Give Me the Bible

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10).

Recently, I was reading about a man who collects Bibles. One of his oldest is from sixteenth-century England. The top inch or so of every page is blackened. We might think that this Bible’s pages have simply darkened over time, but what actually happened is that the original owner of the Bible was executed and his Bible was dipped in his blood. These Bibles are identified as Martyrs’ Bibles.

Queen Mary I (1516–1558), popularly known as Bloody Mary, was a murderous Catholic and was beyond determined to end the blight of Protestantism in her kingdom. Ending this religious movement was done by ending the lives of those who would not change. The notion of separation of church and state would no doubt have been influenced by someone as heinous as Bloody Mary.

My point in sharing this story about Martyrs’ Bibles is to show the contrast of our day. We have such easy access to God’s word — in my office I have two dozen hard-copy Bibles plus smartphone and computer apps. At home I probably have another half-dozen. Misplacing or losing one would not be the end of my world, because I have so many.

Would we be willing to die for the knowledge of God’s word? What do the Scriptures mean to us?

David wrote: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7–11).

Do we believe this about God’s word? Is the Bible more to be desired than gold? Maybe we should ask ourselves: How would our love for God’s word show? Is our attitude toward God’s revealed will as David’s? “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

Do we dwell on God’s word? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).

We need to thank God for the examples of those who have loved His Word so much that they were not only willing, but actually did lose their lives for it.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Peter 1:22 — 2:3).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As the Lord Himself prayed: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). How far would we be willing to go to defend God’s word? It may never happen that we’re called upon to lay down our lives for possessing a Bible, but we can defend it in other ways: primarily, by living it.

Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great (Luke 6:46–49).

It matters how we live — just saying we love the Lord is not enough. And if we don’t live it, then we really don’t believe it (see 1 Timothy 5:24–25; Luke 12:1–3; John 5:25–29).

Do we love the Lord? Do we cherish His word in our hearts as a most precious gift? What will we do today to show our love for Him and His word?

He Opened Their Minds

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting …

—James 1:5, 6—

After His resurrection, Jesus was with His apostles. We read from Luke 24:44, 45 that He said to them: “‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

An open mind is good, but especially when it is opened by the Lord Himself. This doesn’t happen miraculously, but primarily by prayer and faith (James 1:5-8).

Having doubts is not sinful unless we allow those doubts to ferment and grow. Matthew records for us that some of the eleven disciples who witnessed Jesus’ ascension home to heaven doubted (Matt. 28:17). We can’t imagine they remained doubtful, especially after what we read in Acts 2:1, 14: “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. … But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed [the men of Judea].”

Peter admitted that some of the things Paul wrote were hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16). Peter’s admonition was not to dismiss Paul’s difficult passages; rather, he warned his us that “the untaught and unstable would distort Paul’s words, as they would also do to the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. And then he said, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 3:18).

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6).

Avoid Such People

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, 

says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.

—2 Corinthians 6:17—

Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the 

appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

—2 Timothy 3:5—

Following Jesus means that we’re living in this world, but our citizenship is not of this world: the apostle Paul said so, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Part of what this means is that we live here, but our thoughts and ways should not remain here—we’re looking to the eternal as we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 4:16—5:7; also read Isaiah 55:8–11).

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ [a contextual reference to baptism (Col. 2:12)], keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1–3).

The title of this brief article comes from the larger context of 2 Timothy 3:1–5:

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Paul warns us about who our friends and acquaintances are—“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupt good morals. Awake to soberness righteously, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God: I say this to move you to shame” (1 Cor. 15:33–34).

In a different context, the same apostle Paul urged Christ’s followers:

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1).

How do we go about cleansing ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit?
My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil (Proverbs 4:20–27 WEB).

Also, our entertainment—what we read and watch—truly affects how we think and act. We believe differently because we will read and watch what we want and act as if it won’t influence us at all. We need to be discerning and then do what we know is right and pleasing to the Lord who made and saved us (Romans 12:1–2; Philippians 4:8–9), including avoiding such people who are not helping us get closer to God, but pushing us further away.

Problem Finders and Solution Seekers

Anyone can find a problem. The world, and more specifically the Lord’s body here and everywhere else, could benefit tremendously from having fewer who find problems and offer nothing more. We all could profit from those who seek solutions.

Years ago I preached a sermon that I’m sure was designed by me to point out a problem the congregation was having. In my mind’s eye I see myself getting a worked up and all “preachery.” Afterward, one dear sister said the lesson was needed, but then she asked, “What can we do to fix this?” Her question has stayed with me through the years because I know deep down that I am one who can triumphantly find problems while offering little to nothing in solving them.

It’s difficult sometimes to find a solution to a problem. Here’s one: rather than complaining about attendance, say something to someone who is not making it a priority, and saying that needed thing in love —“speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:15–16; also see Col. 4:6).

When it comes to attendance to Bible studies and worship, it is honestly discouraging (at worst) and disappointing (at the least) for brothers and sisters to willingly not show up.

A solution to this problem? “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed” (1 Cor. 16:22).

The truth is, there’s a heart problem with some, and one of the ways it shows is by a lack of attending as we should. Not attending shows it’s not a priority with you, and that there are times when you come before the Lord and your brethren (suffering from “I” trouble). Don’t go looking for exceptions, because you know better. Yes, there are exceptions, but too many are wanting the exception to somehow serve as the rule. “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries (Heb. 10:23–27).

When the Lord addressed the saints in Ephesus he charged them with abandoning the love they had at first, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent (Rev. 2:4–5).

We desperately need godly grief (2 Cor. 7:9–11). And godly grief, which leads to repentance, begins with a humbled heart —“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2; also see Matt. 5:3–4; Php. 2:12–13).

Again, finding problems is easy; anyone can do it. But being willing, open, and eager to find and implement a solution is tougher. It begins with an acknowledgement that something needs to change (cf. James 3:13–18), and then doing what we know we should. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Is Ignorance a Defense Before God?

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30–31).

We might be deceived into believing that ignorance is bliss. Wise King Solomon even nearly said so — “Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain” (Ecclesiastes 1:18 NASB). But we all know from experience that not knowing, especially willfully not knowing, is detrimental.

God has not left us alone. More than that, God has not left us without witnesses to His existence and to what He, as our Creator, desires of us: "That you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:15–17).

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19–20).

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:20–21).

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:17–18).

Ignorance as a result of the hardness of their hearts! Some people are willful in their ignorance of God’s will: they simply don’t want to know because they don’t care about God’s will or about pleasing Him (see Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 8:17). “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14–16).

Ignorance is no defense before God in judgment — “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10).

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more (Luke 12:47–48).

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure (1 John 3:1–3).

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6–7). “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’ ” (1 Peter 1:14–16).

Just Because We Can’t See It Doesn’t Mean It’s Not There

Sin is real. The evidence of sin is all around us — both in the natural and moral realms. According to God’s word, as a consequence of Adam’s sin, the earth itself was condemned (Gen. 3:17–19).

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now (Rom. 8:20–22).

The manifestation of sin in the moral realm may be denied, but the reality of sin is everywhere — “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:1–5; also read Rom. 1:18–32).

Consider sin to be like an undiagnosed disease. It may be that we are not aware that we are suffering, but eventually — as a consequence of it not being diagnosed and addressed — we begin to show signs of suffering. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. How many of us have watched friends and loved ones die because they were not aware they were suffering from something like cancer — and then when it was finally detected, it was too late? Again, sin is like that, except that we’re not talking about losing our bodies, but losing the undying part of ourselves, our souls, forever (2 Thess. 1:6–10;  Luke 12:4–7).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . . Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Rom. 3:23; 5:12). “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Ecc. 7:20).

So what are we to do? What can we do?

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:23–26).

The power of God in saving souls is not simply in His overlooking that we have sinned against Him. If He did this, He would be unjust:

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:21–26).

Here’s the thing — God’s nature is compared to light (1 John 1:5;  John 1:4–9; 8:12;  Heb. 12:28–29). And the point the word of God makes is that there’s no darkness in Him at all! So how can He justify sinners? “My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. This is how we know that we know Him: if we keep His commandments. One who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:1–4).

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him (Rom. 5:6–9).

The apostle Paul was commanded not to wait but to “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3–5; cp. John 3:3–7; Php. 3:8–11).

Just because we can’t see sin, doesn’t mean it’s not there. It will manifest itself (1 Tim. 5:24). But once there, only obedience to God’s command of faith and baptism (Rom. 4—6) can remove it completely and eternally! God be praised for His love!

"Is It Lawful?"

The question, “Is it lawful?” is asked nine times in the New Testament (Matthew 12:10; 19:3; 22:17;  Mark 3:4; 12:14;  Luke 6:9; 14:3; 20:22;  Acts 22:25). The question is essentially seeking authorization for doing—or not doing—a certain thing: whether it is about healing on the Sabbath, divorcing one’s spouse for any reason at all, or scourging a Roman citizen.

The question, “Is it lawful?” seems to be asked a lot less than it should be, especially when it comes to worshiping God. For example, when Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded (Leviticus 10:1–11), they were consumed by fire which came out from the Lord. They did not stop to think about what they were doing because they didn’t care, and they were therefore severely punished.

In asking, “What’s wrong with _____?” we’re really asking the wrong question because we are basically coming at establishing authority backward—we’re already doing what we’re weakly questioning. It’s the same as asserting that since the Bible does not forbid a practice that it is somehow divinely-acceptable. But again, consider Nadab and Abihu.

When we ask “Is it lawful?” or “What makes this right?” we are seeking authority first and foremost rather than as an afterthought.

Another important phrase we find used throughout the New Testament by Jesus Himself and His holy apostles is: “It is written.”

This phrase is found 64 times —Matthew 2:5; 4:4, 6–7, 10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24,31;  Mark 1:2; 7:6; 9:13; 14:21, 27;  Luke 2:23; 3:4; 4:4, 8, 10; 7:27; 19:46; 24:46;  John 6:31, 45; 8:17; 12:14;  Acts 1:20; 7:42; 13:33; 15:15; 23:5;  Romans 1:17; 2:24; 3:4,10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3,9,21;  1 Corinthians 1:19, 31; 2:9; 3:19; 6:16; 9:9; 10:7; 14:21; 15:45; 2 Corinthians 8:15; 9:9;  Galatians 3:10, 13; 4:22, 27; Hebrews 10:7;  1 Peter 1:16.

Seeing this lengthy list of scripture references underscores the importance of this phrase because it manifests an attitude of reverence toward God’s word as the source of our authority for doing what we do and how we do it. As Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear … Take heed how you hear” (Mark 4:24;  Luke 8:18).

In the words of King David—“Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. … Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:97, 165).

In all worship and holy conduct we need to possess this attitude toward the word of God because His word brings life (John 6:68;  1 John 5:11–13). “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (John 12:48–50).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:11–13).

Knowing how important the word of God is in distinguishing between what is acceptable and what is not, we read of our adversary’s interest in removing or distorting the word: “The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them” (Mark 4:14–15;  Galatians 1:7).

“Put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21–22).

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:3–4).

Before we offer worship to God, let us be sure that it is lawful (Romans 12:1–2).

Growth Requires Effort

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

(1 Corinthians 3:5–7)

Growth, whether individual or congregational, comes with effort. It doesn’t come accidentally, but purposefully. Ultimately, God gives the increase, but we must work at planting and watering—every part doing its share (Eph. 4:15–16 NKJV).

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13).

So, what can we do to help in the effort of growth? First of all, we must decide that growth is not optional but vital—and the word “vital” is important because it means living, active, energetic.
“… Harmful to Christians is the assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once. We assume that if something can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficiently. Our attention spans have been conditioned by thirty-second commercials. Our sense of reality has been flattened by thirty-page abridgements” (Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, pp. 11–12, 1980).

A primary contribution to growth (individually and congregationally) is time, which requires patience and therefore dependence upon the Lord—“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8).

Waiting doesn’t mean we’re sitting and doing nothing at all but waiting—it means we’re working the ground, sowing the seed, and watering until the Lord gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5–7).

I believe the most important contributing factor to growth is prayer. Paul requested prayers—“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints: and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18–19 NKJV).

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Col. 4:2–4 NKJV).

But prayer should not be the only thing we do in the effort of growing personally and as a group. We need to study, since we are Jesus’ disciples (students), God’s word to know what it is that we need to ask for (1 John 5:14–15) and to discern what is pleasing to God (Eph. 5:10). Not just study about God’s word, from commentaries or other study helps, but actually read His word (Rom. 10:8–10).

We can’t teach what we don’t know (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14–17; Psalm 1:1–2; Prov. 15:28). It’s not about simply knowing things (1 Cor. 8:1), but knowing things so that we can do those things which please our God and Father (Heb. 12:28–29).

So, if we focus ourselves with prayer and study, the natural growth will come to us personally and, therefore, we will begin seeing that truly “the fields are white for harvest” ( John 4:34–38).

Christianity is not a sprint; and it should not be a start/stop life of service. We need to see our obedience of faith as a long walk in heaven’s direction. Remember: time, patience, and dependence.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1–2 NASB).

Handling Disappointment

But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:18 NLT).

For us to experience disappointment we must first have an expectation. Sometimes our expectations are unclear, maybe even to ourselves. This realization may not help us feel a lot better, but we should at least consider the possibility of our unclear expectations being the reason why we are disappointed. Furthermore, it may also be that we are disappointed because of unrealistic expectations — more often about what we expect of or from others than ourselves.

The apostle Paul reminds us to “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). Paul probably understood disappointment and even discouragement — especially when it came from brethren — more than almost anyone, except maybe the Lord himself.

Paul also mentions “danger from false brothers” (2 Cor. 11:26). It’s one thing to have to undergo hardship because of those who do not love the Lord, but it’s quite another level of disappointment — and possibly despair — when hardship comes from false brothers.

It’s hard to imagine that there were brothers who wanted to make Paul’s imprisonment worse, but there were. Paul briefly addresses his situation, and brings up a rather idealistic turn:

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (Philippians 1:14–18).

Writing to his preaching protege, Timothy, the apostle Paul reminded him of the reasons why he suffered, and that Timothy’s expectation should very well be the same:

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra — which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:10–13)

Timothy’s imprisonment can be inferred from the writer of Hebrews as he delivered the good news of Timothy’s release — “You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon” (Heb. 13:23). We know nothing about the details surrounding his being detained: whether it was to visit Paul (cf. 2 Tim. 4:11, 21) or for something else.

Getting back on point … We are going to suffer disappointment. Whether it comes from a coworker, neighbor, or friend; and, yes, it will feel worse when it comes from a brother or sister in Christ because we obviously expect better things from them.

So what can we do?

• We can begin by looking for spiritual stability and friendship with the Lord: He is the anchor of our souls (Heb. 6:13–20) and remains the same (Heb. 13:8–9).
• Prayer works (Luke 18:1 / Rom. 12:12 / 1 Thess. 5:17).
• We also need to remember that we, too, disappoint others — and we should give them the benefit of the doubt when we are disappointed by them because of God’s love for us all (Ecc. 7:21–22 / 1 Cor. 13:7 / 1 John 2:1–2, 4:19 / Rom. 3:23).
• We need to remember that God will judge, it’s not our place to exact revenge (Rom. 12:14, 17–21 / Heb. 10:30–31).
• Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:13–14).

"The End of the Matter"

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

Many people say they believe God exists and that there will even be a day of judgment, a day of reckoning, but that God will save most despite how they chose to live. This doesn’t even make sense, but the devil has successfully convinced people it is true — “When [the devil] lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

Jesus made it clear that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). As James put it: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Notice the deception is to oneself — “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:7–9).

In a different letter, the apostle Paul urged Titus to “insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. … And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:8, 14).

The Bible does not teach that when a person is forgiven of all their sins (Acts 2:38) that they can go back to living in them!

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:1–7)

The process begins and ends with God’s grace. We should never try to deny His grace because without Him and what He did through His Son and Holy Spirit we would have no hope at all (see Romans 5:6–11; 8:23–32;  1 Corinthians 2:9–16).

For some, the problem is that we act as if once saved, always saved. We might not go so far as to think that we cannot sin, but we might act as if our sins “in Christ” don’t have the same dreadful consequences of death (Romans 6:23). We rely on ourselves to earn eternal salvation through checks and balances — as if that were even possible. We come to Bible studies and worship, but our heart is elsewhere. What’s the difference between what we are doing and what Jesus accused the Pharisees of doing: “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me’ ” (Mark 7:6; see Ezekiel 33:30–33).

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (Titus 1:15–16).

If we believe God exists, and that He judges everything, then we should live like it.

What Bible Translation Should We Use?

It used to be that there was really only one English Bible translation to find—the eminent King James Version. Oddly, the revered date of 1611 is not at all what people have in their personal libraries, cars, or smartphones. There were many revisions of this version (and truthfully the KJV is itself a revision, but hardly anyone cares to know this and many believe it irreverent to say such things—here’s an example of some of the foolishness http://chick.com/reading/books/158/158_05.asp).

Honestly, that was good and bad. Good because there wasn’t a lot of confusion in Bible study—e.g., “That’s not what my Bible says!” Bad because it didn’t seem to encourage a lot of original language study.

The main problem I seem to have always had when it comes to the KJV is the archaic nature of the English itself. I don’t enjoy listening to it at all: it sounds weird to me; and I find myself asking, “What did he say?” I also don’t enjoy Shakespearean plays in their original tongue either—e.g., many years ago my wife and I went to a Shakespearean play performed live in Montgomery, Alabama. It was cool watching it live, but I understood hardly anything about the plot because I couldn’t understand what the actors were saying. Essentially it is almost like a foreign language to me.

I often think of a time years ago when I had the opportunity to study the gospel with a teenage girl. Her difficulty in Bible reading was that she didn’t understand the KJV. I bought her a NKJV and it helped her immensely.

I’ve been asked numerous times as a preacher what Bible translation a person should use. I’ve come to this answer: The one you’ll read.

No science here; no obfuscation. Just read the one you’ll read.

Personally, I use a lot of different Bible translations. I preach a lot from the English Standard Version. I also publicly use the NKJV and NASB. When I’m really getting into a word study, I use the Greek. The cool thing is that there are computer programs that put a lot of this information in an easy to use format. Online there’s http://BibleHub.com and http://BibleGateway.com. With BibleHub you can type in the verse and it provides you with a dozen or so English translations.

The point is to enjoy learning. Sometimes we’ve heard the word of God stated too familiarly. And using a different English translation might help keep us attentive.