Author: Bob Mathews

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The expression of gratitude is a commendable trait and one which is divinely approved (Phil. 4:6-7).  An examination of the New Testament reveals several contexts in which thanksgiving was freely exercised.

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts dealing with spirituality, including our spiritual warfare within (Rom. 7:23-25), our knowledge of others’ godly life (Eph. 1:16), or remembering the fellowship of other Christians (Phil. 1:3-5).  Or, it may be expressed as we experience anxiety in life (Phil. 4:6), as we are being built up in Christ (Col. 2:7), or as we realize anew the manifestation of God in creation (Rom. 1:20-21).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts dealing with religious observances.  Such was done as Christ ate His last Passover meal with the disciples (Mt. 26:18-20) and in the church’s assembly (1 Co. 14:16-17).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in teaching contexts.  The parable of the Pharisee and the publican included the expression of thanks (Luke 18:9-14).  The Apostle Paul expressed thanksgiving as he penned the Roman epistle (Rom. 1:8) and as he discussed the act of speaking in tongues (1Co. 14:18).  He also expressed thanks as he discussed fainting not in the ministry (2 Co. 4:15).

Thanksgiving may be expressed in contexts involving persecution.  The apostle Paul expressed thanks as he faced false accusations before Felix (Acts 24:1-3), as he was about to be become shipwrecked (Acts 27:27-44), and as he journeyed closer to Rome (Acts 28:14-15).  One may express thanks as another endangers his life for fellow Christians (Rom. 16:3-4) and as one is persecuted as a child of God (2 Co. 1:11).

Thanksgiving may be expressed even amidst congregational division.  Such was done amidst judgmental differences (Rom. 14:6), concerning spiritual leaders in the congregation (1 Co. 1:4, 14), and as some were able to conscientiously partake of food offered unto idols (1 Co. 10:30).

Thanksgiving may also be expressed as we feed the hungry (Mt. 15:36), as we help needy saints (2 Co. 9:11-12), as we receive healing (Luke 17:11ff), and in contexts of life and death (John 11:41).

Thanksgiving can be expressed in a multitude of situations. Things don’t always have to be good or easy in our life for us to be thankful. We have the choice and ability to always see the best in any situation we may face. The reason we may find it easy to do at times, is because we have God. No matter how good or bad things go in our life, God will always be there for us. Even at the end of all things for our lives we can be thankful that God will take us home with for eternity. If you find it hard to be thankful for anything in your life, maybe you have not yet become a child of the one that brings ultimate joy. If choose to follow Him, no matter the good or bad that may come, your life can have joy and peace and that is something outstanding to be thankful for.

Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself

Posted on by Bob Mathews

In our society today it is common for one to not want to get involved in other people’s problems, perhaps prompted by the misguided idea that we have no responsibility unto others in their time of need. The story of the good Samaritan, whether a parable or an account of actual events, illustrates otherwise (Luke 10:25-37).

Probably, most Christians today will not ask, “Who is my neighbor?,” in an effort to justify indifference to the needs of others. Yet, if we are inattentive to those needs when we have the opportunity and ability to address them (ref. Mt. 25:14-30), then we place ourselves in a similar context as that of the lawyer who sought to justify himself.

As illustrated in the story, everyone does not exercise a spirit of unselfish love and compassion for strangers. The very ones that would be expected to do so, in view of their religious standing, may deliberately avoid the responsibility. Such is a tragedy for the Lord’s church and an embarrassment and sin for those who exercise an uncaring heart.

The Samaritan’s context is compelling. He was of pagan stock who was cursed publicly in the synagogue. The Jews prayed that Samaritans would have no part in the resurrection of life and rejected them as proselytes. To eat their food was regarded by the Jew as eating the flesh of swine. The Jews thought it better to suffer than to accept the help of a Samaritan. They avoided them if at all possible. Yet, when the stranger was in need, the Samaritan assisted beyond measure. He extended a caring heart to the very ones who seemed to despise him greatly. He truly is our example of being a neighbor to those about us. May we direct our lives in a way that gives us the courage and aptitude to love the unlovely and to make a lasting impact in our community.

Entrusted to Teach

Posted on by Bob Mathews

As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future.  Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Tim. 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:6).  In what was, seemingly, Paul’s last inspired communication to his beloved Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things which must be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations.  Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye.  He would not leave Timothy without direction as Timothy faced the challenges of the day without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle.  In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonishes the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility.  Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones which support the church very well to this very day.

In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God.  A quick reading of the text evidences this observation:  Paul admonished Timothy to:

(a)Stir up the gift of God in him.     1:6

(b)Not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.     1:8

(c)Hold fast the form of sound words.     1:13

(d)Put them in remembrance.     2:14

(e)Rightly divide the Word.     2:15

(f)Be apt to teach.     2:24

(g)Instruct those who oppose themselves.     2:25

(h)Preach the Word.     4:2a

(i)Do the work of an evangelist.     4:5

Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9).  In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul leaves himself as an example after which Timothy may pattern himself after Paul’s departure.

Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Tim. 2:2.  With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come.  The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word along side men such as Timothy as well as after such passes the scene.  Here the apostle Paul said, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2:2; NASB).

Our congregation faces the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians.  Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregation as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago.  If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, they will surely answer to the Lord.  May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential and seriously consider making a firm commitment to be a part of the teaching of God’s Word to those that will come after us.

The Sheep Quiz – By John Telgren

Posted on by Bob Mathews

This past week, I spoke on the good shepherd from John 10 and discussed the sheep in that parable. I came across this article and thought it may be a fitting exercise to partake in. Hopefully, everyone will look at this and go through the questions with an honest and open heart. If the results show you to be a sheep, then keep pressing on. If they show otherwise, please don’t be disheartened or hardened by the news, but take it as an opportunity to start making changes for the better.

Scripture uses goats and wolves as analogies for what we are not to be, and sheep to describe what we are supposed to be. Ideally, we are to be sheep, not goats. Sheep follow the shepherd, goats do not. Wolves are out to fill their own egos often at the expense of sheep. With that in mind, reflect personally on these questions:

Are you a Goat, or do you have goatish attributes?

  1. Do you agitate others in the flock?
  2. Do others agitate you easily?
  3. Do you always have to get to the root of every problem in the church?
  4. Do you fight feelings of disagreement or resentment toward your shepherds (or those above you?)
  5. Do you have trouble making it to every assembly?
  6. Do you have problems listening to the word preached?
  7. Do you find yourself constantly butting the system, trying to find your way out of the flock or just exempting yourself?
  8. Do you have trouble when you are admonished or corrected by the shepherds (or other leaders)?

Are you a Wolf, or do you have wolfish attributes?

  1. Do you have an inward drive to have a chief seat of high position in the church?
  2. Do you find yourself bothered if you have to do what others in the flock are doing?
  3. Are you drawn into strife and carnal things easily?
  4. Have you been in trouble with church leadership and haven’t seemed to be able to work it out?
  5. Do you have problems submitting to shepherds (or those above you)?
  6. Are you trying to defame your shepherds or other leaders and draw others to follow your way of doing things?
  7. Do you talk negatively about your shepherds or other leaders?
  8. Have you become sly, sneaky, and deceitful in your attitudes and actions?
  9. Do you gather security from other people who support your views?

Are you a Sheep, or do you have sheepish attributes?

  1. Do you hate strife, malice, dissension, arguing and doctrinal debates?
  2. Do you enjoy still waters – submitting to your shepherds (or those above you)?
  3. Do you attend assemblies or gatherings at every opportunity?
  4. Do you love to hear God’s word preached?
  5. Do you hunger after truth from the Word?
  6. Do you receive admonishing and correction from your shepherds (or leaders) easily?
  7. Are you content where you are in the flock?

The Will of Man

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Those who abuse the will of man by being self-willed are counted among the unjust (2 Peter 2:4-11).  Such persons are unyielding, persistent, and exaggerate one’s own worth in an overbearing manner.  They adhere to a course in spite of reason, argument, or persuasion, and are commanding and domineering.  They easily violate biblical regulations concerning judgmental pursuits (Rom. 14) and may threaten others in pursuit of fulfilling self-will.  Listed below are some of the potential effects of being self-willed.

 

  1. Personal relationships may be strained if not damaged.
  2. Others may be encouraged to be unyielding toward such a person.
  3. Others may be encouraged to retaliate against another.
  4. Personal influence may become more limited.
  5. One may become a law-breaker in other matters.
  6. Respect from others may be lost.
  7. Peace may be threatened in the home and in the church.
  8. Potential progress in various contexts may be impaired.
  9. Christian cooperation and fellowship may be challenged.
  10. Genuine spiritual growth in others may be impaired.
  11. The leadership of a congregation may be undermined.
  12. One is disqualified from serving as an elder in the church.
  13. One may tear down the progress of another.
  14. A congregation may be misdirected.
  15. A congregation may develop competing factions.
  16. The Christian spirit of God’s people may be quieted.
  17. Dreams and visions may be destroyed.
  18. One may be viewed more so as a radical rather than sensible.
  19. The future of a congregation may be radically affected.
  20. One may lose his soul.

 

In view of the potential devastation that may result from the free exercise of self-will, may each of us be gently guided away from such an attitude and be guided more toward a cooperative spirit as we labor together in the context of Christian fellowship.

Burden of Loneliness

Posted on by Bob Mathews

When we are sad from being alone or when we long for home and family while absent from them, we thus experience first hand the burden of loneliness. The painful experience of loneliness may be the result of our continuing need to have social interaction with other human beings.  It may also be the consequence of our strong desire to be reunited with another whom we love so dearly, which may not be possible in the near future or in this life.  Though loneliness may be experienced as we have no one else with us, we may also be lonely in the midst of a large crowd because the emotional needs which have been addressed in specifically nurtured relationships may not be fulfilled in any other context.

In one sense, Jesus was alone in this world: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not” (John 1:10).  Most certainly, Jesus was absent from His heavenly home and family (John 1:1-2, 14).  Question:  What does the biblical record affirm that Jesus did during the time when He was away from His heavenly home? What things did He do which would in some measure minimize or neutralize the burden of loneliness which He no doubt experienced during His earthly ministry?  Though we may not be able to fully address this question, we may observe several traits of Jesus which, if applied in our individual lives today as needed in connection with our personal hardships, may provide some means by which we may alleviate or lessen the burden of loneliness which we alone face in our everyday struggle to find peace and rest in the midst of pain and despair.  This article will hopefully present at least a partial answer to the above question and will provide some means by which the burdens of life may be eased.

We may observe that Jesus freely left home when responsibilities took Him away (Matt. 4:12-13, 17).  He was not compelled under personal duress to place Himself in a context which may produce loneliness as He was absent from the Father. Notably, Jesus demonstrated the course to follow while facing the prospect of loneliness.

  1. He busied Himself with His work rather than idling time away (Matt. 4:23; John 4:34-35).
  2. He drew close to new friends instead of allowing the absence of former associates to overcome Him (Matt. 4:18-22).
  3. He became emotionally bonded to those about Him rather than maintaining distant friendships (Matt. 9:36; John 11:33-36).
  4. He communed with righteous men while enduring a more distant fellowship with the Father (Matt. 17:1-3).
  5. He valued private time alone, providing for timely personal reflection, instead of being cut off from both past and future (Matt. 14:22-23).
  6. He maintained communication with His heavenly Father rather than totally breaking off old ties that bound Him closely to the Father (Matt. 11:25-26).
  7. He spoke openly of His relationship with His Father, thus sharing the joys of the relationship, instead of being excessively private (John 5:17-24).
  8. He looked joyfully to the future rather than dwelling excessively upon His separation from the Father (Matt. 19:27-29).
  9. He never lost sight of His point of origin instead of failing to draw upon His spiritual heritage (John 6:33-35,38; 8:42).
  10. He was ever aware that He would be reunited with His Father (Matt. 10:32; John 7:33), being separated from His Father but not alone (John 8:15-16; 8:28-29; 10:30).  May we possess the courage and the ability to follow the course of Jesus and thereby alleviate the anguish of spirit that engulfs us as we endure loneliness in this life.

The Grace of God

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The mediate source of grace flowing from the Father’s throne is the Son of God, Christ Jesus (Rom. 1:5). Our assurance that divine grace will be extended to all men (Titus 2:11-12) is evidenced both prophetically and by promise (1 Peter 1:10; Zech. 12:10). The grace of God serves distinct and wonderful purposes, including our personal salvation (Eph. 2:8), our justification (Rom. 3:24), our receipt of the imputation of righteousness (Rom. 5:15-17), our sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8), our abounding to every good work (2 Cor. 9:8), and our receipt of the gift of eternal life (Rom. 5:20-21).

Knowing that such wonderful blessings flow from the grace of God, we must endeavor to access the Father’s grace by personal faith (Rom. 5:1-2) working in harmony with the Abrahamic promise (Rom. 4:16), the expressed Word of God (Rom. 10:17) and the calling of God (2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:14) in association with the Word. Because of the importance of these issues, we must remember that grace is always in harmony with truth (Col. 1:3-6) and it requires obedience of faith (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-18). Meritorious works have no role to play in the Father’s system of redemption (Rom. 11:6). Our efforts to safeguard our standing in the grace of God is essential because we can so conduct ourselves so as to no longer be in the grace of God (Gal. 5:4).

Biblical motivation to continue in the grace of God by God-approved means includes our desire to escape the dominion of sin (Rom. 6:14), our desire to be a member of the elect of God (Rom. 11:5), our desire to be blessed with spiritual gifts (Eph. 3:8), our desire to maintain our hope (2 Thess. 2:16-17), and our desire to be the recipient of all the expressed purposes of the grace of God. The Father’s grace is surely worth our full personal dedication to all that the grace of God demands.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 8)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the biblical work of elders.  The apostle Paul said, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17).  This admonition will go unfulfilled if we fail to both understand and appreciate the work of our elders.

The biblical work of elders weighs heavily upon men holding such responsibility.  The innate nature of the responsibility requires the eldership to function as overseers (bishops, Acts 20:28).  As overseers, they watch and protect the flock under their charge as they exercise administrative oversight over the affairs of the local congregation.  This body of overseers also functions as shepherds (pastors, 1 Pet. 2:25).  As shepherds, they care for the general spiritual well-being of each and every soul under their charge.  Therefore, when a body of qualified elders fulfills their godly responsibility in a qualitative manner, they truly function as the presbytery  (1 Tim. 4:14) and are deserving respect for their maturity of experience as they function as an eldership.

Elders continually face challenges  which are weighty and consequential.  These men, though perhaps of great spiritual stature, have feet of clay and will on occasion disappoint even the best of us.  May we have the courage to firmly stand by their side, assisting them in addressing any challenge that may come their way, and spiritually embrace these men and their work.  Thereby, we will lend them support when they need us most.  Let us, as men of old, lift up the arms of “Moses” as the spiritual battle is engaged.  By so doing, we may change the destiny of our people.  May the Lord richly bless our elders.

As we close this series, let me throw out one last medley of characteristics that mark the ideal congregation.

The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the work of deacons and preachers.  Biblical terminology portrays deacons as special servants and preachers as bold proclaimers of the Word of God.  Consistent therewith is the requirement that deacons first be proved (1 Tim. 3:10) and for preachers to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2, KJV).

The ideal congregation maintains a clear distinction from denominationalism and receives godly correction.  The first century church in Corinth was plagued by division (1 Cor. 1-4) and modern-day denominationalism has no biblical authority for its existence, varied doctrines, flawed worship, and misguided fellowship (Col. 3:17).  Separation must be maintained between the Lord’s body and false religion (2 Cor. 6:17).  Furthermore, godly correction should be well-received and valued as such as administered in a godly manner for godly purposes (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:5-8).  As God’s children, we are in need of his chastening (Heb.12:5ff).

The ideal congregation respects the individual judgments of its members in matters outside the scope of the system of faith (Rom. 14).  Opinions and personality differences should not be divisive.  The apostle Paul made the point well when he said, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Rom.14:5b).

In summary of all that has been said in this series, the ideal congregation studies, applies, and lives by the Word of God.  May the Lord bless our people as we so do!

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 7)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation maintains faithfulness in doctrine, worship, and life.  John, generally regarded as the apostle of love, commented forcefully upon each of these.

Regarding doctrine, he said, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (2 John 1:9a).  The one who progresses beyond the authoritative and scriptural boundary line of the inspired Word of God and thereby no longer resides in the teaching whose origin is Christ — this is the very one whose fellowship and unity with God, the Father, has been broken.

Regarding worship, John said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).  Accordingly, our worship of God, the Father, must be in the proper attitude (in spirit) and in harmony with revealed truth (in truth).  Worship in truth but not in spirit degrades into mere ceremonialism and formalism while worship in spirit but not in truth degrades into mere emotionalism.

Regarding life, John said, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).  If we truly expect everlasting spiritual life as a crown, then may our faithfulness in life be unto death, that is, until we die and be that which, if necessary, brings about our untimely death.

Yes, the people of God maintain faithfulness in doctrine, worship, and life.  To do otherwise constitutes a course which robs us of our present spiritual security and our future spiritual inheritance.  May we always have the courage to seek out the Lord’s will in all matters wherein he has spoken and the fortitude to live and teach accordingly.

The ideal congregation concerns itself with the physical and spiritual needs of others.  The apostle Paul said, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).  We are thus commended to extend acts of moral excellence to the mass of society, with a special obligation unto members of the Lord‘s church (ref. 1 Tim. 3:15).  In so doing, let us be wise to avoid the extreme of failing to be good stewards of our possessions (1 Cor. 4:2) as we actively employ a benevolent spirit both individually and congregationally.  May the people in our community know us as a giving, caring people, and may they witness this in our daily life.

Someone once said, “People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care.”  This old proverb has been confirmed in church growth studies and in everyday life.  Genuine church growth is rooted in great sacrificial love for others.  The heavenly Father has set the example for us (John 3:16; Eph. 5:1).  Therefore, as we evidence our concern for the physical well-being of our friends, neighbors, and brethren, let us also “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) and “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;” (Gal. 6:1).  May we not only be spiritually-minded as a child of God (ref. Rom. 8:6) but may we also so employ this righteous disposition so that others who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be truly filled (ref. Matt. 5:6) because we dared to exercise this spirit in our personal relationship with them.  May the Lord bless each of us this week as we serve our Risen Savior.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 6)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation works well with others and strives to deepen godly fellowship with other faithful though imperfect members.  Paul’s working relationship with the Philippians is set in a positive light and provides an example for us (Philippians 4:3).  John expressed interest in promoting godly fellowship as he addressed first century Christians (1 John 1:3).

Working well with others contributes to deeper and stronger fellowship among faithful children of God.  Those who have achieved a quality working relationship with their co-workers do not place an emphasis upon personal power, prestige, influence, or position.  Generally, their personal needs become secondary to the welfare of the body of Christ.  Rather, these seek the position and work for which they are best suited in the local congregation (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Matthew 25:14-30).  Through such efforts fellowship is promoted and qualitatively impacted.

A further strengthening of our fellowship may also be achieved through joint activities designed to provide opportunities to both understand and appreciate one another.  Additionally, by seeking a common understanding of spiritual issues and developing a kindred spirit and like-values, we may very well avoid spiritual pitfalls which have the capacity to challenge the strength and quality of our fellowship.  May we have the courage to invest much labor in the maintenance and improvement of our godly fellowship.

The ideal congregation lives peaceably with others.  The apostle Paul, in admonishing Christians in Rome, said,  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).  Though the attitudes and actions of others may impact our personal contexts unfavorably, we yet have obligation based on divine instruction to employ our full capacity to promote peaceful co-existence among others, including those who may not appreciate us personally.

In living peacefully among all men, may we see the wisdom in never allowing any judgmental issue to generate division, especially in the lord’s church (Romans 14).  Some have expressed the fear that we may , on the one hand, intellectually and theologically recognize the wisdom and righteousness of this course while, on the other hand, we fail to regularly practice that which we know to be right in these matters.  May we as well never allow personal pride to hamper relationships in our search for peaceful co-existence.  Though peace is a wonderful and biblical goal to fervently pursue, may our allegiance to the word of God never be sacrificed in the pursuit of peace.  If we cannot maintain peace with men, though seeking it, let us maintain reconciliation and peace with God through faithfulness unto His Word.  After all is said and done, peace with all men will be within our reach when the mass of society, including faithful Christians, truly commits themselves to faithful Christian conduct.  May the Lord bless us in our search for peace.