--------------------
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).
--------------------
September 12, 2010
--------------------

Contents:

1) Attitude Toward Things (Julian R. Snell)
2) 1 Corinthians 13:10 (Jarrod Jacobs)
--------------------


-1-

Attitude Toward Things
by Julian R. Snell

Previously we have taken note of the proper attitude toward circumstances, critics, crisis and people as depicted in Philippians. The third in this series of articles seeks to stress the attitude of Paul toward the things of this life. One possessed of the "mind of Christ" has an attitude toward the things of this world which is distinctive. We are given an example of the depth of conviction which the proper attitude toward the temporal, physical, material things, will produce as we consider the apostle's words. Throughout this epistle emphasis is on the "single mind," set and unwavering, with Christ as the center and seat, the single object.  

Chapter three begins with both exhortation and warning. "Finally" often introduces a practical conclusion following the presentation of doctrine. As previously noted the thread of "joy" and "rejoicing" runs throughout the book and there is no interruption at this point. Repetition, it is observed, is not "grievous" or "irksome." One immediately wonders what the apostle has reference to. Two possibilities seem worth considering. Maybe the admonition to rejoice is what he is writing about. Or, the reference could well be to the problem of circumcision as constantly aggravated by Jewish brethren among the Gentile Christians. At any rate, we conclude it is safe to repeat truth, even if in this case neither of the possibilities is fact.

The warning is introduced, "beware," mark, be on guard against "dogs." Of whom or what does he speak? Understanding is enhanced as we remember that the Jew called the Gentile "dogs."  Reasoning behind this may not be conclusive, but involved is the Gentile lack of distinction between clean and unclean things as the Jew conceived the distinction. The Jew further judged the Gentile as having confidence in flesh rather than spiritual religion as did he, so he shared common interest with dogs. The Jew saw himself as a child of the table, eating a feast while all others, like dogs, had to depend on crumbs dropped from them. "Dog" symbolized to the Jewish mind all that was ignoble and mean, those who bark and rail as they hate (cf. Isa. 59:9-11). Identifying men of canine spirit, ill tempered, snarling and barking at all who differed with them, is applicable to the term. To say the least, a most uncomplimentary designation.  

Not only is the warning of "dogs" but of those noted as "evil workers," and "of the concision"; no doubt a description of Judaizing teachers who are actively at work among the Gentile churches. "Concision" is a term Paul applies to literal circumcision without true spirit and purpose. The word means mutilation and derives from pagan practice as a religious rite. With this effective use of like sounding words, common with Paul, the Judaistic concept of circumcision is indicated and condemned as worthless.  

Paul then places in contrast true circumcision with "concision" and identifies the true with the putting off of the body of the flesh (v. 3). Amplification is supplied in these words, "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead" (Col. 2:11-12). "Flesh" is the antithesis of "Christ Jesus" and the "Spirit," thus emphasis is upon true circumcision in these words, "For we are the circumcision" (v. 3).  

Paul then declares he has every right for confidence in the flesh, in fact more than others: The point being that any condemnation of trust in the fleshly was not because he was deficient and was not a case of "sour grapes."  In the course of giving his own spiritual resume (vv. 4-6), the apostle assumes his opponents view and proves he has a better claim than most. In the process we are treated to his real attitude toward things.  

Paul's attitude toward all, except for that represented as "true circumcision" is thus expressed: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him" (3:7-9). Within the context, the term "things" deals with the spiritual resume just offered. The principle is broad enough to include not these only but also all things which might serve as barrier to unreserved acceptance of Christ.  

Consider the principle in broader application. Jesus impressed his disciples, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt. 6:33). More vividly expressed in, "that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18), illustrated in the application set forth in, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me...  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it" (Mt. 10:32-39). When this attitude exists nothing will stand in the way of accepting and serving Christ: neither family, religion of parents, position, prestige or wealth. For the beloved Paul, all previous honors were but "dung," counted "loss," absolutely nothing by comparison to Christ and what he had gained in Him. Yet, no regrets burdened his heart.  

When his gain is considered we can understand. He had won the ultimate in terms of reward, "That I may win Christ" (v. 8). His was an unprecedented relationship, "found in him," in His character, privileged to rest in the peace and comfort of being in covenant relationship. As a theme of life he now knows Him in the most intimate sense, "that I may know him."  This was not intellectual knowledge but rather a knowledge of heart. It was to know him by experience, through the "power of resurrection." Paul had gained Christ as a model, being "conformable to his death."  Not conformable so as to necessarily die on a cross, rather conformable to the mood of his death, dying for others. The self sacrificing love which is the essence of Christianity is the factor here. Perhaps so very often missed today, but found by Paul.  

Serving the Lord involves a "pressing on" (cf. vv. 12-16). This requires a forgetting of the things behind. The past can either be a millstone or a stepping stone. Only by forgiveness in Christ can the past be erased and blotted out so as to no longer burden the present and jeopardize eternity. Faith brings acceptance of the efficacy of Christ's blood and enables us to forget. Then there is the reaching out to the things before, goals and ambitions, the greatest of all being, "The high calling of God in Christ" (v. 14). Having reached this degree of maturity, then we are to be of a "single mind" (vv. 15-16).  

Proper attitude toward "things" is essential to heaven and is vital to peace and happiness here. As with Paul, ours must be a counting all things "loss," "dung," or trash if you will, that we may win Christ and maintain that relationship. "Things" will be considered as insignificant by comparison where the "mind of Christ" exists.

-- Via Searching the Scriptures, November 1983, Volume 24, Number 11
--------------------


-2-

1 Corinthians 13:10
by Jarrod Jacobs

"Dear Jarrod:

"I have a question for you. I know I've heard the answer before, but refresh my memory please.  

"In I Cor. 13:10 (part of our readings for this week), it says that the gifts of the Spirit will be done away with when that which is perfect has come. From the verses above I can tell that this means the word of God, or the Bible, but how do we refute those who believe that this means the 2nd coming of Christ? I can see how one might very easily make that assumption.  

"Thanks for any info. you can provide."

My Response:

Hello,

Concerning I Corinthians 13:10, I'll try to answer your question by stating something obvious, first. One main reason we can know that Paul was not talking about the 2nd coming was because neither Jesus nor the 2nd coming is in the context of this passage. Seems like if Paul had this in mind (as he did in I Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 1:6-9; etc.) he would have used some words or phrases relative to Jesus and/or the 2nd coming. But, he did not do that. If I was talking to a person about this passage, this is where I would begin. To say "that which is perfect" automatically means Jesus is to jump to the wrong conclusion.  

Further, look at the contrast between v. 9 and v. 10. It is a contrast between what is "in part" and what is "perfect." Remember, the Biblical word "perfect" does not mean sinless, but it means complete, mature, or of full age. So, Paul is contrasting what is "in part" with what is "complete" in verses 9-10, on down to verse 12. Paul here is not speaking of two different things, but of the same thing. Therefore, the "in part" was just a "part" of the "perfect/complete." In other words, whatever the "in part" was, it would have the same characteristics as the "complete." (Like a pie: one slice of pecan pie came from a whole, or "complete" pecan pie, not from an apple, cherry, chocolate, etc.!) Therefore, if the "complete" is Christ, would the "in part" be part of Christ? Or if the "complete" was the 2nd coming, would the "in part" be part of the 2nd coming? That position makes no sense.  

At that current moment in time in I Corinthians 13, Paul said they: 1) know in part; 2) prophesy in part; 3) understand/speak as a child; 4) see through a glass darkly; 5) know in part. But, Paul was looking forward to the time, and it was obviously not too far away, when those things were no longer true, but that Christians would: 1) speak/think as a man; 2) put away childish things; 3) see clearly (face to face); 4) know as are known.  

All such things point, not to a person, but to a completed revelation. Paul said during this time of miraculous spiritual gifts, they currently knew/prophesied (would this not be God's word they knew and were prophesying?) "in part," they understood like children, and couldn't see clearly. Yet, when those things "passed away," "failed," and "ceased," there would only be three things abiding: faith, hope, and love.  

How can men have faith today? Through the word (Rom. 10:17).  

How can men have hope today? Through the word (Ps. 119:49, Rom. 15:4; Col. 1:23)

How can men learn of true love? Through the word (I Jn. 5:2; Jn. 14:15).  

In connection with these things and thinking about that word "perfect," don't forget that James spoke of "the perfect law of liberty" (Jas. 1:25).  

I hope this helps you. If I can be of service to you anymore, let me know.  

Brotherly,

Jarrod Jacobs

-- Via Let The Bible Speak
--------------------


The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17;  John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
--------------------

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
tedwards1109@gmail.com
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go (Gospel Observer website)
http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/audioser.html (audio sermons)

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 a little less than 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.  Just walk pass the check-in counter; turn right at the hall.  The first and second doors on the left lead to where we meet.