The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
May 5, 2002
In
This Issue:
Be
Prepared
By
Steve Klein
Why
Do We Sin?
By
Gilbert Alexander
Be Prepared
There is an ancient proverb (or maybe it's just an old saying) that goes something like this: It is best to dig the well before you need the water. There is a Biblical Proverb which gives similar instruction: "Go to the ant...Consider her ways and be wise; which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8). Ants and well diggers both have sense enough to prepare ahead of time to meet future needs.
There will be many times in the life of a Christian when he will have the opportunity to give a wise answer to a spiritual question, or perform some act of kindness, or help someone who is in need. The Christian who has failed to prepare himself will not be equipped to fulfill these responsibilities. It may be a cliche, but failing to prepare is preparing to fail. There is no excuse for the Bible believer to be unprepared to answer basic spiritual questions, or to do a good work or to give to the needy. The Scriptures not only instruct us to do these things, they also instruct us to PREPARE to do these things. Read the following verses carefully and pay special attention to the word ready -- it means to be willing AND prepared.
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¨ "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" -- 1 Peter 3:15.
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¨ "...be ready for every good work" -- Titus 3:1.
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¨ "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" -- 1 Timothy 6:18.
Here are some practical suggestions for those who want to prepare themselves in these areas:
1. To prepare to answer: Study your Bible regularly. Attend and participate in Bible classes. Read religious material, especially things written by faithful brethren. These are great ways to prepare to give a defense when friends and neighbors ask you a reason for the hope that is in you.
2. To prepare to do good works: Obviously, the person who wants to be prepared to do good works must cease to be involved in works that are not good and must limit participation in other non-essential activities, which (though neither good nor bad in themselves) rob him of time.
3. To prepare to give to the needy: The person who wishes to be prepared to give to the needy must not indulge himself in spending all of his spare cash on every techno-luxury our society has to offer. It might help to set aside a little spare cash occasionally to have to help others as needs arise.
Preparation is a key to success in almost any endeavor. Every Boy Scout knows to Be Prepared; that's the Scout's motto! As people dedicated to the service of Christ, it wouldn't be a bad motto for you and me either. Let us be "prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).
-- by Steve Klein
That all have sinned is a fact (Rom.3:23). That all occasionally sin is a fact (I John 1:8; 2:1,2). Our question is: Why? It certainly is not that God makes people sin. God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). Second, it is not because God wants people to sin. He is not wishing that any should perish (II Pet.3:9). Third, it is not because Satan makes people sin. We have the ability by God's help to overcome any temptation (I Cor.lO:13). Fourth, it is not that people cannot know better. God's word is given so that we may not sin (I John 2:1,2). Why, then, do we sin? And what can we do about it?
People sin because of ignorance. The Jews, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, did not submit them-selves to the righteousness of God (Romans l0:l-3). They, in ignorance, crucified the Lord of glory (Acts 3:17). They were not excused for that ignorance, because they could have known better. Nor are we excused, because we can know what God wants of us. Through diligent study we can progressively do something about our ignorance (2 Tim.2:15; 2 Pet.3:18).
People sin by trying to get even with another, by seeking to get vengeance (Romans 12:19). This reflects an attitude of being despiteful (Romans l:30). We can correct this by changing our attitude toward others, by learning to return good for evil, holding no grudges or malice (Matthew5:38-45; Romans12:14,17-21; Ephesians 4:31,32).
People sin because they are not committed to the laws of God. Thus, when trials come, they choose paths of least resistance because they do not feel respon-sible enough toward what God has instructed. This is why marriages fail. It is the reason that people are dishonest in business dealings in order to make gain. People make promises and then fail to keep their word if it becomes incon-venient or difficult to do so. The solution to this problem lies within ourselves and the strengthening of God's word. We can strengthen the weaknesses in our character it we set our hearts to do so, and if we use the strength of the Lord to carry through with our determination (Ephesians 6:10-20).
People also sin through the influence of evil companions (1 Corinthians 15:33). Evil companions communicate their philosophy of life. They lead people to wrong places and entice them to wrong activities. This is a situation over which we have almost complete control, because we can choose our companions and friends, and we can change companionships and friendships. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to make necessary changes; but if we are going to win the battle over sin, we must commit ourselves to what is right.
People sin because their desire to please God and their fear of God are not as strong as their desire to please themselves and to satisfy their own desires (2 Timothy 3:4; Romans 3:18). Study of God's word causes appreciation for God as well as fear of His power and wrath. When we subject ourselves to Him in fear, and love Him supremely, we can have the proper motivation to live uprightly. Sin is of terrible consequence (Romans 6:23). We ought to flee from it. God has been wonderfully good to us, providing a way of salvation, a guide to a good life, and hope to sustain us. We ought to be thankful and rejoice in it, being subject to His will.
-- by Gilbert Alexander
With the thoughts of this article fresh on our minds, let us notice the words to the following hymn composed by Lanier Stevens:
WHY CAN'T WE SEE?
This life's too short and filled with pain,
To waste our time with earthly gain.
It has to be much sweeter there,
Why can't we see? Lord hear our prayer.
If I could live my life again,
I'd keep it free from so much sin.
I would not hurt the ones I love,
I want to please my Lord above.
When strife is stirred by angry words,
Help me to think of Thee, O Lord.
Help me to know that Thou art there,
Help me to see, Lord hear my prayer.
Why can't we see? Why do we sin?
We must not let the tempter in.
O Jesus make our hearts they throne,
So we can see we're not alone.