Category: spiritual growth and maturity

A Higher Education: It Is Up to You!

Friday, May 19, 2023

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 KJV).

Seventeen years ago today, I graduated high school. Consequently, we dedicate this devotional to high school students who are nearing graduation.

Are you about to graduate high school? What would God have you do afterward? Go to college? Trade school? Something else? What career should you pursue? If you do plan on education after high school, where should you attend school? These are tough questions, and while God’s Word does not answer them, you can make decisions that conform to sound Bible doctrine—that is God’s will.

In today’s Scripture, Paul encourages downcast Timothy. Timothy was considerably younger than the Apostle Paul. Older people who are teaching false doctrine are intimidating young Timothy: “Tim, you are too young to teach God’s Word. Let us handle it.” Young Timothy conceded, became silent, and allowed the (“older and wiser”) false teachers to continue teaching their damnable heresies (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:5-8). Paul replied, “Timothy, Speak up! Let no man despise thy youth!”

Christian youth can be just as effectual in their station in life as Christian adults. The lost world is watching us Christians, and we need to be sure that our actions are in accordance with the sound Bible doctrine we claim to believe (lest we be guilty of confusing the already-puzzled unbelievers). Whether “young or old,” our speech, our lifestyle, our acts of love, our determination, our belief in sound Bible doctrine, and our separation from that which God hates, is the way we communicate to the lost world God’s Word and its preeminence in our lives and hearts (today’s Scripture).

Above all, dear graduates, whatever you do post-graduation, “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). After all, it really is not your life—it is Christ’s life in you (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4), so He alone deserves the glory! 🙂

*Based on a Bible study by the same name, which can be read here. Also, see the study “The Spirit-Filled Student.”

By the way, you may also be interested in reading this archived special-edition study about my own college experience.

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….

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #4

Monday, May 8, 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!)

Re-read 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Should believers eat foods offered to idols? As part of their worship services, heathen (lost) Gentiles consumed food that had first been sacrificed in temples. Though idols cannot contaminate the meat, and eating the meat is not equivalent to idol worship, some Christians had great difficulty distinguishing the two. To these spiritually immature souls, eating such sacrifices was idolatry, an evil activity to be avoided at all costs.

Hence, Paul deemed it best to take the following approach: “[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; [11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend [stumble], I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

The subject is also discussed considerably in Romans 14:1-23 (which read in full, describing how weak Christians chose to eat just vegetables so as to eliminate all possibility of eating meat offered to idols). Highlights include: “[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. [14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.”

While Paul (and other mature Christians) knew the idols had not tainted the food, and while Paul knew eating such food did not constitute idolatry, for the weaker Christian’s sake he would prefer not to eat—thereby not sidestepping merely evil but abstaining from even the appearance of evil (today’s Scripture). Again, this is adult Christian thinking….

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #3

Sunday, May 7, 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!)

Frequently, Christians have questions about precisely what conduct is and is not acceptable before the Lord. These matters are not easily resolved—or the wrong decisions are made—because even a rudimentary understanding of grace living is lacking. Nonetheless, if we are mature Bible students, it will not be difficult to choose the best alternative.

As a simple illustration, consider the situation of 1 Corinthians chapter 8: “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”

It is here that we use extreme caution concerning such “questionable” behavior. If it is not evil, but it still resembles evil, the general rule of thumb is do not do it! Here is just basic sanctified common sense, fundamental grace living, settling issues about which we would otherwise wonder endlessly….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #10

Thursday, May 4, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

You have no control over losing health, wealth, or loved ones. Fretting will not decrease the likelihoods either. Instead, behold the priority! Before you permanently lose your soul for all eternity—that most dreadful, irreversible process—you need to place your faith exclusively in the fact Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Then, you can join the Apostle Paul in saying: “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep [guard, preserve] that which I have committed unto him against that day” (today’s Scripture).

As opposed to going to great lengths to extend the longevity of these physical bodies—which are still destined for the cemetery!—we should focus more on our bodily resurrection to come (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:5; Philippians 3:20,21). We should be building up our inner man, soul and spirit, renewing it day by day with sound Bible doctrine. Instead of hoarding our earthly riches—which we will lose anyway!—we should rather use our resources to selflessly help those who are less fortunate (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19). What we will take with us to Heaven is not material goods at all, but spiritual wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and spiritual understanding that we acquired here during our earthly sojourn (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Colossians 3:23-25). Though we will lose our family members and friends, we still have everlasting fellowship with Father God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers throughout the ages. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39—read verses 31-39 for the context).

“Be careful [worrisome, anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [guard, preserve] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #9

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

If enough time elapses, we will lose our health, wealth, and loved ones. Sin is thief, mercilessly stealing them all, and Paul in today’s Scripture was very well acquainted with that. He also knew there was one thing he would never lose: his soul was secure in Christ, and the Lord would “keep” (guard) it, no matter all the earthly losses he endured before reaching Heaven.

When describing the materialism and idolatry afflicting His nation, Israel, the Lord Jesus stated: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25,26). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

The above words highlight the severity of the penalty unbelievers will face in eternity future. To “gain the whole world” means they were so attached to the treasures and pleasures of earthly life—cooperating with Satan’s policy of evil (which the Antichrist will personify). They had a merry, prosperous life without God. They certainly did not want to die for Him either. In contrast, the believers in Christ chose to be people of faith—even when it meant perishing as martyrs. Whereas the believers will experience perpetual gain (true life, eternal life), the unbelievers will suffer permanent loss (second death; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8). They “lose their soul”—their identity, becoming nobodies in the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 14:9-11).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #8

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Since people usually think about just this life—not the afterlife—they endeavor to preserve and extend earthly life and pleasures as long as possible. In their “Heaven on Earth,” they do whatever they can to accumulate as much wealth as they can; take numerous vitamins and supplements to perpetuate their weakening and aging bodies; and flatter, bribe, or compromise to maintain relationships with family and friends. However, in the end, physical death will take it all away!

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:22-25).

Here are three passages to orient us toward the afterlife….