“Raising the Bar”

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

This wording comes to us from jumping and tossing contests, such as high jump, pole vault, or as the Scots do – tossing incredibly heavy objects over a cross bar.  The raising of the bar is to increase the goal, to make higher the standard.

When I think of the church today, I am convinced that in most cases we have set the bar far too low.  If one shows up to services once per week, and contributes we count him as faithful, even if he shows zero spiritual interest the rest of the week.  We avoid encouraging him to attend the other services, for after all, we might drive him away.  Further, he thinks what he is doing is acceptable, because no one’s ever told him otherwise, he has little idea what is expected, and many other church members do the same.  If one has attended for twenty years, then we definitely deem that one as faithful, even if she has not once tried to win a soul for Christ, and even if she is a gossip and troublemaker.  Somewhere along the way elderships and churches have lowered the bar to the point that about all that is expected is attendance and contribution.  Is there any wonder we’re not accomplishing more?

There is no telling what we would be able to accomplish if we’d return the bar to its rightful position where Christ placed it.

Jesus was (is) demanding.  (1) Luke 9:23-24: After telling His disciples of His coming death said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life or My sake, the same shall save it.”  (2) Read also Luke 9:59-62. When He said “follow Me,” He meant it.  He didn’t accept anything less.  (3) Luke 14:26-27, “If any man come to Me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, ye and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”  He demands first devotion and affection in our lives.

Paul understood this.  (1) Romans 12:1-2: Paul taught “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”  What does God deserve?  Your very being dedicated unto Him.  (2) 2 Corinthians 8:1-5: Paul is speaking of the giving of the churches of Macedonia.  He says that they had given more than he had hoped.  The reason for the generosity is perhaps expressed in the words that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord.”  Have we truly given ourselves to Him?  (3) Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who lived for me and gave Himself for me.”

There is no telling what we could accomplish together with God’s help if we’d each determine to truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).

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Can People Make You Sin?

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

How would you answer this question?  Can people make you sin?

Let’s start with this: Can people provoke you into sin?  Yes!  Several times we’re told that Jeroboam “made Israel to sin” (see 1 Kings 14:15-16; 16:9; 16:26; 2 Kings 10:31; 13:2; 13:11; 14:42; 15:9; 15:18).  Jezebel stirred up Ahab to do evil (1 Kings 21:25).  Fathers can provoke children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).  In this sense it can be said that people make you to sin.  People can influence you to do wrong (see Proverbs 22:24-25; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

However, the important thing to remember is that we can overcome.  Noah overcame the social influences of his day (Genesis 6:5; 11-12 cf., Genesis 6:9).  Joseph was of good behavior in spite of his brethren (Genesis 50:14-19; cf. Genesis 37:27-28, 36).  Hezekiah turned out righteous in spite of a wicked father (2 Chronicles 28, 29), and Josiah likewise (2 Chronicles 33-34).  Read Romans 12:19-21.  Verse 21 clearly teaches that we can have control over our reactions and responses that goes on around us.

Steven M. Lloyd has written, “As long as we place the blame for our behavior on someone else, we will never learn to cope effectively with problems in life.  The reason for this is that we will always view the source or cause of the problem we face as resting with someone else.  Consequently, we will place the responsibility for our actions one someone else… As long as we deceive ourselves by playing the blame game, we will never effectively cope with our problems because we will always view the solution as existing outside ourselves.  If I have a behavioral problem, but continually blame you for the way I act, all I can do is wait for you to change before I can get my act together.  Which means I must put my life on hold until you start taking responsible steps of action to change things.  But the minute I assume the responsibility for my own actions I no longer must wait for you… Please do not misunderstand me!  I am not saying that evil influences have no part in the problem or the blame.  They do!  And those exerting the evil influence will give an account to God for that influence.  What I am saying is this: each party involved will be held accountable for how they contributed to the problem.  The one with the evil influence is responsibility for having violated the Divine will.  Far too often we want to blame others for our misbehavior.  But the fact is, even though others may have influenced us, we are still accomplices in the crime.  We are responsible and accountable to God and others for our actions” (COPING – A Biblical Approach, chapter 7).  Such is the correct Bible understanding.

We must determine to do what is right regardless of what others may do.  Consider the examples of Jesus (see 1 Peter 2:18-24).

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“Christ is All, and in All”

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

These words appear in Colossians 3:11.  What is the meaning?  It is a beautiful passage on Christian unity.

Divided

In context two things are mentioned which divide men: (1) cultural – ethnical differences (v. 11).  Men come from different geographical regions and even nationalities [v. 11: Greek, Jew, Scythian (Ukrainian/Southern Russian)].  They speak different languages (v. 11: Greek, Barbarian).  They have different customs (v. 11: circumcision, uncircumcision).  They are of different socio-economic standings (v. 11: bond, free).

(2) Sin (v. 5-15).  Sin destroys relationships and divides people.  Mentioned in context are: (a) sexual sins [v. 5: fornication, uncleanness (impurity NASB), inordinate affection (passion NASB/NKJV) concupiscence (evil desire NASB/NKJV)]; (b) materialism [v. 5: covetousness (greed NASB)]; (c) anger/emotional issues (v. 8: anger, wrath, malice); and (d) sins of the tongue [v. 8-9: blasphemy (slander NASB), filthy communication (abusive speech NASB, filthy language NKJV), lie].

These issues are still things which divide men today.  There is always the challenge of cultural and ethnical differences.  Just consider the diversity at the South Anchorage church of Christ.  There are those of Native American origin, oriental Asian origin, Russian – Uzbekistan origin, those from the west, those from southern states and those from northern, those from the Midwest or middle America, those from Texas.  Some are young and others old.  Some are blue collar others white collared workers.  Moreover, the great divide of mankind is still sin.

United

How can true unity be achieved and maintained? (1) “Christ is all.”  He is all that is important.  He is our life (Col. 3:4).  This should be remembered.  He is the drawing force which pulls us together and brings us around one table remembering Him.  Instead of being divided by our culture – ethnical differences, we’re to be “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  We’re to be as children in the same family (Galatians 3:26-28).  We’re to be one body (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:14-16; 4:1-6; Colossians 3:15).  We’re Christians first and foremost.  Earthly distinctions are secondary and should no longer divide us.

(2) “Christ is in all.”  We’re to let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith, being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17-19).  We’re to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).  Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loves me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).  This indwelling, this surrendered life is not something which comes upon one irresistibility at the point of baptism (Galatians 4:19).  It takes effort and maturity.  One with such maturity will no longer habitually engage in sinful practices which cause division.  Furthermore, when one with such maturity is sinned against, he’ll stand ready to forgive, even as Christ forgives (Colossians 3:12-13).

When “Christ is all, and in all”, beautiful unity will exist in the body of Christ.  When “Christ is all,” men will not be divided over their earthly differences.  When “Christ is… in all,” men will not be divided over sin issues.  When “Christ is all, and in all,” we can deal with any differences or difficulty between us!

Posted in Phrase Study, Textual study, Unity | Tagged , | Leave a comment

In The News: “Liars”

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

1994 ( S. Carolina ): Susan Smith claimed that her children had been taken when she was car-jacked by a “black man.” In truth, she had drowned her two sons, ages fourteen months and three years. The motive evidently was to continue a relationship with her boyfriend who didn’t want the burden of children.

2004 ( Utah ): Mark Hacking was married to Lori Hacking. They had been married for five years. They had been an item for ten years. He was twenty-eight; she was twenty-seven years of age. He came from a successful family. His father and one brother were doctors. Another brother was an electrical engineer. Mark, himself, was a liar and not the person that he claimed to be. He had dropped out of college, yet, for three years he pretended to be going to the University of Utah, even purchasing books to keep up the appearance. Then, he supposedly graduated with honors and earned a degree in Psychology. Next, he told Lori that he had been accepted into medical school at UNC. It was all a lie. When he no longer could hide the truth from Lori, he shot and killed her while she slept, dumped her body in a dumpster, and reported her missing the next day. However, the truth came to light.

2008 ( Nevada ): Kevin Hart lived in the small town of Fernley . He was an offensive lineman on the high school football team. He stood 6’5” and weighed nearly 300 pounds. The high school had never produced a Division 1 college football player. Kevin Hart began to boast that he had so many college offers, he didn’t know what he would do. There were offers from California , Oregon , Nevada , Illinois and Oklahoma State . Finally, he called a press conference and announced before the press and a packed high school auditorium that he had accepted Cal ’s offer. One major problem – neither Cal, nor any other major school had offered him a scholarship. It was all lies.

Lying is nothing new. Abraham lied (Genesis 12:11-13, 17-19). Isaac lied (Genesis 26:6-7). Jacob lied (Genesis 27:19). The Psalmist said “all men are liars” (Psalm 116:11).

Definition  Thayer: “conscious and intentional falsehood.”

Webster: “To utter falsehood with the intention to deceive; to say or do that which is designed to deceive, to cause incorrect impression, to present misleading appearance.”

Why Do People Lie?  Most sources list three reasons: (1) Deceitful jest/play. Such is not intended to permanently deceive. It is not for personal gain or avoidance. An example would be an “April Fools” joke. We don’t read of this type of deceitfulness in the scriptures. We do see something similar in the use of fabricated stories in order to teach [(2 Samuel 12:1-ff; 14:2-ff). Both were deceptive stories. However, they were not intended to truly deceive, save for the momentary story.] (2) Deceitful gain/advantage. Such is what motivated Jacob (Genesis 27:19). This is what motivated Ananias and Sapphria (Acts 5:1-ff). Those who tell such love the praise of men more than the praise of God. (3) Deceitful avoidance/escape. This is what motivated Abraham (Genesis 12:11-ff) and Isaac (Genesis 26:6-7). This is what motivated Peter (Matthew 26:69-ff; Mark 14:66-ff; Luke 22:54-ff; John 18:15-ff). Those who tell such are brave toward God, and cowards toward men.

Things to Remember

1. The Bible condemns lying (Proverbs 6:16-19; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9; Revelations 21:8; 21:27; 22:15).

2. You may be able to hide who you are from man (1 Timothy 5:24). It’s not likely you’ll keep it up long term, but it is possible. Mark Twain: “Always tell the truth – that way you don’t have to remember what you’ve said.”

3. You can’t hide the truth from God (Psalm 139:1-4; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36; Romans 2:16; 1 Timothy 5:24; Hebrews 4:13). Judgment is coming. “A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future!” (Unknown).

4. God always means what he says. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful. He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV). He does not lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).

5. Many times one sin leads to another. This truth is seen in the David-Bathsheba history. This is also seen in the aforementioned Mark Hacking story.

6. Some lie to others about their own spiritual state, pretending to be what they are not (cf. Matthew 23:27). Some act a certain way and speak a certain way in the presence of elders, preachers, or church members wanting to appear as something they really are not. Let’s remember that God knows, and that He is the one we should be seeking to please.

7. Some lie to themselves about their own spiritual condition ( James 1:22; 1:26-27; 1 John 1:6; 2:4; 4:20-21). Self deception is a common problem which can be spiritually deadly. We each need to honestly appraise ourselves by peering into that mirror of the soul, the word of God ( James 1:23-25). Asking others to frankly tell you their assessment of your spiritual condition may also be helpful (cf. Proverbs 27:26). Tell you friends to not pull any punches.

8. Some lie to us in their religious message (Matthew 24:4; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2:9-11). It’s important to test what we hear (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). Being taught wrong does not excuse us (1 Kings 13: Matthew 15:14; Galatians 5)!

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Marital Issues

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

When marriage is what it is supposed to be it is wonderful. Husbands are to “so love their wives as their own bodies” (Ephesians 5:28) and “even as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:28). Wives are to be “an help meet” (Genesis 2:18). The wife should live purposing to “do him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:12).

This writing will address some common areas of difficulty in marriage in order to help our homes be more the ideal God planned.

1. Communication: Read 1 Corinthians 2:11. The only way we can know God’s mind is for God to reveal His mind (will) to us (which He has).  Even so, the only way we can expect our mate to know our mind is through clear communication. Learn to speak. Bill Flatt said, “silence is ambiguous” and indeed so something is being said but who knows what exactly. The wife who gives her husband the silent treatment when he comes in is confusing. “Is she saying she is angry with me, and if so about what?” or “Is she saying that she has had a bad day with the kids, or with work?” or  “Does she just not feel well?” or “Did somebody die?”  Not only do we need to learn to communicate, we need to learn to listen with interest, and patience. “He that answered a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13). May we be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

2. Intimacy: When marriage takes place, two people should view themselves as belonging to one another (1 Corinthians 7:3). Each should be considerate of the other (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).  The Bible says, “marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). There is nothing wrong with physical intimacy. In the Song of Solomon, the woman desired to be kissed (Song of Solomon 1:2). They embraced (Song of Solomon 2:6; 8:3). Isaac and Rebekah caressed (Genesis 26:8 NASB).   Reserve this affection for your spouse alone. Brother Wendell Winkler has said, “Do nothing in your companion’s absence that you would not do in their presence” (The Home as God Would Have It, p. 91).

3. Money: Every list I have ever seen indicates that this is the number one reason for divorce in this country. This is a major cause of stress and conflict in the home. Some of us buy things we do not need, with money we do not have, to impress people we really do not know! This creates unnecessary stress. The Bible teaches such things as: (1) Don’t be lazy or slothful (1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 10:4; 19:15; 22:13; 24:30-34). (2) Don’t be wasteful (Proverbs 12:27; 19:24; 21:20); (3) Don’t live the high-life, or the fast-life (Proverbs 21:17 cf. Luke 15); (4) Don’t run with the wrong crowd (Proverbs 23:20-21); (5) Remember to prepare for the future (Proverbs 30:25); (6) Be careful with credit (Proverbs 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 22:7). Learning these lessons will improve one’s financial situation.

4. In-Laws: In-laws can be a source of help, or they can be creators and agitators of conflict.  While it is true that the in-laws will always be a part of your life, the Bible teaches that there is to be a leaving and a cleaving (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6). Bill Flatt suggested “In-laws should make themselves available for help when needed without trying to control the young couple (The Home as God Would Have It, p. 113). David Knox advised, “The son or daughter who values the spouse… should tell the parents that he loves the mate and does not want to hear anything negative about his mate” (ibid).

5. Children: Usually children bring much joy to a marriage; But children can also be a point of conflict. The conflict usually centers in how to rear the children.. Should we spank, or not? Should we expect the children to do chores, or not?  The Bible teaches that children need correction (Proverbs 29:15; cf. Hebrews 12:6-8). It isn’t to be done in such a way that provokes wrath and discouragement (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Bill Flatt has written, “A parent needs to have enough independence and self-esteem to do what is right, rather than just what will cause him to be liked by the child… (some) afraid of losing love dare not deny anything to the child” (ibid, p. 114).

6. Role Conflicts: What is the wife’s role? What is the husband’s role? Can a wife work outside the home? These are common struggles in marriage.  Can a wife work outside the “home-making” duties? Absolutely (Proverbs 31:16, 24; Acts 18:1-3).  Who makes the decisions? Ultimately the husband is the head of the family (Ephesians 5:22-ff). Does this mean that the husband does not get input from his wife? Look at Ephesians 5:28. Does the head of the body take input from the body before making a decision? Certainly. Ray Jenkins has written, “I cannot think of a single decision that a husband should make that affects his family that he should not discuss with his partner – his wife” (ibid, p. 36). The issues of roles should be settled by consulting the scriptures. God has spoken on these things.

7. Upbringing: How one was reared has a lot to do with expectations in the home. In matters of opinion we need to learn to “give and take”.  Bill Flatt, “It is difficult for two people to become one in marriage. The husband may have learned from his parents that he should mess up the house; Whereas, the wife may have learned from her parents to keep the house clean. The wife may have learned that too much meat is not good for you; the husband, that dinner without meat is not a real dinner. …states, “That’s how two people get in trouble… each person’s learning when they were little is just a little different and each person feels he/she has the RIGHT WAY” (ibid, p. 107).

8. Religiously: What one believes religiously affects most things. Our morals, how we handle money, our view of child-rearing, our view of the husband and wife roles in the home and so many other things are tied to our religious beliefs.  A wise one will consider this before marriage. Statistics are clear, divorce is higher (about three times) in marriages of mixed religious backgrounds than it is in marriages of the same religious background (Marrying Only in the Lord, p. 1 cf. p. 103-104). Mixed marriages are also detrimental many times to one’s own spiritual growth. Out of every 100 Christians marrying one out of the church: 20 convert their mate; 24 live in divided homes; and 56 quit the Lord” (ibid, p. 103). Wayne Jackson has written, “a recent article in Redbook magazine stressed the so-called, ‘interfaith’ marriages soaring… Authoress Ellen Sullivan says ‘It appears that the less a person cares about his or her religion, the more apt he or she is to marry outside of it” (ibid, second forward).  If one is in such a marriage of mixed background: (1) Don’t divorce over those differences, so long as your spouse is willing to live with you (1 Corinthians 7:13, 15); (2) Never compromise on truth for the sake of harmony in the home (Acts 5:29; Luke 14:26; Matthews 10:37); (3) Live a good example and let your mate see the beauty of Christ in you (1 Peter 3:1-6).

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Religious Freedom

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

People from different religious persuasions settled in the land that eventually would become The United States of America.  (1) The Pilgrims were people who had separated themselves from the Church of England. They were persecuted in England . They fled England for Holland in the year 1609. “In Holland they enjoyed all the toleration they could have wished for, and then some. Their great enemy was now assimilation. As their leader, William Bradford related in his journal ‘owing to a great licentiousness of the youth in the country,’ and the ‘manifold temptations of the place,’ their children were being corrupted. In deciding to leave Holland for the American wilderness, they were not fleeing persecution at all, but permissiveness” (Kevin Hasson, The Myth: Is There Religious Liberty in America ?, The American Spectator, Feb. 2008). The Pilgrims boarded the English ship Mayflower and arrived in Massachusetts in Nov. 11, 1620, establishing Plymouth Colony. (2) The Puritans, led by John Winthrop, settled the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. The Puritans, unlike the Pilgrims, were not separatists. They sought to purify the Church of England from every trapping of Roman Catholicism and to be an example to the “ Mother church ” in England . (3) William Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1682. He was a Quaker. Some claim the name was given to the Society of Friends due to their literally quaking during worship (William J. Bennett, America , Vol. 1, p.45). Others indicate that the name was given due to their saying that they trembled (figurative language of respect) at the word of God (The New Book of Knowledge, Vol. 16, p.4). Quakers fled England due to persecution. They were pacifists, and also refused to take oaths in court, both of which brought persecution. (4) The colony of Virginia was not settled so much for religious purposes as it was for business purposes. Jamestown was settled in 1607. The Church of England was the legally established church of Virginia . (5) Maryland was not only intended to be a business venture, “Maryland was also intended as a refuge for Catholics…to mistrustful English Protestants, Maryland’s Catholic founders could say they named their colony after the queen, Henrietta Maria, but among themselves, it was understood that Maryland was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary” (Bennett, p.43). (6) Certainly, not all who came to the New World came for religious purposes. The Virginia colony was primarily about business. Moreover, even on the Mayflower the pilgrims were out numbered by those they termed “strangers”. These were those traveling for other reasons than religious purposes. (7) The diversity of religious beliefs is reflected in the religious composition of the signers of the Constitution: approx. 29 Anglicans, 16-18 Calvinists, 2 Methodists, 2 Lutherans, 2 Catholics, 1 lapse Quaker and sometime Anglican, 1 open door Deist (David Barton, The Myth of the Separation, p.25).

 Religious Intolerance

How do you live with people who believe differently than you? This was a difficulty with which the colonies struggled.

1.     “The Inner Light had been known to lead Quakers in colorful ways, even requiring some of them to turn up naked at Anglican services, shouting ‘hypocrisy!’ The Puritans were appalled and decided to outlaw Quakerism” (Kevin Hasson). Quakers were banished. If they returned, they were flogged. They Quakers kept returning so the punishment increased. The left ear was cut off on the first offense, the right ear was cut off on the second offense, and the tongue was bored through on the third offense. Eventually, death was prescribed. Mary Dyer was hanged on her fourth return (ibid). A fine was imposed on any sea captains transporting Quakers (www.suite101/content/WilliamPenn).

2.     Roger Williams, in 1635, was arrested in Massachusetts on several charges. “The most important of these was that he taught that the civil power … has no authority to say what a man shall or shall not believe” (The New Standard Encyclopedia). He said, “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils” (Bennett, p.42). He fled to Providence and founded the colony of Rhode Island . “Williams’ vision of religious liberty lacked staying power. Within about a generation, new leaders of his Rhode Island colony were barring Jews from voting” (Kevin Hasson).

 Religious Tolerance

 1.     “Penn’s guarantee of religious freedom was then one of the most comprehensive in the world. Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, and even Anglicans … rushed to settle the rich lands” (Bennett, p.46).

2.     “ Providence was to become a haven for dissenters” (Bennett, p.42).

3.     In Maryland , “It was in the Catholic’s self-interest to seek toleration for all Christians. They saw they would soon be outnumbered” (Bennett, p.43).

4.     In 1777, Thomas Jefferson drafted The Virginia Bill for Religious Freedom. James Madison fought for it and it was passed in 1786. It disestablished the Church of England as the only recognized religion in Virginia . This is sometimes called “The precursor to the Religious Clause of the First Amendment.”

5.     George Washington wrote a letter to a Hebrew synagogue of Newport , Rhode Island in 1790. He closed his letter saying, “May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants.” Harry Jaffa has pointed out, this was the first time in human history that any ruler addressed the Jews as equals” (Bennett, p.141).

What Says the Scriptures?

1.     Jesus never forced anyone into obedience. Instead, He said, “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest unto your soul” (Matthew 11:28-29). He said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come to him and dine with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). He doesn’t knock the door down and force Himself upon you.

2.     Jesus taught that it is the sower’s job to sow the seed. If it falls on a good and honest heart, it will bear fruit with endurance (Luke 8:15).

3.     Paul “reasoned” with people (Acts 17:2; 17:17; 18:19; 19:8-9). He “persuaded” (Acts 13:43; 18:4; 19:8; 19:26; 26:28). He was in the arena of ideas. He was not silent, but he didn’t force.

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Appreciating Mothers

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

Greek word: Matar or meter “from Sanskrit ‘to measure’; but whether denoting the ‘moulder,’ or the ‘manager’ is debated” (Thayer).

English word: Mother “(from) Middle English ‘moder’ … the change from the ‘d’ to the ‘th’ seems due to Scand. influence … from Aryan root ‘ma,’ ‘to measure, shape’ … orig. sense uncertain; probably ‘manager’ of the household (Walter Skeat, A Concise Etymological Dictionary of the English Language). Another view: “The ancestral Indo-European word for ‘mother’ was ‘mater,’ which has descendants in virtually all Modern European languages. It was probably based in the syllable ‘ma’ suggested by the burbling of a suckling baby, which also lies behind English ‘mama,’ ‘mamma,’ and indeed ‘mammal’” (www.word-origins.com).

Whatever the exact origin of the word, every Christian should be a respecter of motherhood. Godly mothers should especially be held in high esteem. The Bible teaches, “Honor your father and your mother” (Ephesians 6:2 cf. Exodus 20:12). “Listen to your father who begat you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22). Live a life which rejoices your parents. “He who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice” (Proverbs 23:24-25). We’re told concerning the virtuous woman, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28).

The role of a mother is used in scripture to illustrate care and concern: (1) Jehovah in telling Israel that He hadn’t forsaken them said, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? (Isaiah 49:15). (2) Jehovah described His carrying of Israel with these words, “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: Even to old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!” (Isaiah 46:3-4). (3) Jehovah spoke of His comfort saying, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem ” (Isaiah 66:13). (4) Jesus said of His concern over Jerusalem , “O Jerusalem , Jerusalem , the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). (5) Paul said of his, and Silvanus, and Timothy’s love for the brethren at Thessalonica, “We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). The word “cherishes” is from the Greek “thalpo” which “primarily means ‘to heat, to soften by heat’; then ‘to keep warm,’ as of birds covering their young with feathers, Deuteronomy 22:6, Sept., metaphorically ‘to cherish with tender love, to foster with tender care’” (Vine’s). The image of Paul may be of a mother keeping her child warm.

A Few Things Moms Do

1. The etymology of the word “mother” seems to have to do with managing, or molding and shaping. Good mothers manage the home. They are “homemakers” (Titus 2:5, NKJV), and are to “manage the house” (1 Timothy 5:14). Moreover, they exert a great influence in shaping their children (2 Timothy 1:5). “The wise woman builds her house” (Proverbs 14:1).

2. Jehovah mentioned, “the son of her womb” (Isaiah 49:15). Normal length of gestation is 266 days, almost nine full months. Your mother carried you and delivered you. They don’t call it labor for nothing!

3. Jehovah and Paul both mentioned, “nursing” (Isaiah 4915; 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Your mother may have so fed you. Whether it was by breast or by bottle, if she fed you, she dedicated much time to you. Today, doctors speak highly of breast-feeding. Generally speaking, a mother’s milk is ideal for the infant. Breast milk contains antibodies which help the baby’s immunity system gain strength. Such is not present in cow’s milk or formula. Breast milk fat and protein are easier to absorb than in cow’s milk or formula. Breast milk contains more carbs than cow’s milk. These carbs are thought to be needful in brain development. Breast milk averages 40 times more vitamin E than cow’s milk. It is as if it had been designed and specially formulated for human infants!

4. Jehovah mentioned holding and carrying of the child “from birth … from the womb” (Isaiah 46:3-4). Have you ever tried to carry a child around with you for extended periods of time? It is tiring. Many times the care of small children is left almost exclusively to the mother. Herodotus said of Persian sons “until they are five years old, they are not taken into their fathers’ sight, but live with the woman. This is to prevent a father from being grieved by the death of a son during the period of his early upbringing” (1:136). We may not be this extreme. However, it is still true that mothers typically devote most of their time to small children.

5. Jehovah speaks of the comforting of a child by his mother (Isaiah 66:13). She stayed up with you at nights while you cried.

6. Jehovah described a mother who doesn’t forget (Isaiah 49:15). Think of Mary. She kept a mental scrapbook of her son (Luke 2:19; 2:51).

7. Jehovah described a mother who still wanted to help even in old age (Isaiah 46:4). Parenting never really ends.

8. Jesus described the protective care of a hen’s wings (Matthew 23:37). Foy L. Smith commented, “When I was a lad in a small Oklahoma town I would see the old hen gather her little chicks under her wings when they were threatened. If she could not safely make it to the shed with her chicks, she would squat in the middle of a downpour and spread her wings for the refuge of her chicks. She tried to protect her own” (The Book of Matthew, 1988 Spiritual Sword Lectureship Book, p. 601).

If you have such a mother, “rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

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Appreciating Fathers

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

Greek word: Pater “from a root signifying ‘a nourisher, protector, upholder’” (Vine’s). “From root ‘pa’; lit. nourisher, protector, upholder” (Thayer).

Aramic word: Abba. “Abba is the word framed by the lips of infants” (Vine’s). It is a tender affectionate term of endearment.

English word: “The word ‘father’ can be traced back to the Latin ‘pater’. There was a process called ‘the great consonant shift’ which meant that related languages began to change the letters such as ‘p’ for ‘f’ or ‘v’, and ‘t’ began to be pronounced as ‘d’. This explains why the Latin word ‘pater’ translates so similarly into various European languages as: Vater (German); Father (English); Padre (Italian/Spanish); Athar (Irish); Pere (French)…” (Answers.com). “Today’s word probably comes from one of the first syllables uttered by babies, ‘pa’ plus the proto-Indo-European suffix ‘-ter’, also found in ‘mother’. These two components alone account for Greek ‘pater’ and Latin ‘pater,’ … Sanskrit ‘pitAr’ …” (alphaDictionary.com).

A distinction should be made between the mere act of reproducing and fatherhood in its complete sense. This distinction is sometimes emphasized in Latin with ‘pater’ being used of the true father, and ‘sator’ being used of one who simply begets. It doesn’t take much of a man to reproduce. God wants more from us. God commanded Abram saying, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD” (Genesis 18:19).

The Bible teaches much about respecting fathers. “Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2 cf. Exodus 20:12). “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22). The fruits of a good relationship can be long lasting. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father” (Proverbs 17:6). Children should seek to live a life which rejoices their parents. “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice” (Proverbs 23:24-25 cf. 10:1; 17:25; 29:3).

The role of a father is used to illustrate care and concern: (1) Jesus in teaching the disciples to pray said, “ask… seek… knock” (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9). He then illustrated the Father’s love by saying, “what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask for a fish will give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then being evil (relatively speaking in comparison to God -B.H.) know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things (the Holy Spirit- Luke) to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:9-11 and Luke 11:11-13 harmonized). * (2) Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you as a father does his own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11). (3) He also wrote to the Corinthians describing his work among them saying, “For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children” (2 Corinthians 12:14). (4) Concerning God’s correction, we’re told, “My son, do not despise the chastising of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastises and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness, Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; Nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:5-11). Note: The chastening of the LORD in context refers to the words of correction provided through the inspired writer.

A Few Things Dads Do

1. They provide. The etymology of the word “Father” seems to have to do with being “a nourisher, protector, upholder.” They provide for their children physically (2 Corinthians 12:14). I have been reading a book about David Crockett. It tells how in his early boyhood days he was often “bound out” for months at a time to pay for his father’s debts. Fathers should be trying to provide for their children, and not the other way around. Note: This does not mean that a child has no responsibility to care for his parent(s) in their old age [Psalm 127:4-5 (“gates” cf. Deuteronomy 16:18; 21:18-20; Joshua 20:4; Ruth 4:1, 2, 11; Proverbs 22:22); 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16]. They should also provide for their children’s spiritual development (Gen. 18:19; Eph. 6:4). Four fold growth is the goal: (1) wisdom (mind); (2) stature (body); (3) favor with God (spiritual) (4) favor with men (social) see Luke 2:52.

2. They care. (Matthew 7:9-ff; Luke 11:11-ff). A loaf of bread and some stones may look similar. Some fish and some poisonous serpents may look similar. An egg and a rolled up scorpion may look similar. Fathers should not be needlessly cruel.

3. They care enough to exhort, comfort, and charge (1 Thessalonians 2:11). Exhort: lit. “to the side to call” (Vine’s). It could be to motivate. It could be to correct. Comfort: lit. “near speaking” (Vine’s). Charge: lit. “to testify” (Vine’s). It carries the idea of explaining how things are.

4. They care enough to correct (Hebrews 12:5-11). God’s creation is perfect. He knows what is best. He knows what to say and what to do. Earthly fathers sometimes make mistakes. They even sometimes correct the wrong child not knowing the details. However, good fathers do care enough to discipline. One who doesn’t care enough to do this might as well be regarding you as illegitimate, for such is how mere begetters, especially out of wedlock begetters, treat their children. Holly Dunn had a 1986 country music hit called “Daddy’s Hands,” (Note: her daddy was a gospel preacher, Frank Dunn of Texas ). Her song said, “Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’, Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong. Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle, but I’ve come to understand. There was always love in Daddy’s hands.”

If you have such a father, love him and appreciate him!

* Notes: (a) The words “what man among you…” expects a negative answer (Mt. 7:9; 12:11; cf. Lk. 11:5; 14:5-6; 15:4; 15:8). (b) “Good things” is equated with “Holy Spirit” (Lk. 11:13). This may refer to God answering prayer by the providential agency of the Holy Spirit. That is, it is the Holy Spirit which makes possible the receiving of these gifts. Another possibility is that this refers to the receiving of miraculous gifts through the agency of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:14-17 which is the only reference to anyone being given the Holy Spirit in connection with prayer.) Steve Wiggins wrote, “when Jesus instructed his disciples to pray for the Spirit, Joel’s prophesy was in the background, whereas the day of Pentecost and the initial pouring out of the Spirit was in the foreground… It is no more scriptural to pray for the reception of the Holy Spirit today, than it is to pray for the kingdom to come” (Hammer and Tongs, Nov.-Dec. 1992).

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Sheep v. Goats, Wheat v. Tares, Wheat v. Chaff

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

America has become increasingly urban. The twentieth century dawned with about 40% of the population living in urban areas and 60% living in rural areas; By 1990, it was 75% urban and 25% rural (www.pbs.org/fmc/1population.6.htm). Farmers and farm workers made up 69% of the labor force in 1840; This dropped to 38% in 1990 and just 2.6% in 1990 (www.investors.about.com/library/investors/blfarm.4.htm).

This urbanization of America has, unquestionably, lessened the average person’s familiarity with agriculture. However, numerous Biblical illustrations concern agriculture. It is our aim in this writing to clarify some comparative illustrations from agriculture.

Sheep v. Goats

Can you tell the difference? Even the novice can easily identify some sheep as sheep, and some goats as goats. However, there are varieties of each that are more difficult to distinguish to the untrained eye. They are so closely related that can reproduce, thought the offspring is sterile.

Here are some basic differences: (1) Sheep have 54 chromosomes. Goats have 60 chromosomes. (2) Sheep graze low to the ground. They eat grass, clover, and other low vegetation. Goats prefer to grace on higher things such as leaves, twigs, vines and shrubs. The eat the tops of many plants. They even stand on their hind legs to stretch for food. Some even climb into trees. (3) Sheep have a divided upper lip. Goats do not. (4) Sheep tails typically hang downward. Goats tails typically go upward. (5) Sheep have scent glands between the toes. Goats have scent glands beneath their tails. (6) Sheep have a stronger flocking nature. Goats are more independent and curious. (7) Most goats have horns. Many sheep do not. Goats horns are typically narrower and less curved than sheep horns. (8) Most goats do not have coats that require shearing. Many sheep need shearing. (9) Many goats have beards. Some sheep have manes. (10) A typical domesticated goat produces about four times as much milk as a typical domesticated sheep( most info came from www.sheep101.info).

Farmers in Israel were familiar with sheep and goats. An experienced shepherd could distinguish between the two.

Even so, Jesus can distinguish between sheep (righteous) and goats (unrighteous). There is coming a day when He will divide the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-33). Contextually, the distinguishing characteristic mentioned is how we treated others (Matthew 25:34-40 cf. Matthew 25:41-46). Such should not be construed to mean that such is the only distinguishing characteristic. However, Jesus does notice our character, and distinguishes accordingly.

Wheat v. Tares

Cereal grain was a common crop in Israel. Moses spoke at the abundance of wheat and barley (Deuteronomy 8:7-8). Wheat requires more water, than does barley. Areas blessed with adequate rainfall preferred wheat production. Areas with less rainfall grow barley.

Tares are a grassy weed. Neil Lightfoot has written, “There were several varieties of tares or darnel, the one most probably referred to in the parable is called ‘bearded darnel.’ This darnel looked very much like wheat, and in its early stages of growth was practically impossible to distinguish from wheat. But as soon as the grain began to head, anyone could tell the difference” (Parables of Jesus, part 1, p. 37). The French called this plant ‘darnel’ (meaning ‘stupefied’) due to its intoxicating properties. It caused trembling, inability to walk, hindered speech, and vomiting.

Sometimes a wheat field would be corrupted with tares. The wheat roots and the tare roots became intertwined. When this happened the following options existed: (1) If the tares were few and isolated they could be removed with limited damage to the total crop. (2) Sometimes the wheat grew taller and could be harvested over the tares. Afterwards, the field could be burned. (3) If neither of the aforementioned options were possible, if this was not an isolated situation, and if there wasn’t a consistent heighth difference, one option remained. Wait until the harvest to seperate the wheat from the tares. This prevented the damaging of the wheat by a pre-harvest uprooting of the tares (ibid).

The point of the parable of the wheat and tares is that there is a separation coming. In this world, the wicked and the righteous live side by side. At times we may wonder, if the wicked are scot-free. The truth is, a separation is coming. God does distinguish between wheat (righteous) and tares (unrighteous).

Wheat v. Chaff

The harvesting of the wheat plant from the field was not the end of the farmer’s labor. The wheat needed to be threshed (that is, the grain or seed needed to be separated from the rest of the plant, the husk and straw). The common method was to: (1) Take the wheat to a threshing floor.”The threshing floor was constructed in an exposed position in the fields, preferably on a slight elevation, so as to get the full benefit of the winds. It consisted of a circular area 25 to 40 feet in diameter, sloping slightly upward at the edges and was usually surrounded with a border of stone so as to keep in the grain. The floor was level and rolled hard” (The Zondervan’s Pictoral Bible Dictionary, p. 278). (2) Beat the wheat with a stick and/or trample the what under the weight of oxen feet and a pulled threshing sled (Deuteronomy 25:4; Isaiah 28:27). (3) Winnow the wheat. The plant was tossed into the air with a winnowing fan (pitchfork) or a shovel. This was usually done at night to take advantage of the night breezes. (a) The wind blew the light husks (chaff) and fine particles of straw (chaff) out of the threshing floor (Job 21:18; Psalm 1:4; 35:5; Isaiah 17:13; 29:5; 41:15-16; Daniel 2:35; Hosea 13:3; Zephaniah 2:2). (b) The heavier straw (chaff) the wind blew; However, such did not always escape the walls of the threshing floor. The wind carried such to the edges of the threshing floor. Sometimes this straw was put to some use (ISBE Vol. 1, p. 589). Frequently, it was simply gathered and burned (Isaiah 5:24; Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). (c) The grain (wheat) being heavier was not blown away by the wind as the chaff. It fell back into the bowl of threshing floor. (d) The grain (wheat) was next sifted to remove stones and other impurities. (e) Finally, the grain was removed and stored in barns (Luke 12:18).

The Bible says of Jesus, “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17). The meaning, once more, is that He makes a distinction, and there is coming a separation.

We’re approaching the end of another year. It’s a good time for each to do self examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). Let’s honestly ask how God judges us… sheep or goats? Wheat or tares? Wheat or chaff?

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“The Just Shall Live by Faith”

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

“Living by faith, in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; From all harm safe in His sheltering arms, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.”  (Song: Living By Faith,  James Wells).

The Bible says, “the just (righteous ASV/NASB) shall live by faith.”  This is explicitly stated four times (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38-39).  While it is explicitly stated only four times, the principle is implicitly found throughout the pages of the Bible, from beginning to end.  God’s expectations of man have always been consistent.  The specifics that He requires of man may change (Noah, build an ark; Abraham, go to a land that I will show you; Moses and children of Israel, keep the Passover; Joshua and children of Israel, encompass the walls of Jericho; Repent and be baptized, etc.).  However, the just have always lived by faith.  Truly, in this sense God’s plan of salvation has never changed.

Habakkuk 2:4

This is the first time the words actually appear in the Bible.  The emphasis is upon humility.  “Behold the proud.  His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV).  Pride and living by faith are set in contrast.  Let’s remember, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6).  “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).  Arrogance and self-righteousness does not impress Him (Luke 18:9-14).

The greater context concerns the Chaldeans afflicting Judah (Habakkuk 1).  God was using the Chaldeans to punish and humble Judah.  God would then punish the prideful, sinful Chaldeans (Habakkuk 2).  They (Israel) needed to trust Him, “the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4).  The prophet then eloquently affirms his trust saying, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat.  The flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength…(Habakkuk 3:17-19).

I care not today what the morrow may bring if shaded or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know ruleth over everything, And all of my worry is vain.”  (Song: Living By Faith, James Wells).

Galatians 3:10-12

In this context,  the thing emphasized is the need for dependence on, and trust in God.  “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them” (Galatians 3:10-12).

Violations of a legal system places one under a curse.  Laws do not justify.  Laws condemn lawbreakers.  Violate human law, such as state traffic laws or city building codes, and you can be judged and condemned.  Violation of Mosaic Law brought one under the curse of the law (Galatians 3:10, cf. Deuteronomy 27:26).  Law, itself, does not make the violator just.

The only possible way one could truly stand just under a purely legal system would be to perfect keep the law, with not even one transgression (Galatians 3:12).  Such a one would not have to depend upon God for a state of justness.  So much for that! (Romans 3:10, 23).

The just are those who live by faith (Galatians 3:11).  They depend upon God (Galatians 3:22).

Please, don’t misunderstand.  We, today are under a legal system (Galatians 6:2; Romans 8:2, 7; Hebrews 10:16; James 1:25; 2:8).  If there be no law, then there could be no sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13, cf. 1 John 1:8).  If there be no law, then there could be no sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13 cf. 1 John 3:4).  However, we are not under a purely legal system.  The just live by faith.  Their goodness and morality alone is not sufficient.  The depend upon and trust in God for justification.  Paul wrote “if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain”  (Galatians 2:21).    Those who walk by faith accept both their need for grace and God’s conditions for it.  “For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ lave put on Christ “[(Galatians 3:26-27).  Note: The definite article appears before the term ‘faith’.  It is speaking of the objective standard of faith which of course we must accept ].

Romans 1:16-17

The emphasis in this passage is upon accepting God’s plan for man’s righteousness.  “For I am not ashamed  (cf. 2 Timothy  1:8, 12, 16) of the gospel of Christ [The gospel includes: facts concerning Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4),  a message to be preached (Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15), and a doctrine to be believed and obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 1 Peter 4:17; Romans 6:16-17, cf. 6:3-5; Mark 16:15-16)] for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone (Jew and Gentile, male and female, bond and free) that believeth (obedient belief, not mere mental assent.  See, Romans 1:5; 6:16-17, cf. 6:3-5; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9) to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Luke 24:47; Acts. 3:26; 13:46; 18:5-6; Romans 1:16; 2:9-11).  For therein (in the Gospel cf. Romans 1:16) is the righteousness of God revealed (not God’s own personal righteousness, but God’s plan for man’s righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3-4; 4:1-7) from faith to faith [lit. “out of faith into faith” (a variety of meanings have been suggested by commentators, some possible others not: (1) faith of the preacher to faith of the hearer; (2) acquire faith of hearer to responsive faith of hearer; (3) receiving faith of hearer to increasing and maturing faith.  (4) Old Testament and New Testament (objective systems of faith) which revealed the personal righteousness of God; (5) Old Testament and New Testament each teaching that man can stand righteous before God by faith; (6) faith only – this interpretation is blatantly false; (7) faith first to last, meaning that man’s part begins and ends in faith.  It is summed up in faith – not mere mental assent, but a trustful walk through life following God; (8) objective system of faith (the Gospel) to subjective or personal faith; (9) the personal faith of Jesus which produces and motivates a faith in us, cf. Romans 3:22)]: as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17).

Look at it again: “therein (in the Gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed… the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).  God’s way for man’s righteousness is revealed in the Gospel.  The just live by faith, that is they accept and follow God’s plan for righteousness.  Absolute sinlessness and flawlessness is not required to be counted just.  What is required is that one has faith in Him, and lives his life accordingly.  The just one accepts and follows God’s plan for man’s righteousness.

Hebrews 10:35-39

In this context, patience (endurance) is being emphasized.  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward (reward: Hebrews 10:35 cf. 11:16, 11:26).  For ye have need of patience (patience: Hebrews 10:36, cf. 12:1; 6:12-18) that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (promise: Hebrews 10:36, cf. 4:1; 6:12-18; 11:9-10; 11:29-40; Tit. 1:2)… Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:35-39).

There are many trials and difficulties in the life of a Christian.  However, the just live by faith.  They just don’t give up, or “throw in the towel” when it comes to seeking to follow God.  “Let us not grow weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).  “Be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye knew that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Don’t give up; Heaven will surely be worth it all!

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