Month: September 2013

“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
Act 6:10

The text above is a testimony to the proof of Stephen’s calling.  Earlier in the chapter the church was instructed to choose seven men “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.  We see exactly those qualifications evidenced as Stephen answered the men that withstood him.  What was it that he spoke which silenced these men?  Wouldn’t you like to speak with such wisdom that no one could stand against it?  I believe the key to such wisdom is found in Tit 1:9.  Here we see that it is by declaring “sound doctrine” that a man is able “both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  Sound doctrine had left these men speechless and unable to resist Stephen’s words!

So, what exactly is sound doctrine?  Let’s start by seeing what it is not according to Mat 15:9 where Christ says, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”  The accusation against the religious men of Christ’s day was that they were NOT teaching sound doctrine but instead were teaching the commandments of men.  Sound doctrine declares what God says, not man!  Too many people today run from one exciting religious fad to the next.  Sound doctrine isn’t about the latest craze–the bestselling book, the popular speaker, or the most recent catch-phrase.  We’re warned against that child-like behavior in Eph 4:14: “…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…”  One of the signs of the last days is that “they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2Ti 4:3-4) We don’t need a new tactic or religious gimmick!  We need men like Paul in Act 20:27 who have a burden “to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

What damage will teaching the doctrines of men do?  It leaves a people powerless!  These false doctrines set forth principles such as, “’Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Col 2:21-23) These doctrines emphasize outward show, but as the verse says, they “are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”  If all you’ve got when the enemy attacks is the doctrines of men, you will fall!  This kind of teaching abandons faith because it highlights man’s work instead of Christ’s.  In contrast, sound doctrine emphasizes faith in Christ’s work!  “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrinewhich you have carefully followed.” (1Ti 4:6)  Good doctrine sets forth faith, i.e. trust in Christ rather than our own abilities.

Simply put, to teach sound doctrine is to teach the Scriptures!  That’s what Stephen said which silenced the adversaries.  After all, it is the word of God which is the sword of the Spirit, the weapon used to defeat the enemy! (Eph 6:17) When we declare what God has preserved for us in His word (as opposed to teaching some new idea with no biblical precedent), it brings hope like nothing else can.  “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning [same Greek word “doctrine”], that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Rom 15:4) It is the word of God that souls need for, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2Ti 3:16) May we faithfully declare sound doctrine, the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God to salvation. (Rom 1:16) Just consider the glorious promise for those who faithfully declare AND obey sound doctrine: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Ti 4:16)

“…whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”
Acts 6:6

Our text today comes from the portion of scripture that explains the appointment of the first deacons of the New Testament church. Though these men weren’t specifically given the title “deacons” in this passage, the Greek word in its verb form is used in v. 2 (translated “serve”), making it clear that they were to function in that role. An issue had arisen within the church where certain widows in the assembly were being overlooked in the church’s ministry. Stephen and six other men were appointed to lead the effort to correct this deficiency and lead in this daily service. So, even though the term “deacon” was not yet clearly understood as a church office, these men are our first examples in the early church of what deacons should be.

After these men were chosen by the church, we read that the apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Some people mistakenly view this laying on of hands as a special granting of the Holy Ghost. They do so by misunderstanding texts such as Act 8:17 and 19:6. In these two texts, apostles laid their hands on individuals who received the Spirit of God for the first time. These miraculous accounts were unique to this period of church history to show that the promise of the Father, namely the gift of the Holy Spirit, had become a reality. But in Act 6:3, we find that one of the qualifications of the seven men chosen was to be that they were full of the Spirit! “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…”

So, why did the apostles lay hands on these seven men? Such an act was not to endue them with some special power to sufficiently serve in this office. Rather, this action publicly recognized them as being worthy of their office and able to meet the responsibility set before them. By laying hands on them, the apostles showed their approval of Stephen and his companions. They backed the church’s witness of these men, namely that they were indeed “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.

In 1Ti 5:22, Paul admonishes Timothy, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”  We would be wise today to heed this same instruction.  Often assemblies are far too ready to give individuals responsibility in the church.  The great danger is the damage that someone can do who is NOT full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom!  Earlier in the same letter when he lists the qualifications for a deacon, he says “let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” (1Ti 3:10) Similarly, when he lists the characteristics of a bishop/elder, he states the man should not be a “novice”. (v. 6) Paul tells Timothy to take some time to observe individuals.  Make sure they do indeed have a good reputation and possess the qualities expected in Christian leaders.  Make sure they are what they seem to be!

The Lord Jesus warned in Mat 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”  Some people look great out of the starting gate, but we need to wait and see how well they’re doing after running the race for a while.  We’re dealing with the Lord’s children!  Anything regarding the church must be handled properly because what the church does sends a message to this fallen world concerning God.  How many public failures within the church might have been avoided if we had not laid hands on men suddenly?  The bride of Christ is the apple of His eye.  May we be careful to not put our hand to anything that would cause division within His precious body.   “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal 6:10)

Jamie

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22

It is critical when we read the word of God that we do so with a spiritual mind.  When Jesus spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He made an important statement along with that thought: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (Joh 6:63) He wasn’t talking about literally eating His flesh.  He said the flesh profits nothing!  He was talking about the fact that those with eternal life are being sustained daily by the Lord.  It’s not our physical meals that sustain us.  Rather, we hunger and thirst for righteousness! (Mat 5:6) This type of spiritually-minded teaching was often misunderstood by those with carnal minds as in Joh 2:19 where Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  The Jews thought He spoke of the building they called the temple, but v. 21 reveals “He was speaking of the temple of His body.”

Another spiritual truth that the word of God makes clear to us concerns marriage.  In Eph 5:22-31, we have a long list of marital instructions.  The responsibility of husbands and wives are set before us, but the reason for all of this structure in the marriage is made plain in v. 32.  Why should a wife submit to her husband and a husband love his wife and give himself for her?  Because our earthly marriages are to reveal the spiritual union between the Lord and His people!  “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”  In light of this spiritual truth, I’d like to consider our text today: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  That verse was precious to me in my natural marriage, but in recent weeks, the Lord has made it even more endearing as He instructed me to consider it from a spiritual standpoint, namely, from the standpoint of our heavenly Husband finding His heavenly bride!

The Lord’s pursuit for His wife is tireless.  He entered the world for that reason.  Before Zacchaeus ever determined to look for Jesus on that fateful day, the Savior had planned to go through Jericho in order to cross his path!  Jesus said in Luk 9:9-10 that salvation had paid Zacchaeus a visit that day because “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Jesus purposely sought and found him!  Before a woman determined to visit a well to fill her waterpot, her Lord had determined “He needed to go through Samaria”. (Joh 4:4) No effort is too great when it comes to His bride.  When Jesus said in Mar 4:35, “Let us cross over to the other side,” it wasn’t because He needed a change of scenery.  He had a demon-filled soul on the far side of that sea that He had determined to set free!  He crossed the turbulent waters, freed the demoniac, and then got right back in the boat and returned. (Mar 4:35-5:21) Why?  Because that one soul was worth it!  He is relentless in the pursuit for His bride.  He is the Shepherd that will seek that one straying sheep even if ninety-nine are already safely in the fold! (Mat 18:11-14)

Jesus entered this world on purpose to rescue a people, to find them hidden in a fallen world, and to purify them in order to wed them to Himself.  “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”. (1Ti 1:15)  And remember, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing…”  He considers you “good”, o bride of Christ!  When the Husband speaks of His wife in Son 4:7, He says: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.”  In 7:10, the bride replies: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.”  You see, Christ’s passion is for His church, and He calls her good, fair, and without spot!  But, how does she get to be that way?  “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”  His bride is that way because He made her that way!  As we sing in the old hymn, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe!”

Church, there’s never been a people loved like we are!  NEVER!!  The Lord chose us “in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”. (Eph 1:4) we must not let this world distract us from who we are in Christ.  Fix your eyes upon the One Who “loved the church and gave Himself for her”. (Eph 5:25) Why should we fret in light of such love as this?  “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:29-32) Bride of Christ, you are a people sought out by your heavenly Husband, a people most loved!

Jamie

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
1 Corinthians 10:6

Our passage today is written in the context of a summary of the events that took place when the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness.  This account, which has a such a glorious beginning with the exodus from Egypt, ends sadly in death for all but a couple of the adult Jews that God initially rescued.  Their story is preserved for us, not so that we could get our Jewish history straight, but so we would not follow in the footsteps of their error.  They were all delivered from slavery by the mighty hand of God, and yet many died in their own sins!

Some today are caught up in seeking signs and miracles.  After all, if God would part the Mississippi today like He did the Red Sea back then, we would surely have a lot more believers, right?  I don’t think so, and I say that based on the example of the children of Israel.  They all saw the mighty signs done by God in Egypt!  Ten plagues were unleashed upon Pharaoh and his people while the Israelites were untouched!  These people saw the bloody waters along with the flies and the frogs.  They witnessed the fiery meteorites, and they heard the groans of the Egyptians mourning the loss of their firstborn.  They not only saw the Red Sea part, they actually walked through it!  After leaving Egypt, when they were hungry, God rained bread from heaven.  When they were thirsty, God brought water out of the rock.  And yet, in spite of all these miracles, “with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness”! (1Co 10:5)

I don’t want to sugar coat what the Israelites went through in the wilderness.  They had some tough trials.  It wasn’t long after crossing the Red Sea that they began to run out of water.  For three days, they hoped to see an oasis on the horizon, and for three days they were disappointed.  I can imagine the fear creeping into the hearts of mothers who were afraid their young children were going to thirst to death.  But, this lack of water was not by accident.  Exo 15:25 says, “there He tested them”.  God was testing their trust in Him.  It was the first of many failures as they murmured against Moses and therefore God.  Expect trials, Christian.  They are the norm, not the exception.  The question is: how will we respond when they come?  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1Co 10:13) Do we believe God’s promise?

It’s not miracles that we need.  It’s faith!  In Heb 3:8, God warns, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness…” (Heb 3:8) They fell in the wilderness and were not permitted to enter into the Promised Land.  Why?  “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Heb 3:19) Unbelief was the issue!. We don’t need signs and wonders; we need to take God at His word!  They had the same word of God preached to them, and yet, after seeing these mighty miracles, they perished.  “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” (Heb 4:2) Don’t get caught up in the excitement of those seeking outward signs.  Faith is not about seeing with the natural eye.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1) What pleases God is when, in spite of how everything looks around us, we believe Him anyway!  Remember, “without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Heb 11:6)

Jamie