A Minute With The Bible Aired during October, 1999
The apostle Paul said there was to be a "day
when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by
Jesus Christ"(Romans 2:16). Not many people like to think about the
coming day of judgment. Yet, without controversy, the Bible teaches
that each of us will stand to be judged. There is no secret thing
that will be hidden; all will be revealed. The standard by which men
will be judged is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whatever be the
standards and commands of men, they will not count in that great day.
This is the reason that God had the apostles and every disciple since
then live by the gospel, teach the gospel to others, and uphold the
hands of those who proclaim that gospel. No one can stand in your
place; only you can answer for your behavior in this life. The
apostle Paul plainly taught this in Romans 14:12, "So then each one
of us shall give account of himself to God." The good news: you can
be prepared for that day by obedience to the gospel of Christ.
"For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth
behold the upright"(Psalm 11:7). God is not like man. He cannot be
tempted as men; yet he cares for man. His care is such that he wants
men to practice righteousness. Righteousness means that one carries
the quality of being just and being right. It is no wonder that God
desires men to be, as God, a lover of righteousness. Can you imagine
a world in which all men treat each other as they want to be treated?
A world in which men will work to improve society? A world in which
there is no need for punishment since all men would be righteous? Of
course, we recognize that is not going to happen on this earth.
Iniquity rules in too many hearts and lives. Justice is not always
meted out in a fair manner. Men escape their due punishment in far
too many cases. And those who stand for righteousness find themselves
at odds with a host of people. But is it not nice to imagine a world
in which men treat each other fairly? honestly? sincerely?
"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy
hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and
speaketh the truth in his heart"(Psalm 15:1-2). The ultimate aim of
being righteous upon this earth is to be in a righteous place that
God has promised for the faithful. The Psalmist, though human and
maing mistakes, recognizes that one who would enjoy the presence of
God must "walk uprightly," work "righteousness," and speak the truth.
How different would be our world if these were applied in our own
society. Think of the many problems that could be solved; think of
how many youngsters would learn; think of how many lives would be
saved; think of how much kindness would prevail--the list could be
endless. Imagine there would be no cheating, no lying, no hurting, no
disappointment in others, and no hypocrisy. Righteousness would bring
a world that is full of life: the good life where mankind could live
in peace and comfort.
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake"(Psalm 23:3). This verse is from a Psalm that is
often called "the shepherd Psalm" because of its beginning, "The Lord
is my shepherd." The Lord is a righteous shepherd that guides one in
the paths of righteousness. He vitalizes the souls of men as they
walk in his paths. He refreshes the weary with his care. He leads
into knowledge through his word. He feeds with the seed of the
kingdom. He protects with his infinite power. Truly, Jehovah is the
shepherd that leads in the path of righteousness. David realized the
interest of God in the souls of men. When he walked not uprightly, he
was chastised by a loving shepherd who provided to him a way of
redemption. Later writings of David would reflect his renewed
interest in this righteousness of God.
"Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness
at all times"(Psalm 106:3). It is feared that too many people
practice righteousness only when it is convenient or at times when
they are in distress. The Psalmist spoke of doing righteousness "at
all times." Righteousness is not like a coat that you put on from
time to time and hang in the closet when not in use. It is a person's
life. Such a one will walk in honesty at work; treat his family
properly; consider his neighbor; be willing to sacrifice; and above
all--put God and His kingdom first in one's life. Righteousness is
not something one thinks about only in times of trouble and/or
despondency. In fact, the word itself probably does not enter into
one's mind who daily walks in the light of the Lord because that
person has made righteousness a part of one's thinking and actions.
"My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are
righteousness"(Psalm 119:172). This Psalm is a discourse about the
word of God. There are many in our world who like the philosophies of
men, the writings of speculators, and the weird or unusual theories
of men. The Psalmist said he would "speak of thy word." Why? Because
God's commandments are "righteousness." David was not fascinated by
the claims of humans; he wanted the word of God. David had
experienced the power of the word when convicted of sin. He
experienced the power of the word as he devoted himself to the
service of God. Righteousness was a part of David's life because
David respected the words that God revealed in that day. The same is
true at present: if one would be righteous, that person must follow
the words of Jesus Christ revealed in his New Testament.
"Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any
people"(Proverbs 14:34). Many a nation has fallen because of moral
corruption. The great Roman Empire was a victim to such ungodliness
as their iniquity contributed to their downfall. No nation can exist
for a long period of time that does not have enough righteousness
within her to offset the evil that exists. Many of us fear for our
nation as so many become involved in the sins of the flesh that are
condemned in the Word of God. It is sad to view the iniquities that
are not only approved by a large portion of the population, but found
also among our leaders. Even our courts and judicial systems often
approve of the kind of sins that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and
other systems of government. The Proverb writer said it right,
"Righteousness exalteth a nation." Righteousness produces proper
moral behavior and a respect for the commands of God. Be righteous
and add a saving quality to our age.
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for
they shall be filled"(Matthew 5:6). Jesus, speaking what is known as
the sermon on the mount, uses a series of passages to identify what
makes men truly happy. In fact, the word blessed means "happy." In
this scripture, he is pointing out that true happiness can be found
by seeking after "righteousness." The word righteousness means the
"character or quality of being right or just"(Vine). At one time, the
word was "rightwiseness." There is a lot of wisdom in one acting and
behaving in a right manner. It eases pain; it avoids deliberately
hurting others; it promotes kindness; and most of all--it causes one
to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first. When men sin,
they are not being wise. Noah was a righteous man when the entire
world was given to lasciviousness and other iniquities. His
"rightwiseness" allowed him to rescue his family from the great
flood. Your righteousness can lead to saving your family.
"And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him,
and worketh righteousness is acceptable to him"(Acts 10:34-35). The
apostle Peter is emphasizing the quality of being "just and right" in
regard to God's extension of mercy. The Gentiles are being taught
that what God offered the Jews was offered to all men, not just to
the Hebrews. Any person in any nation in any time is not
discriminated against, but God offers the opportunity to be saved
unto all men, whatever be their ancestry or status in life. Only a
righteous God would do this. The very nature of Jehovah is totally
different from the gods invented by men. They are not only without
life, wood and stone images are neither righteous or
unrighteous--because they are nothing. Only Jehovah is the true God
who is not only righteous himself, but leads men in the paths of
righteousness. Jehovah offers hope and salvation to the whole world,
not just a selected few.
The apostle Paul wrote: "Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that
ye should obey the lusts thereof; neither present your members unto
sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto
God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of
righteousness unto God"(Romans 6:12-13). Man was not designed to be a
servant of sin. When God placed the first couple in the garden, they
were placed in a paradise built by God. So long as they were
righteous, that is-- did good and acted right, God permitted them to
enjoy that grandplace. Even though warned not to disobey God, they
partook of the forbidden fruit and lost their home in paradise. From
that moment, men have weakened under temptation and rejected the
righteousness of God through sin. Paul encouraged the saints in Rome
to avoid the unrighteousness(or, iniquity) that existed in their
world, and to be loyal to the creator of all mankind by presenting
themselves as instruments of righteousness(good).
"For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish
their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of
God"(Romans 10:3). Ignorance has been used as an excuse for many
things and for not doing many things. Paul is pointing out that the
Hebrews, who had the law but did not follow it, because of their lack
of faith were, by that action, refusing to be subject to the
"righteousness of God." Certainly, in a world that is filled with
opportunities for people to be acquainted with the book of God(the
Bible), ignorance of God's righteousness cannot be a valid excuse. It
was no excuse then; it is no excuse today. Yet, there are multitudes
who seek to establish their own righteousness by establishing human
churches, writing human creeds, and ignoring what is plainly taught
in the scriptures. Why was it wrong for them and right for us?
Obviously--you know the answer to that question. Establish your
righteousness by God's word, not the commands of men.
"But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the
beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known
to you all things; whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose,
that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your
heart"(Ephesians 6:21-22). Tychicus was a unique individual. He had
won the heart of the apostle. Paul described him as beloved and
faithful. Paul also knew that he would reliably report "all things"
to the brethren. A man of trust; a reliable person. He is further
identified as one who would "comfort their hearts." Tychicus would be
a blessing to the Ephesians. He had been dear to Paul; now his
strength of character and his devotion would be an encouragement to
the Ephesians. How well, my friend, are you trusted in your daily
affairs? In the reports you give to others? Learn a lesson from
Tychicus: build up trust by being faithful in what you say and do.
"Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for
ministering"(II Timothy 4:11). Paul is giving Mark an excellent
compliment. He is "useful." The apostle recognized him as one who
would be profitable in spreading the word of God. The principle of
usefulness is not confined, however, to those who would help out in
spiritual work. Usefulness is a quality for all walks of life. If you
hire out to a person, be useful. If you are part of a family, be
useful. If you become part of some organization, be useful. Think
also in terms of others: you want them to be useful when you are
involved with them at work, at home, or any other place. If all of us
did what we could to be useful in every area in which we live and/or
function, what a better world this would be. Above all, we need to be
useful in the service of Jesus Christ. In truth, that is the only
kind of disciple that pleases Jehovah. To be useful, one must be
faithful.
"But I counted in necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother
and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister
to my need"(Philippians 2:25). This man, Epaphroditus, is a unique
individual. The apostle Paul had a great deal of confidence in him.
His confidence was justified. Epaphroditus proved himself as he stood
beside Paul in the battle for truth and right. He demonstrated his
eagerness to do right as he worked beside Paul. He had been faithful
in being a messenger to and for Paul. He also did what he could to
meet the needs of the apostle by bringing a "sacrifice" to meet those
needs. Such an example is worthy of imitation, not only by the
Philippians, but in our age as well. Dedication and faithful service
is not outmoded. It is as needed today as it was in the days of Paul,
the apostle. Whatever you do, in word of deed, do it all with the
type of eagerness found in Epaphroditus.
"The elder unto Gaius, the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I
pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as
thy soul prospereth"(III John 1-2). The one to whom John is writing
was a beloved person. Why? Because he respected and loved the truth.
Is not amazing to find a person who is so spiritually healthy that it
is desired he have the same degree of physical health? I fear it is
too often the opposite. To impress an apostle, one had to be another
of those most unique people we read about in the New Testament.
Gaius, as others, set an example by the life that he lived, what he
believed, and that for which he would stand. The life of devotion to
the truth gave Gaius spiritual health. John was delighted that Gaius
was one of his "children" that walked in truth. The influence of a
righteous person had influenced Gaius. Such a life should influence
each of us to seek the spiritual health that will lead one to please
God.
"...Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of
you"(Colossians 4:9). The description of this man by the apostle Paul
should be the description of every person. To be faithful and beloved
is indicative of a person who is walking the paths of righteousness.
Onesimus was not only faithful and beloved, he was a brother to Paul.
This brother in Christ had heard the gospel preached, probably by
Paul, and had responded to the message of Jesus Christ. Onesimus
believed in Jesus Christ with all of his heart, he repented of his
sins, he confessed Christ with the mouth, and he submitted to being
immersed in water for the remission of his sins. This made Onesimus a
brother in Christ with Paul. The same gospel will make one a brother
to all the faithful in our day. After becoming a Christian, it is up
to the individual to so live as to be "faithful and beloved." Or, as
Jesus said, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the
crown of live"(Revelation 2:10).
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth,
the son of Joseph"(John 1:45). Every Hebrew dreamed of the coming
Messiah and the new kingdom that he would rule over. The problem:
they looked for a material kingdom with a physical head that would
restore the Jewish nation. None of the prophets taught or spoke of
such a kingdom; the kingdom of which they wrote is a spiritual
kingdom, over which the Son of God would rule. Philip recognized that
Jesus was that prophet who would bring the blessings of God upon all
who would listen to, as well as obey, this Messiah. Such a discovery.
Far more precious than silver or gold. Men may search for happiness
in many different ways. True happiness comes as did this discovery of
Philip: in the faith we have in Jesus Christ.
"But when Priscilla and Aquilla heard him, they took him unto them,
and expounded unto him the way of God more accurately"(Acts 18:26).
When one has discovered and obeyed the truth, it is right to share
the truth with others. This couple was interested in following the
ways of God. They were also concerned about others respecting and
faithfully proclaiming the word of God. When they found one who was
not teaching all of the truth, they took note of him and taught him
accurately what God had commanded. A person who loves the truth will
want to share that truth with others and help others to a better
understanding of God's word. You will note that the "way of God' was
the interest of these Christians. They did not approach the one
needing to be taught with the commands of men or the inventions of
mankind: they taught him the "way of God." Make sure that those who
try to influence you in your religious practices always point to the
"way of God."
"Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent
man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures"(Acts
18:24). Apollos had known only the "baptism of John the Baptist."
That baptism was a baptism to prepare people for the coming Messiah.
The baptism that Apollos was teaching belonged under the Law of
Moses, not the Law of Christ. In order to correct the mistake of
Apollos, Priscilla and Aquilla took him and taught him about the
gospel of Jesus Christ. When one learns the truth, it is right to
share the truth. Not only did they share the truth with Apollos, but
he became a mighty preacher of the gospel. The willingness to change
is a sign of an honest and sincere heart. When Apollos learned what
he taught was no longer true, he changed by obeying and following the
correct path. Should not all honest people who want to follow the
Lord, be willing to change when they discover they are in error?
Think about it.
"But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken
to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of
Jesus"(Acts 9:27). The man that Barnabas is bringing to the apostles
is Saul of Tarsus. A former persecutor of Christians, but now an
apostle of Jesus Christ. What a privilege for Barnabas to bring him
to the apostles. Barnabas would be active in working beside the
apostle Paul in the years that follow. And, of course, you know, if
you read your Bible, what Paul was like in the years that followed.
There was a close bond between the two men for they were servants of
Jesus Christ, interested in furthering the Lord's cause by teaching
men what it means to please God as a Christian. You or I will not be
an apostle like Paul, but we can be like Barnabas by living a
righteous life and introducing others to the apostles' words.
"Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea,
we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true"(III
John 12). What a man! All men recognized his worth; he was supported
by the truth. John agreed as to his reputation. But Demetrius had
more than a reputation; he had a faith that was based upon the truth.
That respect for the truth caused Demetrius to be the kind of person
he was. People recognize whether one is following the truth or error;
righteousness or unrighteousness; holiness or rebellion--in all
phases of one's life. Reputation is what one earns by the kind of
life that is lived. If one lives in open rebellion to the laws of
society, that one gains a reputation(a bad one). If one follows the
principles of Jesus Christ and walks a moral life that is a blessing
to others, that one gains a good reputation. Have you looked at
yourself lately?