Bible Thoughts

November 4, 2001

In order for mankind to know the Lord and His will, it is necessary to teach the multitudes. Jesus taught while he was upon the earth; the apostles taught the word of God; and--the saints of today are to instruct others the gospel of Christ. There are many different methods used to spread the truth. We utilize print, radio, Internet, personal contact, Bible classes, as well as other methods to relay the truth of God's word to the world. The instructions of the Lord, in the great commission, was for those who follow him to "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation"(Mark 16:15). The use of many different means to spread the truth must be utilized in order to reach those who are lost.

Setting an example to others is a form of teaching. When disciples live in a manner that pleases God, meeting their responsibilities as a Christian, a positive affect will be the result. As those with whom one comes in contact observes the life of a follower of Christ, they can be influenced through that righteous example. Never underestimate the power one has in the kind of life that is lived. Many have been influenced through the righteous example of a godly person. Teach others through your own life.

Among effective approaches in teaching the word, one of the most effective can be personal evangelism. A Bible example: A man was returning in his chariot to his home. As he read from one of the prophets, a Christian ran to his chariot and asked if he understood what he read. The response from the Ethiopian Eunuch was, "How can I, except some one shall guide me?"(Acts 8:31). Philip seized the opportunity to instruct on a one-to-one basis; a very effective means in leading one to the Lord and His word.

Where does one start in personal evangelism? This answer is obvious: the family. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children(Ephesians 6:4). Within the family exists a great opportunity, through one's conduct and example, to live a life that will lead others to the Lord. There are brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., who need to follow the Lord and His way. When the occasion arises, speak words of truth to those in the family. Live a righteous life before them and encourage them to study and obey the words of Christ.

All Christians have friends who are not disciples of Christ. The power of one's example and the opportunity of a moment can become the means by which the truth is impressed upon one who is close to you. It is more likely that a friend will listen to you than a stranger. We should all want our friends to go to heaven. I may be the only person with enough influence to guide them toward that goal.

There are many more opportunities to teach the gospel to those who are lost. They often arise among co-workers, people new to the community, religious people, casual acquaintances, and yes, all who still have life in them. Personal contact with others, as they see a righteous example under all circumstances, can(and will) serve as a means of leading others toward the gospel that will save one's soul. When the opportunity arises: seize the moment to lead one to the Lord!

We can never be effective in leading others to the truth until we are convinced they are lost. Every Christian understands that those who have not obeyed the gospel and are walking in sin will be lost in eternity. When we are fully convinced of this truth, we will want to do what we can to see that men know about God, Jesus Christ, and salvation. Once, each one who is now a Christian was alienated from God and without hope. Someone took the time to teach each of us the truth of God's word. Whether from the pulpit, from our family, through a paper, by an example, or words from a follower of Christ, we learned the truth. What we have, others need: salvation from sin. Share our joy with others!

When Christ spoke these words, he had just been confronted by the Pharisees because his disciples had broken the Sabbath law by plucking grain to eat. By referring to this account of David in 1 Samuel 21:3-6 Christ shows justification for his actions. Just as Christ said, David was permitted to eat of the bread reserved for the priests because he was starving, even though the law of Moses expressly stated that it was for the priests only. Many understand this to mean that, because he was starving, it was permissible for David to violate the law of God. The conclusion therefore is that human need has supreme precedence when it comes to matters of dispensing God’s law.

This conclusion is only partially correct. First of all, it must be understood that God’s law is absolute. To say that “human need” determines how we follow God’s law places God’s word in a subservient position to human judgment. The ultimate result of this kind of thought is this: if we determine the cause “needful” enough, we can violate as many of God’s laws as necessary. This line of reasoning makes obeying God’s law a matter of convenience. But following God’s will is not a matter of convenience. It is a matter of necessity. We must always obey God in everything we do, in mind, heart, and action. While human need does play a part in how we follow God’s law, it only gives us insight into how we should follow that law.

So what is the explanation then? Why was it permissible for David to partake of the shewbread? First of all, consider this: not all of God’s laws are equal. When Christ was asked “What is the greatest commandment of the law?”, he answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets"(Matthew 22: 37-40). Love and compassion for God and our fellow man is the foundation of all of God’s law. Paul said, “And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing"(1 Corinthians 13:2 NAS). To practice God’s law without love, or mercy, renders it meaningless.

David was allowed to eat of the shewbread in accordance with God’s law of mercy. Notice also that it was the priest who allowed David to eat. As it says in Leviticus 8:31, the shewbread was the responsibility of the priests. Since it was the priest’s responsibility, it was appropriate for him give the shewbread to David in order that he may show mercy in accordance with God’s law. If David had taken the bread without permission because he was starving it would have been wrong.

God’s people must recognize that it is love for God and love for our neighbor that motivates us in everything we do. Every act of obedience and service we give to God must be powered by those two thoughts. If we mistakenly believe that we will be justified by the keeping of laws or rules we are no better then the same Pharisees who tried to condemn Christ because he violated the Sabbath.-Scott Huston