, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (Jas. 4:17). What form does such sin take? Is every "good" to be done specifically named in the Scriptures? If so, then every sin of omission is equally specified. If not, then we conclude there are indeed sins not specifically named, yet certainly abhorrent to the Lord.
Some wish to say the moderate consumption of intoxicants is not called sin in the Scriptures, and therefore we cannot do so. But, such is indeed specifically condemned in 1 Peter 4:3 ("banquetings" or "drinking parties"). Others object to identifying miniskirts as sinful. Yet, modest clothing that reflects godliness is commanded in 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
To be able to
identify sin by using the Scriptures we must have a love of the truth
combined with "knowledge and all discernment" in order to "approve the
things that are excellent" and therefore, refuse what fails God's test of
righteousness and holiness (Phil. 1:9-11; Heb. 5:13-14). Do not be deceived
by sin. See it clearly for what it is and what it does; destroy the soul
(Rom. 6:23; Heb. 3:12-13; Jas. 1:16).
Top
When Christians Call Sin a Liberty
For something
to be a liberty for the Christian, the law of Christ must first judge it
permissible. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.
All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of
any" (1 Cor. 6:12). Paul did not remove every stipulation concerning sin,
thus making everything acceptable. Far from it. Instead, he affirmed that
lawful things must be used in helpful ways that glorify God (see 1 Cor.
6:20). A liberty is never an opportunity to serve the flesh, "For you,
brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).
The failure to
distinguish a liberty one has in Christ from sin against Christ leads
brethren to defend error and justify immorality. We must learn God's word
and use it to train our senses to "discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).
Social
drinking. I just read a Christian recommend a description of drinking
alcohol as a liberty (while agreeing that drunkenness is sin). The point was
being made not to drink (use your liberty) in such a way as to draw others
into addictive behavior (don't be so cavalier in your drinking before
others). Such an approach is error. The Scriptures condemn as sin both
drunkenness and the drinking that leads to it (1 Pet. 4:3; Prov. 20:1;
23:29-35). It is not a liberty in Christ to drink as long as you do not
influence others to harm themselves with that which you do. Scripture does
not support this view of drinking intoxicants.
Social
dancing. The absence of moral restraint is the sin of lewd and
lascivious conduct (Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3). It is
self-abandonment, the lack of moral restraint. One need only look at the
activities on the dance floor to see the expression of this sin. Yet, some
Christians defend their "liberty" to dance, but not because the Scriptures
teach it is innocent. They define it as a liberty because they approve of
it. But, self-approval does not a liberty make (2 Cor. 10:12).
Immodest
clothing. Some brethren believe it is a person's liberty or right to
wear mini-skirts, short shorts and other body-revealing clothes. Scripture
teaches the exposure of the thigh is a shameful display of one's nakedness
(Isa. 47:2-3; Exo. 28:42). Our clothing is to display shamefastness and
sobriety, not the absence of shame through the absence (or exaggeration) of
clothing (1 Tim. 2:9-10).
Divorce and
remarriage without cause. Many brethren refuse to identify the sin of
putting away one's mate for causes other than fornication (Matt. 19:9). Is
it because they view it to be a liberty to end a marriage without Christ's
stated cause? Apparently they do. Yet, the Scriptures say that sundering
what God has joined together is sin, not a liberty (Matt. 19:6).
God calls us to
be holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Holiness is defined and arranged by
the word of God, not by the word and wisdom of men (1 Thess. 5:21-22).
Yes, we have
liberties in Christ, but they are things that are pure and clean in and of
themselves, being acceptable to God and free of condemnation (Rom. 14:14,
16, 18, 20, 22). We dare not approve what God condemns. Let us always "abhor
what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Rom. 12:9).
You can find the complete outline of this sermon
plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files
at
BIBLE ANSWERS
The Christian and Eternal Life
Scripture Reading: John 6:48-58
1. Jesus
came to give life to sinners, Jno. 1:4; 4:13-14; 10:10; 14:6; 17:1-4. I.
ETERNAL LIFE IS A PRESENT REALITY OF THE CHRISTIAN, 1 Jno. 5:11-13; Jno.
20:31. A.
Possessing Eternal Life is Equated with Abiding in Christ, Jno. 6:53-58, 47. II.
ETERNAL LIFE IS ALSO THE CHRISTIAN’S HOPE, Titus 1:2; 3:7. A. We have
not Yet Entered the Immortal Realm, 1 Cor. 15:54 (19); 1 Jno. 3:1-3; 1 Pet.
1:3-5, 9; 2 Cor. 4:17-19. III.
ETERNAL LIFE CAN BE FORFEITED BY RETURNING TO SIN, Heb. 6:4-6. A. We
Must...
Conclusion
You can find the complete outline of this sermon
plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files
at
BIBLE ANSWERS
"He Commanded Us To Preach"
(Part 2)
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1. When we
examine the preaching of the apostles in the book of Acts we are impressed
by what they do not preach and by what they do preach.
I. THE APOSTLES' PREACHING IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. A. They
Preached the Apostles' Doctrine, Acts 2:42; 1 Thess. 1:5.
Conclusion God's purpose for preaching is our salvation, Rom. 10:13-17;
1 Cor. 1:21.
Joe R. Price
2. Jesus promised us eternal life, 1 Jno. 2:24-25.
3. Eternal life... 1 Jno. 5:11-13.
4. When do we have eternal life: Now, only in the future, or both? Can
eternal life be lost? Can it be recovered? How is it secure?
B. The
Life We have in the Son is Conditional, 1 Jno. 5:12; Jno. 3:36; 5:24;
10:27-28; 6:48-51, 54-57, 63, 68; 12:25-26.
B. The
Fullness of God's Promise: Immortally Arrayed, Col. 3:4; Mk. 10:29-30; Matt.
25:46; Rom. 2:7, 10; 6:22-23; Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim. 6:12, 19.
1.
Guard ourselves, Jude 1:20-21.
2.
Hear and follow Jesus' voice, Jno. 10:27-29.
3.
Sow to the Spirit, Gal. 6:7-9 (5:22-23).
4.
Be steadfast to the end, Heb. 3:12-15.
5.
Do not change God's word to fit ourselves, Rev. 22:19.
1. This is eternal life: To know God and Jesus Christ, Jno. 17:2-3.
2. Know God by having faith to obey Jesus, 1 Jno. 2:3-6.
3. Do you have eternal life as a present spiritual blessing and your
expectation of the future?
2. Did not preach: Themselves, to please men, human wisdom or personal
opinions.
3. They preached the gospel, 1 Cor. 15:1-5; Acts 10:42; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1
Thess. 2:4; 2 Cor. 4:5, 7; Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:20; 1 Cor. 9:16.
-Lesson: When we preach apostles' doctrine we preach heaven's message. All
others are counterfeit. Gal. 1:8
B.
They Preached the Word, Acts 8:25; 13:5; 17:13 (16:6).
-Lesson: God communicates to us through His word. We must hear it and obey
it. 1 Cor. 14:37
C.
They Preached Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2; Col. 1:28), Acts 8:5, 35;
9:20; 17:18.
-Lesson: Jesus is our Master. We must honor and serve Him. Col. 3:23-24
D.
They Preached Forgiveness of Sins through Jesus, Acts 13:38 (42).
-Lesson: Preaching that does not address sin and does not explain God's
remedy for sin is not Bible preaching. 2 Tim. 4:2
E.
They Preached the Kingdom of God (cf. Acts 1:6-7), Acts 8:12; 20:25 (28);
28:31.
-Lesson: Man does not make God; He made us. Trust Him, obey Him. We are
accountable to Him. He will judge us. Acts 17:30-31
G.
They Preached Human Existence Beyond the Grave, Acts 17:18, 17:30-31; 20:21.
-Lesson: This life is not all there is to our existence. Job 14:14
H.
They Preached the Whole Counsel of God, Acts 20:27, 20.
-Lesson: Give me all of the Bible! 2 Tim. 4:2
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current
events in the light of Scripture)
Politicking
Joe R. Price
Political candidates are in the business of selling themselves to their constituents; that's what they do. They promote themselves and their policies when running for office. For example, the Republican Party candidates for President of the United States debated Thursday night. The art of politicking was on full display.
Politicking can also takes on more subtle forms. Personal contact to gain confidence by way of a handshake, a look in the eye, a hand on the shoulder. That's fine. That's what politicians do to gain people's approval, support and vote. We know their motive. That's politics.
The church of Christ, on the other hand, has no place for politicking. And yet, too often that is exactly what happens. It is not always easy to detect. Motives matter, and eventually they are seen by the fruit they bear (Matt. 7:20). It is right to engender and strengthen our bonds of brotherhood through mutual concern (Rom. 1:11-12; 12:10). The motive of brotherly love produces genuine care, personal contact and the confidence in one another that comes along with it (Heb. 13:1). That is good and right.
We also realize the darker motive of pride and self-promotion can infect Christians' hearts. When it does, politicking invades the church. The result is factious disruption, sinful division. A movement to "fire" the preacher arises because his preaching is "too negative". (Translation: His preaching exposes sin among the members and too many don't like it.) An elder is forced to resign because he is "standing in the way of progress". (Translation: A younger generation wants to do things their way instead of the Bible way, and with him out of the way, they can.) We must "reject" every factious person after the second warning, not coddle them, thereby enabling divisiveness (Titus 3:9-10). We must guard our unity in Christ and vigilantly reject all who would serve themselves to deceive the innocent with "smooth words and flattering speech" (Eph. 4:3; Rom. 16:17-18).
We do well to
remember that Paul said, "We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the
Lord" (2 Cor. 4:5). The apostles did not use "flattering words...nor a cloak
for covetousness" to advance the gospel (1 Thess. 2:4-5). They never
advanced themselves, only Christ. They were not politicians, promoting
themselves. We dare not be, either.
Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated. 08/10/2015
The Spirit's Sword is a free,
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