Romans 8:14

Led by the Spirit
by Marvin Rickett
Source: The Gospel Reminder, February 22, 2004

The Scripture says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).  There are a lot of religious folks who claim to be led by the Holy Spirit, but who are not.  They claim to speak in tongues and do miracles.  They continually speak of the Holy Spirit prompting them in their religious life.  Yet it is evident the Holy Spirit has absolutely nothing to do with their brand of religion.  The evidence  is in  the fact that their religious practice is not what the New Testament says.  They do not do the Word of the Lord (Matthew 7:21).  Surely, the Holy Spirit does not tell them one thing in the New Testament, and something entirely different and conflicting in their present-day promptings.  The Bible is the Holy Spirit’s word.  As for these modern-day promptings, they come from another “spirit.”

One of the marks of the Pentecostals or Charismatics is their heavy emphasis on the Holy Spirit.  Their preaching is full of references to the Holy Spirit, almost to the exclusion of emphasis on the Father and the Son.  True Christianity has the opposite effect.  Emphasis is placed by the Spirit on the Son and the Father.  Jesus, when He promised to send the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me” (John 15:26).  He further said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: For he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he shall show you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you” (John 16:13-14).  True Christianity placed the Holy Spirit in the background and placed the Son in the foreground.  One would not hear much said about the Holy Spirit, even though He is doing a vital work.  He would, rather, hear about the Son, who died for our sins; and the Father, from whom comes every good and perfect gift.

Brethren have complained that we have neglected in our teaching and preaching lessons on the Holy Spirit.  Perhaps.  But when we present the Holy Spirit’s word, the New Testament, we are giving Him exactly the honor that is supposed to be accorded Him.

What are the marks of one who is really being led by the Holy Spirit and is Spirit-filled?  He is one who is obeying all of the Word of the Lord.  He believes on Jesus Christ, has repented of his sins, confessed Christ, and has been baptized into Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins.  Anyone claiming to be saved by faith alone or at the point of faith has not done the Word of the Lord and therefore is not being led by the Spirit.

One who is led by the Holy Spirit and is Spirit-filled is one doing all the things the Scriptures show a Christian to do.  He has allowed his life to be filled with the Word.  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).  When one walks according to the Word and allows the Word to dwell in him richly, he is being led by the Holy Spirit and is Spirit-filled.

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TALC #4

The years 1946 and 1953 have been added to the files indexing, online, the TEACHER’S ANNUAL LESSON COMMENTARY. This brings the total indexed so far to 38.

Years included are:
1923… 1925… 1926… 1934… 1939… 1945… 1946… 1947… 1948… 1950… 1951… 1952… 1953… 1954… 1955… 1956… 1957… 1958… 1961… 1962… 1963… 1964… 1967… 1969… 1971… 1972… 1973… 1974… 1975… 1976… 1981… 1982… 2000… 2001… 2002… 2003… 2004… 2005…

–David Lemmons

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Consistency

Is it Possible to Live Consistently?

by Lance Cordle

A man known for his conservative stance is seen to be guilty of the very acts which he has publicly condemned.  It has happened at least three times in the last few months (a preacher and two congressmen) and I am not so naive as to think it won’t happen again.  What’s more is that the instances were not one-time lapses of judgment, but cases of men who had patterns of behavior that were direct contradictions of the men’s public professions.

Unfortunately, it appears that the American public is about to become extremely cynical (actually, they already are) and assume that most conservative thinkers and religious people are hypocrites.  While you may rightly say such an assumption is unfair, do not be surprised to see this trend continue.  Some praise those who blatantly live in sin for not being hypocritical.  While we may “appreciate” the consistency of someone who does not pretend to be something they are not, we should never admire a sinner for sinning.

There is another problem as well.  You and I see ourselves and know that there are areas in our lives in which we struggle.  We may thus feel reluctant to speak out about sin, fearful that someone might bring our shortcomings to light–even if those shortcomings are not patterns of willful behavior.  We ask ourselves, “How can I live in such a way as to be consistent with my profession of faith in God?“  Here are some answers:

• Humble yourself before God and pray that you will be kept from a spirit of pride (James 4:10).  Remember that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
• Beware of saying things like “I would never…” or “No one in my family would ever…”  Peter told Jesus that he would never deny Him (Matthew 26:35), yet just a few hours later, he did.  None of us know what we might do in a moment of weakness.  We would like to think we would not give in to temptation, but we cannot say for sure that we would not.  Our best course of action would be to avoid situations that we know would exploit our weaknesses and to get out of them as quickly as possible if we inadvertently stumble into them.
• If you correct someone, do so in a spirit of humility (Galatians 6:1-2) letting them know that you are not “above” them, but one who is trying to help them.  In condemnation of behavior, let the Bible speak, and let your behavior reflect the Bible (2 Peter 3:11-12).  “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”

Remember that consistent living is not perfection, but a pattern of godliness.  We can live faithfully (Revelation 2:10 before God.

The Encourager, Volume 19, Number 36, September 9, 2007

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Serious About Those Vows

Serious About Those Vows
From: House to House/Heart to Heart

What are some “do’s” and “don’ts” about avoiding sexual temptations?

• Do keep visual reminders of your marriage contract.  Always wear your wedding ring when in public.  Keep pictures of your spouse in your wallet, as a desktop screensaver, or in your workspace.  Frame your marriage certificate and keep on a prominent wall.  Remember the contract you made with God, your parents, friends, church, and nation to be faithful to your partner.  When you placed that ring on your mate’s finger, you promised your heart, affections, loyalty, and faithfulness “until death do you part.”
• Don’t be overconfident (1 Corinthians 10:12).  Recognize your weak points.  One study showed that one is vulnerable after a major led-down, or a major success.  Those who are depressed or are having marital trouble can easily fall into illicit relationships.
• Do avoid flirty people.  If a flirtatious woman is in the break room, go outside to drink your coffee.  If a man tries to flirt with you at a ballgame, find another seat.  A wise person sees evil coming, and avoids it (Proverbs 22:3).
• Don’t send mixed messages to those around you.  Avoid prolonged stares, lingering touches, and any joking that might be construed as flirting.
• Do be on guard when out of your normal routine (1 Peter 5:8).  Business trips, vacations, a new job, new membership at a gym or sports team, and similar changes are times of vulnerability.  When away overnight, call home and talk to your spouse and children at least every night–and if you feel tempted, call home immediately.  Take their pictures and put them in your motel room.  Don’t hang out in the lobby or bar.  Block out the TV sex channels–or just leave it off altogether (there are sexual images on most channels).
• Don’t let friendships cross the line.  Never do anything when your mate is absent that you would not do in his/her presence.  Most affairs begin by “just being friends.”  One study shows that “friends” are those most likely to be adulterous companions (followed by “co-workers”).  If things are heading toward adultery, it is important to put some emotional distance between you and this person … right now!  Whatever you do, don’t express your feelings to him/her.  It is also important to keep the right kind of friends.  those who tell you dirty stories or flirt with you are not really your friends.  Avoid them!  This is not because you are too good for them but because you are not good enough for them.
• Do be aware of the power immodest dress has on you and others.  Don’t pick up the magazine; don’t click on the web link; sit with your back toward an indecently dressed female in a restaurant or at the office.  Don’t wear a garment that sends a message you don’t want received.
• Don’t let a person of the opposite sex confide in you about marriage problems.
• Do take drastic action if a line has been crossed: quit a hobby/sport, change jobs, break a friendship, change congregations, move to a new city (completely avoid the place you see this person).

When you reach your silver and then golden anniversaries, you’ll be glad you kept your vows.

“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? …whoso committeth adultery … lacketh understanding, he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Proverbs 6:27, 33).

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2 Chronicles 16:9

The Eyes of the Lord
by Tom Wacaster

Second Chronicles is perhaps one of the most neglected of the inspired writings among otherwise good Bible students.  I must admit that my yearly trek through the genealogies in 1 and 2 Chronicles takes some patience.  Much of what we read in the Chronicles are a repeat of the material in 1 and 2 Kings with but little difference.  It is interesting, therefore, that on my journey through the Chronicles this year that my eyes happened to light upon a little phrase that I have read a number of times, though only in passing.  But first, some background information.  It was the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  Asa was instrumental in maintaining pure worship before God.  He removed his own mother from being queen because she had made an idol unto false gods (1 Chr.  15:16).  In addition, he brought into the house of God the things that his father Abijah had restored to the temple.  When the sixteenth chapter opens, we learn that Baasha, king of the Northern Kingdom, rose up against Judah.  Rather than depend upon God for protection, Asa turned to Benhadad, the king of Syria, and sought an alliance with that idolatrous nation.  The union was successful and Benhadad retreated from his aggression.  Asa may have won the battle, but he lost what might have otherwise been a blessing from God in the final overthrow and defeat of Syria itself.  Hanani the prophet was sent to Asa: “Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand” (2 Chr.  16:7).  Hanani then makes this interesting statement: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.  Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars” (16:9).  Please note these lessons from this record.

First, God has searching eyes.  Here it is said that He is looking for those “whose heart is perfect toward him.” Jeremiah was once instructed to “run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it” (Jer.  5:1).  Those must have been trying times when a righteous man was hard to find.  Wickedness was rampant.  Both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms were, for the most part, corrupt.  How easy it would have been for God to simply turn His back.  Instead, God was searching.  Like the prodigal son whose father must have never ceased to look, our Father in heaven keeps searching for one more soul that is “perfect toward him.”

Second, God has far reaching eyes.  His eyes are said to run “to and fro throughout the whole earth.” There is no hamlet, no small village, no isolated corner of this globe that can escape the penetrating look of the eyes of God.  “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb.  4:13).  One wonders by the timing of Hanani’s statement from God whether or not Asa may have attempted to make this league with Benhadad in secret.  Men may perpetrate and perform their crimes in the dark of night where they think they can escape detection.  Law makers and politicians may receive a bribe “under the table” in an effort to conceal their wicked deeds.  However our God sees all, and all will answer to the Almighty for their ungodly deeds.

Third, God has urgent eyes.  It is said that His eyes run.  Time is of the essence.  “The king’s business required haste” (1 Sam.  21:8).  We must preach the Word, “be instant in season, out of season” (2 Tim.  4:2).  What it is that makes the search so urgent?  It is the limited time constraint that faces you and me.  Life is but a vapor.  There is no certainty of tomorrow.  God knows this.  And I, for one, am happy that He does not linger in searching for those of perfect heart.

Fourth, God has revealing eyes.  He was to “to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chr.  16:9).  I, for one, am glad that God is a revealing God and that He wants to make Himself known.  How grateful we should be that not only has He made “one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth,” but that God’s desire is that we “should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27).  Some years ago it was declared that “God is dead.” No, God is not dead.  He is alive, and He has made Himself known.  For those who miss Him, the fault is solely theirs for God is looking for them, and He is ready and willing to show Himself to those who earnestly seek after Him (Heb.  11:6).

Fifth, God has demanding eyes.  While His love is unconditional, His blessings are for a limited few.  He is strong in behalf of “them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chr.  16:9).  The context of those words helps me understand what God means by a “heart that is perfect toward him.” Asa failed to trust God.  He doubted the power of God to fulfill the promises given.  While Asa may have proven himself noteworthy by seeking to eradicate idolatry and return to true worship of Jehovah, he failed in this one area.  He failed to seek God’s advice, and then to follow it when it came to him.  God demands that we bow in submission in every single aspect and area of our life.  Failure to do so will be catastrophic.

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Teacher’s Annual Lesson Commentary #3

We have been working with a couple of other brethren (Dave Dugan and Larry Cole) to provide a free online index of the TEACHER’S ANNUAL LESSON COMMENTARY and its predecessor, ELAM’S NOTES.  To this point we have 36 of the volumes indexed.  We have now made a new page for the documents.  Because of the size of the data, we have separated them out into decades from the 1920’s to the 2000’s.  Thus, one can open up a decade of indexes or an individual file.  By making use of the search engine within the PDF files (Control + F) one can find what page number on which to find a certain Bible passage or topic dealt with in these helpful books.  Where available, we have included author’s name and even “Golden Text,” passages.  We hope this index will be helpful to preachers and other Bible students.  To reach the listing of the files, please click H-E-R-E.

–David Lemmons

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