In the eighteenth chapter of John, Christ stood before Pontius Pilate to answer charges of insurrection. Pilate, the governor of Judea, asked Christ if he was the King of the Jews. Christ answered by saying His kingdom was not of this world. Pilate then asked if He was a King. Jesus responded in John 18:37 by saying, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate, provoked by this response, replied, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Then Pilate, thinking his last question was unanswerable, departed from the presence of Christ.

More than 1900 years after the question was first asked, many people have not found the answer. We would like to suggest a few.

God’s Word Is Truth
A few hours before His death Christ prayed to His Father. In John 17:17 He said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The sole source of religious truth is the word of God. Religious truth will never find its source in the creeds, catechisms and church manuals written by men.

Truth Is Valuable
Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” The value of religious truth can be seen in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” All men are held in bondage to sin until they are set free by the gospel.

Truth Is Narrow
In mathematics there can only be one correct answer to any given problem. The same is true in religion. Sincerity alone is not enough (Matthew 7:2123). Many people teach that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. The fallacy of this idea can be shown by the following statement: If it does not make any difference what you believe about Christ, then it can not make any difference if you believe in Christ. If it does not make any difference what you believe about how men are saved, then it can not make any difference if you believe anything about salvation. Will anyone deny it? The same could be said of the church and of God Himself!

Truth Is Binding
When a religiously honest man sees that he is mistaken, he ceases to be one of two things: either he ceases to be honest or he ceases to be mistaken. He cannot remain in error and retain his honesty. Many religious people have remarked, “Well, I don’t believe everything my church teaches.” If the church of which you are a member is in error, then you are obligated to either change that church or get out. Truth can have no fellowship with error. We must not give aid to any false teacher (2 John 9-11).

Truth Will Judge
In the resurrection day, you will not be judged by what your mother believed, what your father taught you or by what everyone else was doing at the time. You will be judged by the words of Christ (John 12:48). What you know about the truth and your reaction to it will determine what He will say to you on that final day. If we can be of assistance to you in your search for the truth, please contact us. If you do have a Bible, we would be happy to provide you with one.

David Padfield

Jesus taught us the power of a question. While the teaching of truth generically is necessary, a question brings the point home by putting one on the spot. It demands thought, puts the focus where it should be (Matthew 15:3), and cuts to the chase (Matthew 7:3). Let’s ask ourselves some questions honestly and push ourselves to better serve Jesus.

What has hindered me from obeying the truth? “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). The Galatians’ problem was that some still wanted to cling to the Old Covenant. My problem might be TV, or a trait that needs to be overcome (grouchiness, laziness), or a habit. We all fight the daily battle of distraction. Too many earthly things compete for our attention, and that leaves spiritual priorities postponed. For a lot of us, prioritizing is the key to improving ourselves.

What will I wish I’d done 1,000 years from now? The Bible teaches us to look ahead—way ahead (Luke 16:25, Hebrews 11:9-10). If we’re wrapped up in the moment, we’ll make a bad decision every time. The lusts of the flesh look appealing in the short-term, but what will my perspective be 1,000 years from now, after my life on earth is over and my eternity is based on my actions? Is any sin worth committing? Can any short-term pleasure or profit outweigh eternity? When you face a temptation or a big decision, think ahead—way ahead! Think like Abraham, who “was looking for the city which has foundations.”

What’s my ratio? Jesus tried to get people to focus on spiritual things. When He visited two sisters, “Martha was distracted” and “worried and bothered about so many things” whereas Mary had “chosen the good part” (Luke 10:38-42). We fall into the same trap.

I read an article by Gary Henry (wordpoints.com) entitled “What’s Your Evangelism-to-Entertainment Ratio?” Calculating a ratio reveals the cold, hard numbers that pierce me deeper than the vague question, “What are my priorities?” To find a ratio, simply divide two numbers. For example, if my time spent reading a novel one week is 420 minutes (an hour a day), and my time spent reading the Bible is 20 minutes, then my “novel-to-Bible” ratio is 21-to-1 (420/20 = 21). In other words, I spent 21 times the amount of time reading a novel as I spent reading the Bible. As brother Henry’s article suggests, try to calculate how much time you spend in the areas of entertainment versus time spent talking about the Bible with others.

Embarrassed yet? Below are some suggestions of ratios for us to think about: (1) # of words spoken/emailed to others vs. # of words used in prayer, (2) Monthly budget for eating out/entertainment/clothes vs. Monthly budget for hospitality/giving/Bible study books, (3) Time spent on Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram vs. Time spent thinking about “these things” (Philippians 4:8), (4) Time spent planning vacations/trips vs. Time spent planning for gospel meetings, (5) Time spent on homework/exams vs. Time spent on Bible class lessons. The Bible does not give numbers for us to meet, and I am not suggesting we try to bind any. This is just an exercise to evaluate where our priorities are.

What would I think about someone else who made the same excuses I use? When King David had embroiled himself in a wicked mess of adultery and a murder, God used a noteworthy technique to help him see his own guilt. The prophet Nathan told a story about someone else committing a sin parallel to David’s, and David condemned that fictional man to death. Then came the truth: “You are the man!” (II Samuel 12:1-7).

That’s a great lesson for us. One “trick” to evaluating ourselves is to pretend we’re evaluating someone else. Therapists use this technique by asking “What advice would you give to someone in your situation?” This helps us to throw away the excuses and look at things objectively. I might rationalize to myself, “But I don’t read my Bible because by the time we do this and this and this in the evenings, it’s bedtime.” But if I heard someone else say that, I’d probably think, “Well they just need to do whatever it takes…” I need to look at my life as an outsider—without knowledge of any excuses, just knowledge of the results.

Who is doing something better than me? This is not for the sake of measuring ourselves by ourselves (II Corinthians 10:12), but to obey the instruction in Philippians 3:17: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” It’s smart to take special notice of Christians who are doing well and imitate them!

Do you know someone who worships sincerely? Watch them. How are they doing it? What do they do before the service begins, or during the Lord’s Supper? Copy them! Do you know someone good at personal evangelism? Become a student of what they’re doing. Do they greet all the visitors? Do they ask leading questions? How is it that they always seem to end up talking with people about the Bible? Copy them!

I had the privilege of working with the preacher Dan Shipley during a couple of summers. I learned a lot about how to work with people just by observing him. He’d light up a room when he entered. He would say “Hi, how ya doin’?” to everybody in the hallway as he walked through a nursing home. His grin would send the kids giggling. He may have heard a little old lady tell the same story a hundred times, but he listened like it was the finest story ever told. And then, when he got into the pulpit, people listened because they knew he cared about them! That was a great lesson for this young preacher. I tell ya: you can learn a lot by looking at the good brethren around you.

Now that we’ve considered these questions, spend some time on your own trying to answer them honestly. Better to be embarrassed to the point of change now, than to suffer the consequence at Judgment!

David Watson
Benchley church of Christ
Benchley.org

World scholars seem to agree that the church was established in Jerusalem, the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 2: gives the record, and only a few with some creed to defend offer objection. But WHAT was established when the church was established? Foolish question?? Well, read Acts 2: carefully.

Any “dedication” services? “Chairman” appointed? Any of the “institutional” procedure one would expect if today’s common conception of “church” were correct? It just isn’t there.

Today the emphasis is upon the party– the church is something like a lodge, or “Royal Order of Saints”– a society, somehow related to certain buildings. This conception is missing in God’s record of establishment.

Prophecies concerning the establishment of the church invariably refer to the relationship, or the basis for the relationship, between God and individuals. Isaiah says, “the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains—” referring to the establishment of God’s law for all nations. (Isa. 2:1-f.) The promised kingdom was a promise of peace according to divine government. (Isa.9:1-f) The ransomed of Jehovah would walk in “The Way of Holiness.” (Isa. 35:8-f)

Little Red Wagon

It seems many think of the church as something like a little red wagon. “Established on Pentecost” — it stood ready to roll, and people could jump in and ride to heaven. But somewhere along the line a side-rail broke, an axle was bent, the tongue came loose, and finally a wheel fell away. Luther tried to put the wheel back on, but further bent the axle in his effort. Others replaced the tongue with a new but different instrument — unsuited to the purpose and function of the original tongue. Alas, the church was broken down and out of service.

Then A. Campbell and Barton Stone determined to restore the church. They straightened the axle, replaced the tongue with an original model, repaired the side-rail and put the wheel back in place. Now people could again ride home to heaven.

Have I stretched the picture? Perhaps — but only to emphasize what I believe to be an entirely erroneous conception of the church established on Pentecost. This is a denominational concept. It glorifies the “party” and does not properly distinguish between faithful and unfaithful people.

WHO are The Church??

The word “church” is a collective noun, and it “collects” people. But not just any people. Christ’s church consists of “Saints and faithful brethren,” “a people for God’s own possession.” (Col. 1:2 1 Pet. 2:9) Of all the multitude gathered in Jerusalem, only those who “gladly received his word” and “were baptized” became members of the church. (Acts 2:41)

Members of the church do sin, but they are expected to repent and pray God for forgiveness. Failing to do this, they are denied the fellowship of Christians. (1 Cor. 5:) A congregation of Christians who, collectively, no longer act in keeping with God’s will is unworthy of a name and place among the churches of Christ. (Rev. 2) The Lord’s church consists of people identified with the truth — not just a people identified with a party.

God’s Establishment Unchanged

What God established — truth — the New Covenant — never changes. (1 Pet. 1:23-f) But the party — the people could fall away. (1 Tim. 4:1-f) First their attitude toward divine authority is altered, then their practices, then, usually many years later, their terminology. Because the rule is one thing, and the people who supposedly follow the rule is another, Paul said we must not measure ourselves by our selves. (2 Cor. 10:12-f)

One may “stay with the building” “stay with the preacher” “stay with the elders” “stay with 90% of the people” — and yet leave the church which God established. In fact, this is precisely the history of denominationalism with its creed-bound people.

Christians today need to restudy their conception of Christ’s church. We must rededicate ourselves, not to some “party” but to the Christ, and to His cause. I must know the truth, and obey it, regardless of the action of others—“in the church” or out of it. I must remember that it is the purified and cleansed church– not the “party”– that Christ promises to save eternally. (Eph. 5:26-27) What God really established is firm and sure, and cannot be shaken. Heb. 10:28
Robert F. Turner

My dad turned ninety-three on January 30th and is still doing well. On January 24th he drove himself to the Little Rock, AR, airport, a two hour drive from his home, and then flew to Houston, TX. The next day, Friday, dad went to an appointment at MD Anderson Hospital, and then traveled to Victoria, TX on Saturday. Dad had a little help on the way; airports and airline workers helped him get to the proper gate and board the plane (He gets early boarding which means his choice of seats). Ninety-three years of age come with some privileges. My son, Brandon, picked him up at the airport and then went with him for his appointments, and my brother, Lynn, picked him up in Houston and took him to Victoria. After a few days, Lynn and I meet halfway between Victoria and San Antonio and I brought dad to my home for a little stay.

I often think about my great fortune to have had my mom and to still have dad. Many who know me know that I am an adopted child. I had no “natural” right to their blessings and love, but they made me as much a part of the family as their two biological sons. The same encouragement, support and discipline given to my brothers were given to me. It’s not possible for me to know everything they did, the extent or depth of all of their sacrifices on my behalf. Repayment for their love is simply not possible.

What are ninety-three years compared to eternity? Time is a measurement created by God “in the beginning” (Gen. 1) and will end at the destruction of all that is physical (2 Peter 3:5-13). We are all too familiar with the brevity of life as it pertains to time. James describes it as a vapor or mist (James 4:14) and that is true even for those who lived beyond nine hundred years old (Genesis 5). An earthly life has a beginning and an end, and that end always comes relatively soon.
Every person has eternity waiting for them. The only question is where will we spend eternity? And please understand there are but two options, eternal punishment or eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

Even though dad is doing reasonably well, he still has his aches and pains. He says his mind is showing the effects of age, and perhaps, it is a little, but I am not too sure about that. Life in the earthly body suffers and grows old. (Psalms 90:10). We don’t like it, but that is what we expect. I do not want to leave this life of pain and suffering only to go to a place where it is infinitely worse and never ending. Thankfully, heaven is an option through the adoption process.

There is One “Natural” Son of God, the Christ, Immanuel (“God with us”). (Matthew 1:20-23). Through His sacrifice for our sins, we have an opportunity to become adopted sons of God and heirs through Him (Gal. 4:4-7). In fact, faithful Christians are described as “fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him.” (Romans 8:16-17).

Here are some expressions of the Father’s goodness to His Children:
1. Loved by God – Romans 1:7
2. Grace and peace – 2 Cor. 1:2
3. Mercy and comfort – 2 Cor. 1:3
4. Blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places – Eph. 1:3
5. Holy and blameless – Eph. 1:4
6. Born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
7. Called children of God; and so we are – 1 John 3:1
8. Final victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Cor. 18:57
9. Salvation – 1 Peter 1:9

As grateful as I am to my earthly parents, and I am beyond measure, it is my eternal condition and relationship for which I am most thankful. This is what my dad and mom wanted for me. Their love and sacrifices were intended to focus my life toward God. Life is short and the opportunity to prepare for the eternal future is now.
Terry Starling

Would You? Check your heart, and I’ll check mine. A man/woman you have strong disagreement with is unaware of a car about to strike him. Would you put your life in danger to save that person? If the answer is “no”, then we are not getting the principle of love for all men and have no way of appreciating what Jesus did on the cross for us. What if you knew that the person in danger is someone who hates you? Would you still try to push them out of the path of the car?
What if they hurt you really badly with words that undermine your worth and treat you as worthless? Would you still love and value them enough to try to save them from danger? I am applying this test to you and me, and it is the test Jesus passed.
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:6-9)
This is the test that Jesus is asking us to pass. Let’s think of various ways we can begin passing such a test today and every day. Amen?
<Robert F. Turner>

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WHAT WENT FORTH?

What “went forth” from Jerusalem? Well, Isaiah prophesied the “ways—paths—law—and word” of the Lord would “go forth” (2:3). Fulfillment, as recorded in Acts 2: vindicates the prediction. One searches in vain for Peter’s emphasis upon some institution that would save, or stand between God and man. Oh yes, the Lord’s “church” was established—for when people “gladly received” the word (that had “gone forth”) they became a part of that called-out body that belonged to Christ. But it is CHRIST who saves, via His ways, paths, etc.
Now, how does Christ’s church grow? An excellent example is found in Acts 11. Gospel teachers came to Antioch and preached “the Lord Jesus” (vs. 20). Preached the “church”? No, preached that which had gone forth from Jerusalem—the “ways, paths, law, and word” of the Lord. Verse 21 says, “a great number believed, and turned unto…” the “church”? No; “to the Lord.” Oh yes, in coming to the Lord they became a part of the Lord’s people, His “church;” but the record says, they “turned unto the Lord.”
Barnabas exhorted them to “cleave” (be faithful) “unto the Lord” (vs. 23). Why didn’t he tell them to be faithful to the church? I don’t know—it doesn’t say. but I do know what it says. And in the growth and development of this effort we are told “much people were added unto the LORD.” (rt)
We have discussed, to this point, the prophecy, coming into existence, and propagation of—what? Salvation in Christ! The product of this manifestation of grace—the called out people of God (1 Pet. 2:9)—are God’s FLOCK, or BODY, FAMILY, KINGDOM, etc. There are figurative designations, each emphasizing some special characteristic of these people. “CHURCH” is a collective noun (like “flock”) that is applied to these people—as a whole (Matt. 16:18), with geographic restrictions (Acts 9:31, A.S.), and as local organized groups (Phil. 1:1; 4:15).
But individuals may be cut off from the body of Christ (Rom. 11:20-22; 2 Pet. 2:2), and local churches may be no longer recognized—their “candlestick” removed (Rev. 2:1-5). This too, is determined on the basis of that which “went forth from Jerusalem.” Diotrephes could change the roster of men, but God’s roll counts for eternity (3 Jn. 8\9-10; 2 Tim. 2:16-19). Heeding “perverse things” (Acts 20:29-f), and “leaving thy first love”  (Christ) is what removes individuals and local groups from God’s favor.
Emphasis upon the institutional aspect of “the church” was one of the earliest steps to apostasy. The whole or universal body of people was seen as a corporate “society” which took precedence over the word of God. The “church” was soon regarded as authority for the word—“mother” of that which brought it into existence. The “infallible” church is an outgrowth of this earlier error. We quickly repudiate that fruit, but may plant its seed, if we forget that the WORD, not the “church,” will judge us eternally. <Robert F. Turner>

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4)

Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20)

Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face” (vs.8)!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”. (vs.11)  The writer is willing to make a diligent effort to find his prize.

Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”, 2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.  (vs. 4)  Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to appreciate God’s awesomeness and graciousness, and 3) to know God’s will.  These three may also be summarized as “fellowship” with God.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.”

Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.” (vs.5)  “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (vs. 10) When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper.

Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”  (vs. 14)
George Slover

No Bitterness

Paul wrote, “Let all bitterness … be put away from you” (Eph. 4:31). Christians today need this admonition so very badly. In the midst of all the controversies now raging among brethren, bitterness is everywhere evident.
One of the most dreadful things about this problem is that few are able to see any signs of bitterness in themselves. It is only in others that we see this fault. We all stoutly declare our own innocence.
Yet bitterness toward brethren often shows in the following ways:
1. A critical spirit: This does not mean that constructive criticism is wrong, but this critical spirit manifests itself in that we become faultfinders almost habitually.  We may seek to find faults.
2. Those with whom we differ become constant victims of our ire. Whatever they do, we search it with a critical eye, seeking error in it.
3. Sometimes our criticism is in complete conflict with principles of common decency, and courtesy. We make our criticism actual attacks upon people for whom we should be deeply concerned and for whom love should fill our hearts even if we do disagree with them.

This bitterness is a double — barreled problem. Bitterness in my heart will hurt the one whom I oppose, but bitterness will hurt me more than it will him. My own heart is sure to fall victim and be shrunk into an evil one. In other words bitterness is accumulative–a speck of it will grow into a mountain in our own heart.

Bitterness will undoubtedly keep many out of heaven. Let’s put it out of our lives, for it is altogether unbecoming to the gospel of Christ which we believe and to which we have claimed.
Leslie Diestelkamp

By inserting the word “lost” for “last” in the phrase, “Famous Last Words,” we arrive at an interesting thought. There are some words that are lost in the vocabulary of modern man. As we look at some of these, we need to be thinking seriously about the effect this has on those around us, and the world in general.

If each one would concentrate on incorporating these words, or finding these words, and using them in his vocabulary, the world surely would be a better place in which to live. Now, let us look at some lost words:

1. “I’m wrong.” The word wrong is not lost, but the pronoun usually connected with it is you. It’s never me, always you. Some are just like the fellow that allegedly said: “Don’t confuse me with the facts, I’ve already made up my mind.”

This lost phrase takes very little time to say, but at the same time it takes a great deal of courage. However, many have too much pride to use these words in their vocabulary. Therefore, to them they are lost words. In Romans 3:4 the apostle Paul says: “…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.” When we study the words of God, this must be in our minds. We don’t study God’s word to prove our opinions, but rather to understand HIS holy and matchless truths.

Much of the problem is related to pride, in that we are afraid someone else might show us, from the Word of God, the truth concerning our belief. We look upon this as man vs. man. But, in reality it is God speaking to man through His word. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).

When we can plainly see that our position disagrees with the word of God, why can’t we use the phrase “I’m wrong?” Why do we consider it a shame to be wrong? The wise man Solomon declared: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18). The word of God is profitable for reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness.

When one disagrees with the word of God, then he must say, “I’m wrong.” We need to give up some of our pride, lest it lead us to eternal torment and pain in the depths of a fiery hell. Let us remember, God is giving the correction through HIS WORD, and not one man to another.

2. “I’m sorry.” This is closely connected with the last phrase. We no longer hear apologies, at least not very often. Again I am firmly convinced that part of the problem is pride. Paul tells us, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” (Rom. 12:3). Don’t we pray to God for forgiveness of our sins and wrong doings?”

Aren’t we saying “I repent;” “I’m sorry?” We admit to God that we are sorry for being weak, and for often failing our duty. We realize our weakness before God, and we are not ashamed to admit it. But, because of our pride, we won’t admit our faults before others, yet it is even worse not to admit it and say that you are sorry. It would be a sorrowful thing, if the omission of the words, “I’m sorry” caused one to miss eternal life. Each one needs to examine himself and see if these are lost words in his vocabulary.

If so, it is time for some soul-searching and honest meditation. No one can be right all the time, and no man can live completely free of apologies. If you think you can, then you are already in deep and serious trouble.
Dennis L. Shaver

It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory (Prov. 25:27).

Honey

A highly nutritious food, honey was often found in ancient times in trees, in holes in the ground, in crevices between rocks, and other places where wild bees might choose to build combs. Samson once slew a young lion, later to return and find bees and honey in the carcass. The honey in the carcass of the lion became the subject of a riddle: “Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness” (Judg. 14:5-18).
Jonathan once found wild honey in a forest and his eyes brightened when he ate some of it (1 Sam. 14:25-30). Honey was among the food items brought to David and his men at Mahanaim in the days of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 17:27-29). Wild honey was a basic part of the diet of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:4).
But because honey is so rich and sweet, it cannot be eaten in large amounts. While it is recommended for food in Proverbs 24:13, there is a warning about eating too much of it in Proverbs 25:16. “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.”
Some good things can be bad if indulged in to excess. Happy is the person who avoids overdoing. Just as too much honey can be nauseous, many things can be carried to harmful extremes. Know when to stop.

Just as it is not good to eat much honey, there is no glory in one’s searching out his own glory. The Amplified Bible gives Proverbs 25:27 as follows: “It is not good to eat much honey, so for men to seek glory, their own glory, causes suffering and is not glory.”

(1) Some people fish for praise. Sometimes the real object in one’s bragging on another is to solicit a return compliment. He baits the conversational hook with praise, hoping to catch compliments for the feeding of his ego. Sometimes one belittles himself to invite contradiction. He would be furious if someone else said about him what he says about himself. He fully expects to be corrected and told how wonderful he really is!

(2) Some engage in self-centered conversation. They seem to enjoy singing their own praises. But even if one is not praising himself, the habit of talking mainly about one’s own self can become offensive to others and appear as egotism.

(3) Preachers are sometimes glory-seekers. And I do not refer now to eternal glory! The example of Paul commends itself to every gospel preacher. “Nor of men sought we glory,” said the apostle (1 Thess. 2:6). Preachers seeking the praise of men are a sorry lot. “When Christ is to be exalted, the preacher must be willing to be unnoticed” (G. Barlow).

(4) Some allow the love of human glory to keep them from believing on Jesus. The Lord said to unbelieving Jews on one occasion: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” (John 5:43,44) As Adam Clarke sums it up, “The grand obstacle to the salvation of the scribes and Pharisees was their pride, vanity, and self-love. They lived on each other’s praise… This is the ruin of millions. They would be religious, if religion and worldly honor were connected.”

(5) Some allow the love of praise to keep them from confessing Christ. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42, 43). The Pharisees knew what they were doing when they made it a rule that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Messiah would be excommunicated. Some of the chief rulers believed on him, but they dared not confess him. They did not wish to be kicked out of the synagogue because they were more concerned about the praise of men than the praise of God. What a tragedy!

The person who seeks his own glory is little deserving of honor. Self-praise stinks!

Self-praise is a poor recommendation. The individual who blows his own trumpet and seeks glory for himself is obnoxious. His attitude is the opposite of the spirit of humility taught by the Master.

There is no glory in one’s seeking his own glory, that is, one is not to be praised for seeking honor from others. True honor from the Lord comes to the lowly in spirit. “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12).

Irvin Himmel – August 6, 1987

That Jesus “emptied himself ” is not a debatable issue (Phil. 2:6-7). Of what he emptied himself, or exactly what that phrase means, has been an ancient debate. What I have to offer here may not solve any controversies, but I hope it will give some food for thought.

1. Any position which effectively destroys the deity of Jesus is wrong. This is the effect of the position that teaches Jesus gave up his divine attributes and characteristics. Those who teach this need to explain how Jesus could re-main God while giving up the nature of God. The nature of something is the attributes and characteristics that make it what it is. If Jesus did not have the nature of God, he was not God (see Gal. 4:8).

2. The text does not say that Jesus emptied himself “of ” anything. When we add “of ” to the phrase, and then start enumerating upon what all he supposedly gave up to come to earth, we are not being faithful to the text. We are reading into the text what it does not say. As opposed to being “full of ” himself (a modern idiom), he “emptied himself.” He did not empty himself “of ” a bunch of things.

3. To insist that “emptied himself’ should be taken literally to mean that Jesus had to dump something out of himself before he could take something else on is a misuse of the text. The text says, “He emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” That is self-explanatory. His taking on servant hood was a self-emptying act.

4. A good comparison can be made with Isaiah 53, a text describing the suffering Servant. Note in verse 12 the phrase, “He poured out himself to death.” Does that not have a striking resemblance to “emptied himself,” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:7-8)? As the suffering Servant, he emptied himself, poured himself out even to death.

5. The context of Philippians 2 itself shows what it means by the phrase “emptied himself.” Paul’s point of the text is to urge the brethren to be of the same mind, to be united and intent on one purpose (v. 2). To accomplish this, he instructs: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (vv. 3-4). These are the instructions, but how does one do this? “Have this attitude in your-selves which was also in Christ Jesus” (v. 5). To reach the point of selflessness, one must look to Jesus. Why? Be-cause he is the perfect example of these instructions. Though he himself is God, while on earth he did not grasp after his godhood by trying to exercise his own independent will apart from the Father (“did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”). Rather, he “emptied himself,” which is the perfect phrase to describe the attitude of verses 3-4.

So what does it mean that Jesus “emptied himself’? Jesus Christ, in his role of the Servant, did nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but in lowliness of mind he regarded others as more important than himself. He looked out for the personal interests of others. How did he do this? Ultimately, by dying on the cross.

So, Paul’s point is that, as Jesus emptied himself, so must we all empty ourselves. It is simply another way of saying that we need to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23), for this is what Jesus did when he fulfilled his mission for a lost world. He set himself aside so that everything he did was selfless. Mark says it this way: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). These passages say the same thing.

6. The idea that Jesus emptied himself of attributes and characteristics is completely foreign to Paul’s argument. He points to Jesus as our example of self-humiliation. If Jesus emptied out of himself a bunch of attributes, then how can we follow this example? We can’t divest ourselves of our human nature any more than he could divest his di-vine nature. The line of reasoning that Paul uses to say that we should be selfless becomes meaningless through such an interpretation. It is an attitude that he is teaching.

7. Very simply, then, the text tells us that we should empty ourselves. We should deny ourselves, doing nothing out of selfishness. We do this by taking the attitude of Jesus, the supreme example of self-denial. He emptied him-self. As a servant, he completely submitted to the Father and poured out himself unto death. Afterwards, he was exalted. If we, too, will humble ourselves in like manner, God promises that we will be exalted (Jas. 4:10).
Doy Moyer

Some people carry instruments of life and death with them every day. For example, policemen wear loaded guns and physicians wield powerful drugs. These people have a keen sense of responsibility. Certainly such powerful instruments should never be put into the hands of a foolish, immature, or irresponsible person. Likewise, every one of us carries and wields another kind powerful instrument every day. Unfortunately, this instrument is not reserved for only the wise, mature, and responsible person. The instrument that I am referring to is the human tongue. A thoughtful and kind tongue can encourage the weak and exhort the wayward. It can give life! A foolish and malicious tongue can destroy personalities and reputations. It can kill! All of us need to feel a keen sense of responsibility for the use of our tongues.

Of all the things that can get us into trouble, I guess our words top the list. It is much easier to provoke someone with what you say than it is with what you do. The old proverb, “It’s easier said than done” has some truth to it after all! A few small words that are carelessly spoken can create discord and hostility between brethren. It is amazing that it takes so little effort stir up major problems in a congregation.

The apostle James charged the brethren that the way to “perfection” is through control of the tongue. He says, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (3:2). “Perfect” means mature, or full of moral and spiritual growth. The one who has learned true control of the tongue is worthy of being called mature or perfect.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” The tongue is capable of doing great good. Proverbs 15:4, 23 say, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life … a word spoken in due season, how good is it.” However, the tongue is also capable of doing great harm. Psalm 39:1 says, “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”

The two examples used in James 3, the horse’s bit and the ship’s rudder, should impress upon us the influence and power of the tongue. Though a bit is only a small piece of metal, it is able to completely control the body. Likewise, a ship is driven by great and powerful winds, but the pilot can control its direction by using a small rudder. See how easy it is for our lives to be guided by such a small instrument!

The tongue is indeed a mighty instrument. James says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (3:6). We can literally end friendships and make mortal enemies with just a few words from the tongue. It really strikes me that such a seemingly insignificant “member” can be so powerful and dangerous. James further said, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8).

We could probably spend all day thinking about the “evils” of the tongue. Moreover, we could spend hours devising ways in which the tongue could be used for evil purposes. Yet, Paul taught in several places that gossip, slandering, boastfulness and arrogance are all evil uses of the tongue. Think about how many times a day we are inclined to say the wrong kinds of things.

Every day, some of us use our tongues to talk about our brethren, to curse and swear, to take God’s name in vain, to promote jealousy, rivalry, envy, etc. James said, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (3:10). It sickens me to see us use our tongues in this manner!

I know how easy it is to slip in a few words here and there about other people. It catches you before you know it. James’ point is that with our mouths we bless God but then we turn right around and curse men; who have been made in the likeness or image of God. We need to be a people who are consciously aware at all times of what we say and how we use our tongues. God gave us this “instrument” to do good, not to “bite and devour one another” (Galatians 5:15).

Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” God wants us to have the kind of love that builds us up, not tears us down. The answer to using our tongues correctly comes down to the point of love. Do we love each other enough to look out for one another? Do we love each other enough to want to build up and edify? Do we love each other and God enough to obey the command Paul gave? I hope your answer is yes.

When people get to gossiping and not looking out for each other, catastrophe will be the ultimate result. I wonder how many of the Lord’s churches have been destroyed by the “fiery” member? It can get out of control so easily. Listen to Paul as he says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus …” (Colossians 3:17). Are you doing it?

Kyle Campbell