EDITORIAL
In April, this year, the Russians shot their man into space. Theirs was an orbital shot. In May, the United States shot our man into space. Ours was called a sub-orbital shot.
With this in mind, I want to present the question to you: Are you an "orbital" or a "sub-orbital" Christian?
Khrushchev described our space shot as an "up-and-down" endeavor. Of course we know that this is only the beginning of much greater things. The U.S. intends not only to soon orbit the earth but the moon as well, and who knows what after that.
Some Christians are sub-orbital Christians. Theirs is pretty much an "up-and-down" experience. However, I trust that those who find themselves there will not be satisfied to remain, but will set their sights farther out.
Some Christians may be classed as orbital Christians. Webster defines an "orbit" as "the path described by a celestial body in its revolution around another body." An orbital Christian may be defined as one whose life revolves around Christ. This Christian is heavenly minded -- whose affection is set on things above, who seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, who stays his mind on Christ. He is not first up in the heavenlies, then down in the slough of despond. Christ remains the center of his life. His course holds steady around Christ.
Such a path is not without its rewards. After the Bible says, "Set your affection on things above," it promises: "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Isaiah predicts: "Thou (Lord) wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." Jesus, after exhorting us: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," then adds: "and all these things (material necessities as well as spiritual blessings) shall be added unto you."
Such a state doesn't come automatically. After our astronauts were chosen for this mission, they set out upon a strenuous training schedule. Among other things, this involved a proper diet, proper exercise, much practice, and no little self-denial. If we would become orbital Christians, we too must give attention to these things. We must have the proper spiritual diet, exercise, practice, and self-denial each day. Our food: the Word of God, served by the Holy Spirit. Our exercise: "pray without ceasing." Our practice: a consistent Christian walk. Our self-denial: abstaining from anything that keeps us grounded.
Too many of us have been "up-and-down" Christians too long. Let's center our lives on Christ, which orbit will bring glory to God and blessings innumerable to us.
Sincerely,
Arthur E. Gordon, Editor
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Dear Shut-In . . .
By Henry G. Bosch
"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold." -- Proverbs 17:3.
THE MOTTO of the State of Kansas is "Ad astra per aspera!" which means: "To the stars through difficulties!" This might well be the motto of every Christian pilgrim who journeys toward the Celestial City! If you are God's "gold," expect the furnace! It is the Father's wish that we should be "perfect" as He is perfect and only the heat of trial can purify us -- only the furnace of affliction can remove the "dross" that clings to us.
A preacher tells the following story: "I once went with my brother to extract a crystal from a large piece of rock. With a mighty sledge hammer he vigorously dealt blow after blow upon the rock, chipping off piece after piece. At last the top of the crystal appeared. Then I could see what he was after, for it had not shown on the outer surface of the original stone. The rock itself was good for nothing; the crystal inside was everything. I thought to myself, So it is with the soul of man -- it is his crystal. The body is but the encasing rock that holds it. God's providences are smiting upon that rock, breaking and cutting it away that He may extract the precious crystal. The processes of trial and sickness, and the hammer-blows of what appear to be 'adverse circumstances' may appall us, but God knows what He is about!"
If you are upon the anvil of distress, or in the refining furnace of trial -- rejoice, it but proves that you are God's gold! Look to the banner of your hope -- "Ad astra per aspera" -- and say with the Psalmist, "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try . . . my heart" (Psalm 26:2).
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
-- Rippon's Selection
Reprinted from "Our Daily Bread," by permission of
The Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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THE WORD
(How To Approach The Bible)
By Geoffrey T. Bull
"The Word of God is to be the constant occupation of our heart and mind. The great question is then: how should I approach it?"
THE WORD OF GOD is to be to us more than our necessary food. When we rise, it is to be our meat, as we lie to rest, our portion. As we walk and as we sit, it is to dominate our conversation. The very posts and gates of our homes are to know its constant adornment. It is to be a sign upon our hands and as frontlets between the eyes. It is to shoe our feet and to crown our head. It is to dwell in us richly in all wisdom. In our youth it is to cleanse our way, in our pilgrimage to be our song, and in our age our sweet remembrance. In our prosperity we are to love it above fine gold. In our affliction though we be as a bottle in the smoke it is to be our confidence. It is to be a lamp to our every step, our guide for the distant path. Every thought and intent must come beneath its scrutiny. By it we are born again and by it we are nourished every day. It is our bread, our milk, our meat. In the storm we have no other anchor and in the haven of His presence, His word for ever settled there, remains His personal guarantee of our eternal good.
The Word of God is to be the constant occupation of our heart and mind. The great question is then: how should I approach it? This is vitally important today, when the emphasis on methods of Bible study is ousting the emphasis of the trembling heart.
Over the years there have formulated in my mind a few basic principles in the matter of our approach to the Holy Scriptures. They underlie the little allegory you have just read (See "An Allegory of The Bible," in the June, 1961 TRIUMPH) and are now stated here.
We must come to the Word of God first, with a due acknowledgement of the Author. "God spake all these words." We are going to be told something by Someone who is the very Lord of the Universe and sitting on the Throne of the heavens. We are listeners and learners. We know nothing He knows everything. We must come, then, not so much to analyze it ourselves, but to allow ourselves to be analyzed by it. It must ever be "What saith my Lord unto His servant?" intellectually we may collate the information contained in Scriptures, academically we may seek to assess the text and formulate its chronology, but spiritual food can only be spiritually assimilated. Faith if the only faculty that operates in this divine country. In coming to the Word we must believe that God has spoken. Further, we must believe that God's voice can be really heard and understood by those who are willing to obey.
Before you decide upon a method of study examine first your attitude of approach. Your hope of authorized entry into the territory of Revelation lies there. A vital approach to the Word of God, you will find, involves this three-fold recognition.
First we must come as "bowed to God the Father." That is we must tread the sacred ground as worshippers. We must take our earth-soiled shoes from off our feet, for the ways of the world are not His ways. With bended knee and prostrated spirit we must bow in silent adoration waiting in silence for what He has to say. We are to marvel in our hearts that the Almighty God should ever deign to speak to sinners such as we. We must stand in awe that the unapproachable God should so graciously come near and speak into our very ear. Every opinion must be hushed, all our suggestions silenced. We are in the presence of supreme Authority. We, who believe, can only linger in the stillness longing and waiting for the Father's Word and then, as it is given, rejoice in the intimacy of His loving counsel granted to His children.
Secondly, we must come as "blessed in God the Son." All our life and all our light are found in Him. Outside of Him we have nothing and apart from him can attain to nothing. He is all our salvation. He is all our joy and all our peace. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Our approach then is to be Christ-centered. He is the only lesson we have to learn, the only Person we need to see. From Genesis to Revelation as we pore over the pages our heart's cry is to be "We would see Jesus." Our sole desire must be to draw our waters from the head-spring of the Fountain. Show me but the source and let me drink of Jesus, for the single theme of all the written Word is Christ. There is no question. The Word Eternal is the only content of the Word inscribed.
Thirdly, we must come as "born of God the Holy Spirit." He it is who led us to Christ. By Him it is that each believing soul is born anew. He is the appointed elucidator of the Word, the ordained nourisher of our souls. He is the sustainer of all our spiritual good. Apart from the Holy Spirit, we are ignorant of Christ. Without the Spirit, our hearts are devoid of holy desire, for "the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God." Without Him we can neither worship in the sanctuary or minister to the people. Therefore as one born of the Spirit, He must be our exclusive Interpreter, our only Guide to the meaning of the Word.
We read then, as "bowed to God the Father,"
for there is no higher authority than His.
We search, as "blessed in God the Son,"
for there is no other lesson but Christ.
We learn, as "born of God the Spirit,"
for there is no other teacher but the Holy Ghost.
The significance of this approach is, that when we enter the country the Whole Godhead is for us -- for "Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is My Throne and the earth is My footstool . . . but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word" (Isaiah 66:1 and 2).
Bound up in the Approach is the full purpose of the Quest. The Holy Scriptures leave us in no doubt as to what that Quest should be, for the nature of the wisdom they unfold is clearly stated. They are "able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." We are to come by their reading to the knowledge of God revealed in Christ Jesus. This is life eternal. This is a wisdom which excels all other. David could say in all humility, "I have more understanding than all my teachers for Thy testimonies are my meditation. "I understand more than the ancients because I keep Thy precepts." The youngest believer because of what he has received of God's view of man in Christ, is infinitely superior in his outlook to the wisest pagan sage or any of the leading non-Christian philosophers. But true spiritual knowledge will always humble us, because it brings with it a consciousness of the greatness of God. "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy." The quest is for this kind of wisdom, and as we read the Bible we find that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. By the faith which the Word of God begets, Christ Himself is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification even redemption. We are told of three degrees of spiritual knowledge which for us, are the true content of the Divine Wisdom.
There is the knowledge of God Himself in Christ, thus Paul prays "that I may know Him" For Paul this is the excellency of knowledge, compared with which all else is as the refuse of the field.
There is the knowledge of His gifts; thus Paul writes "We have received the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given us of God."
It is in this knowledge that Christ Jesus is made unto us Wisdom. It will make fools of us before the world, but we can be quiet in the assurance that the wisdom of God shall at the last be justified in all her children.
This right approach in the quest, if sincerely and humbly pursued, will by the action of the Spirit produce the required result. This is evidenced primarily in our moral character. Spirituality is not measured by our ability to quote the text of the Bible or give the orthodox answers. Spirituality is measured in holiness. This is the emphasis that Paul gives to Timothy. "All Scripture," be says, "is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." When still quite young I was taught this truth concerning the function of God's Word in this little formula.
As "doctrine" it tells us what is right
As "reproof" it tells us what is not right
As "correction" it tells us how to get right
As "instruction in righteousness" it tells us how to keep right.
The Bible does not teach us how to be clever. It teaches us how to be right. We are to be right with God. We are to be right with men. We are to be right within. When we read the Bible we are expected to obey. We are to make the applying of His Word to our personal lives one of the major tasks of our occupation. Present obedience is always God's condition for obtaining an increased understanding.
The Scriptures abound with many figures of this application of the Word.
We have in our hands "the Seed." (Luke 8:11). This is the Word of God as "doctrine." Christian doctrine is the sum total of all the principles of Divine Life. To hear the Word of God, in the sense that Christ taught, is to receive that seed into the ground of the heart and let it germinate there until it brings forth fruit. There is to be tangible proof of the work of the Word in a moral sense. We say we believe the Word, but that faith is only valid if it brings forth works. If your study of the Scriptures does not make you increasingly holy in character, then it may be you have never entered the territory under the auspices of the Guide. Maybe you are studying it like a map of a foreign country. It is all very interesting. You know the names and are acquainted with the data, but actually you have never been there. You are still very much at home where you are. When we begin to obey God's Word and harken to the doctrine, we become like faithful Abraham. Its first result is to make us leave our kindred and our father's house and move forward into the better country. The Seed of the Word always breaks to pieces the ground in which it grows.
We have in our hands "the Sword." (Ephesians 6:17). This is the Word of God as "reproof." It divides asunder soul and spirit, discerning both thoughts and intents of the heart. Being two-edged it is inescapable. We must feel it before we can wield it. But once it has wounded us it can become our weapon in the Spirit.
We have in our hands "a fire." (Jeremiah 23:29). This is the Word of God as "correction." It is purgative, not only showing what is wrong put purifying as it burns. Our God is a consuming fire and the Word of His mouth will scorch us clean.
We have in our hands "a lamp." (Psalm 119:105). This is the Word of God as "instruction in righteousness." He delights to lead us in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake, and this He does as a Shepherd calling to His sheep and lighting their way home.
Thus His Word which begets us in life, which pierces and arms us, which purges and cleanses us, shall lastly guide us to glory. Progress in the Word is always progress in character.
The man who is spiritually occupied with the Word is a man who has his feet on earth but whose mind is instructed by the very wisdom of heaven. He is surrounded by corrupt fragmentary opinion and yet is hearing daily the counsels of the Father at the Throne of His power. The din and noise of the world's traffic hurry past him but amidst it all he finds green pastures, still waters and the quietude of God. On every side is shifting sand but the Rock beneath him stands impregnable. With the advancing years his eye may dim but he endures as seeing Him who is invisible. All about him is riddled to decay and ready to pass away, not only man's tiny buildings and his puny culture, but the entire panorama of the earth and sky. All shall be folded up as a garment, yet for this man there is in his heart that precious deposit which liveth and abideth for ever, the imperishable Word of the Almighty and Eternal God.
From "God Holds the Key," by Geoffrey T. Bull;
Used by permission of Moody Press, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago IL.
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"BE OF GOOD CHEER"
By Dana M. Pankey, D.D., Th.D.
Pastor to the Sick and Shut-ins
AS CHRISTIANS we are not immune from cares, burdens, and troubles in this world.
1. God's Word Tells Us That We Shall Have Tribulation.
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Two spheres of Christian living, and the consequences, are shown here. "In Me" (in Christ) is the realm of spiritual life. "In the world" is the realm of human life. "In the world" -- because we live in this world. "In (Christ)" -- because we have been born again. "In (Christ)" -- "peace." "In the world" -- "tribulation."
Job said (chapter 5, verse 7) , " . . . man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward." We find in Job 14:1 -- "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." But we also read in Psalm 46:1 -- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
2. Do You Sometimes Wonder Why Christians Have Troubles and Cares?
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18-19).
" . . . we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3,4).
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).
3. God Knows All About Every Trouble You Have.
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
4. God Can Bring Good Out Of It.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy: (1 Peter 4:12,13). If you would understand the word "partakers" better, just turn it around, "take-part-ers." We share in Christ's sufferings, but it is equally true that He shares in ours; and we shall share His glory.
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29). "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17). "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him . . . " (2 Timothy 2:12).
"No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby"(Hebrews12:11). God always has His "afterward" for His own who suffer in this present life.
5. Here Is What You Can Do About Your Troubles.
God says, "And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15). "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17). "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22).
"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 9:9). "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7). "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock" (Psalm 27:5). "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalm 27:13,14).
Jesus says, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
"Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6.7).
Christ is the answer to all of our problems and questions He knows every little thought and intention of our hearts. Even the number of hairs in our heads are known to Him. He is interested in His children. Not even a sparrow can fall to the ground, but that His eye sees it. He promises you comfort and abiding peace. SO LOOK UP, my friend. If you are sure you are a born-again child of God, you shall certainly have a better life, and eternal happiness with the Lord Jesus Christ forever in His eternal Heavenly Home by and by.
If you are not sure of your soul's salvation and where you will spend eternity, the thing for you to do is turn to the Lord right now, in simple faith, believing and trusting, accepting and receiving Him as your own personal Saviour.
Dr. Pankey suffers from partial paralysis as a result of four successive strokes in 1954. Look for more articles in future Triumphs from the pen of this dedicated servant of God. Dr. Pankey lives in Phoenix, AZ.
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SERMON SERIES
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER
No. 23
How do you spend your time?
I Peter 4:3-6
LIFE MAY be divided into three time elements, past, present, and future. Our text examines these time elements with relationship to the child of God.
TIME PAST
"For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: (3).
All of us have had our "time past." Much of it would be better left buried. These to whom Peter wrote were no exception, unless possibly their past life was somewhat worse than others. But, one thing is certain, their old life of sin was indeed "past." Many of their former associates were living yet in the old ways, but not these "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." The old life was "past" for them. May it be likewise for us.
"For the time past of our life may suffice . . . " We had sufficient time before we met Christ, to go the limit in sin. In my case I had 19 years to practice sin. Some of you had more, some less, but whatever it was, it was long enough, it was sufficient to have plumbed the depths of sin. When we came to Christ, this chapter of our life was closed and done. It became history It must remain forever "past."
In "time past" we "wrought" and we "walked." We "wrought the will of the Gentiles." We "walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries."
We "wrought the will of the Gentiles." During those pre-Christ days we were pretty much governed by popular opinion. What the world dictated, that's what we did. Their standard was our standard. Some today, especially the younger set, have revolted from the normal (so-called) standard. They loudly declare that they will no longer follow the old line and way of doing things. They want everyone to know they are going to be individualists. They are determined to throw off all restraint to their personalities. And yet these same individualistic-minded young people all dress alike, comb their hair alike, like the same type of music, and in all are easily identified with their group. They pretend to be individualists but in reality are very much controlled, if not by the opinion of society in general, yet by the opinion of their own society. And everyone is much the same. The world society sets the standard and the individual bows to it, or is ostracized for not bowing.
What is "the will of the Gentiles?" We might enumerate many things, but let one illustrate. -- Pride. At present the East and West are in an arms race. Each is trying to outdo the other. Each is striving to prove his scientific superiority. Both are pouring out voluminous propaganda. Each is proud of his own accomplishments. The answer newsmen invariably receive when asking some government official what he thinks of our space program is: "I am proud of our achievements", or "We have much to be proud of."
If this is true on the national and international level, how much more is it true of the individual. "I have my pride, you know," is what we hear all to often. No one seems to think it wrong to be proud. In fact they think there is something wrong if you aren't proud.
The Biblical and God's standard, however, is just the opposite. "An high look, and a proud heart . . . is sin." Therefore "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." Yet what God condemns, the world has made a virtue. This is but one facet of "the will of the Gentiles." Another might be the shady business deals which most people accept as a legitimate means of making the fast buck. "Everyone else does it, so why not me," is their only excuse. And then too, there are the many law-abiding law-breakers. We have fine laws in our country, but even finer ways of stepping a little (not much) beyond the law and still remain respectable. This is the old trick of being good enough to stay our of jail and bad enough to have a "good" time. It's something like having enough religion to be known as a Christian, but not too much to interfere with other week-day, secret, not-too-wholesome pursuits.
"The will of the Gentiles" is far below the will of God. "The time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles." That is all behind us now. Let's make sure it stays there. We can't stop the worldling from practicing the will of the world, but it has no place in us who name the name of Christ. The sooner we learn this, the happier we shall be. That which should fill our sight now is the will of God.
So much for what we have in the past "wrought." Now, for how we have in the past "walked." In "time past . . . we walked in lasciviousness" or sensuality. We were taken up in those days with gratifying the senses. But now our one desire is to please Him who bought us. In "time past . . . we walked in . . . lusts." We let our natural desires become passionate, uncontrolled, evil. But now our desires have become subject to Him who rules and reigns in us. In "time past . . . we walked in . . . excess of wine, revellings, banquetings." Not a pretty picture is it? But now that we know and love Christ, we have heeded the Scriptural admonition: "Be not drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." We no longer carouse with the old gang in the old haunts; we no longer go on drinking sprees. Our time is given over to Christ and His people. We find our greatest joy in fellowship with them.
Finally, in "time past . . . we walked in . . . abominable idolatries." "Abominable idolatries" have always been present to some degree in every age. When Gideon was called of the Lord (around 1200 B.C.) to deliver Israel from her Midianite captors, this was the first thing that had to go. The Lord's instructions to Gideon were: "Throw down the altar of Baal that thy Father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it." This word "grove" refers to the shame images which were used in the worship of the god, Baal, and the goddess, Asherah. There was "a stump on each side of the Baal alter, one with the secret parts of a woman and the other of a man carved on it; by it the Baal worshipers committed lewdness in the name of religion. Temple prostitution was a sacred part of Baal ritual" (Berkeley foot note). Is it any wonder that this had to go before God could bless Israel with any deliverance?
You may be thinking that there could be no application of these "abominable idolatries" to our day, that we have no such lewd practices connected with our religions. But has not our country drifted more and more toward the worship of sex? We may not yet have it as a part of our religion, but we religiously pay homage to it. This country has fallen into a sex mania. It screams at us from every direction. Newspapers, magazines, television, movies, billboards, all advertise it.
But can we help it if these agencies put out this sort of thing? The fact remains that they are putting out just what the public wants. These industries are in business to make money. They produce what will make the most money. The fact that they produce films filled with sex proves this is what the public wants. How can God ever bless us with such an unholy emphasis? We must put the axe to the root of the tree. We must, as a committee of one, religiously avoid "abominable idolatries," not only with relationship to actual practice but also to the thought life, for the Lord reminds us that the thought is as sinful as the act.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers . . . nor drunkards, nor revilers . . . shall inherit the kingdom of God.
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
TIME PRESENT
"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you" (4).
Since we have been washed by the blood of Christ, set apart exclusively unto Him, declared by God to be righteous as He is righteous, we no longer "run . . . with them to the same excess of riot."
To get a picture of this "excess of riot," we turn to Luke and the story of the young man known as the prodigal son. This young man said to his father one day, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them (he and his older brother) his living.
"And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with RIOTOUS living." He spent all he had on the gratification of the flesh, without thought for his soul. The worldling today has little interest in things invisible; he gives himself wholeheartedly to fleshly satisfactions. His driving motive is to get more and more for the gratification of his body. But we who are in Christ "run not with them" in this evil bent. Our motivating force is the Holy Spirit. He continually draws us away from the temporal and physical to the eternal and spiritual. He causes us to think first of the soul.
What affect does this have on our old friends? The first reaction is: "They think it strange that ye run not with them." They think it foreign to our nature that we run not in the old ways. They well remember how we used to join in the "fun," even outstripping some of them in our zeal for those excesses. They think it strange that we should do so complete an about-face.
The second reaction is: we find them "speaking evil of you." Once we were a "good joe," now we are a "holy joe." Once we were a "drinking buddy," now we are to them the lowest type of vermin, the "do-gooder," "kill-joy," "wet-blanket," and a lot worse. When Gideon tore down the Baal altar and the shame images beside it he was immediately named Jerubbaal. This meant that he was against Baal. Our "friends" too will label us fanatics who are against everything, "speaking evil" of us.
If they could only realize the implication of their words. This phrase "speaking evil" actually means "to blaspheme," and suggests our new relationship to God. For someone to speak ill of us in Christ, is in reality to blaspheme God. This shall not go unnoticed nor unjudged.
TIME FUTURE
"Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (5,6).
Who shall give account? Why, those who presume to think and speak evil of us for not running with them to sin. They have passed judgment on us; God will pass judgment on them. He is holding Himself in readiness to judge them. But why has He delayed so long? Know this, beloved, "the Lord is not slack concerning his promise . . . but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance . . . And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation." God has kept judgment back, to this hour, that you, my unsaved friend, might be saved. But don't presume on His patience too long. For He is even now holding Himself in readiness "to judge the quick (living) and the dead."
When that day comes, there will be no hiding from it. Both the living and the dead will share alike. Both must "give account." There will be no judging then of other men's actions, no hiding behind someone else, no escape, "only a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
But what is the future of those who believe? They shall "live according to God in the spirit." "For this cause was the gospel preached." Here is the difference between the old life of sin and the present life of righteous living and the difference between looking to the future with hope and looking with fear. "The gospel preached." It was preached to us and we believed it. It changed our lives. It gave blessed hope for the future.
The gospel is briefly this: "Christ died for our sins . . . he was buried . . . he rose again the third day." "The gospel," declares Paul, "is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "For for this cause was the gospel preached . . . that they (who believe) might . . . live according to God in the spirit."
What words can adequately describe such life? Our spirit shall soar into God's presence. Then we shall live as never before. Let the enemy think what he will, let him say what he will, let him judge us wrongfully. God has something better for us by and by. Those who have fallen asleep in Jesus have already experienced life "according to God in the spirit." God promises that we too shall soon know this experience. As yet "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." But the day is far spent, the time draws nigh that we shall know even as we are known.
In the light of this, how do you spend your time?
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