“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). 

If there was ever a man who looked for answers to the hard questions of life it was Job.  The first two chapters of the book of Job show that this “perfect and upright” man (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3) was tested by Satan in major ways.  The Lord knew the character of Job and “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).  Knowing such a verse and knowing the answer to a specific trial are two different things.  Job did not understand, yet he did know the importance of searching.  Consider three lessons on searching for answers.

1.  Answers are Not in Materialism.  The world clamors for material gain trusting that such a lifestyle equals success.  Paul warned Timothy about such a philosophy.  “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:5-6).  Jesus himself was no man of great means yet there is none who could give answers like him (cf. Luke 2:47; John 7:46).  He gave a stern warning about materialism, where he said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).  Job had riches at one time in his life, but his life was foremost about God (Job 1:1, 8, 21-22; 2:3, 10).  Serving God is not about fearing God “for nought” (Job 1:9).  It is said of Moses “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Heb. 11:25-26).  Money, mansions, mutual funds, etc. are had by people only to be left behind (cf. 1 Tim. 6:7) and ultimately burned up (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-12).

2.  Answers are Not in Men.  Job’s three friends were truly “miserable comforters” (Job 16:1).  The general points that they all made were countered with Job saying, “What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you” (Job 13:2).  If answers are found in experience, history and sound reasoning alone, the answers would have been present.  Job knew that man is helpless to find the answers to the deepest of questions apart from the word from God.  Jeremiah admitted, “O Lord, I know that the way of man in not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).  Solomon wrote, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).

3.  Answers are Necessitated in the Master.  The book of Job clearly points out that the Maker and Master of the universe is the source of all truth and wisdom.  It is in Job 28:28 that the summary of that chapter on searching states from the mouth of God, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).  Such a knowledge as seen by Job at the end of the book (cf. Job 40:4-5; 42:2-6) shows that the Sovereign One of all takes care and does right.  One need only heed the Master’s word and will and be blessed whether life be easy or difficult.  Faith leans on the strength from God and rejoices in it (cf. Neh. 8:10).  Therefore, the Bible is one of the greatest treasures given by the Master. 

Jimmy Clark

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). 

Jesus said these words in the context of certain ones who sought to kill him (cf. John 7:1, 19).  The Jewish leadership considered Jesus a threat.  This hindered them from understanding the source and content of the teaching that Jesus gave.  Those who believed that Jesus is the Christ (cf. John 6:68-69) had the “want to” to listen and learn.  Therefore, having the “want to” has everything to do with understanding the doctrine of the Lord.  Consider three thoughts about this mentality.

1.  Wanting to Discern Between Truth and Error.  Solomon wrote, “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish” (Prov. 12:1).  Again, “A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth” (Prov. 14:6).  Much of knowing and understanding is in the “want to.”  If one wants to know the truth, then the simplicity of the word of God will make him “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).  If one does not want the truth but only that which suits his own desires, then the word of God is “no good concerning me, but evil” (1 Kings 22:18).  The kind of heart one has is a major factor in the obtaining of wisdom and knowledge.

2.  Wanting to Defeat the Devil in One’s Life.  Once a person has the desire to know the truth, then he can do battle with his real enemy, the devil.  It is the putting on of the whole armor of God that “ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11) that bring success against Satan.  When a child of God fails and gives into sin, God says to his children, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” (Rev. 2:5).  The Father does not want his children to have a defeatist attitude.  James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7-8).  When a person wants to overcome, victory is attainable.  When one is not really willing to try that hard to overcome, then discouragement and struggle persist.  One must always remember that when it comes to the real problems of life “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).

3.  Wanting to Do What Pleases God.  Jesus stated of the mentality of his mind toward the will of God, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).  When an athlete really wants to please the coach, what kind of eyes and ears are present?  When an employee is truly desiring to please the employer, what level of work will be given?  Knowing that God loves (cf. 1 John 4:10) and desires the best for each and every one (cf. 1 Tim. 2:4) should motivate all to want to please the One from which comes “Every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).  David wrote of himself, “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Ps. 119:16).  Again, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Ps. 119:34).  Such a “want to” clearly shows why David is described by God as “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).  May all have the “want to” in every spiritual thing and find the reward therein.    

Jimmy Clark

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). 

While Paul addressed some topics in this letter that were of past and present consideration, here Paul is forward looking to the work that must continue even after his death.  There are insights found in this passage that involve the evangelism of the world to every age and generation.  Consider some thoughts.

1.  Deliver the Same Message.  Paul pressed upon Timothy the importance of staying with the same message he had been taught.  Paul did not preach a gospel different from the other apostles just because he was an apostle to the Gentiles (cf. Gal. 1:8-9).  Paul preached to many different countries and cultures yet the message was the same.  He wrote to the Roman brethren, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).  Paul warned Timothy of certain ones who would “not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3).  In spite of such attitudes and actions Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).  There is a great deal of ink being used to address ways to reach the Millenials.  The way to reach Millenials (or any other generation for that matter) is with the pure word of God (cf. Prov. 30:5-6).  Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Only let your conversation be as it 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).

2.  Develop Faithful and Able Men to Keep the Work Going.  Paul charged Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).  The work of reaching present and future generations cannot rest in the hands of unfaithful and incompetent people.  There is such a danger as “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26).  Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thess. 3:2).  Jesus himself developed his apostles to carry out the work.  Leaving the Lord’s work in capable hands is one of the greatest needs in the church.  Training and encouraging workers is a mark toward a bright future.

3.  Delegate Those to Teach Like You Have Been Taught.  Paul did not expect Timothy to do all the teaching.  Timothy was to do his work while others share in the work.  Paul told Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men” (2 Tim. 2:2).  Another translation uses the word “entrust” (2 Tim. 2:2, ESV).  Paul wrote to Timothy previously, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;” (1 Tim. 1:18).  The strength in the word “commit” denotes the obligation and importance of carrying out the work.  If one is going to delegate a part of the work to be done by others, they should be expected to do it.  Paul expected Timothy to do his work.           

Jimmy Clark

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1). 

Would that everyone had this attitude toward assembling to worship!  There are some, however, who look at a worship service as a “weariness” (Mal. 1:13).  Some will stop going altogether as “the manner of some is” (Heb. 10:25).  Whatever the choice or attitude, worship is important to the Father (cf. John 4:23) and should be to all worshippers.  Ponder three principles concerning worship that will help anyone get more from the service.

1.  Set the Mind on Truly Coming to Worship, Not Merely to Watch.  Worship is active, not passive.  “Entertainment based” worship services do not enhance worship as they are by nature passive and not active.  One sits as in a theater to take something in, not to express faith toward the living God.  What may stimulate the senses initially will become boring over the long term.  Vibrant worship is engaged in the service by participating in the singing with a thankful heart (cf. Col. 3:16), praying while prayer is led (cf. Acts 2:42; 12:5), remembering the sacrifice of the Lord in the Lord’s Supper (cf. 1 Cor. 11:24-25), giving with a cheerful spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7) and attentive to the preaching of the word of God that stimulates thought and intent (cf. Heb. 4:12).  Until the heart is affected and active, one works in vain to alter the outside in order to move the inside.

2.  Study the Bible More.  Knowing the text of Scripture more and more makes one familiar with what is going on in a worship service.  If one is privately reading the Bible intently outside the services, the material preached and taught will become more meaningful.  One is better able to see passages that connect to other passages when a lesson is presented because the mind has meditated on such things (cf. Ps. 1:2).  It is no wonder that David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; 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 enquire in his temple” (Ps. 27:4).  David is not talking about the beauty of the temple building as it did not exist in his day.  David wanted to learn more and more at the assembly in the place of worship to enhance his knowledge more and more.  Personal study is a direct link to appreciation for what is involved in worship.  Ignorance is a destroyer (cf. Hosea 4:6).

3.  Seek God with the Whole Heart.  David also wrote, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Ps. 119:2).  Whatever one puts his/her whole heart into is where one is going to get the most from it.  Half-hearted always has and always will produce little to nothing.  The book of Psalms is filled with passages on the heart, especially the whole heart.  “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works” (Ps. 9:1).  “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Ps. 138:1-2).  See also Psalm 119:10, 34, 58, 69, 145.  Surely observation has been made of those who worship from their whole heart and search made to see what they know and why they do such!  David knew and had such a heart.  May it be today!                                                                          

Jimmy Clark

“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:15-16)

The household of Stephanas was an integral part of the congregation at Corinth.  Paul stated earlier in this letter to Corinth, “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other” ((1 Cor. 16:16).  This man and his family were very active in the local congregation.  Such would go a long way toward their faithfulness to the Lord through their serving.  Being invested in one’s local congregation is a great need for the promotion of the longevity of the life of the church in any geographical area.  An eldership is thrilled to see people taking their local congregation seriously.  Consider three general things concerning, as Paul stated “every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:16).

1. Identifying Oneself with the Congregation.  Paul said of Aquila and Priscilla, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Cor. 16:19).  While the brotherhood is greater than one congregation and Aquila and Priscilla were known to work for the cause of Christ in different places, here is a point of reference that in Ephesus there was a congregation meeting in the home of Aquila and Priscilla.  The Bible clearly teaches that the church is both all Christians everywhere (cf. Rom. 16:16) as well as any group of Christians in a geographic location (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2).  Elders are only elders over the local congregation where they reside (cf. Acts 14:23).  Therefore, it is important that elders know who are the ones in the congregation where they oversee and work that come under their care.  Acts 20:28-32 shows that local congregations are divinely ordained of God.  While all who are baptized are added to the church (cf. Acts 2:41), being identified with the local congregation in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 8:1) was also stressed as the cause of Christ would spread to other regions as well.

2.  Involvement in the Work.  Paul said of the house of Stephanas “they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Cor. 16:15).  Would that all had such a spirit and service!  Getting involved in the local work greatly enhances faithfulness to the Lord and fruitfulness in the labor of the Lord.  Having a vested interest in the local congregation commits the heart and soul to the work.  Those who are the busiest in the local work tend not to be complacent or complaining about the work.

3.  Influencing for Good.  When people see how involved people are in their local congregation, they know that the Lord and his church is important to them.  Such an influence shines bright before those within and without.  When brethren in the Jerusalem congregation were threatened and abused for doing right, they prayed, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29).  The power to overcome evil with good is a true mark of greatness.  One can do no better than to encourage the cause of Christ in every location.                

Jimmy Clark