WHAT ABOUT BIBLE STUDY

How to Study the Bible:
The Importance of Proper Methods of Studying Scripture

A study of methods, principles, and guidelines for proper Bible study. Includes discussion of the authority and inspiration of Scripture, the importance of knowledge and understanding, the differences between the Old and New Testaments, the importance of following Divine authority in religion instead of human authority or man-made laws, and how to use Bible helps such as translations, concordance, and cross-references.

Introduction:

After baptism, people should be taught to observe all things Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Learning God’s will is just as essential after baptism as before. Conversion should be the beginning of a lifelong effort of study. However, in order to benefit from Bible study, we must know how to study the Bible properly.

The purpose of this lesson is to present basic Bible principles and methods of proper study. We will consider proper attitudes in study, Bible inspiration, a comparison of the old and new laws, and the danger of following human laws and authority instead of Scripture. Finally, we will give some suggestions about proper use of such helps as translations, concordance, and cross-references.

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Part I: Proper Attitudes in Study

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Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). Right methods of study must begin with right attitudes.

A. Appreciate the Importance of Study

People must be motivated before they will study a subject. Christians have all the reasons they could possibly need to study the Bible. Consider a few. As you do, note the emphasis on regular, frequent study.

#1: Study so you can obey God and grow in His service.

Joshua 1:8 – Success in pleasing God requires obedience. To obey, we must meditate on God’s word day and night. Frequent, regular study is required.

1 Peter 2:2 – Can a baby grow without nourishment? No, and neither can Christians grow without Bible study. Do we long for the word like a baby longs for milk if we neglect to attend assemblies or to study at home?

(See also 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 10:17; Matt. 4:4; John 6:44,45; 2 Peter 1:12-15.)

#2: Study so you can avoid error and false teaching.

Hosea 4:6 – God’s people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Many Christians and congregations have been led astray by error and false teaching. To avoid this we must put teachers to the test (1 John 4:1,6). How do we do this unless we know God’s word (Gal. 1:8,9)?

Acts 17:11 – The Bereans distinguished truth from error because they studied the word. To imitate their example, we must study “daily.”

(See also Matt. 22:29; 15:14; Prov. 2:1-20; Rom. 10:1-3.)

#3: Study so you can teach others.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Parents should teach their children diligently through the day. This requires us to first have God’s word in our own hearts. How can we teach what we do not know?

Hebrews 5:12 – The time comes when we ought to be teachers, but these had not studied so they needed others to teach them! There is no excuse for Christians who do not study. Teachers know they need to study. If you are not a teacher, you must study to prepare yourself to become a teacher!

(See also 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14.)

#4: Study to express love for God and His word.

Psalm 1:2; 119:47,48,97-99 – One who delights in God’s word will meditate on it day and night. The time we spend thinking about God’s word indicates how much we love Him. Those who truly love Him will not complain about “having to go” to worship services or prepare for Bible classes. (See Psalm 19:7-11.)

John 14:15 – If we love God, we keep His commands (cf. 1 John 5:3). But obedience requires knowledge. So one who loves God must study His word.

Suppose a young lady is separated from her boyfriend. He writes every day, so she prominently displays his letters on the coffee table. But they sit there for days before she opens and reads them. Does she really love him? No, we want to hear from those we love. The Bible is your only way to hear from God. How much do you love Him?

If we studied all subjects as negligently as some people study the Bible, we would surely be ignorant people. On the other hand, if we would study the Bible as diligently as some people study about sports, hobbies, etc., we would all be excellent Bible students. How much more important is it to understand the Bible than to understand secular subjects?

B. Study with an Open Mind & a Love for Truth.

We must strive to learn truth and obey it regardless of the consequences. Seek it even if it disagrees with what we have believed in the past and requires us to change.

Acts 17:11 – The Bereans were also noble because they received the word with readiness of mind – minds open to truth.

Matthew 5:6 – Hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Matthew 13:14,15 – Some misunderstand truth because they close their hearts, eyes, and ears. They enjoy practices or have prejudices contrary to what God teaches. They have motives for rejecting Bible teaching, so they satisfy their own minds that it is not true.

If we do not have a burning desire for truth, God will not force us to accept the truth. He will let us be lost (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; John 3:19-21).

(See also 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Thess. 5:21,22; Prov. 18:13; 23:23; 15:10; Luke 8:15; 1 Sam. 3:9,10.)

C. Respect the Bible as Being Verbally & Infallibly Inspired.

If a person doubts that the Bible is God’s infallible word, he is much more likely to disagree or reject it.

The Bible is from God.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 – All scripture is inspired by God to teach us and provide us to all good works.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – It is the word of God not of men (cf. Gal. 1:11,12).

1 Corinthians 14:37 – Paul wrote the commands of the Lord. To reject any command is to reject the will of God.

(See also Eph. 3:3-5; Luke 10:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21.)

The Bible is verbally inspired.

Some people believe that God just gave the inspired men ideas, then let them explain them as they saw fit. This belief leaves room for error in the way the men expressed the ideas. “Verbal” inspiration means that every word written by the inspired writers was exactly the word God wanted.

1 Corinthians 2:10-13 – The Spirit guided men so they received, not just the ideas from God, but also the words from God.

Deuteronomy 18:18,19 – God put His words in the prophet’s mouth, so the prophet spoke (or wrote) the very words chosen by God Himself.

God gave the inspired men the very words they used to express the inspired ideas.

(See 1 Cor. 2:3-5; Matt. 10:19,20; 2 Sam. 23:1,2; Ex. 24:3,4,7; Isa. 51:l6; Jer. 1:5-9.)

The Bible is infallible

The message of the inspired writers cannot possibly be wrong because God does not make mistakes.

Psalm 119:128 – God’s word is always true and right.

Titus 1:2 – God cannot lie or be wrong.

Matthew 22:32; Galatians 3:16 – The Scriptures are so accurate that we can rely even on the tense of the verbs and the plurality or singularity of words.

We should approach the Bible with faith that every word is exactly right and true, otherwise we may reject its teaching.

(Cf. John 17:17; Psalm 33:4; 19:8; 147:4,5; Rom. 3:4; Job 37:16; Num. 23:19; Heb. 6:18; Deut. 18:20-22).

D. Believe that the Bible Can Be Understood.

Some believe that the Bible can be understood only by specially-trained preachers or priests, but not by the average person. As a result, they approach the Bible convinced they will never understand it, they put forth only a half-hearted effort, and of course they do not understand.

Mark 12:37; Acts 17:11 – Inspired teachings were addressed to the common people, not to some special elite group. (See also Gal. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 5:27; 2 Peter 1:1; Rev. 1:4.)

Mark 7:14 – Jesus required everyone among the great crowds of people to understand His teaching.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 – The Scriptures are profitable to teach and provide to all good works. What profit would they be if we could not understand?

People were expected to understand the written word (Eph. 5:17). Instead of just accepting whatever preachers say, people should use the scriptures to check out the teachers (Acts 11:17).

(See also 1 Cor. 14:33; Eph. 3:3-5; Isa. 55:11; 35:8; John 20:30,31; 8:32; Prov. 2:1-12; Psalm 19:7ff; 119:105; Col. 1:9-11; 2 Peter 3:15,16.)

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Part II: Principles of Bible Authority

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Luke 8:18 warns us to take heed how we hear. Likewise, we must take heed how we study the Bible. To know how to study, we must understand the principles God uses to teach us. [2 Tim. 2:15]

A. God’s Commands for Us Today Are Revealed in the New Testament

Old Testament laws are not binding authority today.

The fact that a practice was acceptable under the Old Testament does not prove it is acceptable today.

Hebrews 10:9,10 – Because the first covenant (will) did not provide complete forgiveness of sins (v3,4), Jesus took it away and established the second.

Colossians 2:14,16 – Jesus’ death blotted out the old law, so we are not bound by such regulations as unclean meats, feast days, and the sabbath.

Galatians 3:24,25 – The law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Now we are no longer under the schoolmaster.

To illustrate, formerly our forefathers were under the laws of Great Britain then under the Articles of Confederation. Now that the Constitution has come, those previous legal systems are no longer binding. So today, anyone who seeks to bind the Law of Moses has fallen from grace (Gal. 5:1-4).

Many Old Testament practices are nowhere authorized in the New Testament, including animal sacrifices, Levitical priesthood, tithing, seventh-day Sabbath, circumcision, instrumental music, feast days, etc. However, many commands today are similar to those in the Old Testament because they are repeated in the New Testament.

(See also Rom. 7:1-7; Eph. 2:11-18; Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-20; 7:11-25; Jer. 31:31-34.)

However, even though the Old Testament is not binding as law, still much good can come from studying it.

Old Testament Scriptures were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6,11). We can learn how to use the Old Testament by considering Bible examples of how first-century Christians used it.

History – The Old Testament records the Creation (Gen. 1 & 2), and God’s dealings with man until the coming of Jesus. Many New Testament passages assume we believe these historical records (Acts 7; Heb. 11; etc.).

Evidence – The Old Testament provides abundant evidence for the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and the Deity of Jesus. This includes: (1) The accuracy of the Bible in history, geography, and science; (2) Fulfilled prophecy (see John 5:39; Acts 3:24); (3) The unity of the Bible – harmony between Old Testament and New Testament.

Unchanging Principles – Although God’s laws have changed, many facts about the Universe, the nature of man, and the nature of God do not change (Heb. 13:8). For example, the Old Testament shows that men are tempted, often sin, and need forgiveness (Rom. 3:9-23; 1 Cor. 10:1-12).

Appreciation and Understanding of the New Testament – Old Testament prophecies help us understand the New Testament (cf. Isa. 53; Acts 15:14-18). Further, when New Testament commands are the same as the Old, the Old helps us understand the New (cf. Heb. 11). And when the two systems differ, the disadvantages of the Old help us appreciate the New (Heb. 10:3,4; Rom. 3:20).

While we should not use the Old Testament to justify our practices today, neither should we neglect to study it. We can never fully appreciate and understand God’s dealings with us unless we study the Old Testament.

B. In the Bible, God Uses Three Basic Methods to Reveal His Will.

We often use various methods to communicate or teach others. Likewise God uses these general methods:

1. Commands and direct statements

1 Corinthians 14:37 – Paul wrote commands of the Lord. Many other passages also mention the importance of commands (John 14:15,21-24; 15:14; 1 John 5:3; 2:3,4; Matt. 28:18-20).

The Bible uses commands in teaching us about such subjects as baptism (Acts 10:48), love (Matt. 22:37-40), the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:23-25), etc. [Eph. 6:2; 1 Cor. 16:1,2]

2. Examples and illustrations

Instead of directly commanding us to do something, God sometimes tells us indirectly by giving an instance in which Christians acted by His guidance. We are expected to imitate or follow these examples.

1 Peter 2:21,22 – Jesus left an example we should follow. (Phil. 2:5; Matt. 10:24,25; 16:24; 1 John 2:6)

Philippians 3:17; 4:9 – Imitate Paul’s example as a pattern. Do the things seen in him as well as things heard from him. (1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Tim. 1:16; 1 Cor. 4:16; 2 Thess. 3:7,9; 2 Tim. 3:10; Heb. 6:12)

Acts 15:5-11 – Peter taught others to imitate his example in teaching Gentiles.

Specifically, we can learn much about salvation from examples of conversion in the book of Acts. Still other Bible examples teach us about faith (Heb. 11:1-12:4; James 5:10,11), the action of baptism (Acts 8:35-39), the day for the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7), and plurality of elders (Acts 14:23). (Cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-12; Heb. 4:11; 2 Peter 2:6; Luke 10:30-37.)

3. Logical necessary conclusions (“necessary inferences” or “Scriptural reasoning”)

Some truths are not directly or expressly stated yet they necessarily follow as a logical consequence of what is stated. For example, if I tell you my birthday, you can determine my age.

Acts 17:1-3 – Paul’s custom was to reason from the Scriptures to convince Jews that Jesus was Christ, yet the prophecies he used did not directly state the conclusion. [Acts 2:22-36; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 28:23; Isa. 1:18; 1 Peter 3:15]

Matthew 19:3-9 – Jesus used God’s statement about marriage between two people to reach an unstated conclusion that divorce (not for fornication) displeases God and remarriage afterwards is adultery.

Hebrews 7:11-18 – The Old Testament allowed priests only of the tribe of Levi, but it predicted a priest of the tribe of Judah. The necessary conclusion was that the law would change. (For other examples see Acts 11:1-18; 15:6-21; Gal. 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:12-19; Matt. 22:23-32; 21:28-46; 22:41-46.)

Further, all Biblical parables requiring reasoning to understand the implied lesson (Matt. 16:5-12; 25:14-30; Mark 4:33,34; etc.)

Lessons we learn by necessary Scriptural reasoning are: babies should not be baptized because they cannot hear, believe, repent, and confess (John 6:44,45; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; etc.); the church has no earthly headquarters (Eph. 1:22,23 with Heb. 8:1); the command to assemble authorizes a place to assemble (Heb. 10:25), etc.

Mature Christians must use wisdom to apply the principles of God’s word to specific situations (Heb. 5:14). As in a math problem, we “add up” the information given to reach a conclusion.

C. God’s Word Completely Reveals His Will for Us.

Some people think the Bible speaks religious truth but not all religious truth. They think activities that please God, but are not found in the gospel, can be determined by other authorities (church councils, human creeds, preachers, tradition, modern revelations, etc.).

John 16:13 – The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth. If anyone claims to have a doctrine from God, but it is not found in the Scriptures, it is not true!

2 Peter 1:3 – Through the knowledge of Jesus, God’s power grants us all things pertaining to a godly life. God’s word may not tell how to excel in sports, business, or politics, but it tells everything we need to know about how to please God.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 – The Scriptures instruct and provide us completely to every good work. They may not answer every speculative question men may have (Deut. 29:29), but they tell us all we need to do to please God.

The gospel reveals the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20,27). No man can reveal new truths from God or new ways to please God that are not found in the Scriptures.

D. Only Divine Authority, not Human Authority, Is Acceptable in Religion.

When a practice in not included in what God has authorized, should we participate in it or not? Remember, the Scriptures provide us to every good work. What about works it does not provide? Consider the Bible teaching:

The Bible teaching about wisdom

Isaiah 55:8,9 – God’s thoughts and ways are so different from ours – so completely higher than ours – that we cannot possibly know what He wants without revelation. [Luke 16:15]

Jeremiah 10:23 – The way of man is not in himself. Man is not wise enough to direct his paths without Divine guidance.

Proverbs 14:12 – Ways that seem right to us, result in death. This is why we must not follow human wisdom in religion.

1 Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:5 – Human wisdom leads men to reject God’s will. We must follow God’s wisdom, but it is completely revealed in the Scriptures.

Do not add to nor take from God’s word (Rev. 22:18,19). To practice things not found in the word is to follow human wisdom. This displeases God. [Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Prov. 30:6]

The Bible teaching about worship

John 4:23,24 – Worship God in spirit and truth. God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and provides us with all truth (John 16:13). Hence, we must not worship in any way not revealed in God’s word.

Matthew 15:9,13 – Worship is vain (worthless) when based on human doctrines. But every practice not from God must be from man. If God did not originate it, man did. Since the Bible includes everything God revealed, practices not revealed in the Bible must be human in origin and therefore vain.

Worship is intended to please and glorify God. We respect Him by doing what He says. To do what men say is to respect human wisdom, not God’s wisdom. Note the example in Lev. 10:1-3.

The Bible teaching about love

Matthew 22:37 – The greatest command is to love God completely. Love leads us to obey God’s commands (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). But all His commands are in the Bible. Hence, love teaches us to do only what we find in the Bible. To follow human doctrines shows love, not for God, but for men.

People often defend their practices by saying “I think it’s beautiful,” or “We’re satisfied with it.” But this is irrelevant when we are serving God. Does a man show love for his wife by getting her a power tool for her birthday because he wants it? We serve God by offering what HE likes, and that is completely revealed in the Bible.

The Bible teaching about faith

We cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6). But we must walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). Faith is a way of walking or living that must be demonstrated in action. [Gal. 2:20; 5:6; James 2:14-26; Heb. 11]

Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing God’s word. The only way to know God’s will is by what He has revealed. To practice things not revealed is to fail to walk by faith.

Proverbs 3:5,6 – If we trust in the Lord, we let Him direct our paths. We do not lean on our own understanding. Human wisdom is not adequate to determine God’s will.

If a man has complete faith in his doctor and not in himself, would he reject the doctor’s prescription and follow his own? No, that shows faith in self instead of the doctor.

The teachings that we follow are a demonstration of whom we trust. To practice things not found in the Bible is to trust human wisdom instead of God’s.

The Bible teaching about authority

2 John 9 – Whoever does not abide in Jesus’ teaching does not have God. To have God, we must abide in the teaching. To practice things not found in Jesus’ teaching would separate us from Him.

Galatians 1:8,9 – Any man is accursed if he preaches a gospel that differs from what inspired men taught in the first century.

God never intended for His word to itemize everything we should not practice. Instead He tells us what He DOES want. Then He forbids our practicing things He has not authorized. Instead of asking “Where does God forbid this act?” we ought to ask, “Where does God tell us to do this act?” If an act is not included in what He said to do, we should leave it alone.

[Col. 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Cor. 10:18; Rom. 10:1-3; Col. 2:8]

E. God May Teach in General or Specific Terms.

Our practices must fit the definition or fall within the meaning of the instructions God has given. However, people sometimes misunderstand Scripture because they fail to distinguish specific language from general language.

A statement of the principle

Specific authority: God has told us not to practice things that do not fit the meaning of His instructions. So when He wants us to do a thing in a particular way, He instructs us by choosing words that are specific or narrow (limited, restricted, exclusive) in their meaning. If we then do things differently, outside the limits of the meaning of the terms He uses, we displease Him.

General authority: When God wants to leave men free to choose from several alternative ways of doing a thing, He instructs us with words that are more general or broad (inclusive, comprehensive, all-encompassing) in their meaning. We still must do only what fits the instruction, but we are free to choose any of the various alternatives that fit. Any such choice would be acceptable because we would still be doing what God said.

Applications of the Principle

Noah and the ark – Gen. 6:14

God told Noah to make an ark of gopher wood. Metal, pine, walnut, etc., do not fit the definition of gopher wood. They constitute different kinds of materials. God did not expressly say not to use them, but He excluded them by saying “gopher wood” and remaining silent about metal, pine, etc.

Had God wanted to leave Noah free to use any kind of material, He could simply have said to make an ark, and specified no material at all. Then Noah could have chosen any kind of material and He would still have been obeying God. But when God specified the material, the use of any other material would have been disobedience.

On the other hand, there are many things a person can do that would fit the definition of “making” an ark. He might use a hammer and saw, or pegs and glue. None of these things are specifically mentioned, but they would have been acceptable because, while using them, Noah would still be doing what God said to do.

Going to preach the gospel – Mark 16:15

God said to go preach the gospel to every creature. If we preach man-made doctrines, we are not preaching the gospel. Therefore, to preach them is unacceptable.

On the other hand, there are many ways a person might “go” into all the world. He might walk, ride a donkey, car, chariot, plane, etc. These things may not be specifically mentioned, but any or all of them would be acceptable because they fit the definition of “going”.

In the same way, there are many things a person could do that would constitute preaching the gospel. He might speak to a group of people, write them a letter, divide them up into classes, speak over radio or TV or write on a blackboard or overhead projector. All such would fit the meaning of what God said to do.

Likewise, many other things are wrong in religion, though nowhere specifically forbidden, because they do not fit what God specifically said to do. Other things are acceptable, though nowhere specifically mentioned, because they do fit general instructions in God’s word. Study the chart below for other examples.

 

WHAT ABOUT THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

• Is His care over his works.
  Psalms 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
• IS EXERCISED IN
• Preserving His creatures.
  Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
  Psalms 36:6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
  Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
• Providing for His creatures.
  Psalms 104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
  Psalms 136:25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
  Psalms 147:9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
  Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
• The special preservation of saints.
  Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
  Psalms 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
  Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
• Prospering saints.
  Genesis 24:48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto his son.
  Genesis 24:56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.
• Protecting saints.
  Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
  Psalms 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
• Delivering saints.
  Psalms 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
  Isaiah 31:5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
• Leading saints.
  Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
  Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
• Bringing His words to pass.
  Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
  Joshua 21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
  Luke 21:32-33 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
• Ordering the ways of men.
  Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
  Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
  Proverbs 20:24 Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
• Ordaining the conditions and circumstances of men.
  1 Samuel 2:7-8 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
• Determining the period of human life.
  Psalms 31:15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
  Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
  Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
• Defeating wicked designs.
  Exodus 15:9-19 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. …
  2 Samuel 17:14-15 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
• Overruling wicked designs for good.
  Genesis 45:5-7 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
  Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
• Preserving the course of nature.
  Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  Job 26:10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
  Psalms 104:5-9 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. …
• Directing all events.
  Joshua 7:14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.
  1 Samuel 6:7-10 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them: And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us. And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:
  1 Samuel 6:12 And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.
• Ruling the elements.
  Job 37:9-13 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. …
  Isaiah 50:2 Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
  John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
  John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
• Ordering the minutest matters.
  Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
• Is righteous.
  Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
  Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
• Is ever watchful.
  Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
  Isaiah 27:3 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
• Is all pervading.
  Psalms 139:1-5 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. …
• Sometimes dark and mysterious.
  Psalms 36:6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
  Psalms 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
  Psalms 77:19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
  Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
• ALL THINGS ARE ORDERED BY,
• For His glory.
  Isaiah 63:14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.
• For good to saints.
  Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
• The wicked made to promote the designs of.
  Isaiah 10:5-12 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings? Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? …
  Acts 3:17-18 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
• TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED
• In prosperity.
  Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
  1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
• In adversity.
  Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
  Psalms 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
• In public calamities.
  Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
• In our daily support.
  Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
• In all things.
  Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
• Cannot be defeated.
  1 Kings 22:30 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
  1 Kings 22:34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
• Man’s efforts are vain without.
  Psalms 127:1-2 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
• SAINTS SHOULD
• Trust in.
  Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
  Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
  Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
• Have full confidence in.
  Psalms 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
  Psalms 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
• Commit their works unto.
  Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
• Encourage themselves in.
  1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
• Pray in dependence upon.
  Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
• Pray to be guided by.
  Genesis 24:12-14 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  Genesis 28:20-21 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
• Result of depending upon.
  Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
• Connected with the use of means.
  1 Kings 21:19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.
  1 Kings 22:37-38 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.
• Danger of denying.
  Isaiah 10:13-17 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; …
  Ezekiel 28:2-10 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; …
  Daniel 4:29-31 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
  Hosea 2:8-9 For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness

 

WHAT ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF SUFFERING

Origins of Suffering

Some say, “God works only through the word today.” I do not think that is a right answer. Now, it is true that God reveals His will for our lives only through the word. For example, we know God’s will concerning the question “What must I do to be saved?” only by searching out the Scriptural answer He has provided for us. But God also works in other ways. He works providentially, and we can accept that truth without destroying the truth about how we are saved by obeying God’s word (2 Peter 1:3,4).

God will use providence to provide us with correction and encouragement to do right in addition to His word. Nothing He provides will contradict His revealed word (i.e. He will not provide us with salvation contrary to how His revealed word says we are saved).

If we accept the idea that God works only in and through the Word, it will destroy the plain teachings of the Word itself about chastening. Anytime we accept a concept that forces us to ignore plain teachings in the Bible, something is seriously wrong. (i.e. Paul’s difficulty with pride; God allowed Satan to “buffet” Paul to help keep Paul’s pride from getting out of hand (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Here, it is plain that God was working His purpose and even using Satan to accomplish it for Paul’s benefit.

Something else just here on the other side of the issue; not all suffering or unpleasant event is the chastening of God for sin. One of the main teachings of the book of Job is that not all pain is punishment for sin. We need to be like the Bereans. Listen, and search. Let God’s Word be the standard, not “I think, I believe, I feel, I’ve heard, Others teach, We’ve always taught…” etc. Paul suffered. We all do. Why? For different reasons. Sometimes for several reasons at once, and not always as a direct result of personal sin, but sometimes suffering is a consequence of sin. And it is not always the chastening of God, but sometimes it is.

The Curse on Sin – Genesis 3:16-19
Human suffering began because of sin. (Genesis 3:16-19). Corruption set in, and things that promoted the original harmonious and pleasant existence was changed. There was an increase of the pain of childbirth and hard labor became necessary to eke out an existence. We now experience birth defects and sickness; our bodies wear out and finally death. We must labor to survive. (Romans 8:20-22).

The result of being in this fallen universe is that we suffer with it. There is no escape. Christianity does change the world from darkness back to light, but rather transforms us into lights in a dark world; the salt of the earth to help slow the corruption process. We are in the same dying world as others. However, we are on a mission to show others how to escape this corruption. Jesus did not ask the Father to take us out of the world, but to protect us from the evil one. (John 17:15)

We May Suffer From Our Own Foolishness
Many times people are in need because of no fault of our own, but at other times it’s through our own willful idleness (Proverbs 19:15). It is much better to let such a one learn not to be idle than to feed him and allow him to continue to be, but not everyone evidently agrees with that.

How many times have we heard the excuse made for a young person in trouble, “Oh, he got to running with the wrong crowd; he’s a good boy” Well, there may be some truth to that; “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20). But still, the harm is suffered through making a foolish decision about who to “hang out with.” Even in the worst inner cities, there have been stand outs who refused to join a gang and worked and studied hard and became successful. They deserve credit. They did not simply choose the “easy” way, which, when all is said and done, is really the most difficult way of all.

We May Suffer Because of an Accident
What happens when the fastest runner in a race steps in a hole and twists an ankle? Someone else wins (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Sometimes, suffering results from bad timing, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This verse says so! Bad luck.

We Can Suffer Because We Love Others
We experience empathy when we care so much for others that we suffer when they are suffering. Brethren are to have this characteristic toward one another. We can suffer because of our love for them. (Jeremiah 9:1 – suffering of a nation; cf. 9:1; 14:17; 22:10).

Jesus had compassion. Note His suffering at Jerusalem’s destiny with destruction (Matthew 23:37-38) See also Paul (2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18).
.
We Can Suffer Because of the Sin of Others
One of the most vivid and awful examples of this was first prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled when wicked King Herod ordered the execution of innocent babies in a bid to kill Jesus (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18). Today, we think of terrorism around the world and of the thousands of innocent people suffering such cruelty.

We May Suffer in Order to Provide a Testimony
God sometimes uses the suffering, but continued faithfulness of His people to send a message to the world. When Christians suffer but refuse to yield their faith, they are giving firsthand authentication of a fact; that their faith in God is real and does not depend on outside favorable circumstances. It is our good attitude during bad times that impresses others, and we must be ready to give the glory to God (1 Peter 3:14-15).

Our Suffering May be a Test of Our Faith
Really, all suffering does test our faith, but some may be allowed specifically for that purpose (1 Peter 1:5-7). Job’s suffering was a test. Job passed; Satan flunked. We may suffer from persecution as a direct result of our faith. (1 Peter 4:16). Jesus said it would sometimes be this way (John 15:17-21). We must refuse to be intimidated and continue to let our lights shine (Matthew 5:10-12).

We May Suffer So We Might Grow Spiritually
Triumph over adversity makes one stronger. The proof of faith to oneself, the gift you are able to make to Christ, the growth in one’s own dedication; all make for a spiritually stronger disciple (Romans 5:3,4; James 1:2-4).

Furthermore, we become more closely identified with Christ who suffered for us (Romans 8:28,29). God is much more concerned about your character than your comfort, though He is concerned about both. Sometimes, suffering reminds us of important matters that we may tend to lose sight of in times of ease (Hebrews 12:10,11).

But that is not the end of the story. The end will come when we are delivered from this realm. In heaven, there will be no more tears.

 

WHAT ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN

What The Bible Says About Being A Christian

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:28).

These are the dreadful words of a powerful king who had just heard a lowly prisoner confront him with words of truth and soberness which pricked a heart that had become callous by wanton living. Paul the prisoner, with great boldness, answered the king, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains (Acts 26:29).

Paul s compelling motive in life was to persuade men to become Christians. The purpose of gospel preaching today is the same as in the day when Paul stood before King Agrippa. Gospel preaching is to produce obedience to the faith (Rom.16:26), to persuade men to become Christians. The only way one is persuaded to become a Christian is by hearing words of truth and soberness.

What is involved in being a Christian ? There are a number of important principles which one may consider in discussing this subject. However, due to limited space, I wish to address two of these principles–the blessings and responsibilities of being a Christian. An understanding of these two principles will help to persuade one to become a Christian and to faithfully endure the trials of life so as to receive the crown promised to those who love the Lord (James 1:12).

THE BLESSINGS OF BEING A CHRISTIAN

The blessings available to the Christian are of infinite worth. Paul declares he was chosen to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). These blessings are available only to those who have been obedient to the gospel of Christ–to those who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Following are some of the blessings enjoyed by the Christian:

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE IS REDEEMED BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.

Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18,19 N.K.J.V.).

How valuable is the soul of man? This question can be answered only by looking to God s word. The most dramatic means of depicting the value of the soul is  through the figure of redemption. Man was created to glorify his Creator. Here is where the problem arises. When man yields to sin he becomes a slave to sin (Romans 6:16). He is under the dominion of the devil. If man is to ever regain the right relationship with God, something had to be done to effectively deal with the problem of sin. The blood of Christ is the price God paid to make redemption possible. Through the vicarious death of Christ, God can deal justly with sin and at the same time justify the one who accepts his provisions for justification (Romans 3:25,26). One receives the benefits of Christ s blood (redemption), when he is
buried with Christ through baptism. At this point one becomes dead to sin, freed from the dominion of sin (see Romans 6:4-7). Being freed from the dominion of sin, one can then be used as an instrument of righteousness in service to God (Romans 6:12,13).

The blessing which the Christian enjoys as a result of redemption is that of forgiveness of his sins. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins… (Ephesians 1:7 N.K.J.V). Sin is pictured as a debt of such magnitude that man has no hope of ever being able to repay. This point is illustrated in a parable taught by Jesus beginning in Matthew 18:24. The Lord tells of a king who had a servant who owed his master a great sum of money which he could not pay. The master had compassion on the servant, released him, and forgave him the debt (Matthew 18:24-27). Man can never repay the debt incurred by his sin. If one were able to live a perfect life after committing only one sin it would not make up for his transgression.

The guilt of sin upon the conscience keeps man from approaching a holy God. THE SINNER DESPERATELY NEEDS FORGIVENESS. A provision of the new covenant which God made with his people contains the promise, their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Hebrews 8:12). The forgiven sinner can be assured of standing before God as if he had never transgressed God’s law. The conscience is cleansed of all the guilt of sin. As one walks in the light of God’s truth he has the assurance that the blood of Christ continues to cleanse him of all sin (1 John 1:7). With great confidence we can say with Paul, Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered (Romans 4:7 N.K.J.V).

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE CAN ENJOY PEACE WITH GOD.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). So much of the turmoil in the lives of men today is the result of an awareness that they are not living in harmony with the will of God. The world desperately searches for peace, but peace eludes them. The Christian can say, It is well with my soul because he has been reconciled to God through Christ. He not only enjoys peace because all is well with him spiritually, but he can overcome the anxieties of this life because of the assurance that the Father is aware of the needs of his children and has promised to provide for all his needs. After Paul’s instructions to the Philippian Christians concerning overcoming anxieties through prayer to God, he then says, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). The Christian can be assured of the promise of the Lord that he will never leave nor forsake his child (Hebrews 13:5). What a great blessing to know that when all
around the soul gives way, one can enjoy the peace given by the Lord to his faithful disciples (John 14:27).

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO COME TO THE THRONE OF GOD S GRACE.

One can have confidence that he will be able to find grace to help whatever may be his need (Hebrews 4:16). The Son of God serves as the great High Priest for the children of God. He can sympathize with the weaknesses of man because He has experienced temptations in the flesh. He stands ready to always intercede in
behalf of those who approach God through him (see Hebrews 4:15; 7:24,25). Every thing which is of anxiety to the Christian is that which can be taken to God in prayer with the assurance that He will provide for man s needs. Truly, one of the greatest blessings enjoyed by the Christian is that of casting his cares on the Lord, knowing he cares for his people (I Peter 5:7).

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE HAS THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE.

Through the mercy of God the Christian has been begotten to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 2:3). In speaking of the hope of the resurrection, the apostle Paul declares, For we are saved in this hope (Romans 8:24). It is the hope of eternal life that gives the Christian the motivation to patiently withstand the difficult trials of life (Romans 5:4,5).

The Hebrew Christians were able to see the temporary nature of earthly possessions and to take joyfully the spoiling of the same because they knew they had an enduring substance in heaven (Hebrews 10:34). Paul says the hope of being with Christ forever is that which can give comfort to the heart of the Christian in time of great sorrow (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Should not these blessings provided by God for his people cause one who is not a Christian to desire to enter into Christ where all spiritual blessings are found?

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A CHRISTIAN

Every relationship where blessings are enjoyed will also require corresponding responsibilities. There are responsibilities which are inherent to the blessings enjoyed by the Christian. It is imperative that one know these responsibilities if he is to experience the favor of God.

Following are some of the responsibilities to be met by the Christian:

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE MUST FULLY COMMIT HIS LIFE TO FOLLOWING THE LORD.

Jesus set forth the decisive terms of discipleship when he said, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24). The decision to follow the Lord must be made without reservation. The disciple cannot bargain with the Lord to follow him when it is convenient. The apostle Paul captures this view of discipleship when he said, 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… (Galatians 2:20).

Resolute commitment to follow Christ is essential if one is to be worthy of the kingdom of God. Jesus illustrated this truth by saying, No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

Failure to commit oneself fully to the Lord s cause results in one missing the enjoyment of the blessings provided for the Christian.

When one is unwilling to pay the price of discipleship he knows he has no hope of receiving the promised blessings. The commandments of the Lord become a hardship for man without whole-hearted commitment.

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE’S CONDUCT OF LIFE MUST BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN THE WORLD.

The apostle Paul graphically contrasts two life-styles in his letter to the Ephesian Christians (see Ephesians 4:17-ff). The Gentiles are described as those. …being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness (4:19). One who has been taught the truth that is in Jesus has the responsibility of putting on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness (4:21,24). In the closing verses of fourth chapter and the first verses of the fifth chapter of Ephesian, the contrast is drawn with regard to specific practices in the life of the Christian and the unbeliever. The Christian is warned against being deceived into thinking evil deeds will not incur the wrath of God (Ephesians 5:5,6).

There is the concept in the religious world that God loves man regardless of the sin he may commit. Although God loves all men, He still says that no one who practices unrighteousness will enter the kingdom. The Christian must realize the responsibility to follow after peace and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE MUST PATTERN HIS LIFE AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE LORD.

Someone has said the difference in the teaching of Christ and other religious teachers is Christ lived what he taught his followers to do. The New Testament writers frequently appeal to the life of Christ as the example for the Christian imitate.

Consider some areas where we are instructed to follow his example:

We are to walk in love as He loved us (Ephesians 5:2).
We are to be humble as He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).
We are to be forgiving as He was willing to forgive (Luke 23:34).
We are to be obedient as He always pleased the Father by doing His will (John 8:29).

Surely, we can say that being a Christian means that one is being transformed into the likeness of God s Son (Romans 8:29).

BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS ONE MUST PRODUCE FRUIT THAT GLORIFIES GOD. I

n the parable of the vine and branches (John 15:1-8), Jesus taught the purpose of the disciple s relation to Him was that God might be glorified by the fruit produced in the life of the disciple.

The fruit one produces as he abides in the vine may be the development of the qualities of life referred to by the apostle Paul as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The fruit that glorifies God will be the influence one has on others as he serves as the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16).

The fruit which pleases the Father will be the teaching which results in souls become obedient to God s will.

Being a Christian involves the enjoyment of the most precious blessings experienced by man. At the same time, being a Christian involves the greatest responsibilities which can be imposed on him.

Do you enjoy the blessings promised to God s chosen people? Have you been persuaded by words of truth and soberness to become a child of God? If not, make your commitment now to serve God with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul.