[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 015

Sat Apr 14 19:55:49 CDT 2007

The Messenger

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514

bibleanswers at charter.net                                    www.mainstreetcofc.com

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

VOLUME 002::ISSUE 015::April 15, 2007  

ARTICLE ONE: There Is No "I" In Love

ARTICLE TWO: Going Beyond The Call of Duty

Article One: There Is No "I" In Love

I must admit I have often desired an instant solution to problems; many times wishing a problem could be solved at the snap of a finger. This has never worked in my life and certainly such an "insta-solve" has not been available for any of us. The problems that seem to exist in every group of people also exist to some degree in the Lord's church. I have talked with many people concerning different issues and many different solutions have been suggested ranging from one extreme to another. 

When speaking with a friend, and brother, a great solution was explained, that seems so easy if we would all just follow its advice. He said, "If everyone would realize that it is not about "me", most every problem would be eliminated." He said, "We all need to remember that there is no "I" in love".

Could it be just that easy? Yes, of course, he is exactly right, there is no "I" in brotherly love. Let's take the time to examine our relationships, one with another, so that we might grow our selfless love (Philippians 1:9) and have less problems (Romans 14:19).

We Need Love

Love is one of the most influential forces in our lives. We are nothing without love:

Jesus declared that we must love one another (John 13:34). We are recognized as His disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35). We have this relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, because of their love for us (Romans 5:6-8). If we choose to not love we will fail to please God (Matthew 22:37). If we choose to not love our fellow man we will fail them (Matthew 22:39). 

We need to let love be our influence. Consider the goodness of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:3-8. This is a selfless love, a love that takes care of other's needs. Paul encourages the brethren in Philippi to increase their, already present, love (Philippians 1:9). There is always room for more, room for improvement.

There Is No "I" In Love

We have experienced a cultural shift in the last couple of decades. It seems as if we are in the "looking out for Number One" culture. This has sadly crept into the church and has caused more than a few problems. "Me, me, me" is in direct opposition to the will of God where we are told to deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24).

To be as we should our focus should always be looking out for others. The pathway to Heaven is difficult at best (Matthew 7:13-14). Our pathway is one of self-denial. It is a pathway that Jesus describes as taking up one's cross and following Him (Matthew 16:24). Our pathway can certainly be one of suffering as 1 Peter 2:21-23 says we were called to follow Jesus who suffered, leaving us an example of the steps we take. Knowing these facts about our life in Christ our perspective must be one of looking out for your brethren who need your help to make it home.

        Consider the information revealed in Ephesians 4:11-16. We are challenged to be like Christ. Our consolation is our brethren who have differing roles specifically designed for our success-some are teachers, some are encouragers, some are supporters and each one has a share, everyone has something to do for another; the opportunity to provide in our daily lives as we interact with one another. Let's also look at this passage. Hebrews 10:23-25. Our challenge is to "hold fast" to our faith without wavering. Our consolation is our brethren who are here to seek our best interest-to help us: By considering our needs, by stirring up our love, by seeking and doing good works. Our opportunity is "the assembly"-during the schedule times of services right here. We can also bring about the opportunity of either passage through hospitality: Making time to let the brethren know you, and you get to know your brethren. Too many personal problems exist because of lack of knowledge

It's Not About Me

How many problems are rooted in selfishness or self-centeredness? When we enter into this relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, we have expectations from God (Ephesians 5:8-10). We must seek things that are pleasing to God. Problems start when we become self-willed and determined to do what we want (Proverbs 14:12). When we enter into this relationship as brethren, in Jesus Christ, we have some expectations from each other (Romans 12:9-15). We must seek the best interests of our brethren. Problems start when we become self-interested; when we expect to sit back and have everything done for us-we are here for others' needs (Philippians 2:1-8).

Consider this: The works of the flesh all start with the letter "I".  Perhaps you are questioning my spelling ability, none-the-less, these points can be gathered from Galatians 5:19-21.

            Adultery: "I" want to be with someone else.

            Fornication: "I" can't wait for marriage

            Uncleanness: "I" want to do, what I want to do 

            Lewdness: "I" have my own moral standard

            Idolatry: "I" have my own god

            Sorcery: "I" can find my own power

            Hatred: "I" don't have to like everyone

            Contentions: "I" have, to have my way

            Jealousies: "I" wish I had the attention you have

            Outbursts of wrath: "I" have the right to get even

            Selfish Ambition: "I" look out for me

            Dissensions: "I" have a different opinion, who's with me?

            Heresies: "I" know a better way

            Envy: "I" hate that you have what you have

            Murder: "I" want you out of my way

            Drunkenness: "I" am in control           

            Revelries: "I" like to party

            And the like: "I", "I", "I".          

If we can root out the selfishness that comes so easily we will become what we need to be. 

Conclusion:

Many problems that trouble any group can be avoided. When are more interested in looking out for our self, that is when problems happen. If we look out for each other and "supply" instead of "demand", problems can be avoided. Our true role is to supply one another's needs (Ephesians 4:16). 

"What about me?" That is not your worry. Your needs belong among the responsibilities of your brethren. It is time to lay aside the ideas of being selfish, self-centered and self-willed. It is time to live for others and for God. ~tss

Article Two: Going Beyond The Call of Duty

There is a saying, "Attitude is everything!"  Well that may be a partial view of reality, since "attitude" without "truth" merits nothing more than empty self-confidence. All who seek to worship God are instructed in John 4:24 to bring our worship to God in "spirit" and "truth".  Both of these characteristics of worship are given an equal prominence. The "spirit" is our attitude-our desire to serve; you may say "our zeal".  The "truth" is the form or our worship-the actions and the way in which they are enacted. We need to serve God to be pleasing to God (Matthew 4:10 "Him alone you shall serve"). We must, however, serve God with the right actions while maintaining the right level of zeal.

Zeal is the difference between "doing" and "doing it right". Zeal is the energy that wells up in us and compels us toward greatness. Zeal is the will to achieve and the determination to succeed. 

A great example of zeal is found in Jesus Christ our Savior (Hebrews 9:22-28). Who not only gave up Heaven to take on the form of human flesh, but also willingly went to the cross to suffer and die for our sins. Jesus went beyond the call of duty to give us the opportunity to be called to duty for God. We need to consider some further examples of those who willingly went beyond the call of duty to the glory of God.

Paul (2 Corinthians 12:15)

  From our first introduction to Paul we learn of his dynamic zeal. As a servant of the Jewish religion, specifically in duty to the High Priest, he demonstrates his eagerness to achieve (Acts 7:57-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-2). When this same Paul was confronted by the Gospel and obeyed it he became a zealous Christian; his work ethic did not change. Paul began to preach the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 9:20-22). He traveled extensively in the known world spreading the word of God as he went (Acts 14:21-22). For the cause Paul suffered greatly many times (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His example demonstrates that whatever God asks is what must be done and nothing within God's will is unreasonable (Romans 8:18).

All too often, the slightest things have turned followers away. Many have become like the early disciples mentioned in John 6:66. This is the opposite attitude of Paul who would not be deterred (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Let's strive to be more like Paul; willing to be spent beyond the call of duty-trusting our future reward.

The Two Servants (Philippians 2:19-30) 

In Philippians 2:19-23 Timothy is described as one beyond compare. Paul said that he knew "no one like-minded" among his acquaintances. The character of Timothy that causes Paul to speak this way is found in his sincerity of care for others. 

There is a difference between "caring" and "sincerely caring". One is there when it is convenient the other is always there (Romans 12:9-15). Paul also says that Timothy is one "who does not seek his own". Timothy willingly looked out for others beyond himself (Philippians 2:3-4). He was a man of proven character. This was certainly a goal for Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12). 

Epaphroditus was the second willing servant of Philippians 2. We can read about Epaphroditus in verses 25-30; we learn that he gave himself to the work so completely that he did not regard his own health. This man knew what seeking God meant and what it required-diligent effort. 

We need to be like Timothy and Epaphroditus; willing to give of ourselves, beyond the call of duty (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Tabitha (Acts 9:36-39)

Tabitha was able to use her talents to supply other's needs (Acts 9:36-39). Tabitha had the ability of making clothes. We cannot be certainly if she possessed any other talents or abilities, but since we do have this one brought out for our consideration we will focus on this particular ability. With her talent she did what she was able to do. She did not hide behind her one talent she used it to provide for many. 

We need to look around and see what we can do (Hebrews 10:23-25). You may discover that you are like "Tabitha"-able use your talent to supply other's needs. As part of a congregation we all have something to do (Ephesians 4:16). The growth of this congregation is dependant upon individual members doing their share. In order for any congregation to reach its full effectiveness every member of that congregation must be working at their full effectiveness.

Conclusion:

A question of worth may come up while considering all this effort. Do I really need to work that hard? Give that much? Devote so much time and energy? Revelation 21:1-4; 23-27 answers that question for me.  Why should we expect to receive great things when we are only willing to offer the least amount of effort? God deserves our best. Are you ready to do more than you have before? Are you willing to go beyond the call of duty? ~tss

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   Sean

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