The Fruit of the Spirit

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The vast majority of the book of Galatians has as its concern the false teachings of Judiazers.  However, it is almost as if Paul in the fifth chapter, pauses from this emphasis to say, “You know, you have other problems in the churches of Galatia than just Judaizing teachers.  Some of you have forgotten the basics of Christian behavior.”  They were biting and devouring one another like vicious animals (Gal. 5:14-15).  In this context he writes of “the fruit of the Spirit”.

The fruit of the Spirit is…

1.  Love (Galatians 5:22).  This is the King of the Christian graces.  Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love to one another” (John 13:35).  Paul indicated that without it we are nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3), and he went on to say that in some way it is even greater than “faith” and “hope” (1 Cor. 13:13).  John strongly stated “he that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8).  Agape love is not necessarily an emotional closeness, or friendship kind of love; it is concern and Godly living toward others.  The behavior of this type of love is spelled out in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; we’d do well to read and re-read this passage often.  This love cares enough to risk conflict to help a brother or sister out of sin (cf. Gal. 5:14; w/ Gal. 6:1-2).  Brother Jimmy Jividen has written, “Perhaps the strongest test of brotherly love is the willingness to confront a brother who is involved in sin or error” (Koinonia, p. 33).  Again, he has written, “One of the most unloving accts that one could do – is nothing – when he knows that a brother is being overcome by sin” (Koinania, p. 147).  Once more he said, “It is a shallow and misguided love which prefers to let a brother go to hell rather than correct his wrong.  Brotherly love cares enough to correct” (Koinonia, p. 179).

2.  Joy (Galatians 5:22).  It is possible for the Christian to be filled with inward joy despite harsh and even brutal external circumstances.  The brethren at Thessalonica are an example of this; They “received the word in much affliction, with joy…” (1 Thes. 1:6).  Roy H. Deaver has written, “Joy is the inward feeling of happiness and contentment which often finds a meaning of outward expression.  It does not necessarily demand that outward circumstances be pleasant” (7th Annual Ft. Worth Lectures, p. 127).  The reasons the Christian can have such joy is that he understands “the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with “the glory which shall be revealed…” (Rom. 8:18).  Moreover, “all things work together for good” (Rom.8:28).

Paul described the afflictions of this life as “light” and “but for the moment” in comparison with the “exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).  The trials of this life must be endured to get to the beauties of the other side (Acts 14:22).  Moreover, if approached with the right attitude such can be used to mature us (Rom.  5:2-5; James 1:2-4).

3.  Peace (Galatians 5:22).  This word may be closely connected with the previous word; that is: regardless what happens in this life a Christian can maintain an inner peace.  Jesus spoke of this when He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

However, it may refer to the way Christians strive to live with others.  Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”  Also, think of Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men.”  Moreover, think of Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

4.  Longsuffering (Galatians 5:22).  Let’s define the term.  Vine’s, “Forbearance, patience, longsuffering.”  Thayer, “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.”

We as God’s people need to have this quality of longsuffering when wronged.  It is so easy to want to take matters into one’s own hands and retaliate in like-kind.  Romans 12:21 reads, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  There are times God expects us to turn the other cheek (Luke 6:27-29).

We need to be longsuffering with our brethren.  We all have quirks and flaws and it is easy to get frustrated with one another.  Paul wrote that we are to be “longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2-3).

We need to be longsuffering and constant in our Christian life.  1 Corinthians 15:58, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”   We are to be a productive people who “bring forth fruit with patience”  [perseverance NASB; endurance NKJV margin] (Luke 8:15).

5.  Gentleness (Galatians 5:22).  The NASB and the NKJV both render this “kindness”.  Note: This is not the same word which appears in Galatians 6:1.  Arndt-Gingrich gives the primary meaning as “usefulness”.  Roy H. Deaver, “The very root of the Greek is the concept of usefulness” (7th Annual Ft. Worth Lectures, p. 128).  We as God’s people need to look for ways to be useful to others.  Jesus taught that true greatness was found in serving others (Mark 10:42-45).  We sing, “Make me a servant, Lord, make me like You, for You are a servant, make me one too”.

6.  Goodness (Galatians 5:22).  Roy H. Deaver has written, “The word generally refers to everything and every quality that could be called ‘good’.  The word also is used to describe the act of taking all of those good attributes and directing them toward another in the way we would use the word ‘beneficence’ … the act of using one’s own goodness for the benefit of another” (7th Annual Ft. Worth Lectures, p. 128).  Goodness toward others is shown by keeping God’s commandments (Rom. 13:8-10; 1 John 5:2; 2 John 5-6).  Let us follow the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12).  May we be like Jesus, who “went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38).

7.  Faith (Galatians 5:22).  Both the NASB and the NKJV read “Faithfulness”.  Thayer says of the original word, “fidelity, faithfulness, i.e. the character of one who can be relied on”.  We are not to be “fair-weathered friends.”  Job had such friends (Job 6:15-17; 19:13-19).  Instead, we’re taught, “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not” (Prov. 27:10a).  Some brethren, when you need them the most, are no where to be found in times of trouble or need.  Don’t be like this.

8.  Meekness (Galatians 5:23).  Both the NASB and the NKJV reads “gentleness”.  Vine’s, “Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self interest”.  We might think of it as “strength under control”.  Roy H. Deaver, “We gain some insight into its content when we turn secular Greek literature and find our word used to describe a spirited and properly trained horse.  The horse has power, he has ability, he has energy, but it is all harnessed and placed under the control of the rider on his back.  This is the very heart of the meaning… submission to someone else” (7th Annual Ft. Worth Lectures, p. 129).  True Christians are to allow God to control their lives, directing their steps (cf. Jer. 10:23).  No longer are we to live solely for self.  We are to have to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1-8).  We are to let Him live within us (Galatians 2:20).

9.  Temperance (Galatians 5:23).  Both the NASB and the NKJV render this “self-control”.  We as God’s people must learn to control ourselves.  This includes our bodies.  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 reads, “This is the will of God; even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor”.  This also includes the tongue.  James 1:26, “If any… bridle not his tongue… this man’s religion is vain”.  This furthermore includes one’s anger.  Ephesians 4:26 reads, “Be ye angry, and sin not”.  Proverbs 16:32 reads, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city”.  Charles Crouch said that self-control meant, “Abstinence from everything harmful and wrong, and moderation in everything else” (Studies in Galatians, p. 83).

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Must I tell the Truth, Always?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

 Melinda, children and I were out-of-town.  While visiting some friends, we attended a Sunday morning Bible class.  The teacher was teaching from the book of Ephesians.  In that book it says, “put away lying, speak every man truth” (Ephesians 4:25).

One woman asked during the class, “Must we always tell the truth?  For instance, what if someone asks how I like her dress, must I be honest?”

Various answers were given, some good, some not so good.  One said it might be good to ignore the question and pretend you didn’t hear.

One said, “Maybe you could say, ‘I didn’t quite understand the question, could you say it again’” hoping that it will be worded differently the next time.  Others said that one can tactfully answer saying something like, “this other dress I prefer for it really brings out the color in your eyes.”

Yes, we can be tactful.  In fact, our words are to be “seasoned with salt,”  we are to be wise in “how” we “answer every man” (Col. 4:6).  But, we must always speak the truth.

Folks, I am concerned that this politically correct society that does not want to offend anyone has rubbed off on the church.  Moreover, it goes deeper than dresses.  I’ve heard one member of the church ask another member, “Do you think, spiritually speaking, I did what was right?”  The one asked answered, “I’d probably done the same if I was in your shoes.”  But that is not what was asked.  The question concerns if the one did what was spiritually right.  However, the one asked is too concerned about offending to tell the truth, and what is needful.

 I’ve known members that live next door to non-members but they never tell them what they need to hear to be saved, lest they offend.  They behave the same way toward their non-Christian, or wayward family members.  Folks, this is not beneficial to them, and it is cowardness.

I ask you to consider the word of Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  A true friend says the truth.  A true friend tells what is needful.

Back to answering an uncomfortable question: (1) speak the truth (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9).  (2) Do so with love (Eph. 4:15) and tact (Col. 4:6).

Some may not want to hear the truth.  But if they didn’t want to hear they shouldn’t have asked.  My friend, Alice Stone, told me this – and she is right!

Others are craving to hear the truth.  I believe that the reason Dr. Phil and Dr. Laura are so popular is that some are longing for honesty, and they are sick of folks who’ll just tell them what they want to hear – sycophants.

Whatever the motive in the person asking the question, a Christian is to speak the truth.  If an answer is given, it should be truthful.

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Attitude / Gratitude / Servitude

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Brother Tommy Willess has suggested to me that when we assemble together, God desires three things from us: attitude, gratitude and servitude.

ATTITUDE: Psalm 89:7 points out, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”  The term “feared” does not mean in context to be frightened, but to be held in respect.  It is tied to the term ‘reverence’.  Vine’s “used of a person in an exalted position… connotes ‘standing in awe’ … an individual recognizes the power and position of the individual revered and renders him proper respect.”  Malachi 2:5 also ties this word with the term ‘reverent’.  The term ‘reverence’  according to Brown -Driver-Briggs carries basically the same idea.

When we come together we are to have a serious respect for God.  Our worship is not to be flippant or taken lightly.  We are in the presence of the Almighty “Hallowed by (His) name” (Matt. 6:9) in the assembly and always.

GRATITUDE: Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31 all read “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”  The context concerns the fact that many only turn to him in times of need, but they forget him when things go well.

We’ve got so much to be thankful for; He “daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). The Psalmist said “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2), and urged “Serve the Lord gladness: come before his presence with singing… enter into his gates with Thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name” (Psalm 100:2, 4).

Our worship should flow out of a thankful heart.  We are to sing “with grace (thankfulness NASB) in (our) hearts” (Col. 3:16).  We are to “continue in prayer… with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).  Our giving is to be done with “cheerful” hearts (2 Cor. 9:7).

SERVITUDE: Psalm 119:104-105 says, “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

When the sermon is being preached we should: (1) Listen attentively (Neh. 8:3).  (2) Verify the message (1 Thes. 5:17; 1 John 4:1-ff; Acts 17:11).  (3) If the message is proven true to the book we should accept it as God’s will being communicated to us (1 Thes. 2:13).  (4) We should not listen to the sermon as an academic  exercise or a trivial pursuit with no intent to apply what we hear to our lives; we are instructed to “be… doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).  Revelation 1:3 encourages, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words… and keep those things which are written therein.”

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Jesus: A Created Being?

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The Wisdom Argument

A common argument by the so-called “Jehovah Witnesses” is that Jesus is the “wisdom” mentioned in Proverbs the 8th chapter.  Thus, Jesus is a created being (Proverbs 8:22).

If one lets them define the terms, such seems reasonable.  But who ever said that “wisdom” here refers to Jesus?  Not one New Testament writer ever makes such a point.  These verses are never quoted and applied to Jesus.  Never does any Bible writer here or elsewhere ever say that the reference here is to Jesus.  Robert Morey writes, “This passage refers to ‘wisdom’ and not to Christ.” Another consideration is this, “wisdom,” that is being spoken of in Proverbs, is pictured as female.  Notice that this is true (Read Prov. 1:20-23; Prov. 2:1-11; Prov. 8:1-3, etc.).  This seems to be a significant blow to anyone that would attempt to use this passage to prove that Jesus was merely created. Robert Morey recommends this when studying with one who uses this argument, “Have him read Provers 2:1-7 and try putting Christ in every place where wisdom is mentioned. This does away with his argument in a hurry.” (Robert Morey, How to answer a Jehovah’s Witness, p. 20).

There is also the issue of how to interpret the Hebrew word which appears in the passage. The NKJV reads, “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old” (Proverb 8:22). Some other translations read similarly (e.g., KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV). The NWT reads, “Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago.” Some other translations read similarly (e.g., RSV, NIV, NRSV, NET). The original word is qanah. It has a wide range of meanings. Strong’s say, “To erect, i.e., create … to procure … to own” BDGB says, “gain, acquire, possess … get, acquire … buy.” Consider how the word is used in Proverbs: Proverbs 1:5; 4:5; 4:7; 16:16; 17:16; 18:15; 19:8; 23:23. It clearly is used in ways which do not mean create. The NWT recognizes this in how it renders these other occurrences in the book of Proverbs.

Even if one could establish that “produced” or “created” is the meaning (which seems unlikely from how the word is used in Proverbs), one would still need to prove that Christ is intended in the text. This cannot be done. Created wisdom may simply mean the wisdom by which God would have man live. Robert Morey suggests “wisdom in Proverbs is “seeing life from God’s perspective” (ibid).

The Firstborn Argument

Another argument comes from Colossians 1:15, where Jesus is referred to as “the firstborn of every creature.”  Thus, it is concluded that if Jesus is called the “firstborn” then, He must be created.

The term “firstborn” can refer to rank, or authority, and does not always have to do with birth order.  W.E. Vines indicates that the word can mean “priority” or “preeminence over … not in the sense of being the ‘first’ to be born.”  Vines goes on to say, “It is used occasionally of superiority of position in the Old Testament – see Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 21:16-17…”

Consider these examples: (1) Ephraim is called the “firstborn” (Jeremiah 31:9).  Yet, Ephraim was not Joseph’s firstborn, chronologically (Gen. 48:18-19).   The reference is to Ephriam’s greatness and preeminence.  (2) In Psalm 89:27 someone is spoken of with the words, “I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.”  There are two views here.  (a) Some think that the reference here is to David.  If this be so, understand that David was not the first-born, chronologically of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-ff).  The reference must be of position, or of rank.  (b) Others have believed that the reference here is to Christ.  In Bible studies with the Jehovah Witnesses they have so understood. If this refers to Christ, they have a serious problem with their ‘firstborn’ argument.  This is the case because they acknowledge that Christ was already in existence at this point, yet the “I will make…” is in the future tense.  The meaning is clear by looking at the last part of the verse.  The meaning is that he will be made “higher that the kings of the earth.”  Kittle’s says rightly that the wording can mean “first in rank.”

In the Israelite culture the firstborn son possessed special privileges.  When the father died, the firstborn son succeeded the father as the head of the house (see Zondervan’s Pictorial Dictionary).  Now God, the Father, has not died.  Nor, was Jesus, the Son born into existence – as if never existing prior (Micah 5:2).  But the Father has given the Son “All authority” (Matthew 28:18; John 5:22-23).  The Son is “heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2).

On Colossians 1:18 – Jesus was not the first to be raised from the dead.  Others were resurrected.  But He is the Pre-eminent Resurrected One.  The Resurrected One that gives all others hope (Rom. 1:4; Heb. 9:12, 22-24, Rev. 1:18).

Adam Clarke had a slightly different take on this.  He wrote, “As the Jews term Jehovah … the firstborn of all the world, or of all creation, to signify his having created or produced all things … so Christ is here termed (in Col. 1:15 – B.H.) and the words which follow in the 16th and 17th verses are the proof of this.”

The Beginning of the Creation of God Argument

Revelation 3:14 reads in reference to Jesus, “the beginning of the creation of God.”  Thus, some have concluded that Jesus must be the first thing which God created.

The word translated “beginning” is “arche.”  It is from this word that we get our word “architect.”  Wayne Jackson wrote that this word “sometimes carries the meaning of ‘originator,’ conveying the idea of that by which something begins to be, rather than implying chronological commencement.”

Look at how the word is used.  Hebrews 2:10 reads that Christ is “the captain (author-NASB) of their salvation…”  The word is “arche.”  Does the word here mean that Jesus was the first person saved?  Or does this denote that He was the originator of salvation?  The answer is obvious.  Wayne Jackson wrote of Revelation 21:6, “God is designated ‘the beginning (arche) and the end’ … if beginning denotes the Lord’s commencement in time … would ‘end’ suggest an ultimate termination for God?”  Clearly no!  The reference is to His eternal existence in context.

Here is a couple of definitions. Vine’s says that the word can mean “the origin, the active cause.”  Thayer says the word can mean, “beginning, origin …that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause.”

Brother Coffman’s commentary says of Revelation 3:14, “Plummer pointed out that the words here bear two possible interpretations: “The two meanings are: (1) that which would make Christ the first created thing of all things created, and (2) that which would understand Christ as the source of all things God created.”

Well, Jesus certainly had a role in creating all things.  John 1:3 declares, “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”  Colossians 1:16 also says, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”

Numerous passages teach that Jesus had a role in creating all things.  Where is the clear passage which speaks of His being created?

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“Loving Too Much”

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

In a keynote speech at the 1952 Republican Convention, Congressman Walter Judd told this story about helping his daughter with her homework.  He said, “I can get the right answer almost every time, and she would like to have me do it for her… I’ll help, suggest, advise, counsel, nudge, maybe pray, but I don’t work them for her, not because I don’t love her, but because I do, and I want her to succeed, and that is the way for her to grow and to learn how to solve problems.”

One of the hardest things for a parent to learn is that being easy on his/her children is not always in the children’s best interest.  As much as a parent might want to spare his/her child from difficulties and struggles, it still is in the children’s best interest to have to deal with these things.

Struggles are spiritually needful for maturation.  James 1:3 teaches this truth saying, “… the trying of your faith worketh patience.”  One will not learn to be patient if he never has to face trials and difficulties in life.  What do we call a child that always gets what he wants, and never has to wait or share?  Spoiled!  Such a child has parents that have actually hindered proper maturation.

At times, some well-meaning relative (be they parents, brothers or sisters, etc.) or friends are too ready to aid and abet, and too quickly and zealous to cushion the fall of sinful loved ones.  I kindly suggest that such response only enables the sinful to continue their lifestyle.

Consider the situation in that parable of that prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).  I do not know many things about what and when the father knew concerning the state of his son.  Did he know that his son was “in want” (Luke 15:14)?  Did he know that his son had “devoured (his) living with harlots” (Luke 15:30)?  [Evidently he did, the eldest son knew!].  Did he know where his son was?  Did he know that his son had “wasted his substance with riotous living” (Luke 15:13)?  Did he know that when the famine hit he had “spent all” (Luke 15:14)?  Did he know that his son had taken a job feeding swine (Luke 15:15)?  Did he know that his son had sunk so low that he was having to eat swine’s food (Luke 15:16)?  Did he know how the son’s friends’ had turned from him (Luke 15:16)?  [Yes, it seems likely to me that the father knew of these things – Luke 15:30].  This I do know,  many a parent today would have sent money to that sinful son.  Many a dad would have rented a house and paid the utilities for this sinful son.  Such response would have only encouraged the young man to continue his current manner of life, after all “daddy will bail me out”…  The son would learn that there were little consequences for such a depraved, immoral life.  The prodigal son, we are told, “came to himself” (Luke 15:17) and decided to return home (Luke 15:18) and confess his sins (Luke 15:18-19, 21). Watch this – only after he was allowed to hit rock bottom and fall flat on his face did his behavior change.

True love sometimes must allow hardships.  True love is sometimes “tough love.”  True love doesn’t allow people to continue comfortably in sin.  Sometimes “loving too much” isn’t being loving at all.

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Do Good Parents Always Produce Good Children?

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Some parents struggle with this question. They do this because the Bible does say, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)However, we do have record of good men ending up with wicked children (e.g. 2 Kings 18:1-3 cf. 2 Kings 20:20-21: 1-9).  Moreover, we do have a record of some men urning out good in spite of the fact that they had evil parents (e.g. 2 Kings 16:1-4 cf. 2 Kings 18:1-3).  While it is true that parents do have much to do with how the child turns out, each child does possess the ability of choice.

What about Proverbs 22:6?  A proverb is often setting forth a general truth.  For example, Proverbs 21:17 says, “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”  Is this always true?  Or listen to Proverbs 23:21, “… the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”  This is a general truth, and a good warning, but there are exceptions.  Or what about Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  Is it truth that sometimes righteous behavior can will over even an enemy.  But is such always the result?

It is my experience as a preacher that most children who grow up to be bad, or unfaithful in adulthood do so due to a lack of proper influence, example, instruction and guidance.  There are however, exceptions.  In Isaiah 1:2 God says, “…I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.”

Parents, do the best you can.  Love your children.  When you make a mistake, admit it and try better the next day.  Train them concerning God’s will.  If you do these things you’ll be doing what God expects, and odds are that your children are more likely to turn out right, than if you did not so train them.

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How Are We Tempted? (Part 2)

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The lessons learned from the previous writing: (1) Our temptations are derived out of our own lusts (desires).  (2) Satan does not force us to do wickedness.  Instead, he entices us.  His bait is our own lust (desire).  (3) Each human is housed within a physical body.  Satan commonly uses the natural desires of the physical body to tempt.  Brother Kerry Duke has written, “We are always housed in a physical body; from the moment of conception our spirit has been bound to it.  Physical existence is the only life we have experienced, and only after death will we know existing apart from a physical world is like… our awareness of the physical world is sufficient to provide a constant challenge to the will.  This awareness is immediate; we do not have to make a special effort to become aware of it.  But just to think about the spiritual requires special effort.  Our physical surroundings continually draw our attention.  This is why so few become truly spiritually minded.  For those who do, over coming the tendency to think only of the physical demonstrates a genuine commitment of the will.” (God at a Distance, page 84-85).  Satan uses the distractions of this world, and the natural desires that we have to lead us away from God’s will.  [For example – hunger is an involuntary desire.  God wants us to work for our food (2 Thessalonians 3:10).  Satan may tempt us to take a short cut (Proverbs 30:8-9)].

But, how do we keep ourselves from falling for Satan’s lures?

1.  1 John 2:17: “The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

The question comes up whether the term “world” refers to the material world, or the evil of this world.  It is, of course, true that this material world will not last forever (Heb. 1:10-11; 2 Peter 3:10-12).  Moreover, it is certainly true that we cannot take our material possessions with us (Psalm 49:16-17; Ecclessiates 2:18-19; Ecclessiates 5:15; cf. Job 1:21; Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:20; John 6:27; 1 Timothy 6:7).  Too often we put all our energy laboring for and accumulating things which will not last.  However, it is my belief that the reference is to the evil things of this world.  The pleasures of sin are but for a season (Hebrews 11:24-25).

In order to successfully handle temptation, we must keep focused.  The pleasures of sin are but for a season (Hebrews 11:24-25).     Colossians 3:2 urges us “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  2 Corinthians 4:18 encourages, “The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  Mark 8:36-37 asks, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

By the way “doeth” represents continuous, not one time, action.  Let us keep on doing His will (1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9).

2.  Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”

Jesus when he was tempted responded by saying, “It is written.”  Three times He so responded (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

The more we know the scriptures and meditate upon them the better we will be prepared to resist temptation.  Saturate your mind with the Word of God.  That Word will “effectually” work within us. (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

3.  Mark 14:38: “Watch ye and pray lest ye enter into temptation.”

We need to watch, that is, stay alert to the “wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11)… “for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).  1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

We also need to remember to pray.  The Bible says, “Men ought to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).  Colossians 4:2 says “continue in prayer.”  Let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  The Christian may “come boldly unto the throne of grace… and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  It’s hard to sin if you’re praying about it!  Prayer can even eliminate some temptation (Matthew 6:13; Proverbs 30:8-9).

4.  3 John 11-12: “follow not that which is evil, but that which is good… Demetrius hath a good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”

Following the wrong people will get one in many tempting circumstances (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; see also Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 1:10-15).

Find godly examples.  Such will help you to resist the wrong (1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7).  3 John 9-12 urges Gaius to not follow Diotrephes, but Demetrius.  Find those who want to do right and live holy lives and befriend them.  The Psalmist wrote, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:63).

5.  Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

As you conduct your life remember that whether anyone else sees what you do or not – God does.  Even things we hide from others He knows (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:16; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).  Remembering that we’re always being watched and are accountable is a great motivation to resist temptations.

Conclusion

The methods of temptation have not changed.  In the garden, Eve saw the fruit was: (a) good for food (lust of the flesh); (b) pleasant to the eyes (lust of the eyes); (c) to be desired to make one wise (pride of life) see Genesis 3:6.  In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted with (a) turning stones to bread (lust of the flesh); (b) offer of kingdoms (lust of the eyes); (c) challenge to prove that He was under God’s protective care (pride of life) see Matthew 4.  These are still the three avenues of temptation for us today (see James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:15-17).

It is my hope that we’ve set forth some ways that will help you deal with the temptations of life in a godly, productive way.

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How Are We Tempted? (Part 1)

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

In Medicine, the more that is known about how a disease is contracted, the better prepared one is to avoid it.

In Security, the more one understands how the employees or customers steal, the more prepared the company is to prevent it.

In Military, the more one understands how his enemy will attack, the better prepared the military will be to resist such an attack.

Likewise, spiritually the more we understand how our adversary the devil tempts us, the more prepared we will be to resist sin.

Let’s look…

1.  James 1:14: “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

What leads to sin?  First, one has certain lust(s) or desire(s) within the mind [The word “lust” in the original language can be used of good and wholesome desires (Luke 22:15; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:7).  However, it is very commonly used of evil and wrongful desires.]  The means of temptation is through our desires.  Think about this: Is there anything wrong with the desire for food?  Or physical intimacy?  No!  But such must be regulated by the word of God.

Second, we are enticed.  The word “entice” in the original language means ‘to bait, to lure by bait.’  Think of a fish-hook with a juicy worm on the end wiggling around before the fish.  The devil takes our desires and dangles them before us trying to get us to satisfy these desires in a way which is contrary to God’s will.

Third, the lure draws us, as a baited hook does a fish.  Please note that to be tempted is not sin (Heb. 4:15), as we sing “yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.”  Though, we may have certain desires, we must recognize the hook of sin and avoid grabbing hold.  In fact, we’d do well to run from it (2 Timothy 2:22; Genesis 39:12)

The points I want you to remember are: (1) Satan does not make us do something.  He lures us.  (2)  Satan can use even good and natural desires to bait us.  Many times God has made available a legitimate way for us to fulfill those desires.  Satan tries to get us to fulfill our desires in a different way, a way which is contrary to God’s will.

2.  James 1:15: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The imagery changes a bit from the previous verse.

This concerns conception and birth.

First, it starts with lust(s) or desire(s) becoming implanted in you.  The desire may be universally sinful, or it may be that you are not authorized to receive this desire in the way you seek it.

Second, if that lust (desire) is allowed to grow it will give birth to sin.  It is extremely important that we guard  our minds (Proverbs 4:23; Mark 12:30; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).

Third, the end result is (spiritual) death.  Just like the fish which has been hooked!

3.  1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

The word “world” can refer to: (1) The universe – the Kosmos, the Greeks so used.  (Roy Lanier Jr. cites John 17:24 for this usage); (2) The earth (Romans 1:8; 1 John 3:17); (3) By metonymy: The human race which inhabits this ordered sphere (1 John 2:2; Matthew 5:14); (4) The gentiles as distinguished from the Jews (Vine’s cites Romans 11:17); (5) The sum of temporal possessions (Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 7:31); (6) The evil which dominates this world (John 15:18-19; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:8; James 1:27; James 4:4; 1 John 4:5; 1 John 5:19).  I do believe that this last usage is in usage here [though, it is possible to love this material world too much.  See 2 Timothy 3:4b; Romans 1:25; Luke 8:14; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2].

The “things of the world” means do not love anything that may be included in the term “world”.  It is a movement from the general to the specific.

Now, let’s consider the three areas of temptation.  First, there is the lust of the flesh (that is: fleshly needs, desires, and appetites).  Roy Deaver has written, “The natural desires of the human body are not inherently sinful.  They are God-given.  God has provided for their satisfaction.  These desires can be satisfied in the right way, or they can be satisfied in a wrong way” (Romans, p. 201).  Robert Taylor Jr. adds, “Bodily appetites are not wrong per se.  But they are to be fulfilled legitimately.  We hunger for food, air, sexual release, security, etc.  There are wrong ways to obtain such; there are right ways to obtain such” (Studies in Romans, p. 114).  Kerry Duke has also said, “Since we dwell in a physical body, we are dependent upon the world.  We must breathe, eat, and sleep to survive… even more significant is that those drives are involuntary, having been instilled by the Creator… Man’s craving for food is an inherent drive.  Wish though he may that this did not exist, man cannot escape the need for food.  But though the desire itself is not of man’s choosing, his response to it is.  In fact, how man handles physical hunger is indicative of whether he exercises a basic Christian virtue: temperance or self-control” (God at a Distance, p. 87).  Again, he writes of man’s sexual drive, “The feelings themselves may be involuntary and spontaneous, but to experience a feeling is one thing; how one responds to it is a different matter” (ibid, p. 95).  “…It is important to remember that although dealing with the intensity of the sexual drive is a major struggle of life, fulfilling this desire is not a necessity of life” (ibid, p. 98).  And to the married he said, “For the Christian, the sexual drive is not so much an enemy to be conquered as a force to be channeled” (ibid, p. 91).

Second, there is the lust of the eyes (that is: temptation comes through our senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell).  The eyes are an avenue for temptation to come our way (2 Samuel 11:2; Proverbs 6:25; Proverbs 23:31).  The ears are another avenue (Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:20-24; Proverbs 7:4-5).  Smell may also lead to temptation (Proverbs 7:17; possibly Genesis 25:29-30).  We need to be careful what we allow to come into our minds by these avenues (Job 31:1; Proverbs 23:31; Matthew 5:29; 2 Peter 2:14).

Third, there is the pride (vain-glory) of life.  Most of us like to be liked.  We want to have the comforts of this life.  We want to receive the praise of men.  We must decide whose praise is most important to us.  In John 12:42-43 there were some who believed in Jesus, but they would not confess Him, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”.  Our aim needs to be to please God (over man).  [Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Galatians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 5:9 NKJV].  Let us accept the truth that if we truly are what we should be, not all will speak well of us (Luke 6:26).  Some have erred from the faith for the things of life (1 Timothy 6:9-10; Luke 8:14; 2 Timothy 4:10).  False teachers some times play upon our desire to be admired (Jude 16).

Beware of how temptation comes to you.  Tempting situations you can avoid, avoid.  Those things which are unavoidable (natural, physical desires of the flesh) understand how such can be used to tempt you and be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8).

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An Application of Philemon for the Modern Day

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The book of Philemon is a true story which touches the heart.  Onesimus, a runaway slave, somehow while on the lam, came in contact with the imprisoned apostle Paul.  Paul converted Onesimus (Philemon 10).  Yet, there remained a problem: Onesimus was still a fugitive slave.

Paul sent him back (Philemon 12).  This could have meant that he would face severe punishment, or worse, even death.  Adam Clark correctly penned, “The Christian religion never cancels any civil relationship” – that is, which does not violate the law of Christ (Commentary vol. 6, p. 665).  David Lipscomb similarly commented, “The Christian religion does not destroy the relations regulated by civil law.  It sanctifies, makes the Christian use them… with the fidelity he would serve God” (Gospel Advocate Commentary Series, vol. 5, p. 298).  Guy N. Woods well wrote, “Christianity does not remove moral, financial and legal obligations, it sanctifies them and establishes additional reasons why they should be honored (“Paul writes to His Friend Philemon,” Gospel Advocate, May 7, 1964, p. 298).

Paul was not heartless.  He truly cared for Onesimus.  He knew his master, Philemon.  It’s likely that he had even converted him at some point in the past (Phile. 19).  Therefore, Paul wrote to plead for mercy.  He used the following points to persuade: (1) Onesimus may have never been profitable unto you, but he will be now (Philemon 11, 15-16).  Note – the name Onesimus, itself, means profitable.  He had not lived up to his name in time past, but he would now.  (2) He has been a great help to me (v. 13).  The suggestion shows that he is capable of work and service.  (3) It may well be by God’s providence that he met up with me, and was converted (v. 15-16).  (4) He is a “brother” in Christ (v. 16).  Note – Paul earlier had referred to Philemon by the same term (v. 7).  Yes, he is a slave; But he’s more, he is a brother with whom you may have fellowship forever more.  (5) If you’ve suffered a financial loss due to him for which you demand justice, I will repay you (v. 18-19).  Remember, what you yourself owe to me (1 Corinthian 9:11; Galatians 6:6).  Do you understand the value of the Christian life?  All else pales in comparison.  (6) You doing the merciful thing would give me great joy, and I have confidence that you will go beyond what I am asking (v. 20-21).

Perhaps, Paul also showed his concern for Onesimus by having Tychicus accompany him in travel (Colossians 4:7-9).  This may have been to help keep Onesimus from falling into the hands of the slave-catchers (suggested by Coffman in his commentary, Vol. 9 on New Testament, p. 354).  It may have been to help keep Onesimus to have the courage to return.  It may have been to help with intercession for Onesimus, and smooth the reception.  Or, it may be that Tychicus was already traveling that way.

Modern Application

It is estimated that there are as many as 20 million illegal immigrants in this country.  Pat Buchanan put this number in perspective saying, “If near the mark, we have millions more illegal aliens in the United States today than the sum total of all the Germans, Italians, Irish, and Jews who ever came to America in the four hundred years of our history on this continent.” (State of Emergency, p. 10-11).  A 2004 Time Magazine article, “Who Left the Door Open?” concluded, “It’s fair to estimate… that the number of illegal aliens flooding into the U.S. this year will total 3 million – enough to fill 22,000 Boeing 737-700 aircraft, or 60 flights everyday for a year” (ibid, from Time magazine, Sept. 20, 2004).

Most of this is no doubt driven by economics.  “Between 1940 and 1970, the population of Mexico more than doubled, from 20 million to 54 million.  In those years, there was almost no migration to the United States from Mexico.  Since 1970, however, some 65 million more Mexicans have been born – and about 20 million of them have migrated northward, with most of that migration occurring after 1980… In the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, the Mexican economy grew an average rate of almost 7 percent a year… since 1980, Mexico has averaged barely 2% growth.  The average Mexican was actually poorer in 1998 than he had been in 1981” (The Melting Pot Boils Over, p. 29 from an article by David Frum).  Mexico ranks 12th out of 212 countries in GNP; America ranks 1st (World Reference Atlas c. 1998).  Per Capita Mexico ranks 80th out of 224 countries in GNP; America ranks 6th (www.studentsoftheworld.info). Mexico’s  Per capita GDP is $5,000 compared to America’s which is more than $40,000 (Buchanan, p. 123).  The reason so many want to come to this country, even illegally, is understandable.

Another thing driving it is America’s inconsistent and mixed message.  The Federal Government calls it illegal (though I question their lack of aggressiveness in dealing with the situation), while some cities are ‘sanctuary cities’.   The Federal Government says it’s illegal, but American companies hunger greedily for the cheap labor.  In 1986 the Reagan administration  put in place a plan which granted amnesty to 3 million illegals.  The borders, however, were never secured.  Thus, this fueled the desires of many more to come over illegally.

  Now, let’s get some things straight.  I am not anti-immigration.  I am not suffering from Xenophobia (though some may be!!).  I am not writing this from political motivation, or nationalism (though some do).  I am not necessarily defending our immigration policies (in large measure our inconsistencies have created much of this mess).

Moreover, this is not written just about illegals from Mexico.  I have heard of illegal and fraudulent immigration by Jamaicans.  I saw a report on a television program recently about illegal immigration from India.  Many from India have been brought over as guest workers for certain skilled or high-tech jobs (under the H-1B Visa).  Many overstay their visas and do not return home.  It is true that most illegal immigration is from Mexico, however illegal immigration comes from nearly everywhere.

The reason I believe this issue needs to be addressed is biblical.  God’s people are to be subject unto the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17).  This we are to do so long as human law does not violate God’s law (Acts 4:1-20; 5:12-32).  Consider two situations: (1) Some who illegally enter this country are converted once here.  (2) Some who illegally enter this country are church members (that is: they were even before entry).  Brother Cliff Martin, friend and Gospel Preacher in Jamaica, has told me that some Jamaican Christians would sell their soul to the devil to get to America.  He said that they have been known to marry just to get to America, divorcing soon after arrival.  One preacher married his cousin in a pre-planned scheme to gain U.S. citizenship; divorcing and going separate ways once the mission was accomplished.  Some buy and used forged and fraudulent documents in order to gain employment once here.

Another problem is not illegal immigration by man’s laws, but is a related sin problem.  It involves the breaking of promises, and the siphoning off of native preachers.  Some impoverished church in Jamaica (or some other place) scrapes their money together to send one of their own to a school of preaching in America.  The one sent promises to return home and labor in that same local church, or at least in that native land.  However, upon completion of studies, it is common for the one here legally to decide not to return and look for a way to either become a U.S. citizen or at least maintain legal immigrant status.  These are serious issues.

What should we do?  (1) Like Paul did with Onesimus, we need to teach that obedience to the Gospel does not make their illegal status go away.  (2) Like Paul, we need to encourage them to make things right.  They either need to get immediate legal standing, or they need to go home.  (3) Like Paul, we should be compassionate.  We should do what we can to help in the situation.  (4) We need to remind them that their soul is worth far more than the blessings that this country can offer (Mark 8:36-37; Hebrews 11:25; 12:14-17).  (5) We should not knowingly employee illegals.  We should not aid or abet criminal behavior.  (6) If we don’t like the law, we should peacefully seek to change it.  (7) Use this influx of illegals as an opportunity to convert souls to Christ.  The mission field is here!  Perhaps one-fifth of Mexico is here.  “Los Angeles has the second largest Hispanic population of any city in the world.  Chicago is the second largest Polish city.  New York City has the second largest Puerto Rican population in the world.  Also, more Jews are in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.” (Gospel Advocate, June 1995, p. 13 – article Evangelistic Challenges in the United States by Everett Huffard).  Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia (artmam.net).  There are more Jews in the United States than in all of Israel (www.simpletoremember.com).

It saddens me that so many churches seem to care more about the score board (attendance figures / contribution amount) than they do about teaching the truth on this subject.

It’s confusing to me how some would teach that adulterous unions must be severed, but they see not problem with illegals remaining illegals.

It is time that we go back and re-read this touching account of Onesimus’ situation as is told in the book of Philemon.

Something else: We should not assume that just because someone is of Mexican, or Central American origin that he’s illegal.  Assuming this is nothing short of prejudice; And, no, we should not ask to see a “Green Card” before we allow one to worship with us!

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