“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Col. 1:29).

The word translated “striving” (Col. 1:29) is from the word meaning “to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive” (Thayer, p. 10).  Paul believed in what he was doing.  There was no quit in him when it came to his work.  He would put forth his full strength into whatever he could to do to see that the cause of Christ prospered.  Sometimes when looking back on a lack of success in an endeavor, there are indications of a lack of effort as the root cause.  It is not that the cause was not noble.  It is not that the participants did not know what their job was.  It comes down to not putting forth the effort to see the job done well.  Consider three spiritual causes that are worth putting forth the effort.

1. Entering into the Strait Gate. Luke wrote of Jesus’ words, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24).  Matthew wrote of Jesus’ words, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13,14).  Jesus is realistically proclaiming that the way to heaven is difficult and not a path that the majority of people will follow.  Some will not attempt to try the life of a Christian.  Some will begin and find it not to their liking only to fall away (cf. Luke 8:13).  While heaven is a highly desirable eternal destination, putting forth the effort is a challenge some will not accept.
2. Endeavoring Together for the Faith of the Gospel. Paul wrote, “Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” (Phil. 1:27).  The unity of the church in the spiritual work of the church is worth putting forth the effort.  Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).  The pleasantness and beauty of unity in the greatest cause on earth is truly worth the effort (cf. Ps. 133:1).
3. Exerting the Energy to Receive the Incorruptible Crown. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Cor. 9:25).  Temperance involves the self-discipline to hold oneself accountable.  Running the race (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24) to receive the crown demands the best effort of the runner.  While some may cheer and support in every way, it is still the case “For every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal. 6:5).  As the old Olympic athletes trained hard every day to reach their goal, so is it the case with the Christian.  Paul stated, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).  The judgment on “that day” (2 Tim. 1:12) with eternal consequences (cf. Matt. 25:46) makes striving in the effort worthwhile.

Jimmy Clark

“And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean” (Acts 17:19-20).

When Paul declared the truth to those in Athens, they were both confused and curious of such teaching.  Their worldview was not the same as Paul’s and thus his teaching was “strange” (cf. Acts 17:18, 20).  Paul, as well as all those who were proclaiming the gospel, held the worldview of a Christian.  Consider some of the basics of the Christian’s worldview.

1. Origins. Paul started with creation.  “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:24-28).  How different is this from the secular, humanistic teaching of today!  Paul declares that the Creator brought life into the world and that all nations came from one blood.  Therefore, he would affirm that Moses’ record in Genesis 1 through 11 was accurate history.  If man is mistaken about physical origins, what will happen when looking at the origins of sin, suffering and salvation?
2. Objective, Moral Standard. Paul stated in view of the resurrection of Christ, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).  Judgment in the last day is based upon righteousness.  That denotes a standard common to all men.  It is God that ordained Christ to judge righteously in that day (cf. 2 Tim. 4:8).  Therefore, all are to both know and comply with such righteousness that is of God, not of men.
3. Obedience of Faith. Paul further stated, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” (Acts 17:30).  Hence, the “Lord of heaven and earth” (Acts 17:24) commands all to “repent” (Acts 17:30).  What they were ignorant of concerning God is now not a matter of ignorance.  God’s command is to be obeyed.  When Paul preached “the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24), Luke records concerning Felix, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, . . .” (Acts 24:25).  Paul did not hesitate to make it clear to Felix who was truly in charge and that one could know the will of God and pattern his life by it.  The stand made by Christians declaring that the word of God is the definitive answer to all questions is the correct worldview.  Paul wrote to the Romans concerning his work, “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name” (Rom. 1:5).  Faith must comply with doing the will of God (cf. Matt. 7:21).  This worldview challenges all who will not conform.

Jimmy Clark

“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1:22).

The phrase “simple ones” (Prov. 1:22) appears in several passages in the books of Psalms and Proverbs.  It denotes those who are inexperienced and thus without wisdom or void of understanding.  Interestingly, the term literally means “simple, as open-minded; . . . open to the instruction of wisdom or folly” (Brown, Driver, Briggs: Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, p. 834).  Ponder three points about “simple ones.”

1. Greatly Needing Instruction. Solomon wrote concerning wisdom’s appeal, “O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart” (Prov. 8:5).  Again, “Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding” (Prov. 9:4-6).  It is the word of God that provides what is needed to the simple.  It is written in the Psalms, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7).  Again, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps. 119:130).
2. Give Attention to Punishment of Others When Observant. Solomon wrote, “Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge” (Prov. 19:25).  Again, “When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge (Prov. 21:11).  Discipline gets the attention of the simple.  As to whether he will set his heart to do the will of God depends upon his desire and direction as seen in the next and final point below.
3. Gullible and Easily Enticed If Refuses Instruction. This quality of “simple ones” is the difference between being simple who will become wise or one who is simple and will “love simplicity” (Prov. 1:22).  One who is a fool and simple is characterized by a host of negatives.  Solomon wrote, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Prov. 14:15).  The consequence of such is seen in the words “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge (Prov. 14:18).  Notice the following about the simple who are foolish: “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them” (Prov. 1:29-32).  It is the simple one who loves folly that turns unto the woman who would entice him toward sin (cf. Prov. 7:7-23).  It is the simple one who will heed such, for “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him” (Prov. 9:13-16).  “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Prov. 22:3; 27:12).

Jimmy Clark

“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord” (Ps. 116:17).

The psalmist is portraying the gratitude of a humble servant (cf. Ps. 116:16).  It is interesting that thanksgiving is identified here as a sacrifice unto God.  Thanksgiving, therefore, demands that the offeror give of himself in the expressing of thanks.  Hence, the heart of gratitude is being offered through the words given.  The Lord would know if the heart is in the words or not (cf. Ps. 139:2).  Consider three reasons from Psalm 116 why the psalmist would give a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

1. Hearing of Prayers. “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclinded his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live” (Ps. 116:1-2).  A child of God is truly blessed in knowing that the Father hears His childrens’ request.  Why would one pray to God if he/she did not believe that God does not hear?  Mankind is often thankful for friends and family that would take the time to listen to them, especially if they believed that they had to ability to respond favorably.  How much more is this true when one is reaching out to God?  The New Testament declares such as well (cf. 1 Peter 3:12).
2. Help from Trouble and Sorrow. “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me” (Ps. 116:5-6).  Previous to this statement, he wrote, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow” (Ps. 116:3).  Here is an indication of how much trouble his life was in when he prayed to the Lord God.  If it were not for God’s help, he would have met the end of life.  How much should a person who is given another day to live being freed from the ordeals of life give a sacrifice of thanksgiving?  Think of those in the military who have faced active combat and lived to see more days.  Think of those who have overcome diseases that could have easily taken their lives but survived.  Truly, gratitude and its corresponding life should follow from such blessings.  The psalmist even asked, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (Ps. 116:12).
3. Hope even in Death. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Ps. 116:15).  Life here will not exist forever (cf. Heb. 9:27).  Eternal life is promised beyond this life (cf. 1 John 2:25).  This psalm addresses God’s deliverance from death and yet speaks of the death of saints.  One can truly give the sacrifice of thanksgiving in knowing that God is with His people, even in death.  Solomon wrote, “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death” (Prov. 14:32).

Jimmy Clark

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

It is not uncommon in the electronic media to see posts like “What Elders Want All Members to Know” or “What Members Wish All Elders/Preachers Knew” as a message to communicate the needs of the church.  However, the problem with finite man is that he does not always know what is needed.  Man often confuses what are needs to what are mere wants.  The question should rather be “What Does the Lord Want All Brethren to Know?”  Consider three topics complementary of the passage above that show a sampling of what the New Testament declares is needed.

1. Truth Continues to Set One Free. Jesus clearly stated to certain followers, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).  Fake news is nothing new.  The devil has been lying from the beginning (cf. John 8:44).  His ministers (cf. 2 Cor. 11:12-15) are still alive and well in every quarter of the world.  It is the “word of truth” (James 1:18) that begat children of God.  It is that same “incorruptible seed” (1 Peter 1:23) that is to continue in the child to keep one from practicing a life of sin (cf. 1 John 3:9).  It is through the obedience of the truth (cf. 1 Peter 1:22) that one purified his/her soul.  One cannot deviate from the light of truth and be in fellowship with God (cf. 1 John 1:6-10).  Brethren are to love the truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10).  God’s people are exhorted to buy it and sell it not (cf. Prov. 23:23).  Truth is consistent and reliable in contrast to falsehood that deceives and harms.
2. Turn Away from Every Evil. Peter wrote, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).  Solomon wrote to his son, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:7).  Again, “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident” (Prov. 14:16).  And again, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul” (Prov. 16:17).  Sin truly is an insult to any people (cf. Prov. 14:34).
3. Take Responsibility for One’s Own Decisions and Actions. Paul wrote, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:11-12).  As soon as Adam and Eve were confronted with their sin, they attempted to pass the responsibility to someone else (cf. Gen. 3:12-13).  The Lord said to Cain after his rejection, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Gen. 4:7).  Attempting to avoid responsibility is as old as time.  Confessing and forsaking one’s sins brings mercy (cf. Prov. 28:13).  King Saul tried to put the accountability on the people (cf. 1 Sam. 15:15) while King David admitted his sin (cf. 2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 32:5).  Personal responsibility is a sign of maturity and integrity.  May all appreciate the things God wants for us.

Jimmy Clark