Spiritual Dehydration

Friday night at the CA/Mt. Pleasant football game I learned a very valuable lesson. It was late in the game when I started experiencing stomach cramps accompanied by intense perspiration and dizziness. I had gone down to the fence to talk to my cousin Cliff when the symptoms started getting worse, so I decided to head back to the stands. As I reached the steps, I was told that Chandler was sick, so I decided I would go check on him even though I wasn’t sure if I could make it to where he was. About that time I was approached by Dr. James Thomas who happened to notice I was not my normal self. It was at that time I collapsed in front of everybody there at the game. After many good people tended to me and I was coming to a little more, it was determined I was dehydrated. I had gone all day without drinking any water. Coffee and soft drinks are all I had to drink that day, and combined with the heat and humidity took their toll. After a trip to the ER to get some IV fluids, we were able to return home. The lesson I learned was how important it is to drink plenty of water.

While my body suffered the consequences of not having the water, there is a consequence that is far greater for people who don’t partake of a different kind of water. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that He offers the living water that would never make you thirst again as well as lead to eternal life (Jn. 4:10,14). There are people in this world who are spiritually dehydrated because they don’t have the living water that the Lord provides. The consequences of this spiritual dehydration are much worse than the symptoms I had, because without the living water we are doomed to the eternal fire of Hell (Mt. 25:41).

This was a wake-up call for me, and I have started drinking plenty of water. Hopefully those who are spiritually dehydrated can receive a wake-up call before it is eternally too late.

Brotherly,

Jeremy T. Butt

It's Gospel Meeting Time

Those who are football fans of the Tennessee Volunteers can now say “It’s football time in Tennessee!” Their season started off with a bang on Sunday evening with a win over Utah State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. It’s an exciting time when football season is finally here, and the same sentiment goes for those who support other college teams, high school teams or even NFL teams like the Tennessee Titans who play this coming Sunday. Most football fans know how to respond to the question “Are You Ready for Some Football?”

As great a time it is for football season to arrive, we’ve got a big event coming up at the North View Church of Christ. Our Gospel Meeting is September 14-17 and David Morris from the Highland Church of Christ will be our speaker. It makes me wonder if people here are as excited about the meeting as they are football season. Neyland Stadium had over 102,000 people in attendance Sunday night for their game; what will our attendance be like for our meeting? Time will tell as we look forward to David and his family coming to be with us that week. It’s Gospel Meeting time at North View!

Brotherly,

Jeremy T. Butt

Fire Evacuation

Fire Evacuation

Out in California close to Yosemite National Park there have been evacuations of over 1,500 people because of wildfires approaching their homes (http://www.techtimes.com/articles/13407/20140819/wildfires-near-yosemite-national-park-forces-evacuation-of-1-500-people.htm). I can recall many reports over the years where people react differently to approaching wildfires. Some of them refuse to leave their homes, while others value their lives much more than their homes and the contents therein. It is understandable why people want to get out of the way before they are consumed by the flames. When the orders are given to evacuate due to the flames, most people want out of the way of the blaze.

Did you know there is coming a fire that people will not be able to evacuate from? We are told that Hell is a place of fire: its fire never ends (Mt. 25:41), its fire is unquenchable (Mk. 9:43) and this lake of fire is reserved for those whose name is not in the book of life (Rev. 20:15). Once people realize their fiery fate it will be too late to evacuate the agony that awaits them in Hell.

The residents of California who evacuated their homes recognized the urgent action needed to avoid the flames. Unfortunately there are many people today who don’t take the same measures to avoid their collision course with Hell. Now is the time to evacuate your habitation if you are living for the world. Once judgment begins, it will be too late. Have you already put your evacuation plan into action?

Start with the Heart

Ezra 7:10

In Disney’s recent hit movie Frozen, the grandfather troll named Pabbie was sought out by the king and queen of Arrendale because he had the ability to cure their youngest daughter, Anna from her sister Elsa’s accidental magic strike to the head. The troll was relieved when he found out it was the head and not the heart, as he gives his line “the heart is not so easily changed, but the head can be persuaded.” Have you ever tried to accomplish something when your heart is not in it? It seems there is something to this idea, as we even know from Scripture that the heart plays a great deal in accomplishing great things for God. This morning our Scripture for the lesson comes from Ezra 7:10. It reads “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Before we get into the meat of the lesson, let’s examine some background.

Ezra led the second wave of captives back to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, which would have been in 458 B.C. The purpose of his return was to restore God’s law in the hearts of the people. It is documented that “he was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6). He was also a priest who was “learned in the words of the commandments of the Lord and His statutes to Israel” (Ezra 7:11). They had been in captivity all these years and someone needed to get them back on track with God’s law. Ezra was the man to do it, but this was not going to be an easy task. He knew what had to be done, as we have seen in Ezra 7:10. Before Ezra could study, practice and teach the law, he was going to have to set his heart. Essentially, this means that Ezra was securely determining in his heart that he was going to do this. Using what Ezra did in this verse, let’s also make some application for our lives as Christians.

Set Your Heart to Study God’s Word

Ezra set his heart to study God’s law. The Law of Moses is what is being referred to here. This is what Ezra did; it was his profession. He would have read, studied and meditated upon God’s law. He would have written it as a scribe. He knew the law. For us to study the Bible we must start with the heart. The Psalmist starts out saying “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water” (Ps. 1:1-3). Somebody can be firmly grounded in the Word if they delight in it and meditate on it. The Psalmist also said “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). If you have love for the Word of God, you’ll be more likely to meditate on it. Not only should you have love for the Word, but also understand that when we study we gain God’s approval (2 Tim. 2:15). How bad do you want God’s approval? If your heart is in the right place you’ll be motivated to study to show yourself approved to God. We should also want to study so that we can make a defense for what we believe (1 Pet. 3:15). If we don’t study the Bible, how are we going to be able to make a defense? You can’t defend what you don’t know.

Set Your Heart to Practice God’s Word

Ezra set his heart to practice God’s law. His emphasis was restoring God’s law in the hearts of the people. If he was going to be successful at this, he was going to have to show them his example. They would need to see him living what he taught. Practice what you preach is a phrase we hear a lot. This starts with the heart. Determination precedes implementation. One of the purposes of studying the Bible is to be able to live it. The Psalmist said “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee” (Ps. 119:11). Somebody who wants to put into practice what they read in God’s Word is going to have to put it in their heart first. Peter says that the Lord has given us the knowledge of everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). There is the expectation from God that we are going to live what we learn in His Word. James goes on to say that we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers (Jas. 2:22). Don’t delude yourself by refusing to do what you read in God’s Word. Jesus said “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). If you are not living like a Christian, you haven’t turned your light on; you’re walking around in the dark.

Set Your Heart to Teach God’s Word

Ezra set his heart to teach God’s statutes and ordinances in Israel. Notice even what the Persian King Artaxerxes told him regarding this: “...appoint magistrates and judges that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the River, even all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them. And whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment” (Ezra 7:25-26). The king viewed Ezra’s teaching of God’s law as serious business, especially of those who would be ignorant of it. Do we view teaching God’s Word with the same seriousness?

For us to teach others, we must start with the heart. Think about some ways we can teach. First, we can teach others the Gospel. Last week I preached on the Gerasene demoniac, which included what Jesus told him to do after he had been healed: “’Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you...’” (Mk. 5:19). That’s what evangelism is; going to others and telling them what great things God has done for you. The Gospel is good news, as Christ has delivered us from our sins, and we are supposed to be teaching others who need this news. Second, we can teach our children at home. When you look at Moses recounting the Law that was given to him, he gives some instructions about how important it was to teach their children. He said “’And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9). Moses knew that God wanted continual instruction to take place in the home. This responsibility was not to be taken lightly. Notice that Moses prefaced this with the heart, as the law on their hearts preceded the teaching. Third, we can teach the Bible in a class setting. Some of you are teachers here at North View. Rex Henson is about to complete a teacher certification class. In order for you to teach, you have to complete this class. This is one way the elders know who they’re putting in the classroom to teach God’s Word. James says this is not for everyone: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment” (Jas. 3:1).

Jesus stated there are no greater commands than these: “’...love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength... love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mk. 12:30-31). Ezra gives us a great example of what the greatest commands are all about: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). Do you want to be a good Bible student? Do you want to live by the Bible? Do you want to teach the Bible to others? Start with the heart as evidenced in the life of Ezra. Set your heart to do these things.

Brother Busybody

2 Thess. 3:1-18

The Apostle Peter is noted for saying that some of the Apostle Paul’s writings are hard to understand.[1] The subject of the man of lawlessness from last week’s sermon is one of the passages of Scripture which fits Peter’s description. However, the subject matter in the third chapter is much easier to understand and apply. We had already established that some of the Thessalonians had been duped into believing the day of the Lord had already come.[2] One of the problems that resulted from this was what Paul describes in great detail in the final chapter of the second letter. Something that he had alluded to briefly in the first letter,[3] Paul describes those identified as busybodies among the Thessalonians. Our text comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18. As we examine this final lesson in this series, let’s make sure that we are not identified as Brother Busybody.

Their Example

As Paul gets into the bulk of this discussion, he lets the Thessalonians know that he and his companions gave them an example to follow. They worked to support themselves while among the Thessalonians and didn’t burden them.[4]Those Thessalonians who were guilty of the charges brought against them should have followed this example. Paul and his companions had not acted in an undisciplined manner because they worked to support themselves.[5] They had a right to be supported, but they chose not to exercise it so that they could be a model for the Thessalonians.[6] Paul elsewhere said to the Corinthian church: “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”[7] When Paul was among the Corinthians and Thessalonians, he rather chose to support himself by his trade of tent-making so as not to be a burden.[8]

Their Earful

Word had gotten back to Paul about what was going on in Thessalonica, as he says “...we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life...”[9]  Remember that he sent Timothy to visit the church there when he couldn’t stand it any longer.[10] It’s highly possible that Timothy was the informer for Paul, however it could also be someone else who came to give him this report.[11] However he got word of it, he was dealing with it in this letter. He got an earful of what was going on, and he wanted to make sure they knew he had heard about it. Paul describes that he heard they were unruly, undisciplined, not working and acting as busybodies.

Unruly and undisciplined are both words used as a military term meaning to act disorderly, as in a soldier stepping out of rank.[12] When Paul talks about them not working, evidently some had resorted to loafing. These would have been people who were able to work, but for the reasons mentioned earlier had chosen to refrain from it. Instead of being busy at work, they were being busybodies. These people are meddlers who get into other people’s business instead of minding their own.[13] I’ve mentioned the quote before from Scooby-Doo where the villain says “and I would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for those meddling kids.”

Their Exhortation

Paul addressed such fellows who were guilty of being busybodies with some instructions to follow. He said “...such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread”.[14] Because of their busybody behavior, Paul made sure they knew what was needed in this situation. They were not to be moochers; rather they were to provide for themselves. It was their responsibility, not the responsibility of those who were providing bread for them. Paul also addressed the other church members about their responsibility toward those who were in error here. He said they were to keep aloof from them and do not associate with them. This is evidently tied to church discipline. He told them to take note of that man. If you’ve ever heard of someone being a marked man, that seems to be the idea. He also said for them to admonish that person as a brother instead of treating him as an enemy. The goal was not to beat the person down, but rather to get him to see the error of his ways.

What are some lessons for us?

Don’t be a moocher

We should not enable these types of people by helping them and providing for them. Just as Paul said, “eat your own bread”.[15] This doesn’t mean we can’t allow someone to buy us a meal from time to time or eat at someone’s house, but it does mean we shouldn’t be sponging off others in a habitual sense. The only thing you should be mooching is some smooching.

Work to support yourself

We have the responsibility to provide for our own selves and households, not to rely on others. Granted there are people who are unable to work because of physical and mental reasons. But to have the ability to work and refuse in unbiblical. Just as Paul said, “if anyone will not work, neither let him eat”.[16] Paul and his companions provided the example to the Thessalonians.

Idle hands are...

You remember the phrase idle hands are the devil’s workshop. We are well aware of what the idleness of the Thessalonians led to, and we need to take note of that. The only thing that we need to have idling is our car motor. Paul elsewhere told Timothy what idleness could lead to with younger widows when he said “...as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention”.[17]

Keep your body busy, but don’t be a busybody

I mentioned in a previous sermon what Peter says: “By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or troublesome meddler”.[18] A busybody stays busy sticking their nose into someone else’s business instead of their own. Hank Williams sang about minding your own business. Nobody likes a meddler, especially God. Let’s stay busy with the things that need tending to concerning God’s kingdom. If we will stay busy with the proper things, we won't be identified as "Brother Busybody!"

---

[1] 2 Peter 3:15-16

[2] 2 Thessalonians 2:2

[3] 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

[4] 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8

[5] 2 Thessalonians 3:7

[6] 2 Thessalonians 3:9

[7] 1 Corinthians 9:14

[8] 2 Corinthians 11:9

[9] 2 Thessalonians 3:11

[10] 1 Thessalonians 3:2

[11] Earl D. Edwards, 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Searcy: Resource, 2008) 334.

[12] http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/atakteo.html

[13] Earl D. Edwards, 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Searcy: Resource, 2008) 334.

[14] 2 Thessalonians 3:12

[15] 2 Thessalonians 3:12

[16] 2 Thessalonians 3:10

[17] 1 Timothy 5:13

[18] 1 Peter 4:15

Are You Commendable or Condemnable?

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

In the Bible there are many instances where people appeared to those who had been waiting on them. Moses appeared to the Israelites after receiving the law from God on Mount Sinai (Ex. 32). Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, and he delayed his appearance so that he arrived four days after Lazarus had died (Jn. 11). The apostles were told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high (Lk. 24:49), and the Holy Spirit appeared on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). With all of these events, there was a fulfillment of their return when it was realized by those who were waiting. Today, there is a promise that someone is coming, and we who follow Him are looking forward to his appearance. That someone is Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Paul sheds some light on the second coming in his second letter to the Thessalonians. Based on 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 I want us to ask ourselves if we are going to be commendable or condemnable when Jesus returns. God is a righteous judge, and He will administer righteous judgment on the day when Christ comes back (5). It’s going to be a great day for some, but it’s going to be a horrible day for many. Let’s see what Paul reveals about the events pertaining to the revealing of the Son of God.

Jesus will be revealed for commendation

In the context which Paul was writing, the church at Thessalonica had been persecuted. Their perseverance and faith in the midst of all the affliction had been cause for Paul and his companions to speak proudly to the churches about them (4). Paul says they had endured, and they would be considered worthy of the kingdom (5). The way he phrases this reminds me of how the apostles reacted after they had been flogged by the Council: “...rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). With this persecution in mind he words to them the promise that God’s judgment is coming. Before he goes into the details of how God’s judgment will be brought down upon those who will be condemned, let’s see what he says about those who will be commended.

The part of God’s judgment which will be toward those who will be commended will bring relief to those who are being afflicted as well as others who are being persecuted (7). When we tend to think of relief, we think of instant relief. There are heartburn and headache medicines which are designed to bring relief very quickly. Upon reading this text you might think that Paul is talking about instant relief, but keep in mind this is in reference to the second coming of Christ. Why would Paul bring this up to the church at Thessalonica if relief wasn’t coming until that day?

It seems that God is concerned with the big picture, when He will finally put an end to those who are persecuting the church and therefore bring relief to all the saints who need relief. This promise of relief that Paul is giving them is not just toward them, but toward all believers. On that day when the ultimate relief is realized, these saints would glorify and marvel at Christ (10). These are the people who will be commended on that day. Jesus tells two parables in Matthew 25 (the parable of ten virgins & the parable of the talents) and He follows it up with a picture of the judgment. In the parable of the ten virgins, those who were prepared were able to go with the bridegroom to wedding feast. In the parable of the talents, the master commended the faithful slaves by saying “‘well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter in to the joy of your master’” (Mt. 25:21 & 23). In the judgment scene, Christ commends those were on his right saying “’Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’” (Mt. 25:34).

Sometimes we sing the hymn, “What a Day That Will Be.” Those who will be commended on that day will glorify the Lord and marvel at Him (10). Paul told Titus the grace of God has us “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Tit. 2:13). When Christ comes back, those who are obedient believers in Him are going to be commended and rewarded with eternal life.

Jesus will be revealed for condemnation

On the flip side of those who will be commended will be those who receive condemnation when Christ returns. When Jesus is “...revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,” (7) there is nothing good that will happen with this part of the judgment.

It is repayment

Some people love payback. They can’t wait to get back at someone who did something bad to them. We need to remember as God’s children that we are to avoid this. Paul said “’Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19). On that day when Jesus returns God will repay those who have afflicted His church with persecution.

It is retribution

This is the same word as vengeance in the passage we just mentioned in Romans. Keep in mind that both of these will be administered by the Lord. Not only will this aspect of the Lord’s judgment be toward those who persecute the church, but notice that this retribution is aimed at “...those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (9). This verse is fresh in my mind because Michael Shank brought this up in his book Muscle and a Shovel when he recalled the conversations with his friend, Randall Edges. More people in the world need to obey the gospel so they can avoid the retribution of God.

It is relentless

Paul describes this condemnation as “...eternal destruction...” (9). Jesus elsewhere addressed this concept by describing Hell as “...the eternal fire” (Mt. 18:8). He also says it is “’...the unquenchable fire, where their worm dos not die, and the fire is not quenched’” (Mk. 9:43-44). Hell is a place where the punishment is not going to end, because it is eternal. It is relentless condemnation which will serve as the penalty from the judgment.

It is removal

As if the other things previously mentioned will not be bad enough, part of the condemnation will be the removal of these “...away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power...” (9). One time I got left at the airport in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. That was not a good feeling knowing that I was totally removed from the presence of my parents. I was eventually in their presence again when somebody came to pick me up. Those who wind up in Hell will never get this satisfaction, as they will never be in the presence of God. Jesus describes this as being “...cast into the outer darkness...” (Mt. 22:13).

Are you commendable or condemnable?

When Jesus comes back, how will you react? John says “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming” (1 Jn. 2:28). At this very moment do you have confidence that if the Lord returned today you would be ready, or are you scared you might be ashamed when He returns? Notice part of Paul’s prayer at the end of the text: “in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (12). Make sure that you are going to be commendable and not condemnable.

Christian Responsibilities

Christian Responsibilities

1 Thess. 5:12-28

In this world there are many people who want to be leaders. The fact is not everyone is qualified to be a leader. On top of that, it is of necessity that there be more followers than leaders. You’ve heard the expression “too many chiefs and not enough Indians!” That’s what happens when too many people try to be involved in leadership instead of following the leader or leaders.

The same goes for the church. While there is much said about leadership in the New Testament, there are some things said regarding the principles of being a follower. When Jesus called His disciples, He said “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). Simon and Andrew didn’t argue that they wouldn’t be leading; they followed Jesus and so did the sons of Zebedee. When Paul was closing out his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, it seemed as if he was mainly targeting those in the congregation who were under the eldership. Those of us who are under elderships need to understand what our Christian responsibilities are. We can understand a great deal from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.

Responsibilities to Your Elders

As Paul goes through this list of responsibilities for the Christians at Thessalonica, he begins with those pertaining to the attitudes toward the eldership.

Appreciate Them

These men who were the shepherds of the congregation deserve appreciation for their work, their authority and their instruction. The work of an elder is truly a labor, as Paul describes it in this passage. Whether it’s pertaining to refuting false doctrine (Tit. 1:9), taking care of the church (1 Tim. 3:5), etc., they need to be appreciated for what they do. Paul not only talks about how they diligently labor, but he also mentions their authority over the congregation in the Lord. Peter says that the elders are in charge over those allotted to them in the congregation (1 Pet. 5:3). They should also be appreciated for the instruction they give. One of the qualifications of an elder is “...able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). When is the last time you told your elders you appreciate them? They have a very hard job, and appreciation helps them continue their task.

Esteem Them Very Highly

Paul says they are to do this because of their work. Paul already alluded to their labor, but consider it again from the standpoint of why the congregation should esteem them highly. They keep watch over our souls and they will have to give an account for those under their care (Heb. 13:17). They are to be on guard for the flock as our shepherds (Acts 20:28). They are to shepherd and oversee the congregation, all while being a good example (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Knowing all of this ought to make us esteem them very highly.

Live in Peace with One Another

It doesn’t seem like a coincidence this is placed among the responsibilities toward elders. Imagine what can happen if you have a group of people who don’t appreciate their elders nor esteem them very highly. It is not going to be a very pretty picture. These are some responsibilities toward your elders.

With these responsibilities in mind, think about what the writer of Hebrews says about it: “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17). It seems that their doing it with joy and not with grief is tied with how we follow them. Leadership often gets critiqued, but how often do followers get critiqued in the church? How are we doing as followers under our eldership at North View?

Responsibilities to Your Brethren

Paul told the Thessalonians that they also had responsibilities to the brethren; more than likely most of these are meant within the congregation. Notice what he says: “...admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repay another with evil for evil, but always seek after which is good for one another and for all men” (14-15). In context, it seems the unruly people would include those that Paul would label as busybodies in the second letter. The fainthearted might include those who were grieving from the belief their dead loved ones would miss out on the second coming. There are those in a congregation who are weaker and stronger (Rom. 15:1). We do have to be patient with all men, as this is even something that preachers have to practice (2 Tim. 4:2). We are not to enforce payback on others. Instead of retaliating, we are to let God do His thing (Rom. 12:19)

These are things that we all must look in the mirror to see how we are doing. If I ask this morning at North View, how would we as a congregation measure up in fulfilling these responsibilities? Let’s make sure we are being the responsible Christians we should be toward the brethren.

Responsibilities to Yourself

After telling them what they should do toward the elders and other Christians, Paul gives instructions about their responsibilities toward themselves. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (16-22). We can always find something to rejoice in as a Christian, despite what may be going wrong in our life. We need to always be ready to pray. It doesn’t matter when or where, God will hear your prayer. It’s not like a phone call; God will never put you on hold. We can always be thankful; not for everything, but in every circumstance. The commands not to quench the Spirit and not to despise prophetic utterances seem to be in relation to the miraculous gifts, therefore not applicable to us today. A careful examination of everything is applicable, as we need to be more like the Bereans as they were “examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Too many people accept teachings from men which are not according to the Bible, swallowing it without thought. The last time I checked when you eat fried chicken you examine it so you don’t eat the bones. I just finished reading the book Muscle and a Shovel by Michael Shank. One of the things he shared in his journey through the Scriptures was that he came to the realization that he had taken people’s words over God’s Word as his basis of spiritual truth. The last item Paul brings up to the Thessalonians is that of abstaining from the many forms of evil. Satan is alive and well and we know he uses these to his advantage in tempting us.

Are we fulfilling these responsibilities to ourselves? Are we fulfilling these responsibilities to our brethren? Are we fulfilling these responsibilities to our elders? Let’s make sure we are doing what we need to as faithful followers at the North View Church of Christ. Read 23-24 of our text. Don’t you want to be found without blame at the second coming? He is coming back, because Paul said He’s faithful to bring it to pass. How will you be found as a follower of Jesus Christ? Let’s make sure to take our Christian responsibilities seriously!