IN the prior article on GRACE, we learned that it is the Gift of God through faith.
the GRACE of God is a gift, and it can either be RECEIVED or REJECTED.
Received…
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Rejected…
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
What shall you do with God’s Gift of GRACE?
Are you seeking to better understand God’s Grace and his word?
Send me a message and we can have a home Bible study in person or have one sent to you.
Click here to read part three, by Grace we have ACCESS to salvation.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Eph 2:8
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb 11:6
FAITH without WORKS is dead being alone.
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:24
There are no WORKS of God to save without GRACE.
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Col 2:11
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Eph 1:7
“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7
GRACE, FAITH, WORKS of God. Rom 5:2-10.
“2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (see 1Cor 15:1-4) 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:2-10
What shall you do with God’s Gift of GRACE?
Are you seeking to better understand God’s Grace and his word?
Send me a message and we can have a home Bible study in person or have one sent to you.
Part two of this five point series can be found here. Part three is here. Part four here.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” (1Cor 15:1-2)
In part one we noted that those that are SAVED go out SPREADING the Gospel. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Their changed behavior is just one of the ways they Spread the tidings round (cf. 1Pet 3:1-6).
They also ASSEMBLE with the Saints in person on the first day of the week to worship. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25; cf. 1Cor 11:17-34; 16:1-2; Acts 2:42).
In part two we will notice 3 more things the SAVED do.
In the beginning of the church, the Saints gave generously to aid the needy Saints. “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:34-35; cf. 11:29; 1Cor 16:1-2).
The SAVED are very generous. They help needy Saints* (individually or through the local church; 1Tim 5:8-10; Matt 25:36), and they, from their own personal treasure, help those outside of the church among their family, friends, and neighbors (cf. Gal 6:10; Eph 4:28). *the funds collected in the local church (1Cor 16:1-2) are limited to Saints only for Making Saints, Teaching Saints, and Helping Saints.
The saved also spend time in self-EXAMINATION. “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” (2Cor 13:5)? Another way of saying this is we JUDGE ourselves. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1Cor 11:31). When we are proactive about looking within ourselves first, we will have no worry about those looking at us from outside.
We do this EXAMINATION of ourselves through studying the New Testament. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:16-17). It’s this way we find assurance of our salvation (cf 1John 2:12-14). If there is any doubt about ourselves, we will learn from the Bible what to change.
John gave the purpose of the written word, which requires us to read it, and examine ourselves with it to know whether we’re following it. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1John 2:1).
Emphasis mine seb.
Lastly (in our list), the saved are DILIGENT to present themselves approved into God. “Be DILIGENT to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15). The word “diligent” (study in the KJV) means that the Saints endeavor, or labor to be well pleasing to God by keeping His commands.
Jesus said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matt 7:24-25).
Jesus did the same. “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). He gave us an example in Himself of the thing He commands. At the Judgment, Jesus will ask about our faithfulness, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?
One of the areas that DILIGENCE shows up is when we discover an area of error from which we must repent (see EXAMINATION in the previous point). “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What DILIGENCE it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2Cor 7:11).
Back to John’s writing in 1John 2, we have hope in repentance because we have an Advocate in Christ. “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1John 2:2-6).
Becoming one of the SAVED in hope is the beginning of our eternal life. It’s no wonder that the saved Spread the word, Assemble with other Saints, Visit the needs of the poor, Examine themselves, and are Diligent to show themselves approved to God. The Saints are saved by grace, and they exemplify salvation by living a life of Grace.
The Letter of 1John is an outline of the things the Saint KNOWS about salvation, love, sin, the Holy Spirit and Obedience.
When we read it, we can use it as a personal Test or examination of ourselves.
2Co 13:5 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?
Here are ALL the verses in 1John about knowing.
KNOW. 31 verses.
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
1Jo 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1Jo 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1Jo 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jo 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jo 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jo 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
1Jo 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jo 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1Jo 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1Jo 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for Bible Study on 1John.
The Holy Spirit and the Written Word of God are said to do the same thing.
When a Person uses a tool, we know it was the Person that does the work through the use of the tool.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” (1Cor 15:1-2)
Whereas mainstream denominations teach that salvation is the end of the matter through their false doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved, the Bible teaches that it’s the beginning of our New Life in Christ.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Rom 6:3,15-16).
Those that have OBEYED the gospel are among the saved. They have…
Heard the word. (Matt 7:24)
Believed that Jesus is the Christ. (John 8:24)
Repented of their sins. (Luke 13:3)
Confessed before men that Jesus is the Christ. (Matt 10:32)
Baptized in water for the washing away of their sins. (Acts 2:38)
And they begin their new life of faithfulness. (Matt 28:20)
Now that we’ve obeyed the Gospel, what do we do next? While there may be some details an individual must do in their new life as it deals with the fruits of repentance, this article will address 5 general actions every Christian must do all the days of their life in Christ.
It’s well known that one of the first things that new converts do is they go out SPREADING the gospel. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The gospel is the good news and it is how they were SAVED and they want to tell their loved ones about this Good News. “[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
They change their behavior, and they change the way they talk to the point that those most familiar with them recognize a dramatic change. “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries; Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (1Peter 4:3-4). Some of their friends and family won’t like it, but they’ve been converted and they’re determined to remain faithful to the One that saved them. (Mat 10:22; 24:13; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10)
Another one of the major changes the newly converted SAVED makes is that they ASSEMBLE with the saints on Sunday (and usually mid-week for bible study). “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). They ASSEMBLE together IN PERSON (1Cor 11:17-34) to worship, and to fellowship in the work of the church. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
They ASSEMBLE together to learn of Him, and pray through Him who saved them; “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).
From these verses (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Cor 11:17-34; 16:1-2; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; Heb 10:24-25), the SAVED will ASSEMBLE with the church in person to do these 5 things.
They will have COMMUNION in the observation of the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming the Lord’s death till He comes. (1Cor 11:17-34).
They will HEAR a message from God’s word that was once for all delivered to the saints through the Apostles, who spoke and wrote them for us today. (Acts 2:42; John 16:13; 20:30-31; 1Cor 2:9-13; Eph 3:1-4; 4:11-12; Jude 3).
They will sing with UNDERSTANDING to one another, “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (1Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16).
They will make REQUESTS to God in Prayer for one another. They will pray for boldness to spread the gospel (Acts 4:29). They will pray for one another (Phil 4:6). They will pray giving thanks to God (1Thess 5:17-18). They will pray and watching in anticipation of the Lord’s return (Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; 1Pet 4:7).
They will CONTRIBUTE to the work of the local church through the giving of their means which is true biblical fellowship. (Acts 2:42; 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 8-9; Phil 1:5, 4:14-15).
They will provoke one another’s HEART to love and good works. (Heb 10:24-25). This is accomplished in person through their songs, their prayers, the teaching, the Lord’s supper and their contributions.
These are the first two of the five things the SAVED do. Next article will be 3 more things the saved do.
Agape,
Spencer
You’re invited to visit with us and check out one of the assemblies at the Franklin and Juniper St church of Christ.
Lu 10:29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my NEIGHBOR?”
Mt 22:39 “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Jas 2:8; Gal 5:14; Rom 13:9-10]
N-NAAMAN was neighbor of a stolen servant girl. 2King 5
E-EVERYBODY is your neighbor.
Lu 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
even ONLINE!!!
I-INVITE them to worship? Jas 2:1-7.
G-GOOD WORKS or lack thereof?
Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Tit 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Tit 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
GOOD PEOPLE ONLY?
Lu 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
Mt 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
H-HATE YOUR ENEMY?
Mt 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
After you got your pound of flesh Could you invite them to worship? Luke 6:27-36
B-BORDER of your house.
Pr 27:10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Prov 3:29
After a land dispute could you invite them to worship?
What about foreigners? Ex 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Ex 22:21
Ex 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Heb 13:2
O-OUGHT to pursue peace.
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Mr 9:50; Ro 14:19; Heb 12:14
R-RECRIPROCAL neighbors?
Lu 14:12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.
After disregarding your poor neighbor could you invite them to worship?
RESPECT of PERSONS. Jas 2:1-13
The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of James (July 2023). If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 6:30pm each Wednesday night for the next few weeks.
How many times did God impute Abraham’s faith unto righteousness?
1) Genesis 15:5-6 KJV
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. [6] And he believed in the Lord ; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
2) Genesis 17:16-17 KJV
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. [17] Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Paul tells us this time also that God imputed to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:18-22 KJV
Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. [19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: [20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; [21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. [22] And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
3) Gen 22, the (attempted) sacrifice of Isaac. Genesis 22:12 KJV
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
James in the New Testament tells us at this event also, God imputed unto him for righteousness.
James 2:21-24 KJV
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? [22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? [23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
ANSWER: 3 recorded times.
When you view Abraham’s life of faith, then you’ll realize it wasn’t imputed at one even as some suppose, but it was imputed because of a lifetime of faithfulness.
Hebrews 11:8 KJV
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Agape,
Spencer
If you live in the Borger area and would like a personal bible study, please reach out & let us know how we can help you know more of God’s word.
“24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matt 13:24-30).
Jesus spoke in parables. Some were very plain, some a bit more difficult, and still others He gives the meaning as He does in this parable (36-40).
Let us understand and apply the parable of the TARES.
TARES appear to look like wheat, but are really a kind of undesirable grass, a weed. It is TOXIC to man and to most herbivore animals. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” In the explanation, Jesus said, “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” (38). All men look the same on the outside. We will only know them by their fruits. Jesus said in another parable, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Matt 7:15-18).
False teachers are TOXIC to sound doctrine. It is a poison that can destroy the soul of the righteous if we’re not careful. This is the world we live in.
They are sown and intermixed AMONG the wheat. Therefore, they grow up together and their proximity to the wheat makes it very difficult to remove without also harming the good plants. “But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.”
We live in a dangerous world full of false teachers that appear and live among us. Peter wrote, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2Pet 1:1). We need to heed the warning lest we fall. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
Our gut reaction is to ROOT them up now and get RID of them so the wheat doesn’t suffer, or get choked out (cf. Matt 13:7). We want them out now! “But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” Why does the Lord allow this to go on? I don’t know all the reasons of the Lord, but here we’re given a clue. It’s to spare the good plant. The fact that He allows them to remain is evidence that it is wise to do so. Allowing something to exist is not approval.
The Tares are the ENEMIES teachings of the wicked one who is the Devil. This can be compared to the seed, in the parable of the Sower in an earlier parable (vs 13:18), which is the word of God. The seed in that parable produces Saints. It stands to reason that the tares are the teachings of the Devil that produces false teachers. “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.” (38-39).
Jesus warned of false teachers Matt 7:15-20. Paul warned of false teachers (Rom 16:17-18). Peter warned of false teachers (2Peter 2). John warned of false teachers (2John 9). Jude warns of them also. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). Perhaps there’s something to this?
The Lord’s response implies that we are to Keep SUPPORTING the good plants. “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
In the harvest, which is the end of the world, God will take care of the GOOD and the BAD. “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 13:39-42).
The lesson of the TARES is plain. Beware of the TOXIC Teaching of false teachers. They live AMONG us, and appear to look like us. We will know them by their fruit. REMAIN faithful till the end when the Lord’s REAPERS will take care of the problem once and for all. The ENEMY can’t hurt us while we remain faithful (cf. Jas 4:7-8). Continue to SPEAK the things which are proper for sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).
With the Lord’s help, His word, and our prayers, we can endure this. We’re all in this together. “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (43).
–Agape,
Spencer
At the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ, we do not claim to be perfect people, but we strive to be a local church of Christ sound in its teaching, sound in its actions, and united in the bond of peace.
Here we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Thus, we insist upon Bible authority for everything that we teach and practice (Col 3:17).
We teach what people in the first century were taught, believe what they were taught to believe, and do what they were taught to do.
We want you to feel welcomed. We will not ask you to believe anything unless we can give you Bible authority for it.
Today’s reading is so good that I had to share it with you.
Proverbs 19:27 KJV
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”
It reminded me of a story in 2Kings 4:38-41.
“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it.”
I use this story to make the point about eating a drinking from secular pots in our studies. Far too many times we drink from secular pots and wonder why we have division. Paul warned of this problem of listening to unsound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3 KJV
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”
I’ve noticed gospel preachers consuming books by well known false teachers. Francis Chan, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Jakes, and the like.
“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”
Let us return to the old paths. The scriptures shall make us wise unto salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Jesus is the bread of Life. “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
The phrase “God has a plan for you” is one of the most Disheartening, Destructive, and Dangerous false Doctrines taught today. It’s based on an abuse of the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy. God does have a plan for you. It’s the same plan for everyone. Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Mark 16:15-16 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
God’s PLAN for you and me. God is no respect of persons. Acts 10:34. He has the same PLAN for the whole world. SADLY, MOST WON’T FOLLOW IT. 1) PUT on Christ. Galatians 3:27 KJV For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Mark 16:15-16 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 2) LOVE the Lord, His commands, His children, and everyone. Matthew 22:37,39 KJV Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 1 John 5:3 KJV For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 3) ASPIRE to live a quiet and peaceful life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Timothy 2:2-4 KJV For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 4) NEVER quit being faithful even in the face of pain, persecution, and personal struggles. Revelation 2:10 KJV Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Matthew 10:22 KJV And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 