Sunday, December 30, 2007

Prove Yourself a Man

Prove Yourself a Man
1 Kings 2:1-3

As David was about to die, he charged his son Solomon to be strong; to prove himself to be a man. To keep the commandments of the Lord - 1 Kin 2:1-3 “When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,”. Solomon was blessed to have a godly father; a man after God’s own heart about whom he could later fondly reminisce. Who gave him counsel on how to be a man - Pro 4:3-9 “When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown."’

Many men today are not so blessed.... Some are without fathers, either through death or divorce. Some have fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership. Where can they go to learn what it means to “Prove Yourself A Man”? One source is Solomon himself, who has provided wisdom and guidance for all men in the Bible. For example, if you were his son, he would say Take heed to your counselors; fear God. Such is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom- Pro 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”; 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” It will prolong one’s days, being a fountain of life - Pro 10:27 “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.”; 14:26-27 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” It is the whole meaning of one’s existence - Ecc 8:12 “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.”; 12:13 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” -- Therefore let the Word of God be your primary counselor in life.

Listen to your parents... Their advice will be like graceful ornaments around your neck - Pro 1:8-9 “Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Their advice can guide you through life - Pro 6:20-22 “My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” -- Benefit from the wisdom of those more experienced who love you.
Beware of evil companions. They will entice you to do evil - Pro 1:10-14 “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"’ They will only destroy you along with themselves - Pro 1:15-19 “my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.”; 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” -- Choose your friends carefully, for evil company can corrupt - 1 Co 15:33 “Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."’

If you were Solomon’s son, he would also counsel you to take heed to your goals. Seek wisdom and understanding. Seek for wisdom as you would seek for silver - Pro 2:1-9 “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;” It will protect you from the evil man and woman - Pro 2:10-22 “for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.” It will be a tree of life, a source of wonderful blessings - Pro 3:13-24. As his own father told Solomon, wisdom is the principle thing - Pro 4:3-13 -- Thus the acquisition of godly wisdom should be a priority in life.

We will continue to examine and apply the advice of David to our lives today in Part Two of our lesson.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Part Two of "Nathan's Rebuke"

2 Samuel 12:1-15

As we continue our examination of “Nathan’s Rebuke”, we now see the proper attitude in repentance in that David provides a proper example. He made it personal - “_I_ have sinned...” - 2 Sam 12:13. He didn’t try to place the blame on Bathsheba or the circumstances. He didn’t try to spread the guilt to others (for example, Joab’s involvement in the death of Uriah) -- He accepted the full responsibility of his own sin! He saw the true nature of his guilt: it was “...against the _LORD_” - 2 Sam 12:13. It is true that he also sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife, etc. But true penitence comes from an understanding that sin is more than just a violation of human relationships. It is an affront against the GOD who created us in His image! Notice, then, what David wrote in Psa 51:3-4 as he confesses his sin... “Against You, You only, have I sinned...” With poetic hyperbole, he confesses his sin against God as well! “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”

Much repentance today falls short in this regard. We often don’t make our sins personal enough. We may be quick to admit “We have sinned”. But will we also be quick to admit “I have sinned”? We often don’t think of how our sins are against the Lord. Unless we do, our repentance is likely to be shallow. For instance, our conduct will change just enough to satisfy the approval of man. For example, someone who needs to repent for forsaking the assembly... We often say they have “sinned against the church”; while true, they need to appreciate that in fact they have “sinned against the Lord”! If they view themselves as only having sinned against the church they may only be concerned about being faithful in the eyes of the church thus correcting only their conduct as the church sees them. But if they view themselves as having sinned against the Lord they will be concerned with being faithful in His eyes thus correcting any conduct visible only to the Lord!

Our next observation may be the most encouraging one gleaned from “Nathan’s Rebuke” by the pardon provided by God. In the example of David’s forgiveness his forgiveness was immediate - 2 Sam 12:13 “David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” That is, when the proper conditions were met, in his case, the confession of his sin, his forgiveness was complete – see again 2 Sam 12:13b. Nathan said “The LORD also has put away your sin”. The phrase “put away” is similar to other terms suggesting a complete forgiveness of sin: “covered”, blotted out”, “remembered no more”.

God’s pardon is similar today. It is both immediate and complete. But there are conditions that must be met. For the non-Christian - Jn 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."’; Ac 2:38 “And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'” For the Christian - 1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”; Ac 8:22 “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” Such a wonderful pardon is made possible only through the blood of Christ! - Ep 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”

Our final observation may be the most sobering one to contemplate... Consequences of sin often follow despite the pardon. David learned this from Nathan. Though he was forgiven of his sin, there would still be consequences of his sin. Nathan listed them in 2 Sam 12:10-12,14 “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" – “Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die."’; all of which came to pass: The baby died
David’s daughter (Tamar) raped by her half-brother (Amnon)
One son (Amnon) killed by another (Absalom)
One son (Absalom) leads a conspiracy, takes over the kingdom, lays with his father’s concubines, and is finally killed

The same is often true today. An alcoholic may quit drinking and be forgiven, but still suffer the physical consequences of alcoholism. A parent may obey the gospel, but do so too late to have a positive affect on the spiritual development of the children. A young person may “sow their wild oats” before settling down and becoming a Christian.... While forgiven, they may still have to “reap what they have sown”, the rest of their lives being adversely affected by such things as:
1) An unexpected pregnancy (an early or unwanted marriage)
2) An unscriptural divorce (not free to remarry)
3) A moment of passion (suffering with incurable STDs)
4) Experimenting with drugs (irreversible brain damage)
-- God’s pardon is wonderful, but we must not forget the consequences of sin!

Such are some of the lessons we learn from “Nathan’s Rebuke”.... We are often blind to our own faults. The best way to bring about repentance is with the proper attitude in repentance. The pardon provided by God may still have consequences of sin often follow despite the pardon. As with much of the events recorded in the Scriptures there are lessons to help us in our own relationship with God. There are lessons to help us be of service to others regarding their relationship with God. May we be wise enough to heed the counsel of “Nathan’s Rebuke”!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Nathan's Rebuke - Part One

Nathan’s Rebuke
2 Samuel 12:1-15

Many are familiar with David’s sin involving Bathsheba, resulting in adultery and murder. Though these were dark pages in David’s record, they were preserved that lessons might be learned by those who followed after - 1 Co 10:11-12 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” There are lessons to be learned, not only from David’s mistakes, but from the rebuke that Nathan gave to David because of his sin. Found in 2 Sam 12:1-15, Nathan’s rebuke will serve as the basis for our study. Please read this text.

Among the lessons that might be gleaned from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is this one we are often blind to in our own faults. In the case of David he could easily see the sin in the man of Nathan’s story - 2 Sam 12:5-6 “Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."’ But he could not see it in himself; it took a direct accusation (“You are the man!”) by Nathan - 2 Sam 12:7 “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.”

In our case the same is often true. We can easily see the “mote” in another person’s eye, but not the “beam” in our own. There are several reasons why this may be so. We may let strong desires confuse the plain distinction between right and wrong. As an example, many have softened their views on divorce and remarriage when it hits their family, therefore changing our convictions on a position when it hits close to home. We may habitually flirt with evil, diminishing our sense of it as evil. An example here would accepting the world’s definition of immodesty in regards to apparel, therefore the standards of the world soon become our standards. We may refuse to apply principles of scripture to the moral nature of our personal conduct. For example, whether or not certain habits are consistent with the Christian life, therefore behaving in a way more becoming a person of the world, than one who is a child of God!

Because we are often blind to our own faults we need to be thankful for friends like Nathan. We need to be thankful for friends caring enough to bring our faults to our attention. For those friends courageous enough to challenge our conduct. We need to be like David. Open to the constructive criticism of others. Not so blind as to fail to see our faults when pointed out by others.

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to bring about repentance by appealing to God’s love. Nathan reminded David of God’s great kindness - 2 Sam 12:7b-8 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” This type of appeal is based upon God’s love and mercy as found in the preaching of the gospel. Paul made it in Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Likewise Peter in Ac 10:34-36 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),”, 42-43 “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."’ -- In our own efforts to save or restore others, let’s be sure to make the same appeal to God’s love!

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to reveal sin. Nathan was very clear in telling David what he did was wrong - 2 Sam 12:9 “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” In a similar way, the gospel makes it clear that all are sinners - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -- Since people will not repent unless they realize they are sinners, it is necessary to help them see their sins (with the right attitude, of course).

Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to warn of the consequences. Nathan spelled out what would happen because of David’s sin - 2 Sam 12:10-12 “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" The gospel, while it contains “good news”, is no different - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 2:5-11. -- As we seek to call others to repentance, we must in love and great solemnity point out the consequences of sin!

We will continue our examination of "Nathan's Rebuke" in part two of this lesson.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

At the Front or at the Base - Part Two


Having looked at two kinds of service, at the front or at the base, in the first part of this lesson, let’s find wherever we can best serve the Lord, and do so properly, which leads to our next point. Both services demand the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal. In the case of David and his men . The men “at the base” weren’t there because they were lazy or scared. Though exhausted, they were just as motivated as those who went on. Their families had been kidnapped, too! Someone had to stay with the baggage, or the rest of the force might not have caught up with the enemy. Staying behind was a form of sacrifice, when it was your family out there somewhere in the hands of the enemy! With the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal as those who pursued the enemy, they did their job of guarding the baggage!

To fulfill our roles in the Lord's army, all need the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal! What is our “goal”? “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” - 1 Pe 4:11. To glorify God, whether in our service or in our teaching! A goal like this can transform even secular or mundane service into a sacred and important one! For example, providing baby-sitting services so the parents can be free to visit and teach others, working as a common laborer so as to be able to support preachers in a foreign country. What kind of “sacrifice”? “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” - 1 Pe 4:10. Each person has a gift (or more), an ability, given to him by God’s manifold grace. As stewards, we will one day give an account - Mt 25:14-30. We may not have the same talent, or number of talents, but we are expected to do the best with what we have! We certainly shouldn’t squander what has been given to us!

While we may serve in different capacities, we should have the same sense of sacrifice Some believe preachers should be willing to sacrifice more than others. Is such a view consistent with what we are learning here? Should the “quartermasters” back at the base be squandering what may have been given them to support the “soldiers” at the front? Should we not all have the same willingness to sacrifice if the need is there? If brethren “at the base” sacrificed as much as they expected those to do who are “at the front”, would there not be more good things being done?

What kind of “zeal”? “as with the ability which God supplies” - 1 Pe 4:11. Whatever our ability, whatever our service, God gives us the strength to do it! Shall we be slack with what God has given us? We should be zealous to utilize what we have in a manner worthy of God’s gracious gift! It is not so much what service we render to God, but how we do it. And what sacrifice or zeal might be expected of one should be expected of all, for we seek the same goal!

Finally, let’s quickly note the point that both services receive the same reward. We saw where David made this a law in Israel. “...they shall share alike” - 1 Sam 30:24-25. Whether they stayed by the supplies, or served in the battle. The same principle is repeated in the New Testament. Jesus taught it in Mt 10:41-42 "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward." Paul illustrated the same principle with regards to deacons, who are servants of the church - 1 Ti 3:13 "For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." -- This should help us in our zeal and sacrifice.

Too often, the Lord’s battle is hindered by the lack of support.... Some may be willing to go and teach, but others may not be willing to send and support. Yet we have seen that both forms of service are equally important; require the same goal, sacrifice, and zeal; receive the same reward. Wherever we may serve in the Lord’s “army”, whether “At The Front Or At The Base”, let’s do it as good stewards and with great zeal!

Speaking of the Lord’s “army”, have you been “enlisted” by the Lord yet (2 Ti 2: 3-4 "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.")? Through the precious gospel of Christ, God is calling all who will come to Him... - 2 Th 2:14 "whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
If you have not enlisted in the Lord's army and would like further information or assistance, please contact me at jimnewy@classicnet.net or jimnewy@gmail.com

Sunday, December 02, 2007

At the Front or at the Base - Part One

1 Samuel 30:21-25

Review the background of David’s pursuit of the Amalekites - 1 Sam 29, 30:1-20. Now read 1 Sam 30:21-25; notice particularly the ordinance established in Israel, “...as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” (1 Sam 30:24). There are some similarities between David’s statute and what is true with regards to our service as Christians today; for we too are engaged in a battle. Though our battle is a spiritual one – see for example 1 Ti 6:12; Ep 6:12-13; 2 Co 10:3-6.

In this lesson, I would like to point to some of these similarities; beginning with the idea that God’s army requires two forms of service. Any military venture is dependent upon both support and battle forces. Much military planning revolves around how to support those at “the front”. For military leaders learned long ago: “Men won’t fight on an empty stomach”; “Men won’t march without shoes”. Many battles have been won by the efficiency of the support forces in keeping up with those on the front. This was one reason why Eisenhower was such a great general...he was a logistical genius.

The same is true with God’s army and the battle we face. Two forms of service are required: There are the “fighters”, and the “guards of the baggage”. For example, there are the “teachers” and “those that support them”. This truth is well illustrated in the N.T. during Christ’s own ministry - Lk 8:1-3 “Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” This truth is also well illustrated in the case of Paul, who was supported by:
1) Churches - 2 Co 11:8-9 “I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.”; Ph 4:15-16 “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.”
2) Individuals – for example, Gaius (Ro 16:23a “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,”), Epaphroditus (Ph 2:25 “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,”), Philemon (Phile 22 “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”)

Yes, to carry out God’s battle, there must be “preachers” and “supporters”. A logical and essential part in the saving of souls - Ro 10:13-15 “For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’
God’s army requires both...
1) Those that are willing to serve at “the front”.
2) Those that are willing to serve at “the base”.

As we examine this concept further, one might ask “Which service is more important?” Well, both services are equally important. This is certainly true in physical warfare. One might think the men on the front are the “most important”. While we cannot discount their importance, battles have been won or lost based upon logistical support! This is just as true in the body of Christ. In Ro 12:3-8, we learn that in the body of Christ (the church) there are many members. The members do not have the same function! In Ep 4:15-16, we learn that growth depends upon “the effective working by which every part does its share”. In 1 Co 12:12-22, Paul stresses that all the members and their diverse functions are vital! No one can say that they themselves are not important - 1 Co 12:12-19. No one can say that others are not important - 1 Co 12:20-22.

Failure to realize this truth can be disastrous….! It can leave many brethren disappointed, apathetic, and fruitless! If we are not careful, we can overemphasize one work to the neglect of others. For example, stressing evangelism to the neglect of edification and benevolence (despite the warning of Ja 3:1“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”, and the implication of 1 Co 12:29 “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?”). This can make some feel that only one kind of work is worthy, noble, or important. With such a misconception, some may involve themselves in a work for which they are not suited. When failure comes, they become disappointed unless shown alternative ways to serve; they can become apathetic and fruitless. It often hinders the Lord’s cause in spreading the gospel! Lack of support has hindered many foreign or smaller works where evangelists were unable to raise support. If those “at the base” don’t appreciate the importance of their support, the Lord’s body becomes handicapped in its ability to function! Realizing the importance of both kinds of service let no one despise one type of service over another! Let’s find wherever we can best serve the Lord, and do so properly, which leads to our next point. Both services demand the same goal, sacrifice and zeal and both services receive the same reward. We will look at this point in part two of our lesson.