November 30, 2012

Sins of the Tongue

Statues Talking

When James discussed the use of the tongue (James 3:1-12), he made three basic points:

  1. One who can bridle the tongue can bridle the whole body as well: “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2).
  2. The tongue is small, but powerful: “Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire…” (James 3:3-6).
  3. The tongue cannot be tamed: “For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (James 3:7-8).

In making these points, James taught a few lessons. Though sin is common among men (James 3:2), we are to strive to avoid the sins of the tongue. Furthermore, it is important that we avoid these sins because of the great amount of damage that can be done through them. Yet James said we cannot tame the tongue after telling us to control the tongue in order to avoid sin. Is this a contradiction? No, it is not.
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November 30, 2012

“You Have Become Arrogant and Have Not Mourned Instead” (11/30)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 5-8.

The popularity of the “grace-unity” movement has led many to tolerate sin within their congregations. This was happening in Corinth when Paul wrote to them. He rebuked them for it.

“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).

The Corinthians were being more tolerant than God allows within the bounds of fellowship. They accepted one with whom they had been told not to associate (1 Corinthians 5:11). Yet Paul did not just rebuke them for being too tolerant. He rebuked them for arrogance.
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November 29, 2012

“Everywhere in Every Church” (11/29)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 1-4.

When one looks at the religious world, it is easy to see the great diversity in doctrines and practices among the various churches. These doctrines are often conflicting with one another. The practices are sometimes very different from one church to another. Yet most people accept this as though it is to be expected. But it is not supposed to be this way. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:

“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17).

Paul’s message was consistent as he went from one church to another. He did not tailor the gospel to fit with the desires, traditions, or opinions of those he met. He preached the same gospel “everywhere in every church.”
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November 28, 2012

“All Who Lived in Asia Heard the Word of the Lord” (11/28)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 18:19-19:41.

Paul had a very productive time in Ephesus preaching the gospel. Even with opposition that forced him to leave the synagogue, he was able to reach far beyond just the city limits of Ephesus.

“And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10).

How was Paul able to have such great success in spreading the gospel that “all who lived in Asia heard the word”? First, notice what was not involved in Paul’s work:
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November 27, 2012

“Abstain From Every Form of Evil” (11/27)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3.

It is common for brethren to take Paul’s warning to the church in Thessalonica about abstaining from every form of evil and apply it broadly to every type of sin imaginable. It is certainly true that Christians are to strive to abstain from sin and every form of evil (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 5:1-11). But Paul was making a specific point here. Notice the context:

“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).

In the context, Paul was discussing what had been revealed by God. To quench the Spirit would be to remove the power from the gospel that had been revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:7-10). To despise prophetic utterances would be to disregard the message of “men moved by the Holy Spirit” who “spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). Paul’s point was that these brethren (as well as all of us today) needed to accept the inspired word of God.
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November 26, 2012

“His Spirit Was Being Provoked Within Him” (11/26)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 17:1-18:18.

When Paul came to Athens, he preached the gospel just as he did wherever he went. But it is noteworthy to consider what provoked him to preach there.

“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present” (Acts 17:16-17).

Paul’s “spirit was being provoked within him” by the idolatry that existed in the city. It bothered him to see the people devoting themselves to so many false gods instead of worshipping the one, true, living God.
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November 25, 2012

“Whatever a Man Sows, This He Will Also Reap” (11/25)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Galatians 4-6.

Paul warned the saints in the churches of Galatia of the importance of sowing the proper seed in order to be able to reap the desired harvest.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

When he told them not to be deceived and that God was not mocked, he warned them not to think that they would prove to be the exception to the rule. If we wish to reap spiritual rewards, we must sow “to the Spirit” (Galatians 6:8).

In the first ten verses of this chapter, Paul mentioned three examples of how to sow in order to receive a reward.
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