Bible Thoughts

November 30, 2003

It is much easier for one to overlook the fault of a friend than the fault of an enemy(or someone not particularly liked). It is much easier to understand the position of one who is close to us than to see why those who are distant could believe such a thing. We have a tendency to be more understanding of one who is considered a close friend than a casual acquaintance.

The above mentioned reactions find their way into religious practice and feelings. We will sometimes go so far as to tolerate error in our friends that we would condemn, with much enthusiasm, in our enemies. However, error is error and truth is truth--wherever it may be found. Even when such has found its way into the life or teaching of a dear one to us does not remove its character.

We must be careful lest we permit our nearness to someone to blind us to reality. Paul did not permit the apostleship of Peter to interfere with his pointing out the unacceptable conduct of his brother(Galatians 2). Did he not show his concern for Peter by rebuking him and helping him recover from his wrongs? The true friend will point a man toward the truth(Galatians 4:16). In fact: How could one be really concerned for another as he sees the person tottering on the brink of spiritual disaster and refuses to offer assistance?

We must not permit our responsibility to truth to be blinded by the friendship of others. One brother advised years ago, "Do not put too much confidence in men." Most of us have lived long enough to realize the truthfulness of his words.

Friends are wonderful. They should be earnestly cultivated. Do not forget, however, that the Christians owes his first responsibility to God and to truth.

The apostle identifies the one to whom we should pray. Note that God as the Creator and Sustainer of life is the appropriate one to whom we address prayers. One is not to address Mary in prayer or any other mortal. Only deity, the Father and the Son, are those to whom Christians pray. Paul would also say that we "thank God through Jesus Christ for you all"(Romans 1:8). He further taught that we give "thanks to God and the Father through him"(Colossians 3:17). One does not pray to dead "saints" for help and guidance: one prays to the God who created and sustains us. Follow the word of God and pray only to deity. Remember also: the privilege of prayer belongs to the obedient.

When one prays unto God, it must be a prayer of faith. We must believe that God will grant our requests, if such be according to His will. That is the standard: "according to his will." Many approach God and ask for favors who have not, and often will not, submit to His will. John has made it very plain that one must have a willingness to follow what the Lord commands in order for a prayer to be heard(answered). The same apostle makes such plain by stating, "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments..."(I John 3:22). Is this not plain enough? The obedient have the right of prayer because they are keeping "his commandments."

Do you want the Lord to hear and answer your prayers? Then you must first be obedient to God. Peter makes this plain: "His ears are open unto their prayers." One cannot continue in rebellion to God's commands and be one who is acceptable to the Lord. There is not one passage in the New Testament that directs the alien sinner(one who has never obeyed the gospel) to pray, in spite of the teachings of many denominations. Peter says the Lord's ears are open to the obedient. Hence, first obey the gospel and then begin to pray to Jehovah. That is God's order, not man's order. Do not let someone mix it up. The privilege of talking with the Lord belongs to His children. One gains that privilege by becoming a Christian.

"We know that God heareth not sinners" is a statement made to Jesus Christ in John 9:31. We know that what the man spoke is the truth because prayer is a privilege of one who is a child of God. No alien sinner was ever instructed to "pray through" as taught by some sectarians. Alien sinners were taught the gospel, God's power to save(Romans 1:16). After obedience, they were instructed to pray. Even in the Old Testament, it was said, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination" (Proverb 28:9). And, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is his delight"(Proverb 15:8). There are many passages in both the Old Testament and the New Testament that teach one must first be obedient to God and then one has the privilege of prayer. Do you have that privilege?

The condition for acceptable prayer is outlined by the apostle. One much keep the commands and do what is pleasing to God to be heard by Jehovah. A person becomes a child of God by obedience to the gospel(Romans 1:16). The child has a right to make requests to the father. When a person becomes a Christian, the privilege(and responsibility) of prayer is available. The alien sinner(one not obedient to the Lord) does not have such favor until submission to the gospel commands. In the gospel of Christ, no one was instructed to pray before that person obeyed the truth and became a disciple. The same is true today since we live under that New Covenant.

Other man's sins are before our eyes, our own are behind our back.-Seneca

A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's.-Whately