Not everyone is content to let God have the final word. Some believe God continues to reveal Himself to them through visions, dreams, feelings, experiences, voices, church councils, and the like. He does not (Heb. 1:1-2). Others claim they believe in the completeness of the word of God, but then they deny it by adding to or taking away from its teachings. Many people are dissatisfied with the complete and final word of God (Jude 3). This is apparent by observing the epidemic proportion of religious division that exists in the world.

Here are some ways people show dissatisfaction with the complete and final revelation of God’s word:

1. By generating foolish and ignorant disputes instead of being content with the truth that is revealed (2 Tim. 2:23). This person is not satisfied with Bible answers. He is convinced spirituality is defined by seeking for the unknown and the unknowable. He fails to realize this shows a lack of faith in what God has revealed in His word (Deut. 29:29). We must refuse disputes that “generate strife” instead of clarifying and advancing an understanding of the truth that has been revealed.

2. By trusting in fables (1 Tim. 1:3-4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:16). A fable is fiction, an invented story. How many fables have men believed in the name of religion? The New Testament exposes every spiritual invention of men for what it is; a mere story from man’s heart (Gal. 1:8-9; Jer. 14:14). We do not follow “cunningly devised fables (2 Pet. 1:16).

3. By following the commandments of men (Titus 1:4). Our authority for spiritual things must come from the word of God for it to be approved by heaven (Matt. 21:25). When men establish and impose their own religious commands, it is a clear sign they are not satisfied with God’s commands (Matt. 15:1-9).

4. By reacting to the Bible with selfishness and pride (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2). Some preach the gospel with a hidden agenda and evil motives (Phil. 1:15-17). These are not satisfied to let love for truth and love for the souls of men motivate them. Instead, the truth only satisfies this person when he can use it to gain a personal advantage over others. Beware, Diotrephes!

5. By putting a premium on spiritual immaturity (2 Pet. 3:15-18). This person becomes convinced his false doctrine is correct, in part, because he lacks adequate grounding in Bible knowledge. We must “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord,” or we will be unaccustomed and dissatisfied with the meat of God’s word.

6. By ignoring Satan’s deceptions (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Be assured, Satan wants you to be dissatisfied with the word God has spoken to you by His Son. God’s completed word will completely equip you to resist Satan and be victorious over sin and death in the Son (Eph. 6:10-18; 2 Cor. 2:11). Do not be deceived by those who minimizes violating the Scriptures.

The faith has been once for all delivered (Jude 3). We are content that the Bible is the complete and final revelation from God to mankind. God has spoken to us by His Son. His New Testament is enough to save us, and to guide our lives. Listen to Jesus by learning the Scriptures, accepting them, and following them (Lk. 8:8). 

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

Always Pursue What is Good

Scripture Reading:  1 Thessalonians 5:15-22

1. Always pursue what is good, 1 Thess. 5:15. Phil. 3:12, 14 (Matt. 5:12; 2 Cor. 4:9).
2. Christians are to pursue:
  a. Love, 1 Cor. 14:1.
  b. Attributes of contentment, 1 Tim. 6:11.
  c. Moral purity, 2 Tim. 2:22.
  d. Peace and holiness, Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11.
3. For yourselves and all others, 1 Thess. 5:15-22.

I. TO PURSUE WHAT IS GOOD IS THE OPPOSITE OF RENDERING EVIL FOR EVIL, 1 Thess. 5:15. 
  A. The Laws of Forbearance and Love Compel Us, Matt. 5:38-44; Rom. 12:17-19.
  B. Pursuing Good Things is to be Unmatched in Scope, 1 Thess. 5:15-22.

II. GOOD THINGS TO PURSUE, 1 Thess. 5:16-22.
  A. Rejoice Always, 5:16; Jno. 16:22, 33.
  B. Prayer (pray without ceasing), 5:17. Lk. 18:1, 8; 1 Thess. 5:25; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Eph. 6:18-19; 2 Cor. 12:7-8; Phil. 4:4-7.
  C. Give Thanks in Everything, 5:18; Psa. 106:1-3; 107:8-9; Lk. 18:11-19.
  D. Nothing that would Quench the Spirit, 5:19-20; cf. Titus 2:5; 1 Cor. 14:3-4. 
  E. Test All Things, 5:21-22.
    1. Prove, examine, try, scrutinize, 1 Jno. 4:1.
    2. Hold fast what is good, 5:21; Rom. 12:9.
    3. Abstain from every form of evil, 5:22. 
    4. Test everything with the truth, 2 Cor. 13:5.

Conclusion
1. Always pursue what is good, because God is always good, Matt. 19:17.
2. Be complete in goodness, even as God is, cf. Matt. 5:48.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

Gossip: A Prideful Sin

Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 26:20-26

1. Gossip: Idle talk, spreading rumors, esp. of private, personal affairs of others. Generally, it disrespects, belittles, distorts and maligns. Chatter of scandal; it damages reputations. It certainly does not express love, Rom. 13:8.
2. People are entertained by gossip. It has many negative effects.

I. THE NATURE OF GOSSIP.
  A. Gossip is a Sin, 1 Pet. 4:15 (Prov. 26:17).
    1. Void of love, mercy, kindness, gentleness, etc., 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Matt. 22:39; Gal. 5:22-23.
    2. Show kindness, Prov. 31:26 (Jas. 3:5). 
  B. Gossip is Prideful: Elevates Self by Hurting Others, cf. Phil. 2:2; Psa. 101:5.
  C. Gossip is Cowardly, Prov. 25:23.
  D. Gossip Divides, Isolates and Harms, Prov. 16:27-28; 17:9; Prov. 12:17-18.

II. THE PERSON WHO GOSSIPS...
  A. Is a Talebearer, Prov. 17:9. 
  B. Is Sowing Strife, Prov. 6:16, 19.
  C. Is a Busybody. Idleness invites gossiping: 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Tim. 5:13. 

III. WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE ARE A GOSSIP? 
  A. Remorse/Repent, 2 Cor. 7:10; 1 Jno. 1:9.
  B. Repair the Damage, Matt. 5:23-24.
  C. Renew Your Thinking, Rom. 12:1-2. 

IV. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN SOMEONE GOSSIPS TO US? Prov. 18:6-8
  A. Do not Listen, Prov. 17:4; 20:19; 26:20, 22.
  B. Try to Help the Person Stop, Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1.

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The flooding in Texas and Louisiana from hurricane Harvey has been “unprecedented,” with more than 50 inches of rain in the Houston area. Truly astonishing. Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones, and to all who continue to be impacted, as they face the hard work of rebuilding shattered houses, businesses and more. 

The wise will pause to ponder the spiritual lessons of this tragic event. Hopefully these brief comments will help.

1. There are many who need our prayers and assistance. We have seen accounts of heroic rescues, of lives saved by total strangers. Christians will need our benevolent help, as in New Testament days (Acts 4:32-35; 11:27-30). Churches can help, and should. Individuals can help, too (Gal. 6:10). Hearts of compassion will reach out to relieve those in need, as able (Col. 3:12; 2 Cor. 8:12).

2. Do not blame God when trouble comes. We cannot see the end from the beginning; God does. Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10) “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (Jas. 5:11). Always trust God, especially during trials that test our faith.

3. Use moments of calamity to assess and correct your spiritual condition. Read Amos 4:6-12. Return to God, for judgment is coming. “Prepare to meet your God.”

4. Earthly possessions do not endure; heavenly ones do. Possessions can be replaced; lives cannot. More than that, your spiritual life is most important (Lk. 12:20-21). Lay up treasures in heaven – now (Matt. 6:19-21).

5. There are still good people in the world. Continual evil is not on everyone’s minds, as in Noah’s day (Gen. 6:5). 

Everything we have is from our heavenly Father (Jas. 1:17). He fills our hearts with joy and gladness, and teaches us to rely on Him (Acts 14:17). 

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
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