Post by nicfos on May 14, 2006 4:04:22 GMT -5
C'mon, Christian, Do Your Job!
"A young man applying for a job as usher in a theater was asked by the owner, 'In case of fire, what would you do?' 'Oh, don't be concerned about me,' was the reply. 'I'd be able to escape immediately' He did not even think of his responsibility toward others. Of course, he didn't get the job." - Illustrations of Bible Truths
Life can be likened unto a theater.
Every man, woman, boy, and girl has his appointed seat in the theater of life.
We, as Christians, are hired to be the ushers.
We can either direct the players closer to God or further from Him.
When God hired us (saved us), it was as though He asked us the same question as used in the above illustration - "In case of fire, what would you do?" Or you might say that He worded it in such a way - Knowing that there is a Real Fire called Hell and that every second 83 people die and end up in that awful pit, what do you plan on doing about it?
What would be your answer, O Christian?
Just this past week, how many people have you directed toward God?
How many have you allowed to slip on by and draw closer to the flames of Hell?
Knowing that there is an Actual Place called Hell and that you have a responsibility before the Almighty to lead people away from that God forsaken place, have you - by any chance - taken on the self-centered and selfish attitude as portrayed in the above illustration - "Oh, don't be concerned about me...I'd be able to escape immediately"?
Are you one who is only concerned that you escape Hell and couldn't care less if anyone else does?
If this is your attitude, then I can assure you that the Holy Spirit has "written you up" for your lukewarmness and complacency found on the job, and that you are about to be fired (spewed out) unless you straighten up and take your job more seriously (Revelation 3:16).
One thing we must settle in our hearts and minds as Believers is this -
God is a God Who warns.
The Bible is a Book of Warnings.
And the Christian's job is to warn the wicked as well as other believers.
In Ezekiel 3:17, we see God as One Who warns - "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me."
What was the "word" from God's mouth? Was it a sugarcoated - "I love you, My Children; Bring me Your praises" - type of Word?
No! On the contrary, the Word that issued forth from God's mouth was a Word of Warning - "...give them warning from Me."
The Word came from God, and it was a Word of warning.
In Psalm 19:11, David informed us of the fact that the Bible is a Book of Warnings when he said - "Moreover by them is Thy servant warned..."
Of what was he referring here? What is "them"?
As we look at the Scriptures above this verse, we see that he is referring to the "law of the LORD," "the testimony of the LORD," "the statutes of the LORD," and "the commandment of the LORD" - all descriptive phrases for the Word of God.
Hence, what he was saying in this verse was - By the Word of God, we are warned.
In what way does it warn us?
It clearly and plainly reveals -
...our duties before God and men and the evil consequences of neglecting them
...the dangers to avoid
...and a future day of accountability.
God is a God Who warns.
The Bible is a Book of Warnings.
And, lastly, we - as Christians - have been given a mandate from God to warn others.
In Jeremiah 6:10, the Prophet Jeremiah asked the pointed question - "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear...?"
There was no doubt or confusion in his mind as to whether or not he was hearing from God or following His leading. He knew that the Almighty had given him a "word of warning" for Judah and Jerusalem. The question in his mind wasn't whether or not he should issue the Lord's warnings, reproofs, or threatenings, but "to whom"? Who would listen?
In Ezekiel 3:17-21, we read of the Prophet Ezekiel's particular assignment from God - "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way...Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity...if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin..."
As believers, we are called as watchmen over men's souls. Hence, any wicked who come across our path are to be warned not to continue in their wickedness. They are to be told about the misery and danger of sin and its horrible consequence - ETERNITY IN HELL!
The righteous who cross our paths are to be warned about starting out in the spirit and ending in the flesh...having a first love for Jesus but then losing it for a love for this world...and beginning the race with great zeal but becoming negligent of and careless in God's work or service.
In Colossians 1:27-28, the Apostle Paul reiterated what the two Prophets declared to be the obligation of each believer in Christ - "...Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man..."
People everywhere are to be informed as to what they are doing amiss in order that they may do what is right.
As Christians, it is our God-given duty to warn others.
Through our admonitions, we -
..."put difference between holy and unholy..."(Leviticus 10:10)
..."make a difference between the unclean and the clean..."(Leviticus 11:47)
..."separate the children of Israel (the righteous) from their uncleanness..."(Leviticus 15:31).
...put a "difference between the holy and profane..."(Ezekiel 44:23)
The Apostle Paul would say to the modern-day Church the same words that he spoke to Archippus as recorded in Colossians 4:17 - "...Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it."
What ministry was he referring to? Certainly, the ministry that requires Christians to warn others of the evil consequences of sin.
In closing, read two comments by Matthew Henry, the renowned Bible Commentator, concerning warning others -
"Every man has need to be warned and taught, and therefore let every man have his share."
"One good means to keep us from falling is to keep up a holy fear of falling."
O Saint of God! You have been given an assignment from God.
You have been hired to do a specific job for the Lord.
That job entails warning the wicked to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7).
It also includes warning the righteous to not apostatize or fall away from the Lord.
If any of us plan on making it to heaven and hearing the Lord Jesus welcome us with these words - "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21), then we must obey Him by warning others as He directs.
Remember - The question is not - Should I warn?
But - Whom should I warn this day, O Lord?
May we all walk in obedience to His command.
..........................................................................................................................
It's Time Like Never Before To Copy What We Study
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him." - Robertson's Word Pictures
"Pious persons should imitate the God Whom they worship, as far as He revealed Himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to His example, and have His image renewed upon them." - Matthew Henry
"We readily grow somewhat like that which we love." - Biblical Illustrator
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example; and entreat his people to imitate him. He should have such a confidence in his own integrity; he should lead such a blameless life; and he should be assured that his people have so much evidence of his integrity, that he can point them to his own example, and entreat them to live like himself. And to do this, he should live a life of piety, and should furnish such evidence of a pure conversation, that his people may have reason to regard him as a holy man."
- Barnes' Notes
"Ministers should so live that their people may take pattern from them, and live after their copy. They should guide them by their lives as well as their lips, go before them in the way to heaven, and not content themselves with pointing it out."
"As ministers are to set a pattern, others must take it. They should follow them as far as they are satisfied that they follow Christ in faith and practice."
"The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
- the above three quotes from Matthew Henry's Commentary
The Apostle Paul has a message for us today. He is calling all believers across the land to do three things. Let's examine three Scriptures to find out what they are.
1. Be Followers Of God
Ephesians 5:1 says - "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."
What does it mean to be a "follower of God"? It means to imitate or mimic Him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations. It includes resembling Him in all aspects of your walk - in love, pardon, holiness, mercy, and goodness.
In the previous verses found in the Book of Ephesians, Paul addressed the issues of forgiveness, love, and goodness. What he was exhorting the believers to do was this - forgive others even as God forgave you and unselfishly give to others as God has provided so generously for your needs.
2. Be Examples For Others To Follow
1 Corinthians 4:16 adds - "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Paul called on all of his spiritual children to imitate him in their speech, manners, and habits. As he followed Christ, he exhorted them to follow him...come up as close as possible to his example...tread in his steps as he demonstrated what it was like to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ...and mimic him in his lowliness and self-denial.
3. Keep Your Preaching & Practice The Same
1 Corinthians 4:17 says - "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
Paul was presently engaged in Asia. Hence, he sent Timothy - who was fully aware of his views and feelings - onward to Corinth to straighten out the problems caused by some dissenters. Timothy was a spiritual son of Paul's. He was acquainted with his spiritual father's life, conduct, and teachings.
Everywhere that Paul went, he taught the same doctrine, prescribed the same set of rules, proposed the same ordinances and methods for the church's management, and delivered the same faith. The trumpet that he sounded always gave a certain sound. It did not matter where he was or in what time frame - he always taught the same in all the churches and lived after the same manner - following after God's Truth.
In our day and time, it is almost as though the world is crying out for the sons and daughters of God to copy what they are studying. It is as if the cry of mankind is this - "Show us a better way."
But how can this ever happen unless God's children catch hold of the word that Paul delivered in these Scriptures and become what he admonished here?
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who can boldly declare as Paul did - "...be ye followers of me"? Just like God - they are forgivers and givers. They are not having a problem forgiving and forgetting past offenses or battling bitterness or resentment toward others. They are compassionate and caring. Their hearts are not hardened when they hear of the needs of others. They readily share of their resources - generously and abundantly.
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who maintain the same message and practice the same behavior in all circles and at all times? Sad but true - we are very short on such "examples" to the Body of Christ and to the world. We have many people who cannot pray for others because their hearts are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness or greed. They see no miracles in their lives because they are of a wrong spirit.
Then we have Preachers or Christian witnesses who are like chameleons - they change their behavior and message to fit the situation in which they find themselves. Their trumpet does not have a certain sound as Paul's did. They "play many melodies" to appease their audiences. Their behavior takes on many colors, and their words differ with each group.
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him."
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example..."
"What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
One last question - Are you copying (Living before all) everything that you study in the Word of God?
"You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourselves any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow down to, nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:3-6[/b][/b]
"A young man applying for a job as usher in a theater was asked by the owner, 'In case of fire, what would you do?' 'Oh, don't be concerned about me,' was the reply. 'I'd be able to escape immediately' He did not even think of his responsibility toward others. Of course, he didn't get the job." - Illustrations of Bible Truths
Life can be likened unto a theater.
Every man, woman, boy, and girl has his appointed seat in the theater of life.
We, as Christians, are hired to be the ushers.
We can either direct the players closer to God or further from Him.
When God hired us (saved us), it was as though He asked us the same question as used in the above illustration - "In case of fire, what would you do?" Or you might say that He worded it in such a way - Knowing that there is a Real Fire called Hell and that every second 83 people die and end up in that awful pit, what do you plan on doing about it?
What would be your answer, O Christian?
Just this past week, how many people have you directed toward God?
How many have you allowed to slip on by and draw closer to the flames of Hell?
Knowing that there is an Actual Place called Hell and that you have a responsibility before the Almighty to lead people away from that God forsaken place, have you - by any chance - taken on the self-centered and selfish attitude as portrayed in the above illustration - "Oh, don't be concerned about me...I'd be able to escape immediately"?
Are you one who is only concerned that you escape Hell and couldn't care less if anyone else does?
If this is your attitude, then I can assure you that the Holy Spirit has "written you up" for your lukewarmness and complacency found on the job, and that you are about to be fired (spewed out) unless you straighten up and take your job more seriously (Revelation 3:16).
One thing we must settle in our hearts and minds as Believers is this -
God is a God Who warns.
The Bible is a Book of Warnings.
And the Christian's job is to warn the wicked as well as other believers.
In Ezekiel 3:17, we see God as One Who warns - "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me."
What was the "word" from God's mouth? Was it a sugarcoated - "I love you, My Children; Bring me Your praises" - type of Word?
No! On the contrary, the Word that issued forth from God's mouth was a Word of Warning - "...give them warning from Me."
The Word came from God, and it was a Word of warning.
In Psalm 19:11, David informed us of the fact that the Bible is a Book of Warnings when he said - "Moreover by them is Thy servant warned..."
Of what was he referring here? What is "them"?
As we look at the Scriptures above this verse, we see that he is referring to the "law of the LORD," "the testimony of the LORD," "the statutes of the LORD," and "the commandment of the LORD" - all descriptive phrases for the Word of God.
Hence, what he was saying in this verse was - By the Word of God, we are warned.
In what way does it warn us?
It clearly and plainly reveals -
...our duties before God and men and the evil consequences of neglecting them
...the dangers to avoid
...and a future day of accountability.
God is a God Who warns.
The Bible is a Book of Warnings.
And, lastly, we - as Christians - have been given a mandate from God to warn others.
In Jeremiah 6:10, the Prophet Jeremiah asked the pointed question - "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear...?"
There was no doubt or confusion in his mind as to whether or not he was hearing from God or following His leading. He knew that the Almighty had given him a "word of warning" for Judah and Jerusalem. The question in his mind wasn't whether or not he should issue the Lord's warnings, reproofs, or threatenings, but "to whom"? Who would listen?
In Ezekiel 3:17-21, we read of the Prophet Ezekiel's particular assignment from God - "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way...Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity...if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin..."
As believers, we are called as watchmen over men's souls. Hence, any wicked who come across our path are to be warned not to continue in their wickedness. They are to be told about the misery and danger of sin and its horrible consequence - ETERNITY IN HELL!
The righteous who cross our paths are to be warned about starting out in the spirit and ending in the flesh...having a first love for Jesus but then losing it for a love for this world...and beginning the race with great zeal but becoming negligent of and careless in God's work or service.
In Colossians 1:27-28, the Apostle Paul reiterated what the two Prophets declared to be the obligation of each believer in Christ - "...Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man..."
People everywhere are to be informed as to what they are doing amiss in order that they may do what is right.
As Christians, it is our God-given duty to warn others.
Through our admonitions, we -
..."put difference between holy and unholy..."(Leviticus 10:10)
..."make a difference between the unclean and the clean..."(Leviticus 11:47)
..."separate the children of Israel (the righteous) from their uncleanness..."(Leviticus 15:31).
...put a "difference between the holy and profane..."(Ezekiel 44:23)
The Apostle Paul would say to the modern-day Church the same words that he spoke to Archippus as recorded in Colossians 4:17 - "...Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it."
What ministry was he referring to? Certainly, the ministry that requires Christians to warn others of the evil consequences of sin.
In closing, read two comments by Matthew Henry, the renowned Bible Commentator, concerning warning others -
"Every man has need to be warned and taught, and therefore let every man have his share."
"One good means to keep us from falling is to keep up a holy fear of falling."
O Saint of God! You have been given an assignment from God.
You have been hired to do a specific job for the Lord.
That job entails warning the wicked to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7).
It also includes warning the righteous to not apostatize or fall away from the Lord.
If any of us plan on making it to heaven and hearing the Lord Jesus welcome us with these words - "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21), then we must obey Him by warning others as He directs.
Remember - The question is not - Should I warn?
But - Whom should I warn this day, O Lord?
May we all walk in obedience to His command.
..........................................................................................................................
It's Time Like Never Before To Copy What We Study
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him." - Robertson's Word Pictures
"Pious persons should imitate the God Whom they worship, as far as He revealed Himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to His example, and have His image renewed upon them." - Matthew Henry
"We readily grow somewhat like that which we love." - Biblical Illustrator
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example; and entreat his people to imitate him. He should have such a confidence in his own integrity; he should lead such a blameless life; and he should be assured that his people have so much evidence of his integrity, that he can point them to his own example, and entreat them to live like himself. And to do this, he should live a life of piety, and should furnish such evidence of a pure conversation, that his people may have reason to regard him as a holy man."
- Barnes' Notes
"Ministers should so live that their people may take pattern from them, and live after their copy. They should guide them by their lives as well as their lips, go before them in the way to heaven, and not content themselves with pointing it out."
"As ministers are to set a pattern, others must take it. They should follow them as far as they are satisfied that they follow Christ in faith and practice."
"The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
- the above three quotes from Matthew Henry's Commentary
The Apostle Paul has a message for us today. He is calling all believers across the land to do three things. Let's examine three Scriptures to find out what they are.
1. Be Followers Of God
Ephesians 5:1 says - "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."
What does it mean to be a "follower of God"? It means to imitate or mimic Him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations. It includes resembling Him in all aspects of your walk - in love, pardon, holiness, mercy, and goodness.
In the previous verses found in the Book of Ephesians, Paul addressed the issues of forgiveness, love, and goodness. What he was exhorting the believers to do was this - forgive others even as God forgave you and unselfishly give to others as God has provided so generously for your needs.
2. Be Examples For Others To Follow
1 Corinthians 4:16 adds - "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Paul called on all of his spiritual children to imitate him in their speech, manners, and habits. As he followed Christ, he exhorted them to follow him...come up as close as possible to his example...tread in his steps as he demonstrated what it was like to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ...and mimic him in his lowliness and self-denial.
3. Keep Your Preaching & Practice The Same
1 Corinthians 4:17 says - "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
Paul was presently engaged in Asia. Hence, he sent Timothy - who was fully aware of his views and feelings - onward to Corinth to straighten out the problems caused by some dissenters. Timothy was a spiritual son of Paul's. He was acquainted with his spiritual father's life, conduct, and teachings.
Everywhere that Paul went, he taught the same doctrine, prescribed the same set of rules, proposed the same ordinances and methods for the church's management, and delivered the same faith. The trumpet that he sounded always gave a certain sound. It did not matter where he was or in what time frame - he always taught the same in all the churches and lived after the same manner - following after God's Truth.
In our day and time, it is almost as though the world is crying out for the sons and daughters of God to copy what they are studying. It is as if the cry of mankind is this - "Show us a better way."
But how can this ever happen unless God's children catch hold of the word that Paul delivered in these Scriptures and become what he admonished here?
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who can boldly declare as Paul did - "...be ye followers of me"? Just like God - they are forgivers and givers. They are not having a problem forgiving and forgetting past offenses or battling bitterness or resentment toward others. They are compassionate and caring. Their hearts are not hardened when they hear of the needs of others. They readily share of their resources - generously and abundantly.
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who maintain the same message and practice the same behavior in all circles and at all times? Sad but true - we are very short on such "examples" to the Body of Christ and to the world. We have many people who cannot pray for others because their hearts are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness or greed. They see no miracles in their lives because they are of a wrong spirit.
Then we have Preachers or Christian witnesses who are like chameleons - they change their behavior and message to fit the situation in which they find themselves. Their trumpet does not have a certain sound as Paul's did. They "play many melodies" to appease their audiences. Their behavior takes on many colors, and their words differ with each group.
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him."
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example..."
"What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
One last question - Are you copying (Living before all) everything that you study in the Word of God?
"You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourselves any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow down to, nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:3-6[/b][/b]