Increased Knowledge Brings Increased Responsibilities

One of the important by-products to study is increased knowledge regarding our relationship to God and to our fellow man. We are suggesting that increased knowledge is a good thing and that study is a worthy pursuit by any and all Christians,  cf.,  2 Tim 2:15,  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   The spiritually of each Christian increases as more and more spiritual information is placed into the brain as a result of study, hearing the Word of God expounded, etc.

 OUR APPRECIATION OF OUR GOD

 As one engages in a profitable study of God’s Word one is made aware of God and His greatness in many aspects. God is truly remarkable in that there is none like Him or any that comes anywhere close to Him in greatness pertaining to everything, cf., Gen 2:4. “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens” (NIV)     Josh 2:10-1-2, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” 2 Sam 22:31-33, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” (KJV) Our appreciation of our God is enhanced greatly as we learn more about Him through hearing and studying His Holy Word. We are therefore encouraged to place ourselves in a students position so that we may learn more from others as they teach God’s Word, (e.g.,  gospel meetings,  special classes,  lecture programs, etc.) and we are encouraged to study more privately because of the benefits that we know will be gleaned thereby.   Peter the great apostle of Christ stated this truth at the close of his writings, 2 Pet 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (KJV)

Through study and the continued acquisition of knowledge we may someday have the complete confidence in God that the writer of the 23rd Psalm expresses in Ps 23:1-6, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

APPRECIATION OF OUR NEIGHBOR

The greatest commandment according to our Lord is:   Matt 22:36-38, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second greatest commandment according to our Lord is: Matt 22:39, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)

CONSIDER THIS, ALSO:

According to Jesus we are to  “love our neighbor as ourselves.” There is a great deal contained in this instruction by our Lord notice some of the consequence of loving our neighbor.

1.    If we love our neighbor we will always act charitably toward them in whatever human interaction we have with them.

2.   We will not lie to our neighbor but we will always be honest and truthful in our interactions with them.

3.    We will be the first to offer a helping hand or a prayer whenever they are suffering grief, or misfortune.

4.    Above all,  we will share the gospel message with our neighbor.  There is no greater expression of care for another than to share the gospel with them.  If they refuse to accept the gospel message their sin is on their own head.

5.    Invite your neighbors to worship God with you as you have opportunity in your conversations together.

6.    Always be a good example for them to observe, remember this, you may be the only example of a true Christian that they have to follow, don’t blow it!

INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES

Jesus taught that increased knowledge brings about increased responsibility,  please note the following passages of Scripture:   Luke 12:48, “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (KJV) The parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:15-28 also indicate that the individual that possesses the greatest talents (abilities) will be responsible for more than those with less.  The important point in the parable of the talents though, is; each individual is to use whatever abilities they possess in the Lord’s service.  If one has abilities and does not use them surely he is not fulfilling his responsibility to God or his neighbor.

We will all be fulfilling our responsibility to God if, as we learn God’s will we put it to practical use in our life.   From our study, it is apparent that when we learn more and more of God’s Word we are required to put that new knowledge to good use, not only in our life but in the life of others around us.  It is evident that as we learn more of God’s Word we will appreciate our relationship to God and our neighbors better.

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Waiting at the End of the Road

My day didn’t start out very well…while eating breakfast and watching the news a commercial came on T.V. for an event for children that was going to take place. I was reminded of days gone by and the innocence of childhood. As the conversation and memories my wife and I shared together progressed I was quickly confronted with the pain and heartache that comes when those innocent children grow into adults and make sinful choices. What can we do with (or for) those we love and cherish who turn their backs on righteousness and choose a life of sin?

I am sure that you would receive almost as many different answers to this question as the number of people to whom you would ask it. Yet in a couple of conversations I had with men I love and respect; this one common thought continued to permeate. Sometimes all we can do is be there for them when (and if) they come home.

There could be no more relevant story to this situation than the parable of the Prodigal Son. In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story that has repeated itself countless times over the centuries and I believe will continue to for as long as mankind is allowed to continue on the earth. A son, who takes all that has been given him, leaves home and wastes it in sin. Placing ourselves in the shoes of the father I can’t help but think that he daily prayed for his son. He must have walked out to the edge of the road daily and stood for hours hoping to see his boy return just over the horizon. Before his son left he did all he could do and now all he could do was be there for him when he returned home.

But also consider that the father also had other responsibilities to tend to each day. Another son to care for, a home, a business…he did not let his sorrow and grief overcome him to the point that he was negligent in his own duties. I am sure that those around him knew of his concern for his lost son. But he did not let those concerns affect his relationship to those around him. And when the boy “came to himself” what a joyous reunion took place. The willingness of the son to repent and come home and the fact that the father was there, waiting for him when he returned, both contributed to the successful reunion.

Some may ask even today, “Where is God?” The answer to this too is found in our parable. He is where He has always been. Waiting for us at the end of the road to come home. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Where is He? Waiting at the end of the road for you to come home. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

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Memorial Day

I believe there should be more than one “Memorial Day” each year. It seems that to most Americans it’s just another “Official Holiday,” the “unofficial start of summer,” the end of the school year, a cookout. Sure, there is the passing mention of those who have fallen in defense of our country. There are stories on the news programs and in the newspaper and more flags than usual might be seen. But it doesn’t seem like it is enough or that the majority of us really, truly consider its depth of meaning.

I also believe the same thing is true with regard to the greatest sacrifice ever made…the death of Jesus of Nazareth on the Cross of Calvary so long ago. The vast majority of people may claim to remember; yet they fail to celebrate and meditate on its importance. The first century church came together on a weekly basis to commemorate this great event with a memorial supper. Far too many who claim to be Christians today continue to observe this memorial.

Friday I watched on as this year’s graduates from the United States Naval Academy received their diplomas. During the ceremony, the members of the graduating class were sworn into the Navy as Ensigns or into the Marine Corps as 2nd Lts. The new 1st Class Midshipmen then lead three cheers for “those who are about to leave us,” and the graduates, led by the class president, responded with three cheers “for those we leave behind.” On the last “hooray” of this cheer, the graduates tossed their midshipman caps into the air, to be recovered by spectators as mementos of the occasion.

Thursday I watched as my daughter Rachel Dooley graduated from the 8th grade and became a High School Freshman. Saturday evening Kristina Stewart graduated from Boone County High School. Jonathan Glass graduated from Freed-Hardeman University a few weeks ago and Deric Hutson graduated from Thomas Moore College. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

All of these things have reminded me that as a Christian there are a few things I need to always keep fresh in my mind.

Love: The love of family, friends, country and most of all Christ and what He has done, is doing and yet will accomplish in my life.

Thanksgiving: for all of the above.

Memorial: For those who have gone on before and those we leave behind but most of all
for the love of God and the greatest sacriice man has known (or ever will).

Commitment: To be faithful! To family, the church and country. It is hard work…but it surely is and will be worth it all!

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Accepting Responsibility

One of the characteristics that most people today have in common is their refusal to accept personal responsibility for things that they have control over.  It is not uncommon today to hear people give as their excuse for some failure in life one of the following:

1.         I did not know how to do it.

2.         I saw someone else do it that way and I thought it should be done that way.

3.         Someone told me so.

4.         I did not have time to read about the problem.

5.         Someone made me do it that way.

6.         I thought it was acceptable..

7.         Everyone else believes that is right.

There are many other responses given for failures in life by many people today just like these listed.  What is wrong with this list?  It simply is a dodging of personal responsibility and a failure to accept the consequence for a bad decision or a bad choice when called to account for the failure.

In most all secular pursuits today,  people are refusing to accept responsibility for their deeds, lifestyle, or economic condition.  This attitude of refusing responsibility for personal actions is also a problem in many congregations today.

The Bible tells us that our eternal destiny depends upon our acceptance of personal responsibility for the things we do and for the way we live.  Please observe the following Scriptural references that show personal responsibly is to be accepted if man is to please God:

Matthew  25:15-28 – “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.  After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.  And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.”  (KJV)

Hebrews  5:8-9 – “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

CONCLUSION:

In reality everyone is responsible for the choices that they make in every arena of life.  For every choice there are consequences,  therefore  when we accept responsibility for the decisions we make we will weigh the consequences before we make the choice.  To consider well our choices and the possible consequence is a Biblical principle that everyone should incorporate within their actions toward choices in life (i.e., count the cost or consider the consequence well before committing to a position),that is an exercise in personal responsibility.

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Is Social Drinking a Sin?

It’s all right if I have a beer or two in the privacy of my own home, isn’t it? It is not a sin to drink alcohol so long as I don’t get drunk, right? Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomachs sake, so it must be oaky to drink a little, right? How many times have we all heard statements and questions such as these? How many times have we ourselves asked these things? Well, the answer to all these questions is simple…No.

A Stumbling Block

Romans 14:13, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” If for no other reason but this one, social drinking is a sin. If you were to come into my home and see beer and wine in my refrigerator, what would you think? In verse 21 Paul then said, “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” If we know that we should be setting a good example and we don’t, what is it? “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

“Drunk” and “Excess” of Ephesians 5:18

Ephesians 5:18 states, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” To be “drunk with wine” is derived from the Greek verbiage meaning “to intoxicate” or the process of becoming drunk. When a person takes a drink of alcohol he has become intoxicated. Certainly every one has a different tolerance level and the blood alcohol level will vary. Yet the fact remains that after one drink a person begins to become drunk.

Now as for the word “excess” please read 1 Peter 4:4 and apply the same logic many do to our text. 1 Peter 4:4 states, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” It light of the logic used by some in Ephesians 5:18 it would certainly be okay to “riot” a little as long as we don’t “riot” a lot! 2 Peter 2:13 states that those who “riot” will receive the reward of unrighteousness. Does it matter if it is just a little controlled, social rioting or an excess of such?

1 Timothy 5:23

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” Many have tried to use this verse in an attempt to justify alcohol as a beverage. It does no such thing; in fact it does quite the opposite. Timothy refrained from drinking wine and strong drink all together, even when sick. This was done no doubt, not only in order to set a good example, but as a matter of Christian purity.

We have made great advancements in recent generations in the medical field. If a doctor tells you today to “use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake” I would suggest a second opinion!

Don’t Be A Fool

Strong words indeed, but Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine IS A MOCKER, STRONG DRINK IS raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 14:16 tells us, “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” Those who are wise will avoid wine and strong drink.  To know what happens to the foolish we need only read what Jesus has to say in Matthew 25:1-13.

Conclusion

Psalms 75:8, “For in the hand of the LORD there is A CUP, AND THE WINE IS RED; IT IS FULL OF MIXTURE; AND HE POURETH OUT OF THE SAME: BUT THE DREGS THEREOF, ALL THE WICKED OF THE EARTH SHALL WRING THEM OUT, AND DRINK THEM.” What shall be of those who partake of that which the Lord himself has discarded?

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