Continue in God's Word

2 Timothy 3:13-17 (NKJV)
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The only way to defeat Satan's lies is with God's truth. "Thus saith the Lord!" is the final answer to every question. Evil men and deceivers are going to get worse and worse. They will deceive more and more. Why? Because they are being deceived by Satan! In these last days, there will be more deception and imitation; and the only way a believer will be able to tell the true from the false is by knowing the Word of God. Timothy had been taught the Word of God from the time he was a child; his grandmother and mother had faithfully taught him the Old Testament Scriptures. Timothy was to continue in what he had been taught. We never outgrow the Word of God. 

In the text of 2 Timothy chapter 3, Paul made some important statements about the Scriptures:

a) They are the Holy Scriptures (v. 15a). "The sacred letters" is a literal translation. The word for holy means "consecrated for sacred use." The Bible is different from every other book, even books about the Bible, because it has been set apart by God for special sacred uses. We must treat the Bible as the special book it is. The way we treat the Bible shows others how much or how little we respect it. Paul gives us the right attitude toward the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

b) The Scriptures lead us to salvation (v. 15b). We are not saved by believing the Bible (John 5:39), but by trusting the Christ who is revealed in the Bible. Timothy was raised on the Holy Scriptures in a godly home. Yet it was not until Paul led him to Christ that he was saved. What is the relationship of the Bible to salvation? To begin with, the Bible reveals our need for salvation. It is a mirror that shows us how filthy we are in God's sight. The Bible explains that every lost sinner is condemned now (John 3:18-21) and needs a Saviour now. It also makes it clear that a lost sinner cannot save their self. But the Bible also reveals God's wonderful plan of salvation: Christ died for our sins! If we trust Him, He will save us (John 3:16-18). The Bible also helps give us the assurance of our salvation (1 John 5:9-13). Then the Bible becomes our spiritual food to nourish us that we might grow in grace and serve Christ. The Word of God is our sword for fighting Satan, and overcoming temptation.

c) The Scriptures are true and dependable (v. 16a). "All Scripture is God-breathed.” The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is vitally important, and a doctrine that Satan has attacked from the beginning ("Yea, hath God said?" (Genesis 3:1). It is inconceivable that God would give His people a book they could not trust. He is the God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4); Jesus is "the truth" (John 14:6); and the "Spirit is truth" (1 John 5:6). Jesus said of the Scriptures, "Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17). The Holy Spirit of God used men of God to write the Word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Spirit did not erase the natural characteristics of the writers. In fact, God in His providence prepared the writers for the task of writing the Scriptures. Each writer has his own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances. In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and in His working through the Spirit, God brought about the miracle of the Scriptures.

We must not think of "inspiration" the way the world thinks when it says, "Shakespeare was certainly an inspired writer." What we mean by biblical inspiration is the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the Bible's writers, which guaranteed that what they wrote was accurate and trustworthy. Revelation means the communicating of truth to man by God; inspiration has to do with the recording of this communication in a way that is dependable. Whatever the Bible says about itself, man, God, life, death, history, science, and every other subject is true. This does not mean that every statement in the Bible is true, because the Bible records the lies of men and of Satan. But the record is true.

e) The Scriptures are profitable (v. 16b). They are profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to get right), and for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right). A Christian who studies the Bible and applies what he or she learns will grow in holiness, and avoid many pitfalls in this world.

f) The Scriptures equip us for service (v. 17). Paul called Timothy a "man of God" (1 Timothy 6:11); but here Paul states that any Christian can become a person "of God." How? By studying the Word of God, obeying it, and letting it control his or her life. It is worth noting that all of the "men of God" named in Scripture, including Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, David, and Timothy, were men who were devoted to God's Word. Two words in this verse are especially important: "perfect" and "furnished." The word translated "perfect" means "complete, in fit shape, in fit condition." It does not begin to suggest sinless perfection. Rather, it implies being fitted for use. "Furnished" has a similar meaning: "equipped for service." The Word of God furnishes, and equips a believer so that he or she can live a life that pleases God and do the work God wants them to do. The better we know the Word, the better we are able to live, and work for God.

The purpose of Bible study is not just to understand doctrines or to be able to defend the faith, as important as these things are. The ultimate purpose is the equipping of the believers who read it. It is the Word of God that equips God's people to do the work of God. The times are not going to get better, but we Christians can become better people, even in bad times. We must separate ourselves from that which is false, devote ourselves to that which is true, and continue in our study of the Word of God.

The "Will" and the "Will Nots" (The Particulars of the Last Days)

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"  (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Paul informed Timothy about the character of the last days and then instructed him how to respond. Action must be based on knowledge. The last days began with the ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2) and will continue until He returns. They are called the "last days" because in them God is completing His purposes for His people. Because our Lord has delayed His return, some people scoff at the promise of His coming (2 Peter 3:3), but He will come as He promised. 
In 2 Timothy 3:2-5, Paul lists some nineteen types of evil conduct that will be prominent during the perilous times which will come in the last days prior to the return of Christ. These times require extra dedication to maintain a holy life. 

This list truly describes our time:

1) People will love themselves, more than they love God.

2) People will love money, more than they love God.

3) People will brag.

4) People will be proud.

5) People will say evil things against each other.

6) Children will not obey their parents; will not appreciate what their parents have done for them.

7) People will not be thankful.

8) People will not be the kind of people that God wants them to be.

9) People will not love others.

10) People will refuse to forgive.

11) People will gossip; talk about the personal lives of others.

12) People will not control themselves.

13) People will be cruel.

14) People will hate what is good.

15) People will turn against their friends.

16) People will do foolish things without thinking.

17) People will be conceited; excessively proud of themselves; vain.

18) People will love pleasure instead of God.

19) People will act as if they serve God but will not have God's power.

The Bible teaches this truth: the violence and attitude of the last times is energized by demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

Finally, Paul gave Timothy three instructions to obey during perilous times:
a) Turn away from the false
b) Follow those who are true
c) Continue in God's Word

Contemplation (Philippians 4:8)

What we meditate on and contemplate is the subject of this text.

1) The importance of the thought life

The importance of Paul's exhortation here comes from the great importance of the thought life in a person. We are often not what we think we are, but we are always what we think. We are the product of our thoughts. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). If you do not control your thought life, you will not control your life. Feed material into your mind that produces evil thoughts and you will soon lose control of your life. Someone has said, "Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a destiny." It all begins in the thought life; therefore Paul's exhortations here about your thought life are very important exhortations.

2) The input for the thought life

Paul gives a helpful list of subjects to put into your mind, to contemplate. Follow this text and your thought life will honor God and benefit your life. 

a) First, Honest thoughts. "Whatsoever things are true... honest" (Philippians 4:8). Keep untruth out of your mind. Gossip, propaganda, and false religion needs to put in the trash can. 

b) Second, Holy thoughts. "Whatsoever things are just... pure" (Philippians 4:8). "Just" here means righteous. Holy thoughts keep the mind clean. A dirty mind is a sick mind and will defile you. 

c) Third, Harmonious thoughts. "Lovely" (Philippians 4:8). The meaning of the word translated "lovely" involves harmony. A person needs to have thoughts that promote harmony instead of unnecessary division and schism. 

d) Fourth, Happy thoughts. "Whatsoever things are of good report" (Philippians 4:8). These are not discouraging, depressing thoughts. This does not mean to stick your head into the stand of unreality, but rather to fill your mind with happy thoughts. "Rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4) will do that. 

e) Fifth, Healthy thoughts. "If there be any virtue" (Philippians 4:8). We speak here of the health of your spiritual life which is more important than the health of your physical body. Dirty books and magazines (things without virtue) do not stimulate healthy thoughts. 

f) Sixth, Heavenly thoughts. "If there be any praise" (Philippians 4:8). This should motivate thoughts of God Who is certainly most worthy of praise. Many things which we praise today are not worthy of praise and will not qualify for the "praise" in this text.

The five principles of Contentment (Philippians 4:10-19)

Philippians 4:10-13 (NKJV)
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 

Five principles of contentment flow from this seemingly mundane conclusion of Paul's letter to the Philippian Church:

1) A contented person is confident in God's providence.

2) A contented person is satisfied with little.

3) A contented person is independent from circumstances.

4) A contented person is strengthened by divine power.

5) A contented person has concern for others.

This simple lesson in contentment may be summarized in five words: faith, humility, submission, dependence, and unselfishness. The preceding virtues characterize all who have learned to be content.

The Providence of God

(Scriptures for consideration: Genesis 50: 15-20; Deuteronomy 4:39; 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11; 2 Timothy 4:18)

The Bible affirms the glorious existence of the great God of the universe (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:6). Moreover, the God of Scripture is the God of history, who has intervened in the affairs of man, His creature. He is not, however, merely a God of the past; rather, He is the eternal “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the One “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4). Those who have a reverent regard for Almighty God do not doubt His movement in today’s world. It is, though, vitally important that we understand exactly how the Lord works. 

The Bible shows us that God operates providentially in the world today by means of natural law. Just as the Lord works to bring about man’s salvation through spiritual laws, His ultimate purpose is enhanced in His sovereign use of natural law as well.

God sees the end from the beginning, although this is not because He merely looks into the future but because He Himself has ordained it, even down to the exact length of our lifetimes (Psalm 39:4; Isaiah 46:8–10). But divine providence goes beyond the temporal to also encompass the spatial. Nothing in creation, no matter where it is, ever escapes God’s view (Psalm 139:7–12).

The term “providence” derives from the Latin, "providentia", signifying “foresight.” The word is used to denote the biblical idea of the wisdom and power which God continually exercises in the preservation and government of the world, for the ends which He proposed to accomplish. Providence comes into the English language from the Latin terms "pro" and "vide", which mean “see” and “before,” respectively. So, providence refers in the first instance to what the Lord sees in advance.

Providence concerns God’s support, care and supervision of all creation, from the moment of the first creation to all the future into eternity. The concept of providence, therefore, is opposed to deism, which asserts God’s non-interest in the world; additionally, it is the opposite of “fate” or “chance,” which sees world events as uncontrollable and without any element of benevolent purpose. At this point, the following observation needs to be made. While God exercises a general providence over the Universe and its creatures as a whole, there also is a special providential care that the Father manifests on behalf of His regenerate children. This fact is established by the doctrine of prayer. Does God hear and respond to (consistent with His will) the petitions of Christians? He most assuredly does (John 15:7; James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15), and those prayers are answered by providential means.

PRINCIPLES FOR UNDERSTANDING DIVINE PROVIDENCE

It is very important that a consideration be given to certain principles that are involved in the operation of divine providence. Remember that any concept of providence one chooses to believe must be consistent with the teaching of the Bible in general.

1) God never operates providentially in any way that is in conflict with His nature or His revealed will.

2) Divine providence does not negate man’s freedom of will.

3) The providential must be distinguished from the miraculous. A miracle is God’s working on a plain that is above that of natural law; providence is His utilization of natural law. In a miracle, the Lord works directly; in providence, He operates indirectly, employing means to accomplish the end.

4) In providence, God works behind the scenes.

THE SCOPE OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

From the vastness of the entire Universe, to the very hairs of one’s head, the providential interest of the Lord is manifested. Let us illustrate the scope of His majestic concern:

1) The Universe

2) The forces of nature. God is in control of the forces of nature.

3) The animal creatures. Since the life of every living thing is in the hand of God (Job 12:10), one is not surprised to learn that God maintains and uses His animal creation.

4) God and the nations. Since the fall of man, Almighty God has been working a plan designed to effect the redemption of sinful humanity.

Contentment

{1 Timothy 6: 6-10}
(6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.(9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Contentment is a inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace in spite of outward circumstances. Contentment is a matter of godliness in the heart, not wealth in the hand. Contentment grows from our attitude toward living God’s way. To have contentment in Christ requires four decisions about the events and possessions of our life:
1) We must focus on what God has already allowed us to have. 
2) We must disregard what we do not have. 
3) We must refuse to covet what others may have. 
4) We must give thanks to God for each, and all of His gifts.
If we fail to make these decisions, our contentment will diminish.

The great wealth that motivated the false teachers (1 Timothy 6:3) was neither lasting nor capable of bringing contentment. Their earthly profits would be left behind. What brings great wealth has to do with eternal values. When material treasures become our focus, we quit contributing to our eternal accounts. Whatever gains we may experience in this life mean nothing if they cause us eternal bankruptcy (Matthew 6:19-24).

In 1 Timothy 6:7, Paul followed up his statement about the true source of contentment by discounting any hope of ultimate contentment based merely on this life. The correct perspective on material possessions: money, houses, clothing, vehicles, jewels, land, etc., remains eternally the same. They cannot last forever. We can lose, break, or ruin them in this life. We didn’t bring them with us when we were born, and we cannot carry anything with us when we die.

6:8: Human beings have basic needs. Believers and unbelievers alike require food and clothing (also implying shelter) for survival. The difference should be that when believers’ basic needs are met, they ought to be satisfied and content, requiring nothing more. In contrast, unbelievers are driven by society’s standards and desires; they cannot be content with only basic needs being met because they must always strive for more.

6:9: After stating the simple plan for living faithfully, Paul challenged the world’s view by showing the outcome of trying to gain contentment through the pursuit of wealth. The desire to be rich is, by its very nature, a desire that cannot be satiated. People who long to be rich cannot understand contentment because they can never have enough money. The temptation of money eventually traps people into doing anything to get money; illegal or immoral, even being willing to hurt others. People’s desire for money feeds their greed. Soon their passion plunges them into ruin and destruction.

6:10: People often misquote this verse, saying, “money is the root of all evil.” But it is the love of money that Paul speaks against. Money itself is not evil; in fact, money can do much good for the furthering of God’s Kingdom. Money supports missionaries around the globe; money helps organizations fight for Christian causes in government; money supports Churches and Church leaders; money helps feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Obviously, while God doesn’t need money, He can use money given by generous people to help those in need. These people can give because they control their money. The problem happens when money controls people.
People who love money are controlled by a ruthless, insatiable master, for the love of money can never be satisfied. Loving money is at the root of all kinds of evil: marriage problems, illegal acts, blowups in partnerships, envy, immorality, lying, ruthlessness, stealing, and a willingness to even hurt others if it makes money. 

The worst scenario, of course, is that money would actually lead a person from the faith. It’s tragic when money replaces God in a person’s life. These greedy people found themselves pierced with many sorrows. The picture is that they were being impaled by sharp objects that they continued to push against. Instead of God’s way, they chose a path that was taking them deeper and deeper into a briar patch of trouble. Instead of the happiness they expected, money brought grief.
It would be a hazardous mistake to conclude that Paul is teaching that we should not be concerned about money. In fact, we should be respectfully asking God for funds with which to carry out our responsibilities and to help others. It is right to ask God for provision for daily life and to do his will (help children through college, pay off the church mortgage, etc.). Paul was concerned about greed more than he was about money.

In Philippians 4:4, Paul returned to writing to the church at large: Be full of joy; rejoice! It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to keep on rejoicing. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. While believers often will encounter situations in which they cannot be happy, they can always rejoice and delight in the Lord
.
4:5: Joy isn’t always visible to others, but acts toward others are readily seen. So Paul encouraged the Philippians to let everyone see that they were considerate. They should have a spirit that is reasonable, fair-minded, and charitable. Believers are motivated to joy and consideration of others by remembering that their Lord is coming soon. The promise of the Lord’s second coming encourages careful conduct by His followers.

4:6: Attitudes of joy and gentleness, combined with constant awareness of Christ’s return, should dispel any worry. Believers should not set aside life’s responsibilities so as not to worry about them; Paul was focusing on believers’ attitudes in daily life and as they faced opposition and persecution. Christians are to be responsible for their needs and their families and to care about and be concerned for others, but they are not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34).

Worrying is bad because it is a subtle form of distrust in God. When believers worry, they are saying that they don’t trust that God will provide and they doubt that he cares or that he can handle their situation. Paul offered prayer as an antidote to worry. Instead, pray about everything. Prayer combats worry by allowing us catharsis. We can off-load our stress onto God. Paul said to take all the energy that is used in worrying and put it into prayer. This includes praying about everything. No request is too small, difficult, or inconsequential to God. Paul encouraged the believers to pray about what they need and then to thank God for all he has done. It may seem impossible not to worry about anything, but Paul explained that this can happen if believers truly give their worries to God. Worry and prayer cannot coexist.

4:7: If the Philippians would take to heart Paul’s words in 4:4-6, then they will turn from anxiety to prayer and be filled with God’s peace. This peace is different from the world’s peace. It is peace that Jesus promised His disciples and all those who would follow Him (John 14:27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings; it comes from knowing that God is in control. Believers are given peace with God when they believe (Romans 5:1), and they have the inner quiet of the peace of God as they daily walk with Him. God’s peace is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. 

Such peace cannot be self-generated; it comes from God alone; it is his gift to us in a difficult world. As with so much of God’s dealings with humanity, we cannot understand it, but we can accept and experience God’s peace because of his great love for us.Why does God give His people peace? Because it will guard their hearts and minds. The Greek word for “guard” is a military term that means to surround and protect a garrison or city. The Philippians, living in a garrison town, were familiar with the Roman guards who maintained watch, guarding the city from any outside attack. God’s peace is like soldiers surrounding believers’ hearts and minds (that is, emotions and thoughts), securing them against threatening, and harmful outside forces.

4:8: If one is to have this inner peace from God and maintain a life free of worry, then certain steps must be taken, notably in his or her thoughts. This list describes what should pervade believers’ minds. Believers should fix their thoughts on things that are:

a) True: Truth includes facts and statements that are in accordance with reality (not lies, rumors, or embellishments), sincere (not deceitful or with evil motives), and loyal, faithful, proper, reliable, and genuine. Truth is a characteristic of God.

b) Honorable: These matters are worthy of respect, dignified, and exalted in character or excellence.

c) Right: Thoughts and plans that meet God’s standards of rightness. They are in keeping with the truth; they are righteous.

d) Pure: Free from contamination or blemish; unmixed and unmodified; wholesome. Paul probably was speaking of moral purity, often very difficult to maintain in thoughts.

e) Lovely: Thoughts of great moral and spiritual beauty, not of evil.

f) Admirable: Things that speak well of the thinker—thoughts that recommend, give confidence in, afford approval or praise, reveal positive and constructive thinking. A believer’s thoughts, if heard by others, should be admirable, not embarrassing.

g) Excellent: Moral excellence; nothing of substandard quality.

h) Worthy of praise: This phrase may be restated as anything that deserves the thinker’s praise or anything that God deems praiseworthy.

4:9: Paul had lived out and was continuing to live out his words, so he could urge the believers to put into practice what they had learned from him (from his teaching and training). The Scriptures were not compiled into a Bible until later, so the standards of belief and behavior were embodied in the teachings and example of those in authority. Paul could speak confidently; people could follow his example because he was following Christ’s example (1 Corinthians 11:1). If the believers would keep on practicing the virtues that Paul cited above, they would experience the God of peace. God is the source of peace for all believers.

A exposition of Titus 3 and Colossians 3

Titus 3:3-8
Christians were often looked on with suspicion in the Roman Empire because their conduct was so different and they met in private meetings for worship (1 Peter 2:11-25; 3:13-4:5). It was important that they be good citizens without compromising the faith. Their pagan neighbors might disobey the law but Christians must submit to the authority of the state (Romans 13). "Ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1) means "cooperating in those matters that involve the whole community." Our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20) does not absolve us from responsibilities as citizens on earth.

The believer should not have a bad attitude toward the government and show it by slanderous accusations and pugnacious actions. The word gentle (Titus 3:2) means "an attitude of moderation, a sweet reasonableness." Christians with this quality do not insist on the letter of the law, but are willing to compromise where no moral issue is at stake.

Again, Paul linked duty to doctrine. "Don't be too critical of your pagan neighbors," he wrote. "Just remember what you were before God saved you!" Titus 3:3 needs little explanation; we know what it means from our own experience.

What a difference "the kindness and love of God" (Titus 3:4) made!Salvation came not only because of God's kindness and love, but also because of His mercy (Titus 3:5). We did not save ourselves; "He saved us." How did He do it? Through the miracle of the new birth, the work of the Holy Spirit of God. I do not think that "washing" here refers to baptism because, in New Testament times, people were baptized after they were saved, and not in order to be saved (Acts 10:43-48). "Washing" here means "bathed all over." When a sinner trusts Christ, he is cleansed from all his sins, and he is made "a new person" by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Paul related this same cleansing experience to the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26). Salvation comes to a sinner when he trusts Christ, when the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to bring about the new birth.

We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5-6, where "water" refers to physical birth, which Nicodemus had mentioned earlier, John 3:4) and of the Word (1 Peter 1:23-25). "Which" in Titus 3:6 ought to be "whom," referring to the Holy Spirit who is given to us at conversion (Acts 2:38; Romans 5:5; 8:9).

Not only have we who are Christians been washed and made new in Christ, but we have also been justified (Titus 3:7). This wonderful doctrine is discussed in detail in Romans 3:21-8:39. Justification is the gracious act of God whereby He declares a believing sinner righteous because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. God puts to our account the righteousness of His Son, so that we can be condemned no more. Not only does He forget our sins, but He forgets that we were even sinners!

What is the result of this kindness, love, mercy, and grace? Hope! We are heirs of God! This means that today we can draw on His riches; and when He comes, we will share His wealth and His kingdom forever. This hope ties in with Titus 2:13: "Looking for that blessed hope." But there is something more involved: We should live godly lives and be "careful to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8). The only evidence the unsaved world has that we belong to God is our godly lives. "Good works" do not necessarily mean religious works or church work. It is fine to work at church, sing in the choir, and hold an office; but it is also good to serve our unsaved neighbors, to be helpful in the community, and to have a reputation for assisting those in need. Baby-sitting to relieve a harassed young mother is just as much a spiritual work as passing out a Gospel tract. The best way a local church has to witness to the lost is through the sacrificial service of its members.

Colossians 3:10

Because we are alive in Christ, we must seek the things that are above. And, because we died with Christ, we must put off the things that belong to the earthly life of past sin. The result is that we can become like Jesus Christ! God wants to renew us and make us into the image of His Son! The Greek verbs translated “put off” and “put on” (Colossians 3:9-10) indicate a once-for-all action. When we trust Christ, we put off the old life and put on the new. The old man has been buried, and the new man is now in control. But the word "renewed" is a present participle—"who is constantly being renewed." The truth of salvation leads to the process of sanctification, becoming more like Jesus Christ.

The Greeks had two different words for new. The word “neos” meant "new in time." The word “kainos” meant "new in quality, character, fresh." Sometimes the two words were used interchangeably in the New Testament, but there is still a fundamental difference. The believer has once and for all put on the "new man" (neos), and, as a consequence, he is being renewed (kainos). There is a change in quality(character), for he is becoming like Jesus Christ. The "new Man" is Jesus Christ, the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), the Head of the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). How does this renewal come about? Through knowledge. The word knowledge was one of the key terms in the vocabulary of the gnostics. But their so-called spiritual knowledge could never change a person's life to make him or her like Christ. The better they get to know Christ, the more they becomes like Him (Philippians 3:10).

Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This involves man's personality (intellect, emotion, will) and man's spirituality (he is more than a body). When man sinned, this image of God was marred and ruined. Adam's children were born in the image of their father (Genesis 5:1, 3). In spite of the ravages of sin, man still bears the image of God (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).

We were formed in God's image, and deformed from God's image by sin. But through Jesus Christ, we can be transformed into God's image! We must be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). As we grow in knowledge of the Word of God, we will be transformed by the Spirit of God to share in the glorious image of God (2 Corinthians 3:18). God transforms us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), and this involves the study of God's Word. It is the truth that sets us free from the old life (John 8:31-32). God's purpose for us is that we be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). This refers to character, the spiritual quality of the inner man.

When we see Jesus Christ, we shall be like Him and have glorified bodies (1 John 3:1-3); but while we are waiting for Him to return, we can become like Him and share His holy image. This is a process of constant renewing as the Spirit of God uses the Word of God.

Human distinctions and differences should be no barrier to holy living in the Church. In Jesus Christ, all human distinctions disappear (Colossians 3:11). In Christ, there are no nationalities ("neither Greek nor Jew"). There is no recognition of former religious differences ("circumcision nor uncircumcision"). The gnostics taught that circumcision was important to the spiritual life (Colossians 2:11). But Paul made it clear that this traditional act of physical surgery gave no advantages in the spiritual life.

There are also no cultural differences in Christ ("barbarian, Scythian"). The Greeks considered all non-Greeks to be barbarians; and the Scythians were the lowest barbarians of all! Yet, in Jesus Christ, a person's cultural status is no advantage or disadvantage. Nor is his economic or political status ("bond or free"). Paul made it clear that a slave should try to get his freedom (1 Corinthians 7:20-23), but he should not think he is handicapped spiritually because of his social position.

All of these human distinctions belong to the "old man" and not the "new man." In his Letter to the Galatians, Paul added, "There is neither male nor female," and thus erased even differences between the sexes. "Christ is all, and in all", was Paul's conclusion. "For ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

It is wrong to build the fellowship of the church on anything other than Jesus Christ, His person and His work. Ministries that are built on human distinctions, such as race, color, or social standing, are not biblical. One of the evidences of spiritual growth and the renewing of the mind is this willingness to receive and love all who sincerely know Christ and seek to glorify Him. The gnostic "super saints" were trying to isolate the Colossian believers from the rest of the church, and this was wrong. Even though physically we do not lose our national heritage when we become Christians, we do not use that heritage as a test of what is spiritual.

"Christ is all and in all" is the emphasis in this letter. "That in all things He might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18). Because we are complete in Christ, we can look beyond the earthly differences that separate people and enjoy a spiritual unity in the Lord. The gnostic false teachers, like the false teachers today, tried to rob God's people of the richness of their oneness in Christ. Beware!

We are alive in Christ; therefore, we should seek the heavenly. We are dead in Christ; therefore, we should slay (kill) the earthly. We can become like Christ; therefore, we must strengthen the Christly and permit the Spirit to renew our minds, making us more into the image of God.

Compassion: It’s Responsibility

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15)

But when He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)

The principle of compassion is the very heart of God. The ministry of Jesus flowed from His heart of compassion toward those in need. Compassion is a word of action. It is not observing from the sidelines; it is the heartfelt care for another with both the intent and action. It exemplifies the character of God in who He is and how He responds to His children. But what exactly does Scripture teach us about compassion? What is the believer’s responsibility?

Compassion in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old and New Testaments the revelation of God’s compassionate character is revealed through His acts of kindness and concern for human suffering. From the beginning of creation God reveals himself as a God of covenant love — one who cares for His people. Though humankind sinned, God again and again performed overt acts of kindness and love to people.

The significance of God’s prevailing grace is seen in His clothing Adam and Eve after their fall and in the deliverance of Noah’s household prior to the Flood that would cover the earth. After the Flood, God set His rainbow in the sky to symbolically declare the Noahic covenant as God’s gracious response of an unconditional promise that there would not be a worldwide catastrophe until the last day. The covenant was a sign and expression of God’s love. This same love would be expressed in the scattering of humankind at the Tower of Babel. Despite the fallen-ness of the human race, God consistently demonstrates that He is both a God of judgment and a God of mercy.

Though punishment often results from sin, God’s grace provides humans the opportunity for new beginnings. Because of this, God creates a nation for himself through Abraham (Genesis 15). God would now deal specifically with one extended family to provide salvation for all the people of the earth. God’s plan was that through Israel all nations would see and experience God’s “Hesed.”

“Hesed” is one of the most important concepts revealed in the Old Testament. It rests at the center of the Lord’s self-revelation of His attitude toward His people. The Hebrew word Hesed is translated as mercy, steadfast love, or loving kindness. In regard to human activity, “Hesed” signifies the type of love and duty toward God by which the people of God live in obedience to His ways. In reference to divine activity, “Hesed” is always in the context of covenant and becomes the central term in expressing the relationship between Israel and God. Maintenance of the covenant is expected on both sides through the duty of mutual service and acts of loving kindness. Because of this, Israel held to a strong conviction that God’s kindness and readiness to help them is something they can expect because of His established covenant relationship with them.

This concept of loving kindness would reverberate throughout biblical history. God leads, guides, provides for, and protects His people — all based on His love. (Exodus 15:13; 20:6; Psalm 118:1-3) The covenantal love of God is joined together with God’s compassion in Exodus 34:6,7. The Hebrew word for compassion is “raham.” It means to love deeply, to have mercy, to be compassionate. The basis of God’s compassion toward Israel is His covenant with them. He maintains it by His covenant love. The evidence shows that God’s loving kindness holds together the ideas of love with a stronger emphasis on the practical more than the emotional. The relationship between humans, and between God and humans, encompasses the basic aspects of affection, loyalty, and responsibility. Compassion holds the basic meaning of sympathizing with others in distress with the desire to alleviate their suffering.

God’s compassion toward His people resulted in the Israelites understanding that they are to display similar actions toward their brethren ( Isaiah 1:17; Proverbs 19:17; Micah 6:8). Acts of compassion toward those of other nationalities that choose to live within the borders of Israel is required (Exodus 22:21, 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:18). Human mercy in the Old Testament is experienced and expected as a duty in the context of family relationships. Compassion is to extend to neighbor and stranger, and especially to those who are in need or oppressed (Proverbs 21:10; Psalm 72:12-14; Exodus 22:21-23), just as God’s compassion reaches out to those in need of His care (Deuteronomy 10:18,19).

Compassionate care for people is part of the broader duty of keeping God’s commandments. God’s people are to love their neighbors. The “Hesed” of God is the foundational truth on which God’s love and care for His people is displayed by those who protect the weak, promote justice, and maintain peace (Leviticus 19:9-18; Psalm 11:7). The compassion that causes an individual to help the weak, the sick, and the disenfranchised or marginalized in society, is not limited to the children of Israel; it finds greater depth in the life of Jesus and is one of the cardinal virtues expected of the people of God in the New Testament (James 2:1-13).

Compassion in the New Testament
Christ demonstrates fully the compassion and steadfast love of God. Because compassion is the character of God, the prophets declare that the same is required of the people of God (Micah 6:8). In Christ, all the fullness of God dwells (Colossians 1:19), and Jesus clearly shows compassion in how He treated people from every lifestyle — not just those of God’s chosen people, Israel. Christ’s teaching challenges the parameters of compassion normally experienced by the Jew — from compassion for friends and neighbors, to all without exception, even to the point of loving one’s enemies (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:30-37).

A significant aspect of Christ’s ministry is His compassion toward those who are suffering (Matthew 9:35,36). Jesus’ model of ministry focused on God’s concern for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of others. The Incarnation reveals the nature of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus adapts His message in such a way that it is both understandable and good news, regardless of each person’s station in life. The incarnational model Jesus passes on to His followers proclaims the importance of serving others. This indicates that He will go to all lengths to communicate His love to the world (1 John 4:9,10).Through the demonstration of His life, Jesus calls the people of God to practice love, kindness, compassion, and servanthood toward those they encounter on a daily basis. The uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry rests in His concern for persons — He truly loves people and considers them worthy of respect and compassion because of what they are — bearers of the divine image of God.

The compassion of Christ carries the notion of tenderness and affection. It is a feeling with and for others that is a fundamental and distinctive quality of God. He is the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion (Psalm 116:5; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Christ’s compassion has no limits. He ignores categories of people that are set within society and touches those who would come to Him — no matter who they are or what they have done. The attitude of Jesus to the multitudes surrounding Him is characterized by the profound compassion He has for their weaknesses (Matthew 15:22; Mark 8:2).

In Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan in answer to the lawyer’s inquiring question as to who is his neighbor. The lawyer is searching for limits and boundaries to set on whom he has to love. First-century Judaism is ordered by boundaries with specific rules regarding how Jews should treat Gentiles or Samaritans, how priests should relate to others, how men should treat women, and so on. These boundaries allow certain groups to establish positions of power and privilege. The command to love one’s neighbor is a religious duty (Leviticus 19:18) and the lawyer is seeking to know the limits required for kindness. In answering the lawyer’s question, Jesus broadens the concept of compassion and pity toward those in need by insisting that it is not just confined to members of the Jewish nation, but should be an act of love toward all peoples. Jesus’ answer does not distinguish between two separate areas of human life, but shows two complementary aspects of human responsibility.

Compassion in the Church
The message is clear — one cannot love God and not love those whom God loves. And the converse is also true. An individual cannot love his neighbor with divine quality without loving God deeply. Without question, loving God is basic. Love for God is the foundational factor for loving one’s neighbor. Love for God and love for humankind must support and pervade one another. For Jesus, the concepts of love and neighbor are as broad as human need; He sets no limit on love or compassion.Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness and sacrifice. Believers are mandated to be imitators of God and to live a life of love (Ephesians 5:1,2).
The intimation is to become like God himself (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:36; 2 Peter 2:21). It is fundamental to view suffering persons as created in the image of God; each one known and cared for by God. God is not a respecter of persons (Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 2:6; 1 Peter 1:17), therefore, those belonging to Him are not to hold impartial judgment against another.

The poor, disenfranchised, suffering, and marginalized in society are precious to God (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; 6:20; 7:22). Jesus cares for the oppressed and downtrodden (Luke 4:18,19). God’s overall view of caring with compassion for those who are suffering can be summed up in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.” The Church is to be the conduit through which people experience the steadfast love and compassion of God. It is the responsibility of the Church to minister to those in need, to bring the healing and comforting touch of Christ without partiality. Isaiah 30:18 says, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.” The Church can do no less.

Compassion: A Finger on the hand of Kindness

Compassion is a fundamental and distinctive quality of God, and is literally "a feeling with and for others." To the Christian, "sympathetic compassion" is unique, because it is unique to our God. In contrast, Hinduism is perhaps one of the most cruelly neglectful of all religious systems. Its caste system prohibits anyone from even touching those of an alien caste. Its treatment of the sick and dying is sometimes shocking and barbarous, because providing them help is thought to delay the process of karma and reincarnation. Brahmins (the Hindu priestly class) recognize no responsibility for the care of the afflicted and downtrodden. And Islam, whose history runs red with secular and religious bloodshed, cannot be expected to show much pity for those in need. The primary motive behind Buddhist benevolence is that the act may lay up merit.

How different were Jesus' teaching and example. In the parable of the slave who owed an unpayable debt to his king, Jesus illustrated God's love through the grace of the king, who "felt compassion" on his slave "and released him and forgave him the debt" (Matthew 18:27). When the two blind men sitting by the road just outside of Jericho cried out to Jesus, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" He was "moved with compassion,... touched their eyes," and restored their sight (Matthew 20:30, 34). When the leper came to Him, declaring, "If You are willing, You can make me clean," Jesus again was "moved with compassion," and He cleansed the man of his tormenting disease (Mark 1:40-41).

The God of the Bible is the God of love and compassion. How different are the gods of paganism. The supreme attribute of the ancient Greek gods was apathy and indifference. Those supposed deities were supremely unconcerned about the welfare of mankind. Even the nature of the true God had been so distorted by the scribes, Pharisees, and Rabbis that most Jews thought of Him primarily as a God of anger, vengeance, and indifference. Jesus brought an entirely new message. Because the Lord is compassionate, believers who bear His name are also to be compassionate. "To sum up," Peter says, "let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead" (1 Peter 3:8-9).

Jesus' motive for ministry was the knowledge of man's lost condition. He saw the people around Him in the reality of their need. He was moved by their diseases and sickness, and He healed every kind of them. But He was moved even more deeply by the needs that most of the multitude did not know they had; to be freed from their bondage to sin. He was not fooled by their religious fronts and their spiritual facades. He saw their hearts, and He knew that inwardly they were distressed and downcast.

Jesus saw the downcast multitudes as sheep without a shepherd to protect and care for them. They were helpless and defenseless, spiritually battered, thrown down, and without leadership or supply. Those who claimed to be their shepherds were the scribes and Pharisees, but it was those very "shepherds" who were largely responsible for the people's confusion and hopelessness. Their religious leaders gave them no spiritual pastures, nor did they feed them, give them drink, or bind up their wounds. Instead, they were spiritually brutalized by uncaring, unloving leaders who should have been meeting their spiritual needs. Consequently, the people had been left weary, desolate, and forlorn. In John 10:6 Jesus calls them "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," God's chosen people who had been left to perish.

The scribes and Pharisees offered a religion that added burdens instead of lifting them. They had great concern about their self-made traditions but only superficial and hypocritical concern about the true law of God. And for them, the common people were the object of disdain not compassion, to be exploited not served. The scribes and Pharisees were true descendants of the false shepherds against whom the Lord had railed centuries earlier through Ezekiel: "Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought hack, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them" (Ezekiel 34:2-4; Zechariah 11:5).

The scribes and Pharisees "tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men's shoulders," Jesus said; "but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger" (Matthew 23:4). Worse than that, they "shut off the kingdom of heaven from men," not entering themselves and not allowing others to enter (v. 13). What an indictment.

Many religious leaders today are still endeavoring to keep people out of the kingdom by distorting and contradicting God's Word and perverting the way of salvation. They still keep them from the true Shepherd. By telling people they are already saved because "a good God would never condemn anyone to hell," they lead people to be content with themselves and to see no need for repentance and salvation; thereby shutting tight the gracious door God has provided. Or when people are told they can work their way into God's favor by avoiding certain sins or by performing certain good deeds or participating in some prescribed ritual, they are likewise deceived and left in their lost-ness. Those for whom Christ feels compassionate love are spiritually battered, bruised, and thrown down to lie helpless outside the sheepfold God has provided for them in His Son. Jesus called such false teachers thieves and robbers, strangers from whom people should flee (John 10:1, 5). 

In his parting words to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Paul warned, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:28-29).

Jesus not only performed miracles of healings to establish His messianic credentials but also to show God's infinite love. He demonstrated compassionate power, a kind of power completely foreign to pagans and even to most Jews; who had long ago lost sight of the loving-kindness of the God who had called, guided, protected, and blessed them as His chosen people. The people who witnessed Jesus' healing touch and heard His healing words must surely have been as astonished by His compassion as they were by His power.

How wonderfully refreshing it must have been to hear Jesus say, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). What a contrast those words were from the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees, who added burden upon burden, tradition upon tradition, requirement upon requirement.

Love and Kindness (Impact statements)

Use your voice for Kindness, your ears for Compassion, your hands for Charity, your mind for Truth and your heart for Love.

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness.

Love is where compassion prevails, and kindness rules.

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those that are rude to you; not because they are nice, but because you are.

The effects of Kindness are not always seen immediately. Sometimes it takes years until your kindness pays off, and is returned to you. And sometimes you never see the fruit of your labors, but they are there, deep inside the soul of the person you touched.

Learn to give without hesitation, and lose without regret.

Love and Kindness: Spread it, Give it, Live it.

A 14 Day Prayer Request {Psalm 119:35-37}

Father God,
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes, and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.

The Culture of Love and Kindness (C.O.L.K)

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

God reaches toward His people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let Him. This reminder of God's magnificent love is a breath of fresh air. Rather than thinking of God with dread, look carefully and see Him lovingly drawing us toward Himself.

Titus 3:4-5 (NCV)

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, He saved us because of His mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with Him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit.

God’s kindness and love appeared in the human form of Jesus Christ. By His death, He saved us from our deserved punishment for disobeying God. He offered this salvation because of His mercy alone, not because we deserved it by doing good things. Paul summarized what God does for us when He saves us. God washed away our sins. When believers receive this washing of rebirth, all sins, not merely some, are washed away. We gain new life with all its treasures. The process is complete. We can experience what we have in new ways, but we have received the whole package! We live a “new” life because of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-17) whom He generously poured out upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in these verses because all three participate in the work of salvation. Based upon the redemptive work of His Son, the Father forgives and sends the Holy Spirit to wash away our sins and continually renew us.

The preceding texts give us a clear and practical way to affect our world, giving an undeniable witness of God and His love. God draws us to Himself through love and kindness.

We need to create a “culture of love and kindness,” encouraging a spirit of generosity, and love where everyone is accepted, celebrated and valued. In a culture of love and kindness, people stand up for and next to one another, all for one and one for all. We must instill, reinforce, and practice the values of love and kindness. We need to develop a pro-kindness strategy; a dedicated effort to teach, advocate, and model kindness that works.

Here are some practical steps we can take to promote a culture of love and kindness: 

(1) If you want to make a change you need to recognize that you and you alone are responsible for your own actions.

(2) If you don’t have something nice to say, then say nothing.

(3) The best way to make a change is to start with yourself.

(4) Treat others as you wish to be treated, and choose your words carefully.  

(5) Kind people are not passive and don’t look the other way when someone else is mean.

(6) We need to apologize to people we have hurt. It is the right thing to do and no one deserves to be hurt. This includes people that have been nasty to us. If you attack back you are just perpetuating the nastiness.

(7) You can stand up for yourself without tearing someone else down.

(8) We need to stand beside those that are hurt.

(9) Sharing your experiences helps others to understand they are not alone.

(10) It’s important to work together and help others learn from our experiences.

(11) BE A LEADER: SET AN EXAMPLE. You are intelligent, and kind, and want to stand up for what is right. Sometimes it’s hard to make the right choices but now is the time to stand up and do the right thing. Be courageous especially when the people around you aren't.

Love is the root of all of the fruit of the Spirit, and can be manifest in the following ways:

• Love's touch is: Kindness
• Love's character is: Goodness
• Love's habit is: Faithfulness
• Love's self-denial is: Gentleness
• Love singing is: Joy
• Love resting is: Peace
• Love enduring is: Patience
• Love in charge is: Self-control

What actions do we need to take this week to walk obediently according to the Spirit among the unbelievers we know? What acts of kindness, love, mercy, or helpfulness will you entertain so that the life of Christ in us will touch and bless others?

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14).