Bible Thoughts

June 9, 2002

The church at Corinth had divisions among them(v. 18). Some in the church at Corinth created factions among the brethren(v. 19). The church at Corinth had difficulties in regard to the proper eating of the Lord's Supper(v. 20-29). For these reasons, Paul wrote the verse quoted in the heading. Some were weak, some were spiritually sick, and others were spiritually asleep.

How did Paul deal with this problem? He taught them the truth and expected them to apply the truth to their situations. Only the Word of God could cure their difficulties. When they are willing to take the scriptures, respect and follow the teachings therein, they would be able to deal with whatever problems arose among them. Only through a healthy respect for what the New Testament teaches can any congregation solve its problems. That respect leads to avoiding anything that is without authority from the Word of God while following the pattern revealed to the early church.

The apostle was instructing Corinth in regard to the proper procedure in the Lord's Supper. It is difficult to realize there were those, even in the early church, that did not understand this memorial feast. Instead of the Lord's Supper, they were feasting rather than following the commands of Christ in regard to remembering his death, burial and resurrection.

Only a healthy respect for the scriptures will save any congregation(or individual) from departing from the faith. The inventions and ideas of men are not the standards for any church that desires to please the Lord. Men are full of ideas; only the apostles and inspired men have scriptural answers. Whatever any congregation proposes to do, it is imperative that an examination of the scriptures take place before any action is taken.

Many churches have drifted away because they were caught up in the wave of some great(?) plan that was promoted by certain ambitious brethren. Such presentations are very attractive when they are made by a skillful teacher or preacher to a sympathetic audience. However, one's ideas and proposals must have scripture to back up the activities before any church becomes involved.

The acceptance of innovations becomes a source for weakening the faith of those who are involved. Over the past few years, those who accepted the Herald of Truth, support of human institutions from the church treasury, and large combines that involved a massive structure of churches, have sown the seeds of apostasy. Those seeds have matured into the acceptance of practices that the early promoters of those innovations would have rejected and been appalled at the idea.

Even congregations that have fought the battle against church support of human institutions must be alert to any teaching or practice that lacks New Testament approval. The Lord told those of his day, "Search the scriptures"(John 5:39) because they told of the Christ. The source for our faith and practices continues to be the scriptures.

The lesson: When one weakens his faith by the acceptance of unscriptural practices, unscriptural marriage positions, and unscriptural teachings, the fall into complete apostasy is not far away. The weakened soul is often the ground through which those who would destroy and deny the faith teach their pernicious doctrines. Only a healthy respect for the scriptures can keep any congregation from departing from the order set forth in the New Testament. Paul told these brethren: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong"(I Corinthians 16:13). The Lord's way is the right way. Stick with it!

Many of us would have liked to meet and talk with this man of whom Paul had such great respect. His life was of such nature that the apostle could ask mercy to be upon him. What is it about Onesiphorus that impressed Paul?

Onesiphorus was a refreshing disciple of Christ. It helped Paul to be around such a person and it certainly helps Christians of today to experience the contact made with such a dedicated Christian. You probably know of a disciple that is cheery, positive, and always assisting others. May their tribe increase. They share refreshing words; they relate refreshing experiences; they speak of others who refresh them. Each Christian has the opportunity to refresh other disciples. This writer knows of no congregation but that you can find saints who refresh them with words and deeds. Be refreshing and get refreshed.

Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the apostle Paul being in chains. He knew why he was there. Paul has preached the truth, confronted and exposed sin, and lived a righteous life before God. There was nothing embarrassing about knowing and loving the apostle. Paul was suffering for the cause of Christ and in chains because he stood for the principles of righteousness. He did not hesitate to speak of God's love and God's mercy. It was his aim to preach to the Jew and to the Gentile(that included everybody). As opportunity arose, the apostle spoke the gospel, and--for that--there was no reason for Onesiphorus to be ashamed of the great man of God.

Onesiphorus desired to be close to Paul and diligently sought to be with him. Good people like to be around other good people. It was a joy for Onesiphorus to find the apostle and be able to associate with one who had suffered so much for the cause of Christ.

Paul recognized that Onesiphorus was active in the Lord's church. He had ministered at Ephesus in many ways. Even Timothy knew of his work among those saints.

The example of Onesiphorus, one who is commended by an apostle of Christ, should inspire each of us to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Do we not sing a song, "I will labor every day in the vineyard of the Lord"?