1 Thessalonians 1:4

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Thessalonians 1:4

 

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4 

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Thessalonica, along with his friends Silvanus and his student Timothy. “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” 1 Thessalonians 1:1. Notice here that Paul does not use the title apostle, which shows his care for the people by not denoting a position they probably would not understand. He then continues by thanking God for them. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3. When Paul thought of the Christians there, he was filled with gratitude. Paul started the church there under non-ideal circumstances, being run out of town after only three weekends with them. We read in Acts, “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, these men who have upset the world have come here also.” Acts 17:4-6.

Yet the church was strong and full of life. Paul knew that this work was beyond him and his abilities and it was the work of God. “knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Going back to verse three, we read again “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,” Paul constantly thought of the good work they were doing and commended them for it. And then he adds, ”knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you.” Paul is not saying God chose them for salvation, but for the work He was calling them to. The phrase beloved by God was a phrase which the Jews applied only to supremely great men like Moses and Solomon, and to the nation of Israel itself. Now the greatest privilege of the greatest men of God’s chosen people has been extended to the humblest of the Gentiles. God chose them because He loved them and they gave themselves to Him. This phrase ‘chosen people’ once only referred to the people of Israel, but now it refers to those who gave themselves to Christ. And through Paul, and now also the Church in Thessalonica, they professed the gospel not just in written or spoken words by conviction and in power via the Holy Spirit working through them.

And finally in verse six, “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7. Essentially, Paul was saying that as I suffered and endured trials in my work of spreading the truth of the gospel, you were doing the same. They were living Godly lives in the midst of tribulation in joy through the of the Holy Spirit in them.

And as time moves forward, we will find life becoming much more difficult as our belief in the true God who sent Christ to die for us, become less desired and at some totally rejected and banned. We see our culture moving in this direction quickly. We must remember that God will not leave us, but will always be with us, guiding us in reaching out to the lost. We all will no-doubt suffer in some way for the cause of Christ. We must be, as Paul said referring to the Church of Thessalonica, constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” It may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Philippians 1:12

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philippians 1:12

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,” Philippians 1:12  

This is a very powerful verse, for it shows Paul’s thoughts on what is really important. He was in a Roman prison, a place that was not where anyone wanted to be for the harshness of the guards was well known. But look at what he says. “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel. so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” Philippians 1:12-13. Paul was more concerned about the gospel spreading throughout the land then the fact he was imprisoned. And because of this, he did not mind where he was, or what he suffered. In fact, because he was there, many who would never have heard the truth were given the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was able to witness for Christ among the Praetorian guards, who were in charge of the prison where he was confined, and who also, in their turn, were on duty in Caesar’s palace. Paul says that, through his being in bonds there, the particulars concerning his imprisonment were talked about even in the imperial palace, and by that means the gospel was made known to many in Caesar’s household.

Next, we see, “and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:14. Because he was in prison, many had been persuaded by his imprisonment to be more daring in their proclamation of the word. They understood that calling attention to the faith might expose Paul to ridicule and abuse by his guards and might even prejudice his case. But they also know that he has been appointed for the defense of the gospel and is prepared to suffer in its cause. Charles Spurgeon gives a great image of this. “You have sometimes seen a widely spreading oak tree cut down, and you have missed its grateful shadow. Yet afterwards you have discovered that many little trees, which would have been dwarfed beneath its shade, have grown more rapidly in its absence.  In like manner, the removal of some eminent servant of the Lord Jesus Christ has frequently made room for others to spring up, and more than fill his place.”

Next, we read, “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.” Philippians 1:15-17. It seems that even in Rome there was a party which was jealous of the influence Paul had, and they thought his imprisonment was a good opportunity to diminish his influence and to strengthen their own cause. But Paul did not let this upset him, for he was confident that over time it would succeed. It is desired that all who preach Christ should preach in a right spirit. But even if they do not, let us be glad that Christ is preached anyhow. Again, Charles Spurgeon illustrates it so well. “You have, perhaps, sometimes seen a little fire kindled among the dead autumn leaves, which are dank and damp. You have noticed that, despite all the smoke, the fire has continued to live and burn. So it is with the eternal truth of God. Notwithstanding all the error with which it is often damped, and almost smothered, it will live, and the truth will conquer the error that is piled upon it.”

In closing, we may go through difficult times, but who knows why God allows or orchestrates it. He knows everything and allows some things to happen for an overall good. Paul was in prison, and it gave him the opportunity to share the gospel with the prison guards, and ultimately to the imperial palace through them. Many Christians have been imprisoned for their faith, which gave them the opportunity share the gospel with those imprisoned there, along with the guards and anyone else they had contact with. And sometimes, things happen to us in order for someone to see God working through us. Be at peace, for as one of my favorite verses states, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. We must trust Him that ultimately it will end with His will being accomplished. Remember, God’s calling to us is to preach the gospel and spread His truth to everyone. And if He knows hard times will make a positive difference, accept it, knowing these times will eventually go away forever.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Philemon 1:16

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philemon 1:16 

“No longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” – Philemon 1:16     

The main theme in this book is Onesimus, a runaway slave from Philemon. He was a fugitive who had robbed his master and then fled to Rome, where he believed he could hide in the large city and thus not be found. Onesimus encountered Paul, who was in prison, who helped him become a Christian. Then finding out that he was a slave of Philemon, Paul wrote this letter to him regarding Onesimus. “Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you. since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus “ Philemon 1:8-9. Paul starts by saying he does not want to enforce compliance with his words but wants Philemon to do this of his own accord, in an attitude of love which governs the Christian. And by  mentioning his age and imprisonment, he can expect that Philemon will pay due respect to what he has to say.

Then he brings up his request. “I appeal to you for my child, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, Onesimus, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. And I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,” Philemon 1:10-12. Paul had led Onesimus to salvation through Christ while he was imprisoned. Obviously, his conversion was real, and Paul wanted to get this truth across. Then he uses a play on words. ‘who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me’. The name Onesimus means useful or profitable. It was a common name for slaves in that day. Prior to his salvation, Onesimus had been useless or unprofitable to Philemon, but now he had become beneficial to both Philemon and to Paul. Upon becoming saved Onesimus lived up to his name.

Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, asking/pleading him to accept Onesimus back, but not as simply a slave but as a Christian, a brother in Christ. Paul really loved Onesimus because of the great blessing he had been to Paul. In fact, in the next verse he would have liked him to stay. “Whom I wished to keep with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel; but without your consent I did not want to do anything, that your goodness should not be as it were by compulsion, but of your own free will. For perhaps he was for this reason parted from you for a while, that you should have him back forever,” Philemon 1:13-15. Paul would have liked to keep Onesimus with him, for he had rendered faithful service and could continue to give to him. Nevertheless, he does not want, under any circumstances, to encroach upon the decision which only Philemon, as the slave’s rightful master, could make. He wanted Philemon to make the decision on his own without any compelling by Paul.

Then he says, if he goes back, the following in our focus verse, “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” Philemon 1:16. He asks him not to receive him back as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. That is how Paul saw him, and he was encouraging him to feel the same. And then finally, “If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.” Philemon 1:17. Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as he has and would accept him. Their fellowship is grounded in their belonging to one Lord. This deeply binding relationship draws them together into common activities, in faith and love. On the basis of this bond, Paul makes his request in which he not only intercedes for Onesimus, but even identifies himself with him. All the love that Philemon will give to Onesimus will be considered as love that he had given to Paul himself.

We need to exhibit these characteristics in our lives. Employers, political leaders, and parents must follow the spirit of Paul’s teaching by treating Christian employees, co-workers, and family members as members of Christ’s Body. Christians in modern society must not view helpers as ways to achieve their ambitions but as Christian brothers and sisters who should receive gracious treatment. Also, all Christian leaders must recognize that God holds them accountable for the treatment of those who work for them, whether the helpers are Christians or not. We all will eventually answer to God for our actions toward others.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Philemon 1:4

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philemon 1:4 

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,” – Philemon 1:4  

There are only five books in the entire Bible that only have one chapter: one in the Old Testament, Obadiah, and four in the New Testament, second and third John, Jude, and Philemon. This is the only book which was written to an individual. But it is understood by this that he was a beloved friend of Paul. At this time Paul was a prisoner of Rome, of circumstances brought on the religious leaders. “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philemon  1-3.

So, in our focus verse we read, “I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,” Philemon 4. Paul was a man of prayer. He was thankful for his relationship with Philemon and often lifted him up in prayer. He makes a similar statement to the Church in Ephesus. “For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;” Ephesians 1:15-16. And why is he thankful to God for him? Paul then says, “because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” Philemon 5-7. Paul says there are two things he has heard that make him thankful to God for Philemon: his love for all of God’s people and his faith in the Lord Jesus. Now he may have heard this from Onesimus, or others who Paul has heard from, but either way, he was told Philemon had strong faith in the Lord Jesus, and ardent love towards all who were Christians. So much so, that he had a church in his home. Note in his opening statement above, “and to the church in your house”.

Paul was a radical believer in Christ.  Before this he was a Pharisee and is known today as a Pharisee of Pharisees. He hated the disciples of Jesus for a long time, to the point that he requested permission and letters from the synagogues at Damascus to bind and bring to Jerusalem anyone who was a follower of Jesus (See Acts 9:1-2). But he was converted to a follower soon after. “And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” Acts 9:3-6.

Paul, formerly Saul, became so devoted to Christ that he left everything else behind in order to serve Him. And one thing he did was pray for the Church and the believers. The Church was going through much persecution and Christians everywhere, just as Paul and other leaders in the Church spent their time. And with things going in the direction it is going, we all need to be praying for our fellow Christians and the Church itself as well. The enemy is focusing on dividing the Church, and we need to pray that God will intervene and help us keep our unity.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Titus 3:8

Verse of the Day Devotion – Titus 3:8

“This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” – Titus 3:8

Paul starts this verse by stating ‘This is a trustworthy statement’. This refers to what he had just said, that the doctrine which he had stated about the method of salvation was of highest important, and entirely worthy of belief. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7. Paul found it of utmost importance that we speak confidently, with no doubt at all, of the salvation that God provided through Christ.  And this salvation was not on the basis of good works, as was the teachings of the Jews, but purely on the basis of His mercy.  And this mercy is beyond everything we can imagine.

But it is also important that we make it our way of life to do good works, not so that we can be saved, but because we have been saved.  Theologian Charles Spurgeon put it this way, “The common actions of everyday life, when they are well done, with a view not to merit, but out of gratitude these are good deeds. Be careful to engage in good deeds” of every sort and kind. You are sure to be working in some way; mind that your works are good works.”

Note how Paul ends this idea. “These things are good and profitable for men.” He is not saying it is good and profitable only for the one who does the deeds, but also to those who are the recipient of these good works.  There are people in need of many things, including the basic necessities of life.  Remember what Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31.  This idea of being careful to engage in good deeds has not gone away as if it were a temporary precept.  How can we say we love someone when we see they are struggling and we have the means to help them, but we do nothing. 

James put forth a similar idea. “What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” James 2:14-16.  He is speaking here of someone who is not careful to do good to others.  However, many people do just what James alludes to.  In times of need, words are not enough, assistance is what is needed.  And the assistance that brings people through tough circumstances is, I believe, what Paul refers to as good deeds. 

So, I want to encourage us all who are reading this and are believers to do good deeds to help people who are in need.  And also to train Christians we come into contact with to do the same.  Let our good deeds be seen by others in such a way that it encourages them to do the same.  We must not do it to lift ourselves up, but to lift up those in need. By doing so we will be doing the work that God has called us to: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and also to love our neighbor as ourselves. “And on these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:40.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Romans 15:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 15:13   

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 5:13

Here, Paul is writing to the Church in Rome, encouraging them to have hope. He starts this message with two verses that declare Christ to be servant to all people. In verse eight he speaks of the Jews. “For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,” Romans 15:8. Those who were of the circumcision were readily understood to be the Jews.  He was showing the gentiles the importance of bearing with the often-troublesome Jews. He shows them here that they were under the greatest obligations to share with this people the gospel. And He showed this by Jesus confining his ministry to the Jews. And He did this to confirm the truth of God, contained in the promises made unto the patriarchs. But this salvation was not exclusively designed for the Jewish people as God by his prophets had repeatedly declared.

In the next verse we read, “and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” Romans 15:9. As the Jews were to glorify God for his truth, so the Gentiles were to glorify God for his mercy. In verse nine he quotes a verse in the psalms. “Therefore, I will give thanks to You among the nations, O LORD, And I will sing praises to Your name.” Psalm 18:49.  The ‘nations’, being plural, refers to all nations, which include the gentile nations. In the next verse he quotes from Deuteronomy the following, “Rejoice, O nations, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And will render vengeance on His adversaries, And will atone for His land and His people.” Deuteronomy 32:43. Then in verse ten, “Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!” Psalm 117:1. And finally in verse twelve, “Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.” Isaiah 11:10.  This one here is especially pertinent for it speaks of all people standing before the Root of Jesse, Christ, resting together with Him.

Coming to our focus verse, we read “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13. The discussion of the relations between strong and weak in the Church comes to an end with a brief prayer for the readers. The true content and goal of faith is not the right to eat and drink, but joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. There is not to be any division regarding beliefs in the Church.  The Jews and gentiles differed in the food they ate and various other beliefs. And today, we also differ in various ways, such as how we worship or what we do when we gather.  However,  our focus should always be in the hope we all share in Christ, knowing that He is our hope and the God of Hope. We may have differences at times, but we should never allow this to separate or drive us apart. For we all, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, older or younger; conservative or radical, as Christians we all share one God and one hope, that being Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us all join in this one hope, praying as Paul did. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Acts 21:13

Verse of the Day Devotion: Acts 21:13 

“Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 21:13

Paul, along with some of his disciples went to visit Philip the evangelist in Caesarea and stayed with him for a time.  An interesting point here is that Philip had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.  This falls in line with what the prophet Joel prophesized when he said, “It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28. 

Now, while they were there, a prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judea.  “And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” Acts 21:11. This was troubling to all those there, but not so much to Paul for He had heard this before.  In speaking to the elders of the Church in Ephesus he said, “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.” Acts 20:22-23. 

Upon hearing this prophecy from Agabus everyone there, including the local residents who were there, began to beg Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  This was very much a sign of weakness in them though also an expression of their great love for Paul.  They were concerned for his safety, no doubt knowing how much the Jews hated him.  Also, in turning him over to Rome, the gentiles referred to in verse eleven above, they knew this could very well mean he could be killed.  Paul, answering in a traditional Pauline style said in our focus verse, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13. The people around him were crying and begging him to not go to Jerusalem.  He states here they were breaking his heart for though he had already decided to go to Jerusalem. and nothing could move him for he was resolute in his decision, yet their tears and what was to come greatly afflicted him, and the more because he could by no means comply with their request.  The Holy Spirit made it very clear on several occasions this is what would happen, and he was ready to die for the cause of Christ. 

When he was before the Ephesian elders where the Holy Spirit told him that bonds and afflictions await him, Paul told them, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24. Paul considered his work for the Lord far more important then anything else, even his very life.  And he showed this through what happened later in chapter 21.  This raises the question, are we willing to do the same if we encountered the same situation?  Would we continue to do the work of God knowing we could be arrested and possibly killed?  I know this is a difficult question to answer, but as time progresses, this may become more and more possible.  And if it happens, we must remember that just as Paul was never alone, neither will we be. God will always be with us no matter what.  His work and His ways are far more important than anything else we may have.  Remembering this and focusing on God’s love will make it more than possible, but also desirable.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Titus 2:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: Titus 2:6 

“Likewise urge the young men to be sensible.” – Titus 2:6  

Paul is writing this letter directly to Titus, a gentile and disciple of his whom he led to Christ.  He was called into the ministry and worked closely with Paul, accompanying him with Barnabas from Antioch to Jerusalem.  Paul begins by telling Titus to speak and teach the truth.  “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”  Titus 2:1. He was to instruct older men and women to be reverent in their behavior and not to be harsh in their speech nor enslaved to wine.  They we to be sensible and kind so that the word of God would not be dishonored.

Then Paul instructs Titus about the younger men.  “Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;” Titus 2:6. They are to be prudent in all things, taking control of their passions and desires.  This was an important lesson because, as gentiles, this was not the norm with either younger males or females.  And the idea was to show everyone how they could be an example of living life as they should.   They were to display a life of good deeds and purity.  He was to show them, via his own life, how they were to exhibit themselves.  This was essential to show the reality of how Titus’ ways were good and should be followed.  Paul goes on to say, “sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:8. Anything we say should be beyond reproach so that we will not be ashamed before those who we are training.  Thus, they will have nothing bad to say about us.  In so doing, they will have no reason to speak of any hypocrisy in us.

 Now, I am going to make this inclusive to all.  It is absolutely important that we, as Christians, teach sound doctrine to all we have the opportunity to instruct.  However, it is as important that our lives also instruct them, through being an example of the ways of righteousness.  We cannot say one thing and do another.  It is the sensible thing to do, as Paul lays out in our focus verse.  What we preach should be sound doctrine, that which the scriptures truly say, not what we want it to say.  And in teaching, we should show how it is to be lived out.  If we teach that our speech should be pure, then we should avoid speaking harshly or with filthy words and nasty meanings.  I have heard people who preach in church or teach in bible classes, and yet tell dirty jokes or use sexually explicit connotations.  This is essentially saying that these are acceptable as long as we are not preaching or teaching.  What does this tell the students or disciples?

James in his letter says the following.  “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25.  James here is saying if we only listen to the word but do not live it out, we are simply deceiving ourselves.  This is, of course a dangerous position to be in.  However, it is worse if we only teach the word and do not live it out, for then we are possibly leading others astray.  Note this warning.  “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42. And I can say with much certainty this would not be a good thing.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.