Let’s be clear from the beginning, peer pressure in and of itself is not a sin, but it is our response to this pressure.  Also, our response to peer pressure may not be sinful.  We can respond to peer pressure in a beneficial way, a way that is not sinful, but that is not the point of any discussion of giving in to the influence exerted on us by others.

In his epistle James writes, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:12-16).  This is the essential passage that describes the result of peer pressure.  While the influence of others is not distinctly stated here we should be able to see the proper application of peer pressure.

James exhorts us to endure temptation remembering that God is the giver of good things and will not tempt us.  Temptation does come though and it can be through the peer pressure of others.  We are presented with things that draw our attention.  Our friends and acquaintances give us their opinions and interactions with the thing under consideration.  We pay attention to their experiences and encouragements and give in to the desire.  If the thing under consideration is sinful then we are under the penalty of death because we have sinned against God.

James closes out this exhortation and warning with, Do not be deceived.  Peer pressure is very deceptive because we see so many do the thing with no tangible consequences.

Satan is the source of all peer pressure.  In Genesis 3 the serpent deceived Eve and Adam gave in to the pressure exerted upon him.

We often preach this type of lesson to those who are younger and we might go to the book of Proverbs for the teaching form Solomon.  In Proverbs 1:10-19 he warns his son about the peer pressure that he will encounter.  This peer pressure is sinful and leads to many sinful actions.  Theft, murder, and all kinds of evil are under consideration here and the warning is, Keep your foot from their path (verse 15).

But peer pressure comes upon all at different ages.  In 1 Samuel 15 we can read the account of King Saul’s mission to utterly destroy the Amalekites.  The command was simple and clear yet Saul disobeyed.  He and the people decided to bring King Agag and the best of the flocks and herds back to Israel.  Saul blames this on the people while trying to defend his actions and decisions.  This is an example of peer pressure that affects even the leader of many people.

We go forward to King Rehoboam and see another king who falls to the pressure of his peers, 1 Kings 12:8, instead of listening to the wisdom of the elders.  If we turn to 1 Kings 14:21 we find out that Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king.  This is not a young man but he was still susceptible to heeding the bad advice of his peers.

With an understanding that peer pressure can affect us at any age, what types of things are we affected by?  The quick and ready answers are alcohol, drugs, and fornication.  We have heard these over and over throughout the years and maybe, just maybe we are beyond these things and other things need to be looked at.

One of the next things may be gambling.  Many try to justify gambling as completely amoral.  They will say that the Bible is completely indifferent about gambling and specifically that Jesus in His covenant says nothing of gambling.  Simply put gambling is based on greed, the desire to get money by means other than working for it.  In Jude 11 the greediness of Balaam is used as a warning for us.  In Ephesians 4:19 Paul writes, who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  He is speaking of those who walk according to their own will.  Peer pressure leads many to gamble justifying their actions by saying they are hurting no one.  These same will play the state lottery with the same justification.  I only have one question to ask, “If you were not going to win anything would you still play craps, blackjack, roulette, or play the lottery?”

Peer pressure also comes into play in the way we dress.  This is about modesty.  The pressure put upon us from the fashion industry, media outlets, and entertainment industry is everywhere and continually foists an image of immodesty as fashionable and chic.  Whether it is too short or too tight, too see-thru or too loose the fashions of the world should not be adopted by Christian men and women.  There is no justification for it except from the minds of men and we hear over and over, “everyone is wearing it.”  Peer pressure says show off your thighs, your abs, and your curvaceous figure because everyone wants to see.  Flaunt what you have because you worked hard for it and you deserve the admiration of others.  Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  By what we wear are we causing others to look at us and lust?  This is the desire and conceiving of desire that James writes about.

What about our jobs?  The peer pressure of the world is demanding more and more of our time in work.  We know that we are to provide for our family.  Paul wrote to Timothy, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).  Paul told the elders of the church at Ephesus, “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me” (Acts 20:34).  He worked to provide for himself and those with him.  We are to work to provide for our families, but some have taken this to the extreme due to the peer pressure of the world.  Whether they realize it or not there is the pressure that the dollar exerts on all of us.  Some have fallen to that pressure as they work more and more to support their lifestyle.  They say they are not rich, and that may be but they spend all of their money on their house and the things that occupy their life.  They begin to work overtime.  Overtime turns into Saturdays.  Saturdays turn into the occasional Sunday.  What was once a job has turned into the end all be all of your life.  The husband works to feed the habits of the family and the wife encourages him so that they can maintain their lifestyle.  The children do not see their father and mother and what is taught is that work is more important than all else.  When the children are old enough they take on jobs that remove them from the regular worship service, just like their parents.  The wise man wrote, “Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!  Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5).  The excuse that is used though is, “I am not rich, and we just get by.”  It is too bad that we can’t see the irony in our own words!

Peer pressure is most evident in our friends.  Too often we can convince ourselves that our worldly friends will not be a big influence on us.  In fact we can convince ourselves that we can be a bigger influence on them than they on us.  To be perfectly honest we can be a better influence on those around us but most of the time that influence will be ignored by those of the world.  Worldly friends are just that, they are of the world.  We must look beyond this world when we develop our friendships.

Several passages speak of the influence of worldly friends and we should recall these passages when we choose to spend time with them.  Paul wrote, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’  Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.  I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty’” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).  James wrote, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).  Paul also wrote, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).  From these we should be able to determine that friendship with the world and having worldly friends is only a detriment to our spiritual state.  Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah when he wrote that we are to come out from among them.  How can we come out from among them when we continue to bring them into our circle?

The contrast to this is simple a clear; we are to be a friend of Jesus.  Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.  No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15).  How can we call Jesus our friend if we continue to have friendship with the world?  The peer pressure that we should be influenced by is the pressure from Jesus to work His righteousness.

A.O.P.P.S. is not a fluky thing that we can afford to ignore; remember what happened to Peter and Barnabas as recorded in Galatians 2.  If we do not pay close attention to the Gospel of Christ and the application thereof we present ourselves as ripe candidates for the peer pressure that Satan has planned for us.

What generally comes to mind when one hears the Greek word nike is the world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes and apparel.  The manufacturer of sports equipment led the industry in 2008 with $ 18.6 billion in sales and employed more than 30,000 people worldwide.  The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory; i.e., Nike.  Grand words of success and triumph are used to define nike.  Paul tell us that such triumph in life belongs to the faithful.  The apostle writes, “But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14) (see also John 16:25-33; 1 Corinthians 15:56-57; Revelation 2:7, 10).

Victory and triumph suggest a contest or battle.  Paul depicts this battle within the minds of men in the book of Romans.  Paul writes, “But I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:23-24).  The apostle Peter explains that there is a battle for the souls of men (see 2 Peter 2:1-4).  Jesus said “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.  And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:11-12).  Men may either resist the ways of the world (Jude 3) or resist the ways of God (Acts 7:51-53).  The Lord admonishes us not to love the world or the things therein (1 John 2:15-16).

God commands that we “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12).  Victory and triumph in battle or athletics does not come without a price.  Not only did Christ triumph in his sacrifice for the sins of man but mankind must also do their part in attaining the victory (see Acts 20:28).  Christians are depicted as soldiers in the Lord’s army (2 Timothy 2:3-4).  The Lord’s soldiers are filled with faith, conviction, and great stamina.  There is a never quit disposition that identifies the triumphant ones in life.  Solomon wrote, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).  The battle is against Satan.  Satan’s desire is to eternally ruin the church (see Revelation 12).  The question is, where will you and I stand in this battle for the souls of men?  Will we fight worldliness and the tempting vises of Satan?  Will we fight through the persecution of man till our last breath of air? 

A Closer Look at the Battle

The book of Revelation reveals the Christian’s battle to be against Satan (Revelation 12).  Satan is the god and ruler of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12).  This world is his kingdom (1 John 5:19).  Satan’s primary devises are worldliness (temptations), false teaching, and persecution (James 1:12-16; Matthew 7:15ff; 2 Timothy 3:12).  The Christian is admonished to stand against worldliness, false teaching, and persecution (see Ephesians 6:10-12).  The saint of God is to take a stand on truth and not be moved (see Romans 5:1-2; Colossians 2:4-5, 8).  This battle is to the death (Revelation 2:10).  The word of God encourages the Christian to have stamina and overcome Satan (see Hebrews 10:32-39; Philippians 3:13-14).  The apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  The true Christian will have no fear of Satan and his devices (Isaiah 8:12-13; 2 Timothy 1:7).  With Christ we will conqueror sin and death.  Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (see Philippians 4:13).

An Intelligent Approach to the Battle

Paul wrote, “Times of ignorance God overlooked but now commands that all men everywhere repent” (Acts 17:30).  The child of God does not stick his head in the sand when the battle comes to him.  The true saint of God will test all doctrines that come before him (see Matthew 7:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:8-9; 1 John 4:1).  The temptation to change the word of God to make it mean what your personal convictions and opinions are will be defeated by the faithful (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-7).  The saint of God will endure persecution to the end because Jesus warned that this would occur (John 15:18-19). A motivation to endure is the fact that persecutions are temporary as opposed to eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).  The saint of God will be mindful of the lures of this world (1 John 2:16-17).  The tempting vises of this world are powerful.  Matthew records Jesus saying, “unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:40-41).  The temptation to lust after others (Matthew 5:27-28), to be rich (1 Timothy 6:6-10), and famous (John 12:43) are powerful vises.  No one can deny that all these tempting vises of Satan are filled with pleasures (see Hebrews 11:24ff).  The saint of God; however, is one who overcomes these temptations and obtains victory throughout all eternity.  Triumph comes to those with purpose, drive, and conviction.  The faithful will not permit themselves to be swayed in any other direction than heaven (see Ephesians 4:14).

Weapons of Victory

The saint of God is armed to the teeth for victory (see Ephesians 6:13-17).  We have the distinctive gospel of Jesus Christ to guide us to victory (Romans 1:16).  Jesus said, “Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.  For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leads unto life, and few are they that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).  At the completion of the Sermon on the Mount Matthew notes, “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).  There are many directions a man may go; however, only one is approved of God (Ephesians 4:1ff).

Another weapon of victory is the unity of the saints.  Rogue members who seeks to pollute the word of God with personal conviction or opinions will be outnumbered and defeated.  They will be made to feel the sting and shame of their error and either come to repentance or leave the Lord altogether (1 John 2:18-19).  Jesus prayed for this type of unity (John 17) and the apostles commanded it (see Romans 15:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 5:1ff; Philippians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).

Lastly, and most importantly, the saints have God on their side.  The apostle Paul writes, “If God is for us, who is against us? … For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of god, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (see Romans 8:31-39).  Throughout the history of mankind Jehovah has proved himself to be omnipotent (see Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27).  The Lord declares the end from the beginning and thereby man ought to align himself with his maker (see Isaiah 46:9-10).

Conclusion

Thanks be to God for loving us and granting us the forgiveness of sins so that we have the opportunity of eternal salvation (John 3:16).  Before we stand before his judgment seat; however, we must live our lives.  The apostle Peter said, “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).  Though the victory belongs to the saint it will take diligent warfare on all our part to make it to the end unscathed by Satan’s polluted devices.  Paul writes, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, fore as much as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

As we begin the study we must note that it is true that we are not bound to keep the Law of Moses.  Paul clearly noted that the “handwriting of requirements—Moses’ Law—has been “nailed to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).  It is clearly understood that children of God are not subject to this law.  The Hebrew writer shows that Christ through his death brought about a new covenant.  James would refer to it as the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25).   Thus, we should understand that we must not bind laws upon people that God did not bind upon them. This includes the precepts of Moses’ law.

That point being stated, we also note that Paul deemed the Old Testament a “schoolmaster to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24).   Paul notes in this passage that we are not subject to the Law of Moses in the sense that we must keep its precepts and regulations.  However the fact that the Holy Spirit designated it a “schoolmaster” notes that it does have a purpose in teaching us something.  Paul would also note as he addressed the church of Christ at Rome “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).   Thus, clearly the apostle notes that there are at least some things that we can learn from the Old Testament.  It is upon this basis that we can grow in understanding of the nature of God, the nature of man, and  of what God expects of man in regard to divine law.     That we grow in this understanding does not imply that we are binding the old law.

There are a number of things that we learn from the old law that help us to be faithful to God in this day and age.  For instance, God’s law provides the definition of marriage.  In Genesis 2:24 we note that in marriage a man and a woman become “one flesh.”   Jesus would support this principal in Matthew 19 in answering a question regarding divorce.     Christ when defining marriage, looked back prior to Moses’ law and gave the original definition based upon God’s intent.  We still use this same standard today to understand who may marry, and what marriage is.

In the same context of Genesis 2  we find that God describes the nature of nakedness.  In Genesis 2:25 we learn that man and woman were naked but were “not ashamed”   As man was innocent before God, he had no shame in nakedness.  Yet when he sinned in the next chapter, his attitude toward nakedness changed.  It changed insomuch that man in his shame, sought to cover himself with fig leaves and then to hide from God.   (Genesis 3:7-10).  The Lord was not satisfied with their attempt to cover in this manner, so  He provided them  “coats of skin” in order to clothe them and cover their nakedness (vs. 21).   From the time of this fall and throughout the scriptures, the concept of improper nakedness is always associated with shame (cf. Genesis 9:22; Exodus 20:26; Lamentations 1:8; Ezekiel 16:36-37; Isaiah 20:2-4; Revelation 3:18 etc.).  Much like the definition of marriage that we gain from consulting the Old Testament, we can learn regarding the biblical concept of nakedness.

In addition to basic definitions we also note that in relation to modesty,  the apostle Peter in the New Testament, appeals to women to look to Sara as an example.  Peter writes:

Do not let your adorning be external–the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear–but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening (1 Peter 3:5).

Peter notes that godly women, when they adorn themselves ought to look to the Old Testament example of Sara, and dress to bring reverence to their husbands.   This clearly shows the concept of gaining understanding regarding modest dress from Old Testament example.

Inasmuch as God has commanded that Christians adorn themselves in modest apparel ( 1 Timothy2:9-11; 1 Peter 3:2-6), it would be ludicrous to think He provided no standard for understanding what “modesty” is.   All Christians should consider the nature of biblical teaching.  While it is true that we are not subject to the Old Testament as law to govern our lives today, there is much that we can learn from its pages.   It indeed was “written for our learning” (Romans 15:4).    When we look to the Old Testament to help us to better understand God’s definitions and the requirements he has given us in this covenant, we are not “binding the Old Law” but rather we are “rightly dividing the word of truth” ( 2 Timothy 2:15).

Unfortunately, this is happening all of the time as people who were once a part of the Lord’s church, the church of Christ, leave for other pastures when they grew into adulthood.  Somewhere along the path of their life they either are lured away from Christ by the doctrines of man or they simply fall away, lured by the world and its lusts.

While we wonder why this happens, it is nothing new.  If we look back at the history of the Israelites we see this very thing happening time and again.  In 1 Samuel 2:22-25 we read of Eli’s sons who transgressed against God and Israel.  In 2 Kings 8:16-18 Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah, but he did not walk in the way of his father, but instead walked in the way of the kings of Israel.  Why did this happen?  Did Eli fail in his training of Hophni and Phinehas?  Was it because Jehoshaphat did not teach Jehoram correctly, properly, and thoroughly?  In both cases was it because of external influences?  The latter had a definite impact on Jehoram has he married the daughter of Ahab.

Ahab is well known to us as one of the most evil kings that ever reigned over Israel.  He was aided on his path because of his chosen wife, Jezebel.  In 1 Kings 16:29-33 we are introduced to Ahab.  He is described in this passage as one who “did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him”, “as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him”, and “Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” His son followed this same path and the result of the influence was the same.

While both of the examples “grew up” as Israelites, the chosen people of God, both left God for other pastures.  Both had all the opportunities that we have, that all have, to be obedient to God’s commands, but made decisions to move away from God.  When someone says that they grew up church of Christ but now they do not attend the church at all or belong to a denominational group they are revealing the result of several different factors that we have already seen in Hophni, Phinehas, and Jehoram.

The first reason that some leave the church is due to improper training.  In Proverbs 22:6 we read, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Too often when this verse is read it is misunderstood.  Too many think that this is an absolute when it is not.  A proverb is a good saying, a thoughtful consideration of basic truths that when applied properly give the adherent a strong base on which to stand; but they are not a guarantee simply because of the free will of man.  The proverb gives us a hope and an assurance based on truth.

In Genesis 18:19 God says of Abraham, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” God says that He knew Abraham that he might teach his children to know God.  God has known us, we know God, today through His word.  If we know God and then take on the responsibility of raising children should we not also take on the responsibility of teaching them of God?

In Deuteronomy 4:9 Moses commands the Israelites, Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren. Moses also commanded the Israelites, You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Parents must give their all in teaching their children to love God and acquire their very own love for God.  We read of this in Paul’s second letter to Timothy; I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also (2 Timothy 1:3-5).  For me, this passage indicates that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a love for God and the truth of the gospel of Christ and that they were able to teach Timothy to have this love also.  Timothy had his own love for God because he was taught the truth by his mother and grandmother.  We cannot give our children our faith they must develop their own faith and we help them by the things we teach them through our words and actions.

The second reason some leave the church in their adult years is because of the influences of the world.  Hophni, Phinehas, and Jehoram were all influenced by earthly pleasures and the wickedness of companions.

The devil seeks to entice us with the pleasures that can be found in the world.  In 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul wrote concerning Demas who was once a faithful worker, for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica. We are not told what exactly Demas loved but we know the results.  When it comes to the love of this world John sums it up for us writing, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world (1 John 2:15-16).  Demas loved the world more than he loved God.  When we read of Hophni and Phinehas they practiced things of this world demonstrating their true love.

Generally speaking, when it comes to being enticed by the world, someone else will be involved.

Paul gave a warning to the church at Corinth when we wrote; Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).  And in the second letter he continued; “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?… (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).  Unfortunately we deceive ourselves all too often by thinking that we will be able to have this association without it harming us.  We do not regard God’s word on this subject because we think we know better.

When it comes to relationships with the world, one of the easiest ways to look at it is to examine the marriage relationship.  The following chart shows studies that were made in the 1970’s and 80’s.  I realize that this information is a bit dated but it still gives us an indication of the results of companionship with the world.

Before looking at the chart I want to say that a Christian can marry a non-Christian if they so choose and both have a right to marry.  There is no prohibition under Christ banning this type of marriage.  Some take 2 Corinthians 6:14 as proof text for this prohibition but marriage is not in the context of the passage.  Now, even though marriage is not the context of the passage I readily admit that the passage has an application to marriage.  Can a Christian marry a non-Christian? Yes.  Is it a good idea? No!  It is a dangerous situation that one willingly puts themselves into and one that can be completely avoided.

B. Street Church, Miami OK
1957-77

Christian to Non-Christian                                   Christian to Christian
76 marriages                                                       64 marriages
57 left faith – 75%                                               5 left faith – 7.8%
25 divorced – 32.9%                                          2 divorced – 3.1%
22 faithful – 28.9%                                            59 faithful – 92.2%

Bridges Street Church, Wynne, AR
1962-1981

76 marriages                                                       28 marriages
61 left faith – 80.2%                                            4 left faith – 14.3%
23 divorced – 30.2%                                          4 divorced – 14.3%
15 faithful – 19.7%                                             24 faithful – 85.7%

(Statistics compiled by Earl Edwards, Freed-Hardeman University, percentages added by author)

I cannot speak to the mindset or reasons affecting any of the individuals.  I cannot even speak to the faithfulness of any of the people involved to this day, but without question anyone can see the results at the time of the survey.  The vast majority of Christians who married non-Christians left the church.  While they may have “grown up” in the church they left the church under the influence of their non-Christian spouse.  It should also be noted that just because you marry a Christian it doesn’t a guarantee anything.  Also, the loss of any soul to the world is to be mourned.  It doesn’t matter if one is married to a Christian or not, if they turn from God and turn to the world a great tragedy has occurred.

Now if we can see the affect of this relationship on the Christian should we not be just as careful when dating?  Should we not be just as careful in business relationships?  How careful should we be with any relationship with those who walk as the world?  I know that we must live in the world and cannot ostracize ourselves from the world, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, but we must walk soberly knowing the danger of too close association with those who care not for true obedience to God.

In the end how you grew up is important but nothing can be done about that now.  What is important is what are you doing about faithfulness and obedience to God today?  If you “grew up church of Christ” but are not faithful now what is keeping you from serving God?  What can you do about that?

Maybe that can be another article.
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The pig and the chicken walked down the street together.  Every restaurant they passed had signs in the window advertising, “Ham and Eggs.”

“See,” said the chicken, “We’re famous.”

The pig grunted. “For you,” he said, “a plate of ham and eggs is just a cackle. For me it’s the supreme sacrifice.”

In a more concise form it is observed that when it comes to such a breakfast, the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed!

Further, the difference between mere involvement and commitment can be seen in the dictionary definitions of the two terms:

• The appropriate definition given by Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary for the word involve as we refer to it in the above illustration: “to engage as a participant.”
• Webster defines the stronger term commitment in the following way – “the state of being obligated or emotionally impelled.”

So, again stating it concisely, when we are involved in a cause, we are engaged.  But, when we are committed to a cause we are impelled.

As our interest revolves around the spiritual, we note that scripture requires commitment to the Lord’s cause, rather than mere involvement in it.  There should be in us a sense of obligation, as the Lord clearly makes demands of His disciples.  The King James Version relates Paul’s sentiment in the matter in the following way, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:14).

It follows that we must determine the extent of that commitment.  What it is that God requires?  Hence the title of this article, Commitment of Biblical Proportions.

You have heard the phrase “of Biblical proportions” used from time to time to refer to something awesome in scope.  A natural disaster might be referred to as a “cataclysm of Biblical proportions,” perhaps in allusion to the flood that destroyed the world in Noah’s time.  A personal tribulation may receive a similar description in an allusion to Job’s trials, or perhaps to the plagues that fell upon the Egyptians punished by God in response to the hard heart of their Pharaoh.

The term is appropriate in our discussion, as a careful reading of the New Testament reveals that God requires a big commitment from Christians.  The word ultimate does not state the case too strongly.  Consider the following words of Jesus, detailing what he requires of those who would be his disciples:

“But Jesus said to him [a potential disciple], ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:62).

“So He [Jesus] said to them [Peter and the disciples], ’Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life’” (Luke 18:29-30).

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39).

The current trend toward a social gospel emphasizes fun and frolic rather than commitment.  This is true in the denominations, and in some churches of Christ.  The desire is to entice the populace to involvement, rather than to bring the lost to repentance and commitment.  Consider the following:

• The Redeemer Church in Fort Worth, TX invited those interested to attend what they referred to as Reformation Sunday on October 31st.  The activities, to be held at a local park following worship services, included, “your fill of food, fun and fellowship. The softball field is rented until 5 p.m.”
• The First United Methodist Church offered, in a recent bulletin, news of an upcoming Women’s luncheon, free weekly blood pressure screenings, and the monthly “Parent’s Night Out” for November.
• The University Christian Church offered on its events list in the past week (among others):  1) A light exercise class for all ages; 2) Lunch for college age kids in the Bible Cafe; 3) The weekly rehearsal for the locally famous bell choir; and 4) a meeting of the Weight Watchers organization, in their building.
• The Broadway Baptist Church is in the midst of various classes as a part of the “Broadway Academy.”  Among these classes are offerings in digital photography and healthy lifestyle secrets.  Also on the agenda was a Halloween costume skating party, and a retreat “for study and discussion, music, fellowship, good food and fun as we spend the weekend in this beautiful and peaceful country setting.”
• Members and visitors to the St. Andrews Episcopal Church are invited to the McFarland Lounge after the 10:00 am worship service for a “meet and mingle” with refreshments served.  Also on the agenda is an organizational meeting for an upcoming senior trip.
• Christ Chapel Bible Church is advertising a free concert featuring some well known singing groups on November 19, a Women’s Christmas Brunch on December 4, and offers a separate contemporary worship service that may be more appealing to younger members and guests.
• The First Presbyterian Church trumpets their Coffee Cart Fellowship, and their All Youth Dodgeball Party, held at the church gym.

The preceding took little research.  Just a simple internet search of Fort Worth churches, and a quick perusal of the Events List of the first seven churches found.  Obviously, examples could be expanded greatly.  Unfortunately, a search limited to “churches of Christ” would produce a similar list.

To be fair, there are other “events” – Bible Studies, Worship Services – included on the calendar of these groups.  However, these activities are still objectionable.  There is our first contention, that religious groups today are loathe to emphasize commitment or obligation, choosing rather to focus on food and fun.  There is the fact that such activities are without scriptural authority.  “Food and Fun” is not the work of the church, and true fellowship is found not on the softball field, but in the work and worship of the local church.  Finally, there is the perception that the visitor and the young will develop toward the church:  that the responsibility of the church is to cater to my needs, and to make me feel good about myself, rather than to convict me of my sin and save my soul.

Read again Luke 9, Luke 18 and Matthew 10, and then the list given.  The difference is jarring.  The discerning seeker will look elsewhere for spiritual growth and guidance.

As we accept that God expects a commitment of Biblical proportions from us, it is appropriate to consider where such a commitment will show itself.  Following are a series of applications of the principle.  These are by no means exhaustive, but serve to paint a picture of a life committed to the cause of Christ.

Attendance

The Hebrew writer admonished some whose “manner” was to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).  Assembling to worship is a hallmark of the committed.  Forsaking the assembly is likewise characteristic of the apathetic.  While some will quibble over the necessity of attending a gospel meeting or Bible class, it is not a matter of relevance to the committed disciple.  When an opportunity to worship God is made available to him, he will be there unless hindered.  He will fill his obligation to serve his God, and to edify his brethren, “exhorting one another” (cf. ibid.).  He will rejoice at his opportunity to “go unto the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).  It will not occur to him to absent himself from his brethren as they raise their voices in praise to the Almighty.  He recognizes the nature of his commitment, and is willing to deny himself the pleasures of recreation or rest to gain the greater joy that accompanies the act of honoring his God.

Study

The writer of Ecclesiastes acknowledged that “much study is wearisome to the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12).  Many who contemplate a careful study of the Bible are put off by the commitment such an undertaking would require.  Time must be set aside daily.  Study techniques must be developed to allow the Book to be understood correctly.  A period of meditation must follow the study itself, that application of the learned material might be made.  Some of the material seems to be complex, even incomprehensible to the uninitiated.  It is a daunting task.  The faithful disciple, however, is undeterred.  He is a “learner” of Christ.  He heeds the admonition of Paul to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  He knows that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” and that by studying it he will be made “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  So, he dives in, learns God’s will, and “by reason of use,” has his senses “exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Giving

Money is a sensitive topic to many.  It is an area where some preachers fear to tread.  While the Bible teaches clear principles regarding the necessity of giving back to the Lord, the apathetic do not want to hear of their obligation.  They certainly do not want to hear that God expects of them a commitment of Biblical proportions!  The committed servant of God, however, remembers the example of the Macedonians, who “according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4).  He knows that the reason the Macedonians were so liberal with their giving is that they “first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (vs. 5). He carefully considers the admonition of Paul to give both sacrificially and cheerfully, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).  He remembers the stinginess of the Jews, recorded in Malachi 3:8, ““Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’  In tithes and offerings.”  The committed man of God understands that what he has ultimately belongs to the Lord, and conducts himself accordingly.

Discipleship

At the heart of discipleship is self-denial.  Jesus affirmed it, saying, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).  Paul expressed it in his own life.  He wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).  The apathetic servant struggles with the extent of this commitment, and falters.  The most obvious evidence of this is his struggle with worldliness.  Because his dedication is not total, there is a conflict that rages within him.  “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).  In contrast, the committed disciple heeds the words of John, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

• He is not motivated by possessions, knowing “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
• He keeps himself sexually pure, heeding the admonition of Paul to, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
• He/She dresses modestly, choosing a chaste decorum rather than heeding the siren call of worldly fashion (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9-10).
• He guards his heart against worldly influences, making choices with regard the music to which he listens; the movies and television programs he watches; the books he reads; the internet sites he visits; and the friends he chooses; recognizing that “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33) and that “friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

In short, he is diligent in the practice of “pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father,” determined “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

Defense of Truth

The Bible clearly reveals the importance of defending truth.  One of the primary qualifications for one who will serve as an elder in any local church is the ability “by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).  Paul told the evangelist Timothy to “Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for the themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.  But you be watchful in all things, endure affliction, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5).  The apathetic is here described as those who will not endure sound doctrine, and certainly describes a large number of those who claim to be Christians in our time.  Commitment, which can also be described as militancy in this context, is considered unseemly, and oft rejected.  However, the faithful man of God recognizes himself to be a soldier, a watchman, a defender of truth.  He heeds the exhortation of Jude to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Conclusion

“Commitment of Biblical Proportions” is correctly defined as total commitment.  As a Christian you must love God "with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).  Paul declared Jesus to the be the Head of the church, and declared that in all things He must have “the preeminence.” (cf. Colossians 1:18).  This is certainly true with regard to our hearts and lives, a truth to which every Christian must submit for the sake of his soul.  You will not be accepted of God unless he has the first place in your heart and life.

For those who have made such a commitment, the reward is sure.  Paul wrote, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).  It takes a commitment of Biblical proportions to be pleasing to God.  But those who make it secure for themselves a crown of righteousness, “which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to [us] on that Day” (2 Timothy 4:8).

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Of Like Faith

In Romans 1:11-12 Paul longed to see the Roman brethren because their faith would encourage him. In 2 Peter 1:1, the apostle wrote to those who had received a faith of equal standing with the apostles through their careful study and conduct of life. Nothing is more encouraging than spending time with brethren in Christ. They lift and refresh our spirits because we share one of the greatest bonds God ever created (Romans 12:10).

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Rightfully Praised

The Roman brethren were worthy of praise because their faith was being proclaimed throughout the whole world (Romans 1:8). As Paul concluded the letter, he reiterated the great faith and obedience of those brethren (Romans 16:19). Our purpose should always be one of reproving and rebuking where necessary, but we also need to be praising where necessary. We need to know that we sometimes we do what is right.

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Concerned

Galatians 6:2 gives us a command to bear one another’s burdens. This is an excessive weight that needs the help of other children of God. John asserted that we demonstrate the love of God within us by how we help needy Christians (1 John 3:17). The Lord’s people are to be compassionate. We need to be diligent to have a tender heart toward those who struggle with the trials of this life. Let us not close our heart against them.

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Unashamed

In 2 Timothy 1:12-16 Paul gives commands to follow the truth and cites examples of both those who held fast and those who fell away. The only way the Lord’s church will expand is through the hard work of its members who are unashamed to teach the gospel to the lost. It is disgraceful to see how many “churches” try to market the gospel as they would market a car and to make churches as “user-friendly” as possible. The truth which will save people’s souls is sometimes a hard pill to swallow and deliver.

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Being Thoughtful

Paul outlined the humility of mind necessary for a Christian and then gave Christ as the perfect example (Philippians 2:3-5). In Philippians 4:15-17 Paul commended the Philippians for their participation with him in the spreading of the gospel. It was not the money which he needed, but he was appreciative of the gift because it taught the Philippians about the grace of God. When working with Paul, their gracious spirit would grow to even greater heights. God wants sacrifice, not self-centeredness. The quicker we lose ourselves the quicker we will our fellow man well.

He Took Courage Seeing Brethren Do The Unexpected

In 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 Paul was truly touched by the gift of the churches of Macedonia. They had a genuine concern and deep liberality, even though they were in poverty themselves. In Acts 2:44-45, we read of brethren who took these sacrificing steps because they wanted to, not because they were forced. It thrills the heart to see brethren act in a manner which would please the Lord. Thankfully, the Lord’s body is full of brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to go above and beyond to help those in need.

Let’s encourage one another and make sure our lives reflect all the good qualities of the Lord’s people. When we learn to associate with brethren of like faith, praise what is good, be concerned for the welfare of others, be unashamed to proclaim the true gospel, be thoughtful and do the unexpected, we grow. The world is so full of evil and how refreshing it is to surround ourselves with men and women whose characters reflect the supreme character, Jesus Christ. It is only through living according to this example that we become like the Lord (Romans 8:29).

The Bible is filled with beautiful women who are acknowledged to possess a gift from God in their physical appearance that we would be foolish to deny. Both her husband and her Egyptian suitors recognized that Sarah was a beautiful woman (see Genesis 12:11-14). Her daughter-in-law, Rebekah, was likewise a beautiful virgin when Isaac first laid eyes on her–it was love at first sight, as they say (see Genesis 24:16, 26:7). Sadly, Leah was not so attractive, but her sister, Rachel was “beautiful of form and appearance” and Jacob was naturally drawn to her (see Genesis 29:17). Abigail was not only of beautiful appearance, but she was also of great understanding (see First Samuel 25:3); unfortunately like too many such women, she had chosen poorly for a husband, Nabal the fool. King Ahasuerus of Persia was too proud of his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, but eventually replaced her with the stunning Esther of the Israelites. While all these women and others possessed great beauty, we remember them more for their character, and most of them had great character.

We sometimes get the idea that plainness is a virtue in the Bible and that maybe we are sinning by valuing beauty, but even God acknowledges that beauty is one of his gifts. There was attention paid to beauty when the garments were designed for Old Testament priests: “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron, your brother, for glory and for beauty. … And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty” (Exodus 28:2, 40). While we recognize the reality and appeal of beauty in the flesh and in our decorations, there is a higher objective that restrains that beauty and places it in perspective. As we approach God and as we go about our business in his sight, it is the “beauty of holiness” that appeals to him, that ought to appeal to us and we hope will hold stronger appeal to others.

“Give to the Lord the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come before him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (First Chronicles 16:29). David writes, “Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2). At some point, you have to get past the appeal of high cheekbones, silky hair and an hourglass figure to understand that a righteous lifestyle is what appeals to the one who made you.

Even the plain, the unattractive and the aged can excel in the beauty of holiness that runs deeper than anything on the surface of our bodies. The beauty of holiness is leading a lifestyle that seeks first citizenship in the kingdom of God and puts righteousness defined by Christ ahead of attracting the attention of people who may have less than innocent designs on your beauty.

Easton’s Dictionary defines holiness as belonging “to Christians as consecrated to God’s service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God. … Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance”

True beauty is going to be an expression, not of physical form, but spiritual determination to conform to the will of God and declare it with whatever gift we possess. Beauty of holiness can and should exist even inside of beauty of form (First Thessalonians 4:3-8). Understand that if you dress in a way that is intended to stir up lust in another person’s heart, you are playing a role in sexual immorality. Fornicators and adulteresses are not much more destructive than the young woman who dresses lewdly or teases licentiously (see Galatians 5:19).

Jesus Christ reserves severe condemnation for people who cause others to stumble and be lost. Some will divorce their mates for no good reason and lead them to fall into adulterous relationships because they cannot bear the loneliness inflicted upon them (see Matthew 19:1-9). Others lead people astray through false doctrine or example (see Matthew 15:14, 23:2-3) and some place temptation before the weak or actually become that temptation themselves (see Matthew 18:5-7).

Most men have a difficult time, especially when they are teenagers and single twenty-somethings, reining in their natural desires for intimate experience. There is a clear admonition against falling into lust, but the Holy Spirit is just as clear when it comes to one purposely or carelessly being the object of that lust by walking in lewdness (see Matthew 5:27-29, Romans 13:11-14). There becomes a precarious balance between holiness and yearning and that balance is threatened by people who put themselves on display and stir up those passions, even if one is only teasing and has no intention of fulfilling them. Job talks about making a covenant with his eyes so that he would not be drawn to look at a young woman and lust (see 31:1). Perhaps the young woman also must make a covenant with her body that it won’t be used to cause men to stumble; she can be beautiful inside and outside without abusing that power.

A Christian professes godliness simply by wearing the savior’s name, but that profession can be wiped out if adorned by lewdness of speech, behavior or attire (First Timothy 2:8-10). Paul writes that young Christian women must be chaste so that the word of God is not blasphemed among doubters and critics (see Titus 2:5). Chastity does not mean that one’s dress must be purposely out of style or colorless like the stereotypical Puritan, but that it conceals the powerful parts of her body and reserves them entirely for her husband. Chastity is purity and must begin in the heart; if your desire is that souls be saved, not seduced, your attire will support that goal, rather than conflict with it.

Some young women defend their immodest, revealing clothing by arguing that it is necessary to attract attention, but think about what kind of boy is likely to be caught that way, versus the one who will be enticed, but who will struggle and turn away because you threaten his convictions. Physical beauty is fleeting and temporary and too much focus on using it seductively will destroy any hope you have of developing an inner beauty of holiness (First Peter 3:3-4). “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Proverbs 11:22 says: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” To God and godly men, there is a jarring incongruity to a beautiful girl who puts herself on overt display. The beauty is permanently marred by behavior, speech or attire that isn’t spiritually beautiful. Discretion means a consideration of modesty and purity and understanding that a woman’s skin, curves and convexities suggest things to even the strongest of men. Jesus condemned the hypocrites among him because they were “like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). When you choose immodesty, even if you stand fast against actual fornication, you have marred your beauty before God by abusing it to another’s downfall. Those dead men’s bones are evidence of the souls that lusted for you and became unclean. Purposely or not, you become the objectified image of the evil woman in Proverbs 6:30 that young men are warned about.

Dannah Gresh writes in Secret Keepers: The Delicate Power of Modesty,

What does a guy see when a girl walks by him wearing a long, tight skirt with a slit all the way up the sides? He sees past the fabric, because the slit invites him to finish the picture. This is simple visual science. How do you think this theory works when a girl wearing a tight T-shirt shirt [sic] with her belly bared walks down the street past a guy? Yikes! Because he sees an incomplete picture of her body, he is compelled to complete it. The thrill not of what is seen, but what is yet to be seen is what actually tempts him. His imagination kicks in. (43-44)

Immodest dress–including modern swimsuits, skirts and shorts that reveal the thighs, tops that reveal or just accentuate the chest and skintight clothing–is conformity to the world and its declining ways, but you can and must resist (Romans 12:1-2). There is indeed a delicate power in dressing and behaving modestly, a beauty of holiness that surpasses anything that is physical. How will you wield that power–responsibly or abusively? The answer may well determine the fate of your soul and many who come into contact with you.

Work Cited

• Gresh, Dannah. Secret Keepers: The Delicate Power of Modesty. Chicago: Moody Press, 2002.

One of the most peculiar things I have noticed about the old Electrolux is if one holds the nozzle close to ones mouth when speaking, it seems to suck a great deal of the sound of the words right down that long hose! It is a strange observation and I have amused a lot of kids with that little trick over the years. Sound waves are dependant on air to be carried and like shouting into the wind voices are carried away with the air.

Maybe we have felt this way in another way, too. Have you ever said to yourself, with a degree of resignation, “Oh, what’s the use? No matter what I say or do, my spiritual efforts for the Lord will always be misunderstood and unappreciated by others. It seems just like shouting into an old vacuum cleaner!” That while others do relatively little, and you at least labor on, you are not respected nor recognized by them. We must realize that it will always be like that. Though it is gladly received when it rarely happens, we must not ever become dependant upon others to be spiritually buoyed. What we must rely upon and must fully realize is that the Lord is always there and we can access Him in prayer and He not only listens to us but gives us the help and encouragement we so often desperately need.

At such times we should remember what scripture has to say in wonderfully encouraging ways: Isaiah 41:14, “I will help thee, saith the Lord.” 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

There is even more: Psalms 8:1-4, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Just think of the wonderful and encouraging passage in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Our personal efforts may seem to go nowhere and often no one seems to care, but there are much larger issues at hand. Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Why don’t we know? The Bible doesn’t tell us.

Now, the Bible does tell us “…all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). So, the more important question is: Why would we ask?

Satan moved David to number the people. God had said not to number the people. He didn’t want Israel to trust in himself and his own strength. (1 Chronicles 21:1; Exodus 30:12)

Gideon learned that his 30,000 mustered troops were too strong. God whittled it down to 300. That way they could fell an army of over 100,000 and know for sure that God had delivered them rather than their own military might. (Judges 7:2; 8:10)

The disciples asked Jesus whether it was few who would be saved. He replied, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” He also taught, “The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Luke 13:24; Matthew 7:14)

How many are “a few?” Peter said “a few” were saved in the days of Noah. That means eight. And Noah had preached the gospel for a hundred years by that time. (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5; Genesis 5:32; 7:6)

Jonathan son of Saul understood that “…nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few,” as he and his shield-bearer overthrew a Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 14:6).

The Bible reveals the Lord’s concern of the world’s view of His church and saints. When the church and individual saint walks contrary to God’s revealed standards they pave the way for the world’s blasphemy against the Lord and His doctrine. The Christian ought to be concerned about what people of the world think. God’s people can do one of three things in the public’s eye. First, they may make manifest the true church and individual Christian’s identity in all areas of life as they are guided by nothing but the truth. Secondly, they may make manifest a hypocritical approach to Christianity through unauthorized works. Thirdly, the saint of God may show the world a spirit of indifference due to their fear of appearing different. The church and individual saint will have much to do with where those of the world spend their eternity.

We are the World’s Bible

We often sing the 1934 song “The World’s Bible” by J. E. Hamilton. The song is based on 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 where Paul writes, “Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh.” As the song goes, “We are the only Bible the careless world will read… what if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?… What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is? What if our tongues are speaking of things His life would spurn. How can we hope to help Him and welcome His return?” God’s people are to appear as a literal mirror image of Jesus Christ and the revealed church of the New Testament (Rom. 8:29).

Christians are to be very concerned about the public’s perception of the church and what being a saint is all about. Jesus said,

“Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

When the Christian is careless with God’s laws and the public’s perception they can cause the name of the Lord to be blasphemed. Unfortunately the world often sees or hears Christians doing or saying sinful things and they conclude, “They are all hypocrites…” or “That is why I don’t go to church.” Our actions and language among those of the world may determine whether or not that lost soul will one day be saved.

Public Perception of the Church

When the world sees the church at work and worship it ought to see the true “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15). Churches that practice unauthorized acts, such as supporting institutions to do its God ordained work, cause the Lord’s name and His doctrine to be blasphemed. Many churches sponsor “Christian” rock concerts, theatrical plays, singles groups, softball teams, conduct community services, and food fest for a “spiritual experience.” When these unauthorized acts are conducted they leave the wrong impression within the minds of the lost and so they will remain lost. The Lord has thereby ordained that the church withdraw from individuals who do not obey His authorized will. When the church does so the world will know that the church does not condone the unlawful actions of individuals (see 1 Corinthians 5:1ff; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).

Confusion and faulty expectations of the church reigns supreme in the world. Jesus spoke of the world’s confused expectations of his kingdom, the church, while teaching in the flesh (Matthew 11:11-19; 18:1). Those who look for things from the church that God does not authorize will only be disappointed and further confused. False teachers do nothing but muddy the waters of understanding to the world when they spew out their contaminated words of error on the subject. Divine revelation plainly outlines the identity, organization, work, and worship of the church. God forbid that you or I would give any more fuel to the engine of error that brings about confusion and faulty expectations of the Lord’s church.

Public Perception of the Individual Christian

When the world sees the Christian at work or play they ought to see one who makes it apparent that they are holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and perfect (Matthew 5:48) as the Lord is holy and perfect. The Christian’s language ought to show forth a heart of purity (see Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). The Christian’s attire should show a since of shame, modesty, and propriety (Exodus 28:42; Isaiah 20:4; 1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Christian women ought to be concerned about what the world sees them doing. Those who are do nothing gossips are condemned and apt to do grave damage to the name of God (see 1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4-5). Christian women ought to emulate divine revelation’s model woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. Women ought to examine 1 Timothy 5 and Titus 2 for God’s New Testament model woman. Women, and men too for that matter, who refuse to work are not to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

The Christian’s marriage ought to exemplify the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Those who divorce their mates for reasons other than adultery or those who marry individuals who have no right to marry commit adultery and cause the name of Jehovah God to be blasphemed (see 2 Samuel 12:14). During Jesus’ day mass confusion reigned over marriage, divorce, and remarriage due to faulty expectations and preconceived ideas of marriage (see Matthew 19:1ff). When the Christian is out of line with God’s word they give the wrong impression to the world as to what God’s laws are. The Christian is not to give an occasion of stumbling to those in the world in any area of life (see 2 Corinthians 6:3).

Christians at the work place ought to be concerned about what their coworkers think of them. The Christian who steals from his employer (Titus 2:10) or will not work (Colossians 22-25) give cause to the name of Jehovah being blasphemed by the unbelievers. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1). Lazy do nothing Christians ought to go to the ant for observation and a learning experience regarding a work ethic (see Proverbs 6:6). Employees who complain or will not work are not exemplifying the conduct and life of God’s elect.

Christians should also direct respect and honor toward those that divine revelation commands us to. Christians who mock, sneer, make fun of, show disdain, are disobedient, and show an overall spirit of disrespect toward government officials (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17), parents (Ephesians 6:2), employers (1 Timothy 6:1-2), elders in the church (Hebrews 13:17), and all others who hold positions of authority are rebellious. Moses concluded that the man who knows of God and His commands and does them not is a part of an “evil generation.” The evil is in the form of “rebellion” (cf. Deuteronomy 1:26, 43). To rebel is to “refuse allegiance to… to resist or defy an authority… to feel or express strong unwillingness … an act or show of defiance…” (American Heritage Dictionary pp. 1031). The Christian who refuses allegiance, resists, or acts in defiance against those in authority give way to the name of Jehovah God being blasphemed among those in the world.

The Public’s Expectation

There are areas in the Christian’s life where we cannot be concerned with what the world thinks about us. Those areas are our lives of obedience to God’s authoritative will (Acts 5:29). The public’s expectation of God, His church and people is skewed from divine revelation. The world views the church as a benevolent and entertainment society. Spend a few moments talking to your neighbors about “church.” Church is where their children are in leadership training, theatrical events, and learning to play a musical instrument. Spend a few hours at your church building and you will experience what most preachers do. People walk or drive up to the building expecting the church to take care of all their financial woes.

The Elect’s Perception of each Other

The individual Christian’s concern over perception should reach even further than the world. Yes, we are to be concerned with what the Lord thinks of us. We also ought to be concerned about our brethren’s view of us. Some brethren are “weak in faith” (Romans 14:1; 15:1; 1 Corinthians 8:1ff). Where God permits liberties the weak in faith do not view as a liberty. Paul said, “Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge…” (1 Corinthians 8:7). The true Christian is to be ready and willing to drop a liberty if it is offensive to one that is weak (1 Corinthians 9:22). If the strong are unwilling to do so or they push a liberty upon the weak they, “Walk no longer in love” (Romans 14:15).

The individual Christian cannot; however, be bullied by the conscientious and convicted weak brother. Those who would demand that we abstain or participate in liberties have gone beyond God’s laws. To bind where God has not bound is to be a false teacher and no saint shall be silent in such areas (see Galatians 2:3ff).

Concluding Thoughts

The elect of God are in the world yet they are not of the world (John 17:14-16). The world separated from God in sin has faulty expectations and preconceived ideas of God’s people and His church. Christians should be concerned not only with the public’s perception of our worship but also with our everyday lives. Let us unashamedly live a sanctified and holy life that the world may know what divine revelation authorizes and does not authorize (Romans 1:16). If we, through a spirit of fear, change our lives we will cause many in the world to have a faulty view of Christianity (see Matthew 26:70-75; Philippians 1:28). Mankind will be judged by the standard of divine revelation rather than man’s preconceived ideas, faulty expectations, and personal conscience (John 12:48). The Apostle Paul said, “Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Let every true saint of God make their lives of godliness evident and the rest will take care of itself (please read 1 Timothy 5:24-25).

The Bible takes a very different approach to the way we use our words. Jesus warned us to take our speech very seriously.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Jesus says that we will give an account for every idle or careless word that proceeds from our mouth. He goes on to say that such words will determine whether we will stand justified or condemned before Him. Indeed, death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

The reason man’s tongue is given such power is because it is an instrument of the heart (Matthew 12:33-35). The tongue is all too willing to reveal the true nature of man’s heart, and bear forth its fruit – either good or bad. As such, the continued use of bad language betrays our false claim to have put off the old man of sin (Col. 3:8). It shows that, as opposed to being transformed into the image of Christ by the renewing of our minds, we are still conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).

In addition to having an impact upon our eternal destiny, the Bible also tells us that the way we use our words will have a great impact upon our physical lives upon this earth:

“For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit’” (1 Peter 3:10).

“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips…” (Proverbs 12:13).

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7).

“A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled” (Proverbs 18:20).

There are many ways that we can speak evil with our tongue. This article will focus upon our use of corrupt words, filthy speech, profanity, and euphemisms.

Corrupt Words

The Bible forbids the use of dirty words “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29). The word “corrupt” (“unwholesome” – NASV) means “rotten, worthless, not fit for use.” These would be the swear words, the “four-letter-words,” that are heard so often in our society today.

Not only are these types of words corrupt and rotten themselves, they have a corrupting influence upon those who hear them. A Christian should never, under any circumstances, be heard using these kinds of words.

Filthy Speech

This prohibition against using corrupt language is not limited to single words. “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). The telling of dirty jokes, use of sexual innuendos, retelling of sinful exploits seen on TV, etc., is unfitting conversation for a Christian. There are some things that are shameful for Christians to even be talking about (v.12).

Profanity – Using God’s Name In Vain

The word “profane” means “to show disrespect or contempt for sacred things, to put to a base or improper use.” Although the word “profanity” is used by many people to refer to all “dirty” language, it really should be applied to the vain use of the name of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

God has told us that He wants us to respect Him in the way we use His name. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). To use God’s name in vain is to use it in a common, empty or careless way, without an attitude of sincere reverence or respect. This would also include the vain use of the exalted name of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).

The Law of Moses called for the death penalty for one who blasphemed the name of God (Leviticus 24:16). As a result, the children of Israel took this command so seriously that they would not speak the name of God for any reason, lest they use it in vain. Today, not only is the name of God used as a curse word, the names of God and His Son are used as common exclamations to express any and every emotion imaginable, and Christians are sometimes heard misusing God’s name in this way.

To use the name of God in times of worship and religious teaching is appropriate. However, to say, “Oh my God,” as a means of mindlessly expressing one’s surprise, pleasure, or disgust is to use God’s name in a common, non-sacred way. Such is a sin.

In our age of fast advancing technology, some have streamlined their means of communication by using initials and abbreviations in their texting. OMG has become a common sight on internet blogs and texts. OMG stands for “Oh my God!” and is nothing more than taking God’s name in vain. It is just as profane and sinful as saying the words.

Christians would not knowingly use God’s name in such a way, but we can be guilty of doing so without even realizing it. We need to be careful, for God will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Euphemisms

A euphemism is an inoffensive expression substituted for one that is considered to be offensive. Some have called it “Christian cussing.” The following may seem like a list of “toned down” curse words to many people, but a dictionary will tell us what we are really saying when we use words like:

• dang (damn)
• darn (damn)
• heck (hell)
• shoot (sh–)
• gosh (God)
• golly (God)
• doggone (God d—)
• gee whiz (Jesus)
• cripes (Christ)

While euphemisms may pass for more acceptable conversation in some portions of our society, they are not fitting for the child of God. One reason is because these “toned down” words mean the same thing as the “more offensive” words. Another reason is the fact that we feel like saying them in the first place. If the use of euphemisms can be called “Christian cussing,” the Christian needs to work on why he feels the need to be cussing. These euphemisms come from the same place in the heart as the “more offensive” words – words for which we will have to give account.

How To Overcome the Use of Corrupt Speech and Filthy Language

Using bad language and euphemisms is a habit, and habits are admittedly hard for some to break. The following are some suggestions for the individual who wants to overcome this sinful habit.

1. Think before we speak. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Proverbs 15:28, c.f. James 1:19). We need to be in the practice of “turning on our brain before we engage our mouth.”

2. Remember the power of our words (Matthew 12:36-37, Proverbs 18:21). I have the right to fire a gun, but I must remember and respect the power of that gun before I think about firing it. Our words have the power to determine our eternal fate, as well as to bring us joy or sorrow in this world. I would do well to remember and respect the power of my words before I use them.

3. Seek to edify others with our speech. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Our words also have the potential to have a great impact upon others. Foul language corrupts and destroys more than just the speaker. It has an impact upon the listeners and the overall environment. We must resolve to use the kind of language that will build others up, not corrupt them and drag them down.

4. Honor others with our speech.  “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Filthy language and profanity are not honorable, nor do they honor others. Use of corrupt language is evidence of a shallow mind, lack of self control and lack of respect for others. There are several hundred thousand words in the English language with which we can express ourselves. Surely Christians can find words which will allow them to communicate in an honorable way.

5. Remember that we are always in the presence of God. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4, c.f. vv. 7-12). God always hears what we say. Let us make sure that it is always acceptable. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). As the Children’s Bible Class song goes: “Be careful little mouth, what you say.”

6. Pray for God’s help. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). God can help us overcome the use of bad language if we will seek His help.

7. Keep our hearts pure (Matthew 12:33-35). Our mouths simply bring out what is already in our heart. We need to keep our heart pure, then the fruit of our lips will be pure as well (Proverbs 4:23-24, Philippians 4:8).

Conclusion

As Christians, we must remember that there is great power in our words. James admonishes us to seek to control our tongues as best we can, likening them to a roaring fire and a restless evil (James 3:1-12).

Our speech should be sound (Titus 2:8), gracious and seasoned (Colossians 4:6), the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), with boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12), as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).

We must choose our words very carefully, knowing that we will have to give an answer for them in judgment (Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 19:14).

The word “teetotaler” means someone who abstains completely from alcoholic beverages.  The Bible calls on Christians to be teetotalers.

The Bible Tells Us What Drinking Can Do

Don’t believe beer commercials when they lie about drinking’s supposed virtues: cleverness, popularity, and attractive members of the opposite sex.   Instead, believe what God says drinking can do for you in His word, which is the truth (John 17:17).

Victimization

Noah’s habit was righteousness, but he sinned when he became drunk on the wine he made from his vineyard (Genesis 9:20-21).   It was while he was drunk and uncovered in his tent that his son committed a shameful act with him, leading to the curse of Canaan.

Lot also made a practice of righteousness (2 Peter 2:8), but he sinned when his daughters got him drunk (Genesis 19:32-38).   It was while he was drunk that Lot impregnated his own daughters, giving rise to Ammon and Moab.

Violence

Drinking is a surefire way to get in a fight or an abusive relationship.  Don’t be fooled into thinking you control it:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

 and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.  (Proverbs 20:1)

Under the law of Moses, the owner of a volatile ox who fails to restrain it is responsible for the damage the ox does–up to and including life for life (Exodus 21:28-29).   Drinking is an ox with an established tendency to gore.

Fights, abuse, and loss of life are all too often the products of drinking.  God holds the drinker responsible for what happens.

Indiscretion

Intoxication mars judgment.  If judgment is poor enough to start drinking, and drinking blurs judgment, what will make the drinking stop once it has started?

Levitical priests were forbidden from drink so that they could distinguish good from bad and teach the people to do the same (Leviticus 10:8-11).   Their restriction is only a shadow of the modern priesthood of Christians, who must now offer acceptable sacrifices of pure lives to God (Romans 12:1-2).

What’s more, God calls for elders and deacons to have sound mind and judgment, including a distaste for drinking (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7, 2:3).   He sets their faith as our example to follow (Hebrews 13:7).

The Bible Calls for Abstinence

Some Christians argue for drinking short of drunkenness. Wisdom from the Holy Spirit would turn you away from drinking altogether.

Do not look at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup

and goes down smoothly.  (Proverbs 23:31)

Christians must refuse any intoxicant in any amount.

Peter in 1 Peter 4:3 condemns several activities that involve drink: “drunkenness, orgies, and drinking parties.”  Please note the differences between the terms:

1. Drunkenness is the state of being intoxicated.
2. Orgies (“revellings” in King James) in the context of an ancient culture referred to the kind of wild party we would today see in a fraternity house, complete with beer bongs and togas.
3. Drinking parties (“banquetings” in King James) are nothing more than social drinking.  The Greek term underlying this English word is literally rendered “cups.”

Peter’s teaching is a categorical condemnation of drinking in all forms–outright drunkenness, wild partying, and even social drinking.

Timothy agrees with Peter, as can be discerned from 1 Timothy 5:23, where Paul has to advise Timothy it is clean to use a little wine as a medicine.   Clearly, Timothy had no plans otherwise to imbibe the stuff.

The Greek term for “free of wine” (in other words, our term “teetotaler”) is used in three New Testament verses: 1 Timothy 3:2 and 11 and Titus 2:2. The term is sometimes translated “temperate” in these passages, but be sure it has the stronger meaning of “abstinent.”

Thus, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament agrees with the wisdom of the Old Testament Proverbs 23:31 above.

Let Christians Call for Abstinence!

Christian friend, won’t you consent to wholesome words of sound doctrine?

The Bible does not condemn Christians engaging in business enterprises. In fact, examples abound which show disciples of the Lord practicing different forms of business. Matthew was a tax collector, Lydia a seller of purple, some of the apostles fishermen, and Jesus Himself certainly knew the carpentry business. The “worthy woman” of Proverbs 31 made and sold fine linen garments to the merchants. In addition to these examples of industry by faithful people, we may add the scriptures that censure those who would not “provide for his own” (1 Timothy 5:8) or who refuse to “labor with his hands” (Ephesians 4:28).

Let me repeat, there is nothing wrong with a Christian engaging in business enterprises. But a faithful Christian will also have a “busy-ness” for the Lord. Being “busy” for the Master will require a true perspective of the values of life. It will not allow earthly pursuits (however honorable and necessary) to interfere with being busy for the Lord.

There are times when Christians lose this sense of perspective and walk perilously close to blasphemy when they accuse the Lord of demanding too much of one when conflicts arise between “business” and “busy-ness.” A man may seek so much overtime work that he cannot attend gospel meetings … a woman may want the finer things of life so eagerly that she gets a job and neglects being a “keeper at home” … a teenager may want a car so badly that he will get a job on weekends, missing the assemblies of the saints. Get the picture? Yet when sermons are preached on “putting the kingdom first,” members are heard to say, “Why, preacher, don’t you know I have to make a living for my family?”

Now, whoever said that you didn’t? The Lord knew this fact and addressed Himself to it in scriptures mentioned above (1 Timothy 5:8, Ephesians 4:28, etc.). Sure, you have to make a living, but God also wants you to live (eternally) and to do that you will have to learn to conduct your business while being busy for the Lord. And there is no conflict here. You can provide for your family, having all the necessities of life and more, and still serve Jesus Christ. But you can’t serve Jesus Christ and put the world first. As someone has said, “Jesus won’t play second fiddle in your life.”

We all need to learn how to be busy for the Lord while conducting business. I know teenagers who read their Bibles every day while they also go to school, do homework, etc. I know of housewives who take the time to visit a weak member while getting housework done. I know of men who own a business who also keep tracts for the public to read. I know many Christians who work a full day’s work who also drive to neighboring towns to attend a gospel meeting and who wouldn’t think of missing a single night at home when the local church plans such a meeting.

To be sure, let us work at whatever business appeals to us to support our families, but let us also be busy for the Lord.

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.

The writer of this passage in Hebrews 13:10-14 is addressing an audience of Hebrew Christians, under great pressure to forsake Jesus and renounce his discipline. He begged them not to cast away their confidence and draw back from faith to perdition, though their goods were plundered, their companions abused and themselves made a spectacle by reproach and tribulation (10:32-39).

The writer calls upon Hebrew history as examples of enduring faith in chapter eleven, hoping to inspire similar perseverance in these troubled saints. Finally, he cites the Lord Jesus himself, who "endured the cross, despising the shame" (12:2). "For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" (12:3-4).

Jews who became Christians were often cut off from their families and denied access to important parts of their lives. They were faced daily with a painful ultimatum: recant your discipleship or lose everything else. Witness the abuse of the apostles and disciples in Jerusalem throughout the Acts of the Apostles. The persecution included wrongful imprisonment, unjust threats to cease evangelism, and even murder. The stoning of Stephen led to a great dispersion of saints as the fear of retribution upon this "sect of Jewish heretics" terrified, but did not destroy the faith of the saints.

In Hebrews 13, the writer again appeals to Hebrew custom to illustrate the reliability of Christ and the way of truth. Hebrew law required the burning of sacrificed animals outside the camp in the days before the temple and city were built, and this law continued once the foundation of Zion was laid (Leviticus 4:12, 21; 16:27). Having previously established the role of Christ as our sacrifice for sins (10:1-10), the writer now brings the metaphor around to the location of Christ’s crucifixion. John’s gospel account reveals that "the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city" (19:20) and therefore not actually within Jerusalem. Had our Lord been killed by mob fervor as was threatened on many occasions, this might not have been true. By prophecy, however, Christ was a victim of the Roman-Jewish justice system and was executed according to that law, "outside the camp."

As the great Hebrew letter closes and the writer grasps at every last ounce of opportunity to inspire the saints, he compels them to imagine the son of God being led out of Jerusalem and nailed to a cross while his apostles cowered behind, refusing to own up to their Master, for fear of the Jewish leaders.

The writer tells them that they face the same test. Let us not shrink away and deny our Lord, but instead emerge from the safety of the shadows and go forth to him. Refuse the devil’s fire where Peter warmed his hands and join Jesus around the tree of shame (Galatians 3:13). Does the approval of your families and the Jewish rulers mean more than the grace of God you recognize resides in the Messiah of Nazareth? Does comfort and acceptance in Jerusalem outweigh the hope of heaven?

Our writer compels them to make choices similar to those that all of us will have to make as well. How much is Jesus worth to you? What would you sacrifice for the hope of eternal life?

It is simple to sit back in this modern day and scoff at the weakness and cowardice of the apostles and disciples who were pitifully absent when Jesus was tried and executed. "I would have been right beside him all the way." Oh, really?

We are given plenty of opportunities to prove such an assertion, though against far less perilous odds. Our text challenges the saint to live every moment of his life as if he is actually being led to the cross with our Jesus. Christ was killed as a troubler of the peace; he was subjected to ridicule, scorn and false accusations. Our Lord was held up to the spectators for their abuse. For one to be identified as his follower meant the possibility of falling to a similar fate. Still, the Hebrew writer challenges his audience to be willing to bear that shame and reproach anyway. Who among us will face the heat and refuse to retreat into the shadows when faith and truth are mocked today?

Jesus warned potential converts to count the cost of discipleship and not enter into his company without the end in mind. "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25).

The Hebrew writer was reminding his readers that the path to heaven requires us all to be willing to give up our lives.

Outside the Camp of Family Peace

Ever since the days when Christ trod Palestine, becoming a Christian has divided families. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:34-37).

Broken families were not the objective of the Redeemer; rather they were a distressing but tolerable result when the gospel was preached and only accepted by a few. It is not the believer who rejects his family because of his faith; it is the infidel who disowns a relative that confesses Jesus.

One sees this problem today. When a person is convicted by the purity of the gospel and decides to leave a Catholic or denominational system for the truth, he or she may face anger and resentment from relatives not so convicted. What to do? One must weigh the approval of the Heavenly Father against that of an earthly. One must compare the prospect of comfort and peace on earth with the hope of heaven? Which means the most?

Outside the Camp of Science and Ecumenism

Figuratively speaking, true Bible faith is under great fire these days. Even the so-called religious people of the world find genuine Christianity objectionable and narrow-minded. The saint of God is persecuted by atheists and infidels who mock the perceived naiveté of faith and kneel at the throne of junk science and hypotheses. Likewise, the saint is backed into a corner by sectarians pleading for unity-in-doctrinal-diversity (the tolerance of error and sin) and castigating any who contend for the truth as mean-spirited enemies of progress.

Jesus faced these pressures, too. The Sadducees thought the idea of resurrection was unscientific and rebuked Jesus and his followers for it (Matthew 22:23). The Pharisees and scribes hated our Lord because he contended so earnestly for the truth and didn’t go along to get along (Matthew 15:12). Are you willing to go outside the camp of ecumenism and deified science to stand with Jesus? Are you willing to be called naive, stupid and even unchristian to keep the faith and hope of a life beyond this mortal frame (1 Peter 4:12-19)?

Conclusion

"Here we have no continuing city." There is safety and popular acceptance in the camp of sin, but courage and faith require us to go out to Jesus and stand by his side no matter what. Are you ready for that?

But my point is not that we have so much wickedness around us. Rather, I would like to emphasize the need for good people in the face of such wickedness. This need is so often overlooked and good people are so often discounted that we fail to appreciate their value. They are often taken for granted or simply tolerated as uninteresting. Perhaps those of us who are Christians do not appreciate the value of being good.

Jesus stated the value of goodness when He said, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:13,14). We have enough of those Jesus called "good for nothing." The world needs the preserving and illuminating power of good people. Without them and without their influence, the world is miserable indeed. Let me illustrate.

We need Good Mothers

I firmly believe the decline of the morals in our nation (as in our churches) can be directly connected to the decline of good mothers. The power of a good woman in the home, training and influencing the souls of young children, is inestimable. It cannot be weighed on a scale or calculated for a paycheck, but it is a treasure beyond telling. We have seen two whole generations now that have been reared without mothers and we are reaping the harvest. How badly we need good mothers in our homes.

We Need Good Fathers

If our mothers have left the homes to go into the market place, even so have our fathers abdicated their place of authority and responsibility in the homes. So many men are so intent on living the "good life" that they have forgotten how to be good men. Recreation has become a god in America. Men cannot be fathers because they have to be coaches, spectators, fishermen, hunters, sportsmen (participants or spectators). While it is true that good fathers can use all of these things in bringing up their children, it is usually the case that old Dad is more interested in having his own fun in these things instead of using them to train his children. We have been TV-trained to enjoy life ("since we only go round one time, let us do it with gusto") and many are going to enjoy life to the neglect of family or God or anyone else. Our families need a firm hand on the helm again and this should come from good fathers, men who are concerned with the welfare and love of wife and children and who are grown up enough to quit playing at being an overgrown boy and learn to be a man.

We Need Good Husbands and Wives

A lot of our couples are "playing house" instead of building a family. And all too many times, they are "playing house" with somebody else’s mate! Adultery and illicit sex are altars in the religion of recreation. "If it feels good, do it." We need men and women who are dedicated to the godly principles of fidelity, honesty and faithfulness. We have enough (even in the church) of unfaithful, dishonest vow-breakers. These people care nothing for the sanctity of marriage nor the welfare of their family but, like animals, take their pleasure without restraint or shame. Friends, we have more than enough of "sleeping around," "wife swapping," "alternate life styles," "communal living," and such like. What we need is some good, old common decency and love in the home. We need some good men and women, desperately.

We Need Good Children

Once again, we have enough rebellious, delinquent, drinking, drug-using, ignorant punks in the world. You can find them in any school or in any neighborhood. They have a grudge against the world, venom in their minds and violence in their hands. Boys and girls alike who look only for immediate pleasure and sexual gratification. They are attempting to justify the sorry manner of life so typical of today’s youth by blaming their preceding generation for its mistakes. No one in their right mind would justify the mistakes of any generation, but only a mindless drone would repeat the same mistakes and do a little worse for vengeance’ sake. We don’t need any more of this sort of thing. Instead, we need good boys and girls who will take the mistakes of the adults and do better… who will love instead of hate… build instead of destroy… heal instead of wound… look up instead of down.

Conclusion

The list could go on and on. But I hope the point is made adequately. We need people who will make the world a better place in which to live. People who will make the church better. People who will make the family and nation better. We see by the fruit of good and evil which is the best course to follow. But there are so many wicked people around us that it is easier to give in and join them than rise to a nobler plane. Which will it be for you? "Be not overcome with evil but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

This issue constitutes an extensive word study of the list of “fruit of the Spirit” that is found in Galatians 5. I want to express my appreciation to all of the men who have contributed to the study. You will find the writing to be uniformly excellent.

To introduce this issue, we make note of the following:

1. The list is not exhaustive, but it is representative of the virtuous character God expects Christians to develop. There are many other “lists” that are found in scripture. The reader is referred to passages such as Ephesians 4:1-6, Colossians 3:12-15, 2 Peter 1:5-11 and 1 Timothy 6:11-12 which contain similar listings of Christian attributes.
2. The reader may want to note the greater context in which the lists are given. Paul is discussing the conflict between the flesh and spirit of man. This conflict is real, and Christians must heed the warnings of Paul, lest they be overcome. Note the following verses:(vs.13), “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”(vs. 16-17), “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”(vs. 24-25), “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

May we all as children of God heed Paul’s warning to “walk in the Spirit”, and make no provision for the flesh in our lives.

It is my prayer that you will be edified by the material in this month’s Watchman. We look forward to supplying you with good study material in the months to come!

Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (NASB)

James 1:26-27, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

I think it valid to consider these passages together. The words “religious” and “religion” used in the James’ passage have to do with the external acts we perform in regard to our service to God. There is no profit in the practice of showing piety in our congregational worship, while neglecting our duties and responsibilities of service and purity of thought and action, specifically, James said, in the area of self control of our tongues. Combining that idea with the teaching of Paul in the Roman letter, our “worship” to God is our service to Him in the presentation of ourselves as renewed and transformed by the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

It is commonly said by preachers and teachers that we must have authority for everything we do in religion. If we consider that statement in light of the definition of religion as it is used in James 1, such is a totally correct affirmation. Many are denying the validity of that premise these days as they view the New Testament as something other than an authoritative guide for life, but those people are simply wrong.

We need, however, to get beyond a condemnation of the “New Hermeneutics” folks and see just how this statement of the need for authority should really be applied.

As there are many rooms in a house and different things we do in the various rooms of the house, there are many things we do in our lives. We have our business life, our social life, our family life, our civil life, our religious life, etc. Are they all equal? Does each one of these have a room in our house? Is our religious life put away in a closet and taken out to use maybe on Sunday or Wednesday? Just as Bibles are prominently displayed on many bookshelves though not read with any frequency, our religious closet may be prominent in our house. The question we seek to answer is, “Does it deserve a room of its own?”

My assertion is this. Our “religion” is not wrapped up in the congregational acts of worship. Our religion is not just what we do when we come together. Our religion is not what we allow or preclude from our churches. Our religion is our life. It governs what we do in business, what we do in our family, and what we do in our neighborhood, just as much as it regulates what we do with our brethren in the church. The statement should not be, “We must have authority for all we do in religion.” but, rather, “We must have authority from God for all that we do.” Period. If our lives are totally centered on the authority of Christ, we will not try to pigeon-hole religion in a closet somewhere to be lost or forgotten.

What this will do for the church is to fill it with a new zeal for reaching the lost in every aspect of our lives. Personal evangelism has been “closetized” as a “church work” program, so that we do not do the things we ought to do in teaching our neighbor, living exemplary before our business associates, seeking out righteous relationships socially, especially in the realm of seeking a mate. If our religion were our life, it would guide every decision we make in respect for the sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will also fill the church with people not seeking to justify some proposed action, but seeking the will of the Lord from a view of doing just what He has said to do, how He said to do it, and doing it all the time.

The religion of Jesus Christ is not a religion of groups. It is a religion of people. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). You will stand before the Lord and answer for your life. Your responsibility to a group exists only due to the fact that God has added you to the kingdom of His dear Son. He has ordained local, geographic (community) based congregations. As we work and worship within these groups, we are directed, and limited by those directions, to the work with which we are to busy ourselves. We must keep His law in these matters. But, brethren and friends, that does not define the totality of Christianity.

As we decorate the rooms of our lives, may we be diligent not to have a religion room that we visit every so often. May our religion be anything but vain. Watch our tongues. See to our work. Be busy in spreading the gospel. Get your religion on the table and work with it every day.