As we noticed in the previous section, we should never underestimate the power of words – both good and evil. Understanding how important our speech is, we must be sure that our words reflect wisdom at all times.
Continue Reading
March 25, 2013
The Application of Wisdom: Speech (Part 3)
January 21, 2013
The Appreciation of Wisdom: The Value and Rewards of Wisdom
We have already considered passages discussing the appeal of wisdom, calling us to gain the instruction and insight necessary to acquire wisdom. But why should we answer this call? There are many invitations that may be offered that are disregarded by those who are invited. Why should we listen to the appeal of wisdom? It is because of the great value of wisdom, the rewards that come from following wisdom, and the perils that we face when we reject wisdom.
All of these are pointed out to us in the book of Proverbs. When God offers His wisdom which was with Him from the beginning (8:22), He does not expect us to accept it without explaining why we should accept it. So let us consider the reasons why we should appreciate wisdom so we will heed the appeal of wisdom.
Continue Reading
December 29, 2012
“These Two Prophets Tormented Those who Dwell on the Earth” (12/29)
Thought from today’s Bible reading from Revelation 6-11.
Revelation 11 contains the description of “two witnesses” who would be granted authority by the Lord and would prophesy on His behalf (Revelation 11:3). There are different theories as to the identity of these two witnesses or prophets. I will not take the time to delve into them in this brief article. Regardless of who or what the two witnesses represent, they revealed the will of God and were killed for it (Revelation 11:7). Notice the reaction of the people to the death of the two witnesses:
“And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 11:10).
The only crime committed by these two witnesses was that they spoke the word of God. But the word of God was so hated that the people rejoiced, celebrated, and exchanged gifts upon learning of their deaths. Truth “tormented” them; therefore, they had contempt for those who taught the truth.
Continue Reading
December 27, 2012
Where We Would Be Without God
Many believe that there is no God. Others believe that even if God does exist, man is capable of surviving and prospering without Him. But could we survive, let alone prosper, without God? If God did not exist, or if He did not have any concern for man, how would our lives be different?
In this brief article, I would like for us to consider this and ask the question: What would our existence be like without God?
Continue Reading
December 27, 2012
The Importance of Truth (12/27)
Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 John 1; 3 John 1.
How important is truth? If we read the beginning of John’s second epistle, we see that the inspired apostle placed a great deal of importance upon truth.
“The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father” (2 John 1-4).
Notice everything that John says about truth just in the first four verses of this letter:
Continue Reading
November 30, 2012
Sins of the Tongue
When James discussed the use of the tongue (James 3:1-12), he made three basic points:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
Continue Reading
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.
Continue Reading
