Be Sober

The apostle Peter wrote, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13, emp. SW). The admonition to “be sober” automatically takes our minds to the adverse effects of alcohol and other types of drugs that render our minds incapable of thinking clearly. In fact, Kittle states, “It is the opposite of ‘intoxication’ both in the literal sense of intoxication with wine and in the figurative sense of spiritual intoxication attributable to other causes…what is in view is the unequivocal and immediately self-evident antithesis to all kinds of mental fuzziness” (Theological Dictionary of the NT, Vol. IV, 936-37). However, he goes on to say that the New Testament only employs this term in the figurative sense (Ibid, 938). Therefore, this term is not relegated only to address this single literal aspect, but it carries with it the broader idea of being able to be alert, watchful (cf. 2 Tim. 4:5) and discreet. In his Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Thayer adds his definition: “to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate and circumspect” (425). Not only may these intoxicating drugs keep us from having the right frame of mind (background of the term), but this term also applies in a spiritual way to those who “sleep.” The apostle Paul declared,

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. [1 Thess. 5:2-8, emp. SW]

For example, equal dangers exist for the driver who not only is intoxicated behind the wheel, but also for the driver who is sleepy. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses” (http://drowsydriving.org/about/facts-and-stats). Thus, from a spiritual perspective, why should we be sober?
We should be sober because we must have the frame of mind of being able to focus on what is important! Focusing on what is important will keep us on the right spiritual path of life (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). It will keep us temperate in all things and will not drive us to excess in anything (cf. Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3-4). The inability to think clearly will put us in a position not to focus clearly on the priorities of life (Matt. 6:33). Therefore, we must be sober-minded!

We should be sober because we must have the frame of mind to make good decisions. One of the characteristics of intoxication literally is that it impairs the mind from making good decisions. Such is true spiritually, as well. The trait of a godly person to make wise choices between right and wrong decisions is temperance (cf. Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-8). Life is difficult as it is without us making it more difficult by not living a sober life!

We should be sober because we must be alert to the activities of our enemy. Peter warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8, emp. SW). If we let our guard or watch down, that is when the enemy will strike! We are the watchman on the wall (cf. Ezek. 3:17). We must be conscious and alert to all forms of temptation! We cannot do this if we are not sober-minded!

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If I Repent Will I Receive Forgiveness?

HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN KNOW WHEN I REPENT AND PRAY THAT I HAVE TRULY BEEN FORGIVEN?

Well, we must put our trust in the Word of God as little children. John said, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 Jn. 2:1) An advocate is one who pleads the case of another. This is what Jesus Christ does for us in the presence of the Father. Just before this verse, John assures us in chapter one that if we walk in the (the light of God’s Word), the blood of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, cleanseth us from all sin (vs. 7). In vs. 8, we are told that all people sin, but “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (vs. 9). This verse clearly tells us that Christ will not fail us because He is faithful. This simply means that when we confess our sins, turn from them in repentance and pray to the Father through the Son, that forgiveness is guaranteed and granted in full measure! The sins are gone completely and God will remember them no more which is mentioned by the Hebrew writer (Heb. 10:17).

Now, at this point, we need to follow the example of the apostle Paul. He said “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14.) So then, we need to forget what sins we have repented of and press on! To press on means to walk in the light! It means to serve our Lord with all of our strength. And if we do this, our thoughts will be turned from sin and will be focused on our Lord and what we can do for others in His service. Therefore, do not dwell on that which you have repented of because that gives place to the Devil to tempt you again (Eph. 4:27).

Now occasionally, Christians will fear attending worship because of distress over sins. But, God wants all of us to never forsake the assembling of the church because it is a sin (Heb. 10:25). Yet, it is during the assembling that: We gain strength and are edified. It is a time to provoke one another unto love and good works (Heb. 10:24). It is a time when we are spiritually fed the Word of God, without which one would die spiritually.

So, if one has turned from their sins and prayed to God through Christ for forgiveness, it is done. The Hebrew writer said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb. 13:5) Nothing can separate you from His love. Paul said, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:37-39)

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Beware of Spiritual Fraud

I am extremely punctilious when it comes to my family’s finances. I have spreadsheets,
budgets, and online accounts and I check them regularly. And by regularly I mean several times a day, minimum! Last Thursday morning I attempted to log on to my banks website to check activity and update my records as I always do. But the login failed and I was told that my account had been blocked and I needed to contact the banks customer service department.

What I found out infuriated me! Someone had gotten access to my credit card and used it Wednesday evening (While I was sleeping peacefully in bed mind you) to make nearly $250 of purchases through iTunes. The bank apologized and said we would have to wait to see if Apple would flag these as fraudulent before we could actually file a fraud claim. So, being the proactive guy I am, I called iTunes. Yes, the purchases had been made with my card, but not to my account. In fact, after the last purchase (the bank had said a purchase was attempted after they blocked the account) the iTunes account that was used was shut down. “Sorry,” Apple said, “we cannot refund the money.”

Now, the church is not in the banking business. We are in the soul-saving business.
Nonetheless, fraud can still take place, even with the most diligent of efforts to avoid it. But we should never stop taking whatever measures necessary to limit it from happening.

Elders are responsible to watch for the souls under their oversight and will have to “give account” for their shepherding (Heb 13:17). Because of spiritual fraud Paul, by the Holy Spirit, directed the elders to “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch;” (Acts 20:28-31a).

To the Christian Peter warned to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8) and to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Pet 1:10). Paul again wrote “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).

Why was all this necessary? Spiritual fraud! Again Peter wrote, “But there were false
prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Pet 2:1). And to the Corinthians Paul said that, “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14).

This was not a new phenomenon for Jesus Himself warned to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt 7:15). “He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1). “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect” (Mark 13:22).

The charges cleared my bank. They have issued me a new card and a fraud claim has been made. I should get my money back, but we all pay for fraud in interest rates and bank charges. The person who committed this crime (sin) probably will get away with it, in this life anyway (Num 32:23). But we all need to be diligent that we, and the church, doesn’t fall victim to spiritual fraud. The loss will be far greater.

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The Cry of Wisdom (Proverbs 8)

Many understand that wisdom often incorporates knowledge and experience. Since the acquisition of knowledge takes time, and experience underscores time, then older adults often gain wisdom that our youth do not have as of yet. The Bible emphasizes that youth need to heed the wisdom from those who are older and more mature (1 Kings 12:1-15). This is why the book of Proverbs begins with instructions from a father to a son (Prov. 1-10) and ends with the virtue of a mother (Prov. 31). In other words, our youth need to listen more to the wisdom of their parents! Yet, it seems to this author that our current generations need this lesson more than ever. What is the relationship between wisdom and youth? Let us seek to answer this question by noting some things in Proverbs 8.

First, we see the open cry of wisdom (8:1-4). The fact that she cries and puts forth her voice indicates the openness of wisdom. Solomon then points out the variety of places where one may find her—high places, paths, gates and doors—illustrating that one may find wisdom everywhere! Therefore, our youth need to have their eyes wide open to the situations around them and be able to recall instruction from their parents and other wise adults to detect her open call. Usually, all it takes is the willingness to listen (1:5-6; 2:1-5). Thus, youth have no excuse when it comes to acquiring wisdom—her open call renders their excuse, “Oh, but this is just the way that I am!” useless!

Second, we see the upright cry of wisdom (8:5-9). Wisdom does not hide behind falsehood, but is always honest and righteous. Youth often face temptation from their peers and friends to join them in dishonest ventures (1:10-19), but youth need to learn the cautious wisdom from those who are older and wiser—“Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33, ASV).

Third, we see the valuable cry of wisdom (8:10- 11). As Solomon would often reiterate, wisdom is more valuable than silver, gold or any precious jewel (3:15; 16:16). Therefore, Solomon is able to place the acquisition of true wisdom as the principal object to gain in life (4:5-7).

Fourth, we see the uncompromising cry of wisdom (8:12-13). When it comes to the cry of wisdom, there can be no compromising between good and evil! “The fear of the Lord,” which is “the beginning of wisdom” (1:7; 15:33), dictates that I must hate and oppose all forms of evil. Youth need to learn this lesson early, as they will be tempted often with that which is ungodly.

Fifth, we see the strong cry of wisdom (8:14-16). Wisdom is not weak; doing that which is right is always strong! Youth may confuse that which looks weak in the worldly eyes to be such, but wisdom understands that godly strength is always strong, no matter how it appears in the public eye!

Finally, we see the blessed cry of wisdom (8:17- 36). This chapter of wisdom closes with various statements made as to the by-product of wisdom, or the effect in the life of one who acquires wisdom. Parents need to model this wisdom so that youth can see such and learn by it.

Therefore, the relationship of youth and wisdom can be gleaned from this cry of wisdom—it is open, upright, valuable, uncompromising, strong, and blessed. No wonder this book of wisdom stresses the importance of the attitude that youth have towards their parents. One of the most basic and fundamental lessons of life for young people is to learn to develop the right attitude towards their parents, because parents are to teach and model these cries of wisdom in the home. Godly parents will develop a right relationship with God, and form this within the life of their children. How our youth respond to their parents (and other wise adults) will determine how they develop in their own lives as adults, and whether they glean from wisdom early in their lives. Usually, selfish children become selfish adults and do not prosper from wisdom. A child who thinks that everything belongs to them will develop into an unhappy adult. A child who chooses bad relationships hinders their acquisition to wisdom. Unless youth hear the cry of wisdom early in their lifetime, they could forget about God when they leave home (cf. Eccl. 12:1).

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Without God

The Human Condition Without God

The material that you will be reading herein is a study in contrasts. The contrast is the distinction between the person that serves the one true God and the person that refuses to serve the one true God. This study might be consider an exercise in theology relating the distinction and ultimate end of the saint and the sinner based upon their reaction to the Divine instruction available to them via the Written Word (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible).

CONSIDER THIS: It is never acceptable to study the condition of the sinner and the saint from the human perspective without Divine input via the Written Word of God. The reason the writer insist upon this point is simple, there is no Divine truth except that found within the Book of God. Since this is evident to the simple as well as to the scholar, we might now proceed to examine the evidence found in the Book of God.

THE ACCOUNTABLE PERSON MUST BE A CHRISTIAN AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH TO GO TO HEAVEN

Revelation 14:13, “And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them”

Luke 11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (ASV).

The accountable person is a person that has the ability to make an intelligent choice about his/her relationship to God. If a person does not have the ability to make a choice because of age (i.e., infant) or mental handicap, that person is not amenable to the law of Christ. Only those persons that reject the gospel of Christ personally may be referred to as those without God — 2 Thessalonians 1:8, “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (ASV). — Romans 2:8, “but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, (shall be) wrath and indignation,” — 1 Peter 4:17, “For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God”(ASV), to follow another religion is unacceptable to God — for there is but one God, His name is Jehovah. Based upon this line of argument it is clear that only men and women capable of choosing to serve the one true God (i.e., revealed via the 66 books of the Bible) are acceptable to Him.  Since this is factual, we must not accept other god’s as equal to the God of the Bible they are not equals but are inferior as were the god’s of the Canaanites  of the Old Testament era, cf.,

2 Kings 19:17-18, “> Of a truth, Jehovah, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, > and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them”

2 Chronicles 13:9-10, “> Have ye not driven out the priests of Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made you priests after the manner of the peoples of (other) lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of (them that are) no gods. > But as for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and (we have) priests ministering unto Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: (ASV).

NOTE:  These facts are not presented for the purpose of embarrassing anyone or of creating enmity against any person or religion but these facts are presented in the hope of converting some of these people to the true God. The process of conversion is outlined in the New Testament and cannot be found in any other book of religious authority. Consequently,  it is this writer’s contention that everyone that pleases God will have become acceptable to Him by following the same procedure. The same procedure that I refer to is found only in the New Testament and contains the following items; Belief (Mark 16:15-16), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Romans 10:9-10), and baptism for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38). According to the teaching of the Bible we find that the first converts from the Law of Moses did these very things, things, which constituted the first congregation of disciples (i.e., Christians – Acts 11:26). This first congregation of disciples was formed in Jerusalem of converted Jews according to Acts 2:1-47.

As we conclude this part of our study, we are made aware of the great gap that divides religious people throughout the world today. Indeed, there are millions of people who are without God in their lives. Those who are without God in their lives are without hope as were the Gentile nations before the advent of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:11-12, >”Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; > that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (ASV).

We have a great responsibility to the masses of humanity that are scattered throughout the world, we must do our very best to inform them of the doom that awaits those that are without God, cf., Luke 12:4-5, “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. > But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:8, “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (ASV). This is a great and difficult task for most religious people throughout the world are satisfied with the religion that they currently serve. Not only are most religious people in the world satisfied, they are dull of hearing and blind guides of the blind, unwilling to examine other religious alternatives. The same might be said of the masses of people that have no religion at all, many of them have no interest in religion for one reason or another, often reasons without creditability. Yet, regardless of the objections, and difficulties connected to evangelizing others, we must surely do the works of God which encourage us to teach others of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, cf.,

Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” ASV

THE HUMAN CONDITION WITH GOD

According to the teaching of the Bible, our proposition, “THE HUMAN CONDITION WITH GOD” simply means, man’s condition with God as a faithful disciple.

Whenever one walks with God one must be in step with God, before one can walk with God he must have complied with whatever conditions that God has stipulated.  On the one hand, if God has not made stipulations for man to follow, man may walk with God predicated on any or no qualifying conditions but if God has provided qualifications for man to meet before walking with him, man must meet these qualifications.

GOD REQUIRED CONDITIONS FOR FAVOR UNDER THE “Patriarchal Dispensation”

Abel and Cain

Genesis 4:4-9, > “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: > but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. > And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? > If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it. > And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. > And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper” (ASV)?

Enoch

Genesis 5:24, “and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (ASV).

Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God” (ASV):

GOD REQUIRED CONDITIONS FOR FAVOR UNDER “The Law of Moses”

Exodus 16:4, “Then said Jehovah unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not”

Exodus 18:20, “and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.”

Leviticus 26:3, “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them” (ASV);

1 Kings 6:12-13, > “Concerning this house which thou art building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute mine ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I establish my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father. > And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel”

GOD REQUIRES CONDITIONS FOR FAVOR UNDER THE “Christian Dispensation”

The Christian Dispensation is no different from the other two that men have lived under in the past. God expects mankind to conform to His instructions (i.e., commands) under the last dispensation too. Please notice the following teaching from the New Testament that relates to this proposition:

Christ died on the cross for the sins of humanity; this is an act of grace. Even though that is true, Christ has stipulated conditions for benefiting from that grace He has provided, please note, cf., Hebrews 5:8-9 — “> though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; > and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation” (ASV).

Has Christ provided conditions that man is to obey before he can be saved from sin? Yes, He has, please note the following Biblical references:

Hebrews 1:1-2, “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, > hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds” (ASV);

How has Jesus Christ communicated these conditions (i.e., commands) to humankind? He has communicated them via the Written Word (i.e., the Bible), please note the following references:

Jesus is talking to His Father on behalf of His apostles and those that will believe on Him through their teaching. The teaching of the apostles is contained in the New Testament today. Since the New Testament contains the teaching of the apostles (i.e., the teaching that Christ authorized them to present), we can know what to do in obedience to Christ by reading the New Testament. The New Testament tells us that we “ought to rightly divide the truth” cf., 2 Timothy 2:15 — (i.e. the teaching of Christ and the apostles).

John 17:17-23: Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we (are) one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. ASV

The teaching of Christ and the apostles presents a plan for the salvation of men’s souls, it follows — Jesus Christ told the apostles that their mission would be to preach and teach the whole creation, Matthew 28:18-20. — The New Testament (i.e. the teaching of the apostles) reveals to us the gospel plan of salvation.

1.  Hear the gospel, Romans 10:17

2.  Believe the gospel, Mark 16:15-16

3.  Repent of sins, Acts 2:38

4.  Confess Christ as the Son of God, Romans 10:9-10

5.  Be baptized, Acts 2:38

Indeed, Jesus Christ will save everyone that will follow His instruction, look again at Hebrews 5:8-9 listed above.

CONCLUSION: Finally, look at the apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy in, cf., 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (ASV). Consequently, whenever we preach the apostles doctrine today we tell people that they are saved by grace through faith and obedience. Why do we teach that? Because the Bible teaches that and we are bound to teach whatever the Bible authorizes.

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