A Minute With The Bible Aired during April, 2001 The apostle Paul admonished Christians in I Thessalonians 5:22 to "abstain from every form of evil." The people to whom he is writing had lived in the past without righteousness. They sought the many offerings of this world and committed various sins. It was proper that Paul call to their attention they were to continue to abstain from such sins. What Paul told them is appropriate for our day. Iniquity abounds in the lives of those in our society...and--it seems to be getting worse each day. The only way to deal with evil is to abstain from evil. To please the God who made each of us, we must take his word, apply it to our lives, and follow His will. It is only through heeding the instructions of the New Testament that we can live godly and holy lives. When we ignore the moral principles established by His will, we place our souls in danger. Abstinence from evil is still a proper way of life.
As Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy, he pointed out, "Some men's sins are evident, going before them unto judgment; and some men also they follow after"(I Timothy 5:24). One cannot hide from God; one cannot hide his or her transgressions from God. It is sometimes easy to fool men; it is not possible to fool God. An immoral life becomes evident to those who know the person who is living in sin. As it is possible to recognize a righteous person, it is also possible to identify one who is immoral. The ways of the world may be attractive and Satan may persuade the sinner that he is fine and that nobody knows of his transgressions, but he is only fooling himself. The path of sin is hard on the individual and takes a toll not only spiritually, but, many times--physically. And--if one does escape serious physical consequences, there is no way to escape the spiritual consequences.
When Paul warned Timothy of the danger of sin, he pointed out in I Timothy 5:25, "In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid." Those with whom you come in contact are aware of your behavior and attitude. If you follow good works, live righteously, and set a good example, it will be evident to others. On the other hand, if your speech and conduct display unrighteous behavior, it will be evident to others. There is no way for the righteous person to hide his light under a bushel; there is no way for one living a life of sin to hide his transgressions under a bushel. In both cases, the Lord knows and those who are close to the individual will know. The only safe course for any person is to live a life of godliness and dedication to the service of God. That person will have no cause to hide his conduct from his friends and neighbors.
Paul wrote in Titus 1:15, "To the pure all things are pure; but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." Have you ever wondered why some people behave as they do? Can they not see the damage they are doing to themselves and to their family and friends? Why do they ignore the concern and the warnings of those who care for them? Paul told us the answer. They need a change in their conscience. Instead of being defiled, they need to be receptive of truth and concern, softening their hearts as they heed the instructions for living a pleasant and bountiful life. Yet, a life filled with illicit drugs and alcohol, if continued, will lead one deeper into the ways of Satan and destroy the body as well as the soul. If you are involved in such, resolve now--before it is too late--to renounce those sins and determine to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.
Paul wrote in Titus 1:15, "To the pure all things are pure; but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." Have you ever wondered why some people behave as they do? Can they not see the damage they are doing to themselves and to their family and friends? Why do they ignore the concern and the warnings of those who care for them? Paul told us the answer. They need a change in their conscience. Instead of being defiled, they need to be receptive of truth and concern, softening their hearts as they heed the instructions for living a pleasant and bountiful life. Yet, a life filled with illicit drugs and alcohol, if continued, will lead one deeper into the ways of Satan and destroy the body as well as the soul. If you are involved in such, resolve now--before it is too late--to renounce those sins and determine to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.
Jesus, in Matthew 5:16, stated, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Men do many things to attract attention to themselves. Such may range from the bizarre to the mildest of actions, but the aim is to be noticed. Jesus is pointing out that the correct manner by which one is observed is through the type of life a person lives. When others see the good works that come from being a Christian, they will be influenced to follow a path of righteousness. Also, one can certainly determine whether a person is following the Lord's way by his attitude, behavior, and yes, his "good works." When your family and friends observe you, when they are near you, and when they see your works, what kind of life and attitude do you reflect? Is your life an asset or a liability to those who know you? In fact, does your life glorify the God that created you?
In I Peter 2:11, the apostle Peter wrote, "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." The apostle knew what it meant to give way to the flesh. He had cursed and lied about Jesus Christ. The bitterness of those actions would follow him throughout his life, yet he knew that he had been forgiven. It is fitting that one of his caliber should encourage others to recognize that Christians are aliens and strangers when it comes to the ways of the world. Peter knew the harm that would result from following the flesh. Such would result in the destruction of the soul. His words should be remembered when we are tempted to follow the ways of the flesh. God gives each of us the strength, when we are obeying Him, to ward off the temptations of Satan. Let us have the strength to "just say no" when we are faced with the devices of Satan.
A warning from the past is found in Ephesians 5:18, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Our society needs to take heed to the warning of the apostle Paul. Drunkenness has never been approved by the Lord. It will cost a person his health, his family, his job, and--yes, most of all, his soul. Many are affected by the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Marriages are broken; lives are lost; and misery and heartache follow the path of the drunkard. Abstinence is the way of the faithful child of God. When one does not indulge in drinking alcohol, he has a clear mind to think and reason. With the introduction of alcohol, the senses are affected and tragedy can, and many times, will result. When it comes to alcoholic beverages, "just say no." It will make you a better person; it will make you a better mate; and it will lead you in a path you will never regret.
A warning from the apostle Paul is given in I Corinthians 6:18, "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body." Many of the translations use "fornication" in this passage. It was a problem when Paul wrote; it is a problem today. The Bible approves sex in the marriage of male and female. The Bible condemns sex between those who are not married to each other as well as between those of the same gender. When it comes to righteousness, the Word of God is the standard. While the world, the media, the psychologists, and a host of others may approve such immorality, the Lord condemns it. For those who desire to follow the righteous standard set forth in the New Testament, they abstain from sexual activity except within the marital state. Even though something is legal, it is not necessarily right. The standard for Christians is the Bible. What is your standard?
The apostle John wrote in Revelation 21:8, "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Hell is not a popular subject in most religious pulpits. There are those who profess to believe in the Bible but refuse to accept the existence of Hell. The inspired men of the Bible, such as John, taught there is a Hell and identified the type of sins that would cause one to be there in eternity. If one believes in Heaven, it is necessary to believe in Hell because the same book tells about both. The only sure and safe way is simply to study the scriptures, obey what is taught therein, and resolve to always follow the Lord's will. That is the infallibly safe way and will keep souls from being lost in Hell. My friend, don't you want to go to Heaven?
David, in Psalm 119:1, said, "How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the way of the Lord." The man of God understood what it took to make one acceptable to the Lord. He must be blameless, that is, nothing is to be in his life that will prevent him from pleasing the God who made him. Those who are blameless are the ones "who walk in the way of the Lord." While David is addressing those who lived under the Law of Moses, the principle remains true in the gospel of Christ. The Lord had stated very plainly that those who are faithful to him by walking in His way are those who are pleasing him. The apostle John so stated, "...if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin"(I John 2:7). In each age of mankind, the Lord has accepted those who walk in his way. Where are you walking?
David wrote in Psalm 119:2, "How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart." We hear a lot about "heart felt religion." However, many misunderstand the heart mentioned in the Bible. It is not the physical blood pump. In fact, it is foolish to thump oneself on the chest and say, "I know it in my heart." The Psalmist is speaking of the mind (the reasoning part of man) when he mentions the heart. As you will note, he stated those who are blessed (happy) "observe his testimonies." Observation is an act of the mind of man, not the physical blood pump. It is certainly true that one must follow the Lord in his heart(mind) in order for him to be acceptable. The apostle Paul stated it, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness..."(Romans 10:10). One believes with the mind; one obeys with the mind; and one is saved by following the mind of Christ. Is your mind focused on things above?
Describing those who please God, David wrote in Psalm 119:3, "They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways." Sin is a reproach to God. David, who had sinned, realized the attitude of God in regard to transgressions. Unrighteousness is the opposite of what God desires of men. His will is for those who would please Him is to "walk in His ways." In order to walk in the Lord's ways, however, one must first learn those ways. David was acquainted with what the Lord expected and repented when he failed to follow God's ways. In our time, the way is Christ's way as revealed in the New Testament. Righteousness is the result of walking in the paths set forth in the words of Christ and the apostles. Dedication to the gospel will keep one on the path of righteousness while avoiding those things that would be unrighteous. Which path do you follow?
In Psalm 119:5-6, David stated, "Oh that my ways may be established to keep your statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all your commandments." The keeping of the statutes(laws) of God was a prime purpose in David's life. In spite of his mistakes, he wanted to walk in the ways that God had commanded. When he followed the words of the Lord, David was not ashamed. He recognized the power and might of God as well as God's care for him. This kept him from being ashamed. Shame does come to those who refuse to listen to what God has to say. And--in fact--anyone who turns his heart from God should be ashamed. Under such circumstances do not be ashamed to say, "I was wrong." Correct the wrong. And do not hesitate to seek forgiveness when a sin is committed. David changed; so can each of us. In David's attitude and actions, he ceased to be ashamed because he turned to the Lord's commandments.
David said, in Psalm 119:9, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." The desires of youth are strong. It is difficult to keep oneself pure while the surrounding world is impure. Peer pressure is strong; the flesh is weak; the desires are ever present. How, then, can one who is young survive the temptations of the flesh and remain pure and holy? David understood that it could be done. He stated, "By keeping [his life] according to Your word." Timothy, a companion of the apostle Paul, was told, "Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure." In both cases, purity is obtained through respecting and obeying the moral principles set forth by God. Timothy was to avoid being involved with others who would defile him. At the present, young people must avoid illicit drugs, sexual misconduct, and all other sins to be pure and holy even though peer pressure seems overwhelming.
David said, in Psalm 119:10, "With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from your commandments." The source of David's faith was the heart, that is, the mind of man. He was able to listen, to obey, and to be faithful because his heart(mind) was dedicated to God's service. When he did wrong, his heart was turned back to righteousness because he sought the Lord and His ways. In the verse mentioned, David's aim is not to wander from what the Lord has revealed. Oh that we might find that in the hearts of all men at the present. What a different world this would be. A world without wars, a world without anger and strife, a world in which each would be willing to treat others as they would want to be treated. The only way this will ever happen is for each of us to have the attitude of David and resolve not to wander from the Lord's commandments. Such a determination starts with you and with me.
In Psalm 119:11, it is stated, "Your word I have treasured in my heart; That I might not sin against you." The source of resisting Satan is the Word of God. David understood that and did not hesitate to express such. When one keeps the word of God in his/her heart, it crowds out those thoughts and ideas that lead one away from God. It is the way to avoid sin. When the mind is filled with what God says, there will be no room for unrighteousness. The apostle Paul said it well, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Righteous thoughts push out unrighteous thoughts. When the heart is pure; the thoughts are pure. When the thoughts are pure, they lead to actions that are pure and right in God's sight.
The Bible plainly says, "...which after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"(I Peter 3:21). The Bible is very clear on the essentiality of one being immersed for the remission of sins(Acts 2:38). The apostle Peter, in the passage quoted, made it plain that baptism does affect one's salvation. When one has heard the gospel, believed in Jesus Christ, repented of one's sins, and confessed Christ with the mouth, the next action is baptism in order to become a Christian. One is to be faithful unto death(Revelation 2:10) after becoming a disciple of Christ. This is God's plan; not men's idea. Have you done what God commanded in His book? If not, why not?
David observed, in Psalm 119:33, "Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end." All who would please God must be willing to listen to what God says. David had a burning interest in the teaching of the Lord. He desired to learn all that he could about the Lord and His will. This desire would lead him to be willing to follow the commands of the Almighty. In every age, the desire to learn the Word of God and practice what is learned is characteristic of those who would please the God of Heaven. Men seek to learn from many disciplines; a few seek to learn from the Bible. Many like to follow their own practices drawn from human ideas; few so dedicate themselves to be true to the Lord's teachings until the end of life. Paul told Timothy to give diligence to reading, exhortation, and teaching. Such dedication should be in every person including you and me.
David, the king of Israel, said, "Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through your righteousness" (Psalm 119:40). Before one can be acceptable to God, there must be a desire to please the Lord. In the absence of such a desire, one will not be willing to search the scriptures to find what God desires of each person. David longed to know the Lord's precepts. He wanted to be revived through the Lord's righteousness. All of us need to not only long for the Lord's word, but seek to be revived through the righteousness of God. This type of revival is the result of a great respect for the Bible and the teachings therein. Such dedication will cause one to search the scriptures to find God's will on every belief and practice. What a revival would take place if all religious and non-religious people were willing to take the Bible, and only the Bible, as their rule of faith and practice. Are you willing to do so?
The apostle Peter stated, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"(I Peter 1:3). The only hope a Christian has is based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Take away the resurrection and there is nothing left. Those who claim to love the Lord while claiming that he was only a man, nothing more and nothing less, are wrong. Without the resurrection, there is no hope, there is no afterlife, and there is nothing but oblivion in the future. All of the faith that a disciple of Christ possesses rests in the truth that Jesus was not held in the grave. He came forth from the dead and offers hope to all of those who are willing to follow His way. The apostle Peter was a witness to His resurrection as well as the other apostles and disciples. Does your hope for eternity rest on the resurrection of God's Son? If not, why not?