Category: reproof

Living With Others in Mind #5

Friday, June 30, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Before the Acts period ends, Paul finally reaches Rome (Acts 28:16). Having intended to visit this ancient world capital as a free man (see Acts 19:21), now he is a prisoner appealing to the Roman Emperor for help (a Roman citizen’s right). In the concluding verses of Acts, Luke narrates: “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30,31).

During that two-year period of house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote four Books—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Note their “bonds” or chains references (Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:7,13,14,16; Colossians 4:3,18; Philemon 10,13), the shackles of Acts 28:16-20. Here is the context of today’s Scripture. The Apostle of the Gentiles, confined in Rome, is writing to the saints of Philippi, souls he won to Christ back in Acts chapter 16 roughly a decade prior. Doubtless, he would have visited them in person if he were able, but he was literally detained while awaited his meeting with the Emperor in Rome. This inconvenience restricted the work of the ministry, for he could not travel at will as in years prior.

Read the verses just before today’s Scripture: “[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The operative word here is “Christ… Christ… Christ.” Paul knew what the Christian life entailed, and therefore sought the Lord’s glory regardless of his circumstances….

Living With Others in Mind #4

Thursday, June 29, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Dear friend, as you have already surely noticed, this is a lost, cursed, broken, dark, dying world. It is not perfect and it is not fair (and, also, thankfully, it is not forever!). Due to sin, the Bible titles it “this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4). While it may be hard to believe, it is true: our world could be even worse than it already is. How? Remove the Christians in whom the Word of God dwells, or just take away the Word of God. The Holy Spirit has no more vessels to utilize to slow down Satan’s policy of evil. So, maybe we should be thankful God has bothered to use us undeserving sinners for His trophies of grace at all?!

The Apostle Paul was no super-human. He had his weaknesses, limitations, fears, and doubts like the rest of us. Try doing what he did for 30 years in ministry and see if you could handle just a few days before quitting entirely! “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes [lashings] above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods [caned], once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep [stranded at sea]; In journeyings often, in perils [!] of waters, in perils [!] of robbers, in perils [!] by mine own countrymen, in perils [!] by the heathen, in perils [!] in the city, in perils [!] in the wilderness, in perils [!] in the sea, in perils [!] among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Now, reflect on his terrible predicament in today’s Scripture, and the two available options come into full view….

Living With Others in Mind #3

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

The Lord Jesus Christ did not have to leave Heaven and come to Earth. He could have decided to remain with Father God, avoid Calvary’s cruel cross and its attendant sufferings entirely, and let us all go to Hell forever dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, someone objects, “Oh, but that is not how events turned out, for Christ came to do His Father’s will!” We reply, “Precisely, according to Philippians 2:3-8, Jesus Christ did come and die in obedience to His Heavenly Father, and if God is our Father, is it not only reasonable for us to remember how we are on Earth to fulfill His will rather than our own?” See, again, the Christian life is Christ’s life. It is His mindset carried out in actions. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (verse 5).

Stating it more bluntly, Jesus Christ thought of others: He had Father God foremost in His thinking. As He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane during those tense moments just before His arrest, the Scriptures inform us how He “began to be sore amazed [Greek translated ‘affrighted’ in Mark 16:5,6], and to be very heavy [distressed]” and that He stated His “soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death” (Mark 14:33,34). He was beginning to realize just how much rougher life would soon become for Him, and how He would die via the worst form of torture. However, instead of backing out, He proceeded (as we know full well) with the literal sacrifice of Himself!

“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt…. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matthew 26:39,42). There, dear friends, is adult Christian thinking….

Living With Others in Mind #2

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

When anger is coupled with self-pity, depression is the only outcome. Feeling sorry for self is, frankly and literally, selfish. “I have it so rough and I do not want to be here anymore!” This is immature. We need to shut our mouths and do some Bible study and adult spiritual thinking before we say anything else.

Firstly, if we are willing to look hard enough, we can find someone far worse off than we are. Our troubles do not compare to their difficulties. In fact, we can be quite sure they would love to trade places with us in the snap of a finger, the blink of an eye, the beat of a heart. Having undergone the exchange, we would wish we still had our so-called “problems!”

Secondly, we absolutely (!) must (!) understand the Christian life is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself—not futile attempts to mimic His life (works-religion!), but His very life. It is the Christian life… the Christian life… the CHRISTian life!

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:3-8).

Until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take us out of this present evil world, Earth is right where He wants us to be. Therefore, perhaps we should assume God knows more than we do, and has a purpose for us here before we get to Heaven….

Living With Others in Mind #1

Monday, June 26, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Just a few days back, a ministry friend of mine lost a dear friend who had been suffering a brief illness. (Both are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.) In a recent phone conversation, he expressed how he had mixed emotions about her relocation to Heaven. On one hand, he was thankful because he took comfort in knowing she was free from her disabled, frail body. On the other hand, he said how he was deep in grief because she was absent. Yet, as I listened to him, it was more than just mourning her loss. He had become the victim of self-pity, especially since he wanted to leave this sin-cursed world like she did, thereby escaping his own trials and tribulations (failing health, aching body, the death of his wife many years earlier, and so on).

I counseled with him by sharing some information he already knew as a Christian. Those simple Bible truths were forgotten because he had set aside his renewed mind and was now allowing his emotions to dominate him. What I heard from him was, “I am tired of the pain and suffering. I do not want to be here anymore. I want to leave this world.” After hearing his complaints, I posed one question, “Do you know more than God?” There was silence, so I continued by quoting today’s Scripture and its context: “[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Let us compare and contrast selfishness and selflessness, and use the renewed mind to identify and choose the needful….

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 18, 2023

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

ARCHIVED: “What does the Bible say about fatherhood?”

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 14, 2023

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 35 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #7

Thursday, May 11, 2023

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

Could we follow today’s Scripture to prevent the founding of another false religious system? (Yes!)

A preacher bluntly stated, “Our conduct is that we are either pointing people to Jesus Christ, or we are leading them to Hell!” Like today’s Scripture, we should remember these direct words before pursuing “loose living” in front of people with whom we want to share the Holy Bible. In the words of another dear brother in Christ, “We can either be the sinner’s gospel or the scoffer’s creed.” Whatever reputation we have, someone will see one of two scenarios: sound Bible doctrine on display (sinner’s gospel) or an extra reason to complain about “Christianity” (scoffer’s creed).

If we are in doubt, it is better not to do it. If we are in doubt, it is better not to teach it. If we are in doubt, it is better not to believe it. If we are in doubt, it is better not to say it. Not only do we want to avoid evil, we aim to abstain from all appearance of it. Similarities and likenesses can be more influential than we think. This is a lost and dying world, languishing in spiritual darkness and ignorance. If we believers in Christ reflect those pitiful conditions, we have no way to prove what we have is superior to Satan’s policy of evil. In fact, if we are thoughtless and reckless, we will demonstrate we really have no discernment between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error, either! The Bible never commands us to be sinless, but it does urge us to be different—and a respectable lifestyle will carry far more weight before lost people than idle words and shallow clichés.

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain” (Philippians 2:13-16).

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #6

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

Could we follow today’s Scripture to prevent the founding of another false religious system? (Yes!)

Non-Christians will always seek ways to find excuses for their not coming to the Lord Jesus by faith. What we can do as believers in Christ is remove their ability to list “hypocrisy amongst Christians” and “Christians join in questionable or doubtful actions.” Again, even if it appears to be evil, avoid it (today’s Scripture). As the adage goes, “It is better to be safe than sorry.” Far better it is to limit ourselves than injure others with our careless exercise of liberty.

While it is generally assumed (even among certain alleged “grace believers”) that “grace is a license to sin,” the Bible states something else entirely. Under no circumstances are we to conclude, “We are free in Christ to do whatever we want. Grace means we have God’s permission to live in sin without dire consequences!” Oh, dear friends, we had better be ever so careful here, reminding ourselves of Galatians 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Liberty indeed means freedom, but it also means freedom to be spiritual adults (thinking of others) instead of being spiritual children (thinking of self). “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient [profitable, advantageous, beneficial]: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify [build up] not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:23,24).

Although there is no explicit command in the Bible to do certain things and no clear instruction in the Scripture not to do specific things, the Holy Spirit has provided sufficient information for us to believe and apply. It is our responsibility to find rightly divided verses that fit the situation, and use them in those circumstances. The lazy person will believe and do whatever he or she wants, having no desire to do personal Bible study and come to his or her own godly conclusions about anything. It is easier to blindly follow the pastor, teacher, or denomination—to let others do the thinking and research. May we be spiritual adults….

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #5

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

Could we follow today’s Scripture to prevent the founding of another false religious system? (Yes!)

Notice this large excerpt from 1 Corinthians chapter 10: “[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? [20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. [21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. [22] Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

“[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. [24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. [25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles [marketplace], that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: [26] For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. [27] If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. [28] But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: [29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? [30] For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? [31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. [32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: [33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

Though we are free in Christ, our liberty is not for selfishness. While the activity may not be sin, we should abstain from even an appearance of evil….