[Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/04/07
tedwards at onemain.com
tedwards at onemain.com
Tue Nov 6 13:30:21 CST 2007
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THE GOSPEL OBSERVER
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"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).
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November 4, 2007
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Contents:
1) Some Outstanding Evil Characteristics of Our Tongues
(Don R. Hastings)
2) How to Grow Spiritually (Rodney Britton)
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-1-
Some Outstanding Evil Characteristics of Our Tongues
by Don R. Hastings
In the first part of James 3, God revealed the tremendous power
of the tongue. In James 3:7-12, God made known to us some
outstanding evil characteristics of the tongue. We need to be aware
of these characteristics and diligently guard our tongues to keep
them from practicing these things (Prov. 13:3; 21:23). With David,
we should pray and ask Jehovah to "set a watch, O Jehovah, before
my mouth; Keep the door of my lips" (Psa. 141:3). God has told us
how to possess happiness (1 Pet. 3:10-12). Refraining one's "tongue
from evil" is essential to living a good life!
Studying James 3:7-12, we learn several evil characteristics of
the tongue. An outstanding evil characteristic of the tongue is
that it:
Cannot Be Tamed
God intended that man should "have dominion" over all animals
when He created them (Gen. 1:27, 28; 9:1,2; Psa. 8:4-9). Man has
used the animals of this earth for his benefit. He uses them for
food, work and enjoyment. It is not wrong to kill and eat animals
(Gen. 9:3; Acts 20:13).
Man can subdue and control animals, but he hasn't learned to
subdue and control his tongue. You cannot trust your tongue to
always speak words which are good and proper. You cannot trust your
tongue to the point that you unloose it and let it speak without
first carefully considering what it will say. In an unguarded
moment, it will say very cruel and ugly words.
Is A Restless Evil
Like a wild beast moving back and forth in its cage, seeking an
opportunity to escape and mangle its victim, so is the tongue. The
evil that the tongue is capable of doing cannot be quenched and
pacified to the extent that it ceases to desire to work its harm.
That's why it can't be tamed!
Is Full Of Deadly Poison
We fear the rattlesnake, coral snake, etc., because they
possess deadly poison. If you live in Florida long, as I have, you
probably have many snake stories to share. I am no exception, as I
have had many close calls, being the outdoors man that I am.
We fear a bottle with the picture of a skull and crossbones on
it, and the word "poison" written on it. If you were to walk into a
room and your little child was holding such a bottle with the cap
off, a feeling of horror would come over you. I am sure my mother
and father had the same feeling the time I was two years old and
swallowed roach tablets. I assured my mother, on the way to the
hospital, "I not die. I not a roach." But, my reasoning didn't calm
her at the time.
We should greatly fear the improper use of the tongue for it
can kill physically and spiritually (Prov. 18:21). People, who
gossip and slander, are like slithering snakes carrying a sac of
poison, ready and eager to strike and inject the poison (Psa. 58:4;
140:3; Mt. 3:7). Guy N. Woods put it this way: "Those who would
shrink in horror from the thought of plunging a sword into the
heart of another will, nevertheless, indulge in malicious gossip
that drives a sword through the heart in a manner far more painful
than any possible physical injury" (New Testament Commentaries:
James, Guy N. Woods, p. 168).
Do your words ever kill good intentions, good will, initiative,
hope, good morale, good reputations, or spiritual-mindedness? The
person who said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words
can never hurt me" -- lied.
Is Often Used Inconsistently
Christians should use their tongues for the most noble use of
all and, that is, to praise, glorify and bless the Lord. The
Christian's tongue may also be used for an evil purpose -- cursing
men.
What a great, inconsistent and unholy use of our tongues.
William Barclay writes, "Many a man speaks with perfect courtesy to
strangers and even preaches love and gentleness, and yet snaps with
ungracious and impatient anger and irritability at his own family
at home. It has not been unknown for a man to speak with piety on
Sunday and to curse a squad of workmen on Monday. It has not been
unknown for a man to utter the most pious sentiments one day, and
to repeat the most questionable stories the next. It has not been
unknown a woman to speak with sweet graciousness at a religious
meeting, and then to go outside to murder someone's reputation with
a malicious and a gossiping tongue" (The Letters of James and
Peter, William Barclay, p. 105).
Man is "made after the likeness of God" (Gen. 1:26,27). The
person who despises a human-being despises God (1 Jn. 4:20,21). How
we treat our fellow man is how we are treating the Lord (Mt.
25:24-36; Acts 9:5). The person who blesses God but curses man is a
hypocrite (Psa. 62:4)!
How can we curse mankind: Who are God's handiwork? Whom God
loves (Jn. 3:16)? For whom Christ died (Heb. 2:9)? Whom God desires
to save (1 Tim. 2:3,4)?
If we think that God is going to be pleased with the honor we
give Him with our lips, while we speak vile, filthy, hateful words
about and to others, we are deceived! Christians required by God to
bless those who "persecute you" (Rom. 12:14). We are not to return
evil for evil (Rom. 12:17,21). If we curse those who curse us, we
have lowered ourselves to their level and encouraged them to
continue in their sinful ways. Under the law of Moses, children who
cursed their parents were to be put to death (Ex. 21:17). There is
no justification for cursing others. Christians are required by God
to bless those who "revile you" (1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:8,9). Jesus
didn't curse those who reviled Him (1 Pet. 2:23; Mt. 27:39-44). How
can we claim to be disciples of Christ when we curse others?
This inconsistent use of our tongue is contrary to nature for
nature is consistent. A spring would not give good water one time
and bitter water another time. The fig tree does not produce olives
for every seed brings forth "after their kind" (Gen. 1:11).
-- Via Guardian of Truth XXIX: 4, pp. 109-110, February 21,
1985
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-2-
How to Grow Spiritually
by Rodney Britton
Without a doubt, growth is necessary in all areas of life in
order to be successful. Whether on the job or in scientific
research, whether in technology or education, growth is a
prerequisite for prosperity. No place is this more evident than in
the life of a Christian. Peter taught, "grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both
now and forever" (2 Pet. 3:18).
With all the hindrances to living a godly life it would only
make sense to look for ways of improving our "graceful growth" in
the Lord. I challenge you to think on these areas with me as we try
to grow as God wants us to and then apply them to your life that we
"may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
CONSTANTLY EXAMINE YOURSELF. Paul urged the Corinthians to
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own
selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in
you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. 13:5). We should always
measure ourselves in relationship to Christ. Have there been
improvements in my knowledge? Do I have the same zeal that I had
when I first became a Christian? Do I set good examples to everyone
I come in contact with? Am I trying to improve my circumstances or
conditions that will enable me to grow? How would you have to
answer these questions?
GET YOURSELF ACTIVE IN YOUR LOCAL CONGREGATION. There is no
better place to begin your quest for growth. Offer your services to
the elders in what ever form it is needed. The greatest source of
satisfaction and joy is to aid the flock that you are a part of.
Have the desire that Isaiah had; "Here am I, Send me!" (Isa. 6:8).
Be an encouragement rather than a discouragement. Be a builder
instead of a destroyer. Don't criticize, but rather we should
always support sound, scriptural efforts.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GODLY PEOPLE. Spend time daily with
people who can assist you in your growing. Understand that people I
associate with will go a long way as to how I mature in the Lord.
Paul said, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners" (1 Cor. 15:33). Always understand that where a man's heart
is, his affections will be as well (Matt. 6:21).
AVOID ANYTHING THAT WILL HINDER YOU. Stay away from things
that take your mind away from godly things. Don't allow anything to
come before the Lord! Our daily lives can offer many troubles,
trials, and temptations, but we must not let them cause us to
despair (2 Cor. 4:9ff). Do not allow laziness to affect your
growth. Just as physical growth would be affected by lazy,
effortless lifestyles, so is the life of a Christian (1 Tim. 4:8).
STOP THE DRIFT! Sometimes our minds wander. Sometimes our lives
are hectic and the "rat race" too much to handle. Sometimes we lose
sight of the real issues at hand and before we know it we have
drifted out to sea. We didn't feel it, but it happened nonetheless.
We didn't necessarily want it to, but it did anyway. We used to
sing an old song that said, "You are drifting too far from the
shore, You are drifting too far from the peaceful shore. Come to
Jesus today, let Him show you the way, you are drifting too far
from the shore." We must constantly keep our attention on the
"shoreline." We must know where Jesus Christ is (and where He is
not) and where He so desperately wants me to be. "Set your
affections on things above, not on things of the earth, for ye are
dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2,3).
FINALLY, PRAY EVERYDAY! How long has it been since you prayed
alone? How long has it been since you talked to God about your
life? About your family? About your fears? How long has it been
since you asked God to help you? How long has it been since you
talked to God? We are instructed to, "Pray without ceasing" (1
Thess. 5:17). Prayer will change lives!
Are you growing in the Lord?
-- via Gospel Power, August 19, 2001
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MYRTLE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
1022 Myrtle Street
Denham Springs, LA 70726
(225) 664-8208
Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 PM
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
e-mail: tedwards at onemain.com
web site: http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go
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