The West Side church of Christ

“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Proverbs 2:7 NASU). God has given us the wisdom we need and there is plenty of it—He has stored it up; there are whole warehouses of knowledge and wisdom available to us. When we walk in God’s ways they shield us from the problems, stress, and trials that come from foolish and sinful decisions.

A current emphasis in healthy eating is consuming whole grains. Whole grains have fiber and nutrients that are stripped away in refined and processed foods (e.g., white flour has little of the grains nutrients left in it). Refined and processed foods are typically little more than empty calories and contribute to poor health. We have a similar problem when our spiritual diet is filled with refined and processed lessons. When we only focus on a scripture or two pulled out of context and strung along with others likewise treated, we are missing much of the Bible’s teachings and we often miss the big picture entirely. We need to start eating the whole grains of the Bible by learning to think in terms of its entire books.

First, pick a book to study and read the entire book in one sitting. Just as wheat does not naturally grow into little piles of white powder, the Bible was not written as individual verses. It was written as books. Often these books were intended to be read to a congregation or an individual in one sitting. When we read it in one sitting we get a better idea of the general message of the book. This may take some time, especially for some of the longer books so set aside some time specifically devoted to this.

Second, we need to examine the background information present in the book. Whole grains have no benefit until our body breaks them apart and uses their nutrients. With our whole Bible grains, we need to break down each book to understand it and apply it to our lives. To do this, we need to identify several pieces of information:

• Who wrote it? What do we know about the author? What is the author praying about?
• Who received it? What problems are they facing? What are their strengths and weakness? How would you characterize them?
• What was the occasion for the writing? Where was the writer at? What prompted him to write the letter?

Stop! Put down that commentary full of processed food. We can do all of this from the text itself. The Bible will give us all the clues and information we need. If it doesn’t contain the information we are looking for, we don’t need to know it. Let’s use 2 Timothy as an example:

• First, we identify the author: Paul (2 Timothy 1:1)
• Second, we note the occasion:
  – Paul is in prison, 1:8
  – Many “friends” have turned away from Paul, 1:15
  – Paul is awaiting his death, 4:6
  – Paul wants to see Timothy before he died, 4:9, 21
• Third, we look at the recipient: Timothy, 1:2
  – Spiritually, he was a beloved son of Paul, 1:2
  – Timothy is not using the miraculous abilities given to him by God, 1:6
  – Timothy is being fearful in his service to God, 1:7
  – Timothy is ashamed of the testimony of Jesus, 1:8
  – Timothy needs to be strong because false teachers are coming, 3:1-8, 4:3-4
• Conclusion: Paul is writing near the end of his life. He knows false teachers are going to be coming, but many he is close to are turning away from him and Timothy is not doing his job. So Paul is writing to Timothy to correct him, encourage him, and to strengthen him for the coming of false teachers.

Just by looking at the information given to us in the text, we can learn about the author, recipient(s), and occasion of the writing which will give us a more complex and deeper understanding of the book we are studying.

When we begin to examine entire books of the Bible we begin consuming the whole grains of the Bible.

Posts in this series:
How to Eat Your Bible
Bible Eating Nutrition Guide
The Whole Grains of the Bible

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6 NASU). We must always recognize that God is the source of true wisdom, and He has given that wisdom to us generously (cf. James 1:5). We need to pay attention to the words that come from the mouth of God. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 to emphasize we must live by more than physical food: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” If we are not hungering and thirsting for God’s word, we will be spiritually sick (cf. 1 Peter 2:1-3). The words of God we are to live by are His inspired Scriptures. Literally, 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us: “All Scripture is breathed out from God.” Our Bibles contain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the mouth of God.

“My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1-5 NASU). The pursuit of wealth is one of the top goals of many today. Great droves of people seek it through various get-rich-quick schemes that almost always have the opposite effect. Most millionaires say wealth comes from discipline, diligence, the wise use of money, and time. Rarely does one obtain wealth any other way. As Christians, however, we are after a greater treasure than riches—the wisdom from God. Just as with riches though, many have turned to get-wise-quick schemes.

For instance, many consider passages like James 1:5 and assume all they have to do is earnestly ask God in prayer for wisdom and it will be magically given to them or they will have a warm fuzzy feeling that will let them know what is or is not wisdom. The word “ask” in James 1:5, however, not limited to prayer. It used to describe many ways one might make requests of their superior (e.g., people to a ruler (Acts 12:20), a beggar seeking alms (Acts 3:2), children making requests of their parents (Matthew 7:9, Luke 6:11). It is often used synonymously with the concepts of searching and seeking (cf. Matthew 7:7, 1 Corinthians 1:22). In our asking for wisdom we should search for it using all of the means God has given us (e.g., prayer, the Scriptures, wise counsel, etc.).

Proverbs 2:1-4 gives us an indication of what is required for us to obtain God’s wisdom:

• We have to receive it—Most of us have mail that is sent to our mail or P.O. boxes. This mail will never tell us a thing, however, if we do not take it into our homes. Likewise, we have to be willing to receive God’s wisdom in our lives. We have to open ourselves and be willing to listen to God’s Word.
• We have to treasure it—We receive lots of mail, but much of it we consider to be junk and toss it straight into the trash. We cannot do this with God’s wisdom. We need to appreciate its value.
• We need to be attentive to it—Notice it says we need to make our ears attentive: sometimes we have to force ourselves to pay attention. Good listening and attentive reading are skills we need to develop.
• We need to incline our hearts to understand—We have to have hearts that are willing to invest the time and effort needed to understand God’s Word.
• We need to step it up and cry for discernment—There must be a strong desire to understand what God has given us. Sixth, we need to lift our voices—let people know you want wisdom!
• We have to seek and search for it as we would precious metals and treasure hidden in the ground. We would use every tool at our disposal. We would examine every nook and cranny, we would leave no stone unturned. Wisdom is not gained by passive effort. The person who wants wisdom, but isn’t willing to pursue it is like the double-mind man of James 1:6-8 and should not expect to receive anything.

If we are willing to earnestly pursue God’s wisdom, then we will receive the treasure. Proverbs 2:5 tells us the result of our pursuit: we will discern the fear of the Lord. Remember this is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of God will lead to more discoveries of the knowledge God has provided for us.

How was it that God first revealed Himself to mankind? It wasn’t through the Book of Genesis or Job. It wasn’t even by speaking to Adam in the garden. Even as Adam was created, God had already established nearly all of His first revelation. The very creation itself is the first way God revealed Himself to man. Romans 1:20 tells us the divine nature and attributes of God have been clearly seen since the creation. Granted, this revelation is limited in that it cannot save—the gospel alone is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16); nor can it thoroughly equip us for every good work—the Scriptures are inspired for this purpose (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nevertheless, God’s first revelation is very significant. It tells us two important facts.

The first fact is: God has made Himself evident. Although God is invisible, through His creation two of His attributes can be clearly seen and understood. One is His eternal power. The existence of the universe points us to a pre-existing supernatural cause that was powerful enough to create it (since the universe cannot be eternal and matter cannot spring from nothing). The other attribute is His divine nature. The presence of order, design, and law in our bodies, world, and universe tell us this Creator is intelligent. The fact that humans of all times and cultures have had a basic moral sense of right and wrong (e.g., murder, stealing, rape, adultery are almost universally forbidden) leads us to the conclusion that our Creator must have instilled basic morality within us (it could come from no other source). To have instilled these morals, God must Himself be morally good and care for us. In addition, by revealing Himself to us, our Creator shows His desire to have a relationship with us. Also, this shows us He is present and active in His created world. All of these attributes can be gleaned from God’s first revelation (i.e., His creation) before we even crack the cover of the Bible.

The second fact is: men are without excuse. Paul writes that God will pour out His wrath on all ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-20). He writes in universal terms; there are no exceptions. God is just in His condemnation, however, because He has made His presence known through His Creation. An honest look at the world around us leads us to belief in God. Belief in God will lead us to seek His ways. We are told that those who truly seek will find (Matthew 7:7). God has promised that truth seekers will be truth finders. Some way, somehow, God will make His will known even if that seeker is in the deepest darkest jungle of Africa. Maybe a missionary will find him. Maybe he will move to a city. Maybe a Bible in his translation will fall from a plane into his hands. We do not know how God may fulfill His promise, but we can be assured that the promise will be fulfilled. The Bible itself is packed with examples of God fulfilling His promises even when the odds were stacked against fulfillment.

The problem in our world is not that God has not revealed Himself; it is that men have suppressed the truth (cf. Romans 1:18). Since God has made Himself evident to us (cf. Romans 1:19), we must turn to His gospel to be saved (cf. Romans 1:16). Those who do not will not be able to make any excuse on the Day of Judgement.

Many people fear having their identity stolen and used by others. It’s no wonder; the FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Can you imagine, however, what it would feel like to have your identity stolen not just once, but thousands of times? It has happened. Millions have stolen the name of Jesus and they have been doing it for years.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, without your permission. Many have taken the name “Christian” when they had no right to it. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells of many who will not enter into heaven on the Day of Judgment. Notice what He has to say about this particular group: 1) they believe in Him as evidenced by their calling Him “Lord,” 2) they are teaching in His name, 3) they are doing good works (e.g., casting out demons and performing miracles). They are using the name of Christ and are even active, but they are identity thieves because they have not obeyed the will of the Father. When all is said and done, Jesus says He doesn’t know them—no relationship existed between them. If our faith does not result in obedience, we do not have true faith and have no right to take the name of Christian (cf. James 2:14-26).

Identity theft is often used to set up false credit accounts. While it’s improbable that very many people have tried to establish a credit card in Jesus’ name, many have set up false churches and religions in His name. In Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus talks of setting up His church. He gives us two facts about this church. First, it is His church and His alone. It does not belong to Luther, Calvin, Joseph Smith or any other man. It is His and He is the head (cf. Colossians 1:18). No counsels, votes, or human heads are needed in His church. Second, there is only one. He says “church” not “churches.” It was His will that all believers have the same unity that He and the Father shared (cf. John 17:11, 21, 22). In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul says there should be no divisions among the brethren. Yet, today there are many divisions (i.e., denominations)—well over 1300 denominations, in fact. There are Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, etc. all claiming to be Christians. Since Jesus only established one church, clearly many of these have to be stealing His identity.

Identity theft is often committed by people you know. Sadly, this has been the case in Christianity as well. Paul talks of savage wolves that would arise even out of the leadership of the church (Acts 20:29-30). Peter also tells of false teachers that would arise out of the church and introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3). Why does this happen? Paul tells Timothy that some will pay attention to false doctrines because their consciences have become hardened (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Some are using godliness as a means for financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Also, some want to hear what is pleasing to their ears and will find teachers willing to compromise the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). There are many who appear to be faithful teachers of Christianity, but are in fact wolves in sheep’s clothing (cf. Matthew 7:15-20). They are thieves stealing the identity of Christ.

Just because someone takes up the name of Christ does not make them a Christian (cf. John 1:12-13). In order to use His name with His permission, we have to obey the will of the Father, become a part of His church, and teach His doctrines. Everyone else is guilty of identity theft.

Sunday Evening Sermon 4/5/2010:

Wednesday Night Devotional 4/7/2010:

Often when I’m reading something or watching a movie, it strikes me how if the characters just followed the principles in the Bible there would be no plot. Their problems would go away, their conflicts would resolve, and they could move on to a better life. As an example, let’s examine “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen. This short tale is about two swindlers who promise to weave the Emperor a new suit of clothes. The special fabric is promised to be invisible to all who are foolish or unfit for their post. A huge parade is held and since everyone knows what the fabric is supposed to do, they pretend to be able to see the splendid clothes. While the naked emperor strolls down the street amid oohs and ahhs, a child cries out, “But the Emperor has nothing at all on!” The Emperor realizes the truth of this statement, but keeps up the pretense and continues marching down the street naked. This story highlights several common problems we face when we do not follow the Bible’s instructions.

First, consider the Emperor’s obsession. He was obsessed with clothes to the point he was ignoring his responsibilities. In the story, the Emperor ignores his army, spends all his money on clothes, and only goes to functions that will display his clothes. In contrast, the Bible encourages us towards proper dress which includes avoiding extravagance and letting our adornment be that of godly living (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4). Jesus tells us not to worry about what we are going to wear (or eat and drink for that matter) in Matthew 6:25-34. These are matters worldly thinkers worry about. We need to realize God knows what we need and will provide. If we are to obsess about anything it should be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Second, there was a great deal of pride. No one was willing to admit they couldn’t see the cloth because they did not want to be thought foolish or unfit for their positions. They had too much pride to admit the truth. The Bible, however, encourages us to gird truth around us as essential protection for our lives (Ephesians 6:14) and to lay aside all falsehood, speaking the truth to one another (Ephesians 4:25). Sometimes this will mean admitting our faults and mistakes. Sometimes it may mean admitting our lack of knowledge or inability to help others who ask for our time. The problem is we are often too worried about what others will think. We need to cast aside pride and do what is right regardless of man’s opinion.

Third, there was city-wide foolishness. The fear of being thought foolish actually led them to foolish behavior: they pretended to see, touch, and wear something that did not exist, they lied to others about it, and the Emperor walked down the street naked. The Bible often speaks of the foolishness of going along with the crowd. In Proverbs 1:10-19, Solomon warns his son he will fall into condemnation along with the wicked if he goes with them. In Matthew, 7:13-14, Jesus teaches us that the majority is on the wrong path. Paul warns us of the corrupting influence of bad company in 1 Corinthians 15:33. In addition, if we let ourselves be conformed to the world because we do not want to appear foolish, we will make ourselves enemies of God (cf. Romans 12:1-2, James 4:4). We need to remember the world sees the ways of God as foolish (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31).

Fourth, there was extreme stubbornness. Even when the Emperor knows he is naked, he refuses to admit his error. Instead, he tries to cover it up by pretending nothing is wrong and finishing the parade. Jesus’ illustration of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) shows the destruction that results from such stubbornness. Both builders heard the words, but only the wise one changed his life and acted upon them. James tells us that those who hear, but do not obey are just deluding themselves (James 1:22-24). We too are deluding ourselves when we think that we can continue in error and the problem with just go away.

There is a better life awaiting us if we will simply follow the Bible’s instructions. If we remain in our own ways, pride, and stubbornness, however, we may find ourselves the star of our own naked parade.

When our family van was recently totaled it was a great relief to have insurance. Theoretically, insurance guarantees financial protection from possible loss or harm in exchange for a premium. It is great to know that should an emergency arise, we are protected from loss that could be difficult to handle. Insurance is now offered for nearly every aspect of our lives and possessions. For our spiritual lives, however, no insurance is offered. Instead, God offers us something much greater: assurance. In the insurance world, assurance is coverage for an event that will happen at some point in your life. Biblically speaking though, assurance comes from God’s promises to help and reward us.

We have assurance that God cares and provides for us. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us we do not have to worry about what we are going to eat or wear. God knows what we need and provides for those who obey His will. This assurance frees us to pursue His kingdom and His righteousness above our physical needs. We have the assurance that God hears us. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us: “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” God is listening and answering prayers. Jesus also gives us the assurance God answers prayers and wants good things for us (Matthew 7:7-11).

We have the assurance we will be able to handle what life throws at us. We are told that what we face in life is only that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). We may think we are going through something no one else has, but it is not the case. There is always someone else who has shared your struggles and overcome. Thus, you can too. This verse also assures us God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. Whatever we face in life we will be able to endure and overcome.

We have the assurance we can draw near to God’s throne. To think about coming before the throne of God on Judgment Day fills many with fear. We know we are imperfect and weak. Jesus, however, as our High Priest gave us the assurance that we can approach God’s throne despite our flaws and find mercy through His blood (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22). We have the assurance those who are abiding in Christ and His love will not have to shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (1 John 2:28, 4:16-17). We can have the assurance of eternal life with God (cf. 1 John 5:13) so we can live free from shame and uncertainty.

The assurance of God can give us great confidence and security in life beyond the capability of any insurance policy. In Hebrews 10:35-36, we are reminded not to throw this confidence away; it has a great reward. Instead, we need to endure. God’s assurance policy will change our lives and our afterlives for the best possible outcome, if only we will turn and do His will (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). Best of all, with God’s assurance the premiums have already been paid (1 Peter 1:18-19) and the paperwork is already completed (2 Peter 1:2-4).