The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to
observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to
the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19,20)
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November 15, 2009
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Contents:
1) The Dedicated Life (Jimmy Tuten)
2) Philadelphia (Bill Moseley)
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-1-
The Dedicated Life
by Jimmy Tuten
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and do
it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10). These
words described the purpose of Ezra, the priest and scribe, as he
leaves his exiled state in Babylon to go to Jerusalem for the purpose
of restoring the ancient order. He was a man of distinguished
determination. The words, "Ezra had prepared,” show that he had set his
heart to acquire the highest knowledge possible. With resolve he sought
to know the Scriptures thoroughly. In seeking this attainment of divine
law, Ezra adopted: (1) The Correct Method -- He sought the attainment
of the knowledge which he desired. He put forth specific efforts to
seek out the Word of God. (2) The right Manner -- He sought it
earnestly. It is implied that Ezra was a devout student. Reverence for
the law of the Lord is as important as is earnestness. (3) The Right
Place -- He sought his knowledge in the Holy Scriptures. God's material
creations reveal some important things about him (Rom. 1:20). But when
it comes to acquainting oneself with the redemptive work of Jehovah,
his moral laws, etc., the student will have to study the Scriptures.
In addition to seeking knowledge he determined to conform his life to
the law of Jehovah God. "And to do it" (Ezra 7:10) is significant. This
involved a practice of the highest knowledge. Ezra not only set his
heart to seek God's law, he sought to translate this information into
deeds. He practiced what he had acquired in his heart and mind.
The third aspect of this example is the fact of the desire to impart
this information to the people of Israel. Both by precept and example
Ezra labored to bring the people to an obedient knowledge of Divine
law. A solemn obligation rested upon him not only to know God's will,
but share it as well. We ourselves must know what we would teach
others. If we are to teach with practical effect, we ourselves must
practice what we teach. Timothy, the young preacher, was given the
responsibility: "the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to
teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). So there are many lessons to be
learned from this account in Ezra 7. Of these lessons, three are
obvious to all who would carefully read this section of Old Testament
Scripture: Seek the Word of the Lord God in order to know it thoroughly
-- Practice it in one's own life -- Share what has been acquired with
others.
A Look At the Practical Side
(1) We cannot know what is pleasing to God in our lives, our work and
worship except we know his will (Matt. 7:21-23). In the judgment one
will not be able to "plea bargain" on the basis of ignorance. "And if a
man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive
lawfully" (2 Tim. 2:5). Additionally, a search for the law of God will
create a yearning to know more, and a greater desire to do what is
pleasing to him. His word provides all things that pertain to life and
godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). By these standards we will be judged in the
last day (Jn. 12:48).
(2) Although we must have knowledge before proper action can be taken,
knowing is not enough. This knowledge must be put into practice. We
must earnestly endeavor to reduce the things we know to conduct. Doing
stands in a double relation to knowing and teaching. "If any man will
do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself " (Jn. 7:17). By our lives we must teach.
This is conformity to God 's will. This is done even though we might
have difficulty articulating our acquired knowledge.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven" (Matt. 5:19). The Pharisees were condemned for not practicing
what they preached (Lk. 6:46). "For not the hearers of the law are just
before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified" (Rom. 2:13).
(3) The last step in the sequence that Ezra 7:10 encourages is that of
teaching. What a foundation instruction rests upon if the sequence has
been carefully observed. Knowledge treasured in the heart and acted
upon in life will give power and energy to the teachings of the Divine
Oracles of God. Consequently, all we who share the way of salvation
should be anxious to teach it to others. If we are full of God's Word,
some of it will over-flow. A sound psychological principle is that when
man is full of any subject matter he will seek an expression of it.
Jesus expressed it clearly when he said, "O generation of vipers, how
can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34). I once read where brother T.B.
Larimore once advised a young man, "Do not preach if you can keep from
it." Along these lines Jeremiah said, "Then I said, I will not make
mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in
mine heart as a burning, fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with
forbearing, and I could not stay" (20:9). Teaching his Word carries
grave responsibilities.
The Importance of Dedicated Teaching
"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation" (Jas. 3:1). This warning is not to discourage
teachers who know the truth and want to save and edify others. The goal
of the context is to discourage those who minimize the importance of
perfect faith. It condemns those who do not use the tongue judiciously.
The passage also intends to impress upon all the seriousness of
teaching. "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if
the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matt.
15:14). We are obviously to prepare to teach. Some Jewish Christians in
the city of Jerusalem were condemned for their lack of preparation.
They had need "that one teach you again which be the first principles
of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and
not of strong meat" (Heb. 5:11-12).
Conclusion
What a difference we would make in this world if all of us had the
temper and complexity to have our actions correspond to the things we
know. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others
also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Freely we have received. Let us freely give.
Shakespeare said, "Thyself and thy belongings are not thine own so
proper as to waste thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Heaven doth
with us as we with torches do, not light them for themselves; for if
our virtues did not go forth from us, `twere all alike as if we had
them not" (Measure For Measure, 1:1). Let us be like Ezra and set our
hearts to seek the Law of the Lord, to do it and teach others those
things given by inspiration.
-- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 21-22, August 4, 1994
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-2-
Philadelphia
by Bill Moseley
"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for
ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another" (1 Thess.
4:9).
With the coming of Christianity there came a new word among men,
especially those who had embraced Christianity. This word was
philadelphia in the Greek language, and means "brotherly love" (Vine).
In N. T. days there was a "church in Philadelphia" (Rev. 3:7). Even in
our nation today there is a large city by that name. But philadelphia
distinguishes a remarkable characteristic of the early church. It is
indicative that the early Christians regarded themselves all of one
family. Their society was not a communistic one as some have charged,
just because they "had all things common" (Acts 2:45). But as members
of one household, and in the spirit of home life, they shared their
possessions "as every man had need" (Acts 2:45). This ideal condition
could only exist so long as the family spirit existed in the church.
And so it is today. We find in many churches a lack of brotherly love,
simply because the "family spirit" does not exist. Unless brethren
regard one another as members of one family, then brotherly love cannot
be there.
Regardless of who a fellow Christian may be, we owe him a debt of
brotherly love. We may owe our brethren many things in life, and may
pay those debts. But the debt which is never paid in full is love (
Rom. 13:8). We learn from this passage that the debt of brotherly love
is always owed; it is never paid in full. You may owe your brother some
money. If so, pay it. You may owe him some labor. If so, perform it.
You may borrow from your brother. If so, return it. All these areas
include debts that can be paid in full, but the debt of brotherly love
is always due.
Since we are considering philadelphia, and therefore love within a
family, we ought to consider the source of such love. It springs from a
common Fatherhood. God is the Father of all Christians, and all
Christians are brethren. God is the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Eph. 3:14-15).
Therefore, we bear a brotherly relationship to Jesus Christ. Each
Christian can claim God's Son as his brother. What was the attitude of
Jesus toward his brethren? It was the greatest example of philadelphia
the world has ever seen. He said, "a new commandment I give unto you.
That you love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one
another" (John 13:34). To what extent did Jesus love his brethren?
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends" (John 15:13). So, the source of such love is heavenly in
nature.
True philadelphia has a great effect upon the unbeliever also. He looks
at Christians, members of one family, and their attitude toward one
another in brotherly love, and cannot help but be impressed and
influenced by it. Herein is another important reason for us to make
sure brotherly love is practiced properly. When a non-believer sees
Christians striving and contending with one another; when he sees
unconcern one for another, he can hardly be blamed for not being a
Christian, if this is the only conception of Christianity that he has.
On the other hand, if a non-Christian sees brethren with common love,
mutual help and forbearance, he must be influenced for good. Probably
the worst kind of war in the world is a civil war. When brethren are
engaged in a "civil war" in the church, men cannot see our good works
and glorify God, for such strife -- one with another -- precludes time
for good works.
May we all learn philadelphia to a greater extent. We cannot go to
heaven without it. We cannot make the claim to love God if we do not
love our brethren (1 John 4:20). A short, simple verse from the pen of
the Hebrew writer says it all: "Let brotherly love continue" (13:1).
May we all be willing to let it be so.
– Via Putting the Brethren in Remembrance, November 1998
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CHURCH OF CHRIST
201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn), Denham Springs, Louisiana
70726
Sunday services: 9:15 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 4 PM (worship)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
tedwards@onemain.com
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go
DIRECTIONS:
Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of
the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing
Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas
stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road,
and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the
right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to
the reception counter.