Posts from October 2020

Posts from October 2020

1 Timothy 1: The Law, Sound Doctrine, and the Glorious Gospel

One of the greatest mistakes of biblical interpretation is the failure to take into account the use of words in context. For example, many interpret every New Testament use of the word “law” to mean any and every religious injunction. Thus, when they read that man is not justified by works of the law, they erroneously conclude that God has placed no conditions whatsoever on the appropriation of His grace and reception of His blessings. This conclusion generally fails to…

2 Thessalonians 3: Withdraw Yourselves

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” (2 Thes 3:6). Of all the commands given to the church, perhaps the one most ignored or refused by restorationists is that of withdrawing from disorderly members, commonly called “practicing church discipline.” Congregations that practice church discipline are few, and those who withdraw from unruly members…

2 Thessalonians 2: Who is the Man of Sin and Son of Perdition?

Like its predecessor, 2 Thessalonians gives considerable space to Jesus’ return. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12, Paul speaks to the judgment that will take place when Jesus returns. In chapter 2, Paul returns to the time of Jesus’ return. Whereas in 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul speaks of the Second Coming as a thief in the night, in today’s reading he speaks of an event that must precede the Lord’s return, namely the manifestation of “the man of sin,” also called “the…

2 Thessalonians 1: Have You Obeyed the Gospel?

Have you ever pounded fufu? Do you even know what that means? I asked that very question to a group of Christians in Ghana, West Africa some years ago. Everyone in the room knew exactly what I was talking about, because pounding fufu is something that everyone in Ghana has done or witnessed. If you don’t know what it means to pound fufu, then it is certain that you’ve never done it. Have you obeyed the gospel? Do you know…

1 Thessalonians 5: Concerning the Times and Seasons

We began our comments on this epistle by noting that the primary emphasis and theme is “Jesus is Coming!”. The latter part of chapter 4 reassures the brethren that those Christians who have died will be no means be left behind when Jesus returns. Chapter 5 then opens with the timing of the Second Coming. Paul reminds them of their own knowledge that Jesus will come as a thief in the night. This is not the only text that speaks…

1 Thessalonians 4: Possess Your Vessel in Honor

We live in a world of immodesty, rampant immorality and unbridled debauchery. Lest we be deceived, we should know that though this may be a recent mark of the United States, it is certainly nothing new in the world. As bad as things are or appear to be in the States, it still doesn’t compare to many statements of those in Bible times. When God destroyed the world with water, it is said that the thought and intent of EVERY…

1 Thessalonians 3: Paul’s Love for the Brethren

Chapter 3 opens with a moving statement from Paul to the Thessalonian brethren. Upon hearing of the Thessalonians’ willingness to suffer persecution for the faith (2:14), Paul said he ‘couldn’t stand not knowing’ and, being willing to be left in Athens alone, he sent Timothy to inquire of their situation and encourage them concerning the faith (3:1-2). Paul was relieved to receive Timothy’s good report of the church’s faith and love. He also reciprocated their great desire to see him,…

1 Thessalonians 2: Evangelists as Fathers and Not Shepherds

Several years ago, I had a conversation with a sweet lady who lamented concerning her “pastor,” “He’s a fine preacher, but not a very good pastor.” I don’t know how the present one-man pastor system started, but it certainly didn’t do the world or gospel preachers any favors. It can’t be found in principle or practice anywhere in the New Testament. One boast among members of the churches of Christ is the claim of “scriptural church organization.” That is, the…

Colossians 4: Let Your Speech be Always with Grace

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” While we may appreciate this children’s rhyme and its intent, we all know it is patently untrue. Who has never been hurt by the words of another? Husbands and wives destroy their marriages with thoughtless and hurtful words. Children are verbally beaten into the dust by a parent who is never satisfied with the child’s work or effort. Entire congregations of God’s people leave their assemblies week…

Colossians 3: The Purpose and Power of a Resurrected Life

Colossians 3 opens with the following charges to those who were raised with Christ: “seek those things which are above,” and “set your mind on things, not on things on the earth.” These charges are given with the following reason, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” There are two points of import that must not be overlooked. First, who are these ones who have been “raised with Christ”? Looking back to chapter 2, we…
  • 1
  • 2