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In Matthew 18 we are given instruction by Jesus himself regarding the subject of church discipline and forgiveness. The instruction is so clear that it can be easily outlined and practically applied in our lives and in our churches. In Matthew 18:15-35 we see the procedure for forgiveness, the principle of forgiveness, and the promise of forgiveness. Today we will look at the first of these, The Procedure for Forgiveness.

Matthew 18:15-35

1. The Procedure for Forgiveness Matthew 18:15-20

a. Approach your brother in confidence
To approach someone in confidence is to approach them privately without the involvement of others.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

When we feel that we have been “trespassed against” it is our responsibility to approach our Christian brother in private and with the intent of regaining a right relationship with them. Approaching them with any other intent or attitude is a violation of Jesus’ clear instructions in Matthew 18.

By precluding the involvement of other church members we assure that offense will not be taken up on our behalf and that we are not responsible for tainting the reputation of the person who has offended us.

Think for a moment of a situation where you have been offended. If you took it upon yourself to inform others in the church of the offense you would be helping them to form a negative attitude toward the one who has offended you. If the time comes when you and your brother are reconciled, or that you discover your offense is the result of a misunderstanding, you will have already damaged your brothers reputation in the eyes of others.

Proverbs 17:9 teaches that approaching our brother in confidence is an indication of our desire to maintain a loving relationship but telling others of our conflict is simply our way of sowing discord and creating separation between others.

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

It is easy sometimes after being offended to seek to justify ourselves by telling the situation to others, the more people who take up offense for us, the more we feel justified in our negative attitude toward our brother. This is the exact attitude that is to be avoided by employing the procedure that Jesus has given us.

The procedure which Jesus gave us, of first approaching our brother in confidence with the intention of becoming reconciled to him, avoids the above problem. It ensures that if we and our brother are successfully reconciled it is only us and God who know about the conflict. We have the freedom to put it behind us and to move on in our relationship.

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Next of all, Jesus tells us to approach our brother with counsel.

b. Approach your brother with counsel
Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Here we are told to tell our situation to one or two other Christians who can act as objective witnesses. These men or women can act as mediators or judges. They can view the conflict with fresh eyes and help to determine whether there has been a misunderstanding or a legitimate offense.

If the situation is to rise to the level where the church becomes involved these witnesses can serve as confirmation of the offense. The use of two or three witnesses is a biblical principle stretching all the way back to the book of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Next, Jesus tells us that if we are not reconciled with our brother after we have approached him in confidence and with counsel, then the situation rises to the level where the church as a congregation should become involved.

c. Approach your brother as a congregation
Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Step three in this procedure, after two or three witnesses have deemed there to be a legitimate trespass or offense, is to bring the situation before the church.
Here, the church acts in unity to admonish the sinning brother and seeks to restore him to fellowship. This restoration can happen only after repentance and reconciliation.

If the sinning brother does not heed the admonition of the church then he has made it clear that he is no longer in submission to the authority of the church. The church then has no choice but to move on to step four in this procedure for church discipline.

d. Remove your brother from your company
Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Lastly, Jesus tells us that if our brother has not taken heed to our desire for reconciliation, nor has he obeyed the counsel of two or three witnesses, nor has he submitted himself to the authority of the church, then the next step is to remove him from our fellowship.
Paul confirms this principle in his epistles to the Thessalonians and the Corinthians.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

It is no small matter for a Christian man or woman to reject the efforts of the church to reconcile him to their fellowship. The church is the very body and bride of Jesus Christ and operates with his authority and on his behalf. When we obey Christ in dealing with these matters we are executing His will on earth. This is made plain in Matthew 18:18-20.

Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The church who does not employ this procedure for forgiveness, or in the worst case scenario, church discipline, does not operate with the authority of Christ. It is the faithful adherence to Christ’s commands in Matthew 18 that brings his blessing and authority to the church’s verdicts.

Posted in Developing Renewed Relationships, Meditations | No Comments »

Our entire series on Developing Renewed Relationships begins in chapter three of the book of Colossians. Let’s look again at this chapter to remind ourselves of the context of these studies.

• Col 3:1,2. Q. Because we are “risen with Christ”, what are we to seek? Where should our affections be?

• Col 3:17. Q. How are we to do all things?

In Colossians 3 Paul sets out to educate Christians about their new life in Christ. Because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross for us and then rose again from the dead, he has successfully defeated the power of death, the devil and sin. Now that sin has been defeated it no longer has dominion over us. We are now free to live a life to the glory of God.

After Paul set forth this teaching in principle, he followed it by teaching the practical. He immediately began showing how setting our affections on things above (v2), mortifying the deeds of the flesh (v5,8-9) and putting on Christian character (v12-16) should directly influence our relationships. The first relationship he deals with is that of a wife to her husband.

• Colossians 3:18 Wives, ___________________ yourselves unto your own _____________________ as it is ________________________________.

For the remainder of this study we will examine the Biblical profile of a godly wife. First let’s look at the godly wife’s Authority

Her Authority

• Col 3:18. Q. A wife’s submission to her husband is “fit _______________
______________________”

• Eph 5:22. Q. How are wives to submit to their own husbands?

The word submission in this context means that a wife should willingly place herself under the leadership and headship of her husband. As we see in the verses listed above, this submission is first and foremost a submission to the Lord before it is a submission to her husband. We have already learned this very same principle in our studies on the government and our employers.

Whether it is a man submitting to the authority of his government or his employer, or a wife submitting herself to her husband, each of these is first an act of obedience and submission to the Lord and to the order of authority that he has ordained on earth.

This world has attacked each and every authority/submission relationship that the Lord has set up. Employees are encouraged to rebel against their employers by rabid unionism, citizens are encouraged to rebel against their government by social anarchists, and children are encouraged to undermine the authority of their parents by a spirit of rebellion. Satan has had a role in each of these perversions. It would be foolish to think that Satan would have left God’s greatest institution – the family, untouched. Indeed he hasn’t. The family has suffered tremendous attack at the hands of Satan by his influence in an ungodly culture. One of the greatest areas of attack has been the role of husbands and wives in the home, and the destruction of this authority/submission principle.

Many women shudder at the mention of the word “submission”, this is clear evidence that our culture has strayed away from God’s original design and has perverted it. In an effort to redeem God’s definition of the word, let’s look at some other examples where the principle is found.

• Eph 5:22-24. Q. What is the husband to the wife? ___________________

Q. What does Paul compare the husband/wife relationship to?

Q. Who’s example of submission (subjection) should the wife follow?

As Christians we are all submitted to the headship of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed the greatest love anyone could show by offering himself for the sins of the whole world. We submit to Him because he is our loving Lord and because God has set Him up as our Head.

Likewise men are to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Eph 5:25). And likewise, God has ordained that husbands be the head of their wives.

• 1 Cor 11:3. Q. Who is the head of man? ___________________.

Q. Who is the head of the woman? _____________________.

Q. Who is the head of Christ?____________________.

Many folks despise the word submission because they believe it means inferiority or subjugation. The fact is, God has designed an order of authority that exists even among equals. If a woman’s submission to her husband meant that she was inferior to Him, than it would also mean that Christ is inferior to God the Father, for he also submits to Him. Nowhere in the Bible is a man told to demand submission from his wife, nor is he told to make her to submit. This is completely contrary to the true definition of the word and violates the analogy which Paul paints of the church submitting to Christ and of Christ to God. Jesus has never forced the church to do anything, nor has God made Christ.

Submission is a voluntary act, carried out in a sincere spirit of respect for the one to whom we are submitting. A wife who submits herself to the headship of her husband begrudgingly is like the church who only obeys Christ with lip service. Neither of these is truly submitted.

God’s plan for the Christian wife is that she willingly place herself under the authority and leadership of her husband. Next of all let’s consider the wife’s Attachments.

Her Affections

By affections we mean those things which the wife is focused on or devoted to.

• Titus 2:4. Q. Older women are to teach the younger to be sober and to do what?

• Prov 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of ________________________.

• According to Titus 2:5, older women are to teach younger women to be discreet, chaste, __________________________________.

God’s design for the married woman is that she be devoted to her role as a wife and mother. It is no surprise that while God exalts the role of a stay-at-home mom, our society demeans it. Women are told today that self-fulfillment comes from outside of the home. That a sense of accomplishment cannot be found in her role as a wife and mother, but only as an independent woman in the working world. This is completely contrary to God’s design and to what he values.

• Psalms 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to ____________________, and to be a __________________________ of children. _________________
______________________________.

The woman who seeks fulfillment and satisfaction outside of her role as a wife and mother has missed God’s perfect will for her life. According to Psalm 113:9 God is to be praised because he allows women to keep house and to be the mother of children. • Contrariwise, what does Titus 2:5 tell us will happen if a woman is not a keeper at home or obedient to her own husband?

When a Christian woman finds herself attached to the things of this world, and pursuing priorities other than her husband and her children, her life does not praise God, but rather blasphemes his word. These are very strong words but they illustrate God’s strong desire that his pattern for the family, and specifically for the wife, be followed.

Next, let’s consider the godly wife and her Air. By “air” we mean her manner or demeanor.

Her Air

• Titus 2:5 To be __________________, __________________, keepers at home, ____________________, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Here in Titus 2:5 we find a list of qualities that older women are to teach to younger women. Let’s define these terms:

Discreet: A discreet woman is one who is not loud or stubborn (Prov 7:10,11). Having discretion means that she is not opinionated, and she knows the proper times and venues to express her opinions. This does not preclude her from being highly intelligent or of strong character, but this strength is under control and expressed using wisdom and discretion.

• Prov 11:22. Q. What is a woman who does not have discretion like?

• 1 Pet 3:4. Q. What does God deem to be of great price?

• Prov 31:26 She openeth her mouth with ____________________.

Chaste: To be chaste is to be innocent, modest and pure. The godly wife seeks to remain pure from the influences of this world. She is modest both in her dress and her demeanor. She does not crave attention, nor draw attention to herself. The wife who seeks to be chaste will dress in such a way that emphasizes her godly purity and not her sex appeal.

Don’t be fooled by those who would claim that to be modest is to be unfashionable or ugly. In Genesis 12:11 we are told that Sarah was a “fair woman to look upon” and then in 1 Peter 3:6 we see Sarah used as an example of a godly and submissive wife. Physical attractiveness and modesty are not mutually exclusive. Notwithstanding, in our oversexed society which emphasizes a woman’s body over of her character, the godly wife will find it difficult to find the middle ground between what is fashionable and what is modest. The important thing is that she always errs on the side of modesty and does not try to walk the line of fashion when it borders immodesty.

Good: The word here can also be translated “kind”. The godly wife is kindhearted. • Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the __________________________________________.

The godly wife is kind. She does not lose her temper with her husband or her children. Her children have come to realize that kindness is her “law”, and they will not hear her screaming or yelling in anger towards them.

As with all relationships, the key to a wife’s relationship with her husband is first her love for the Lord. She submits to her husband and delights in her family because it is God’s plan and purpose for her. To the extent that she refuses this role, is the extent to which she rebels against her God.

Posted in Developing Renewed Relationships, The Family | No Comments »

In this week’s study we come to what may be one of the most difficult relationships that the Christian must cope with – his relationship with his enemies. Everyone has enemies (whether they realize it or not!) and the Bible gives us very clear instruction in how God desires us to interact with them. Take a moment to consider folks in your life which you might classify as your enemies and think of them as you read through this study.

• Matt 5:43-48. Q. v43. What had the Jews of that day been taught concerning their enemies?

• Prov 25:21. Q. What are we told to do to our enemies?

• Ex 23:4,5. Q. How were the Jews told to respond to their enemies?

Q. The Jews in Jesus’ day were teaching that one ought to love his neighbor but hate his enemies, considering the verses above, is this view consistent with the Old Testament scripture? ______________.

The self-righteous, hypocritical leaders of the Jews perverted the scripture and taught that it was alright to hate your enemies. Yet this is not what the law taught. Jesus came proclaiming the spirit of the law, teaching that outward compliance to tradition was not enough, but that God required an inward submission to his holy character and the principles of the law.

• Matt 5:44. Q. Jesus said to _______________ our _________________.

Q. Jesus said to _______________ them that ___________________.

Q. Jesus said to _________________ to them that ______________________.

Q. Jesus said to _______________ for them that _______________________.

Jesus preached an ethic that is completely foreign to this world. It is unheard of to love you enemies, to bless them that curse you, to do good to them that hate you and to pray for those that use you. This world teaches that we ought to respond to our enemies with wrath, to answer cursing with cursing, to become embittered against those that hate us, and to wish ill on those that use us.

Jesus’ teaching is so radically different from what this world teaches that when we as Christians submit to it, and practice it, we stand out as men and women of distinction. We produce clear evidence that we possess a nature that is foreign to this world. Properly responding to our enemies will glorify God and produce opportunities to witness as others seek to discover what is different about us. (Matt 5:16)

The assumption that is made in Christ’s teaching regarding our enemies is that we are hated or despised undeservedly (1Pet 4:15,16; Matt 5:11). That is, we are being persecuted for our faith, for his sake, and not for anything that deserves such a response. Before we attempt to apply the following principles to our relationships we should search our hearts and ensure that we have not created enemies by doing wrong. If it is possible that we have offended others and are ourselves guilty, then we should first seek their forgiveness. That being said, let’s look at the proper attitude toward our enemies.

Bless them that Curse You

• Job 31:29-30. In this passage, Job is protesting at his friend’s assertion that he is guilty of sin. Q. What three things did Job say he was innocent of?

1._____________________________________________________________.

2.____________________________________________________________.

3._____________________________________________________________.

Job did not rejoice when his enemies suffered destruction. A mark of godly character is to rejoice with those that rejoice, and to weep with those that weep (Rom 12:15). This extends even to our enemies. God said that those who are glad when they see calamities (disaster or trouble) will not go unpunished! (Prov 17:5)

• Write out and discuss Prov 24:17_________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

• Rom 12:14 Q. How should we respond to those that persecute us?

Our reactions to our enemies should go past the superficial and affect our heart attitude towards them. To bless someone is to actually wish them well. We are to wish our enemies well and to mourn when they suffer personal distress.

Do Good to Them That Hate You

• Rom 12:19-21. Q. What two things are we told to do for our enemies?

The principle here is that of being willing to satisfy the needs of our enemies. When we extend goodness in this way, the Bible says it will be like heaping coals of fire on his head. The idea here is that by doing good to our enemies they will be confronted with their own sin. Our uncommon and unexpected response, in the love of Christ, will serve as a reproof and a rebuke to them. Or as verse 21 indicates – we will overcome evil with good.

Pray for Them that Despitefully Use You

In the following passage we will see how David responded to his enemies. These were men who rose up with false accusations against David.

• Psalm 35:11-14. Q. v13. How did David respond when he heard his enemies were sick?

Q. v14. David responded to his enemy as if he was his __________________.

Q. He mourned for his enemy like he was his _________________________.

Although David’s enemies brought false accusations against him, rejected his goodness and responded with evil, David did not respond likewise. He mourned when his enemies were sick, he humbled himself and even prayed for them. At the same time that David was praying for his enemies, in the same passage, he was also praying that God would judge them! (v23) Is this a contradiction? Let’s examine the passage more closely.

• Psalm 35:24. Q. After David asked God to judge his enemies, who else did he ask to be judged?

• Psalm 35:27. Q. Who did David want to rejoice? To be magnified?

• Psalm 35:28. Q. What did David indicate would be the end result of God’s judgment on these false witnesses?

David was not willing to rise up against his enemies himself. He brought his cause to the Lord. He personally prayed for these men and their well being, while knowing at the same time that they needed to be judged by God. By accusing David falsely, they were actually doing damage to the name of God, in whom David trusted. David desired that these men would be judged so that God’s name could be cleared. As a result, his friends would magnify the Lord and David could speak of the righteousness and praise of God all the day long.

Jesus – Our Divine Example

If anyone can be said to have had enemies it is the Lord Jesus Christ. It was not long into his public ministry that we read therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him (John 5:16). Jesus constantly interacted with those that hated Him. It will serve us well to observe His example and to emulate it.

• Luke 23:34. Q. How did Jesus respond to those that crucified Him?

• 1 Pet 2:20-24. Q. v20. What is considered “acceptable with God”?

Q. v21. By suffering for us, Christ left us an E_________________ that we should F________________.

Q. v23. When Jesus was reviled (verbally abused) how did he not respond?

Q. v23. When Jesus suffered, how did he not respond?

Jesus showed the ultimate act of love toward His enemies by dying for them (Rom 5:6-10). The love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that He has extended toward us should cause us to do the same toward our enemies. Jesus did not respond to his enemies by becoming like his enemies, he responded to hatred with love and to abuse with mercy.

Q. v23. In both of the circumstances above , how did Jesus respond?

• Heb 10:30. Q. Who does vengeance belong to? _________________.

Q. Who is the Judge? _________________.

Each time Jesus was persecuted by his enemies, he did not respond in like manner. Instead, as our example, he committed his cause to God. God is the ultimate judge and we can be assured that when he does judge, he will do it righteously. When we fail to rely on God in dealing with our enemies, it is very likely that we will respond in emotion or wrath. By submitting to God as the righteous judge we protect ourselves from losing our testimony in a fit of retaliation. Our enemies expect retribution and confrontation. By submitting to God and responding in love, we immediately project character qualities that are different from what this world is used to. We create an opportunity for God to receive glory by our willingness to forgo our own glory. See also Rom 12:19

Stephen – Filled with the Spirit and Loving his Enemies

• Acts 7:54-60. Q. According to v58, what did the people do to Stephen?

Q. v60. What were Stephen’s last words?

Q. v55. How is Stephen described here? F_____________________________

Stephen was able to respond to his enemies the very same way that Jesus did. How was this possible? He was filled with the spirit of Christ. A mark of spirituality in the life of a Christian is his ability to bear and respond well to reproach, criticism, persecution and hatred from others. When we become embittered toward our enemies or lash out toward them, we are acting in the flesh and not in the spirit (Gal 5:19-25). We must love our enemies.

Tags: enemies, friends, government, taxes, tribute, unbelievers, unsaved
Posted in Developing Renewed Relationships | No Comments »

Many of us have friendships that have carried over from a time when we were not saved or have developed friendships since we’ve believed, with those who are unbelievers. The question arises: How do I behave in these relationships now that I am saved? In this study, we will examine some clear biblical principles that we can apply to our home, school, work and other areas where we have friendships with the unsaved.

Understanding the Balance of Separation

In last week’s study we learned that we are to be separate from this world (2 Cor 6:17). We learned that Jesus has left us in this world, but that we are not of this world (John 15:19). The Bible clearly teaches that as Christians, we are to be different and distinct as we seek to live godly lives in the midst of an ungodly world. Although this principle is very clear, and very important, some have taken this principle to unintended extremes, and have turned separation into reclusivism or communalism. To be separate from this world does not mean to be withdrawn, unengaged or isolated.

• John 17:15. Q. What did Jesus pray regarding our relationship to the unsaved world?

• Philippians 2:15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ of a crooked and perverse nation, _______________________ ye shine as lights in the world;

• 1 Cor 5:9-11. Q. Who did Paul tell the church not to “company” with?

Q. v10 He was not referring to the fornicators of ____________________.

Q. v10 If this were the case, then we “must needs ___________________________________________”

God has chosen to leave us, as saved people, in the midst of an unsaved culture. The reality is that all around us are unbelievers who partake in sinful lifestyles. If we were to try to separate completely from these, we would have to be taken completely out of the world!

So separation does not me isolation. We will have relationships with unbelievers, and these unbelievers will practice sinful things which are forbidden for Christians. For the rest of this study we will examine how we are to relate to these unsaved friends.

Q. Do you think God permits us to have unbelieving friends?

• In 1 Cor 10:27, Paul gives instructions regarding a hypothetical situation where a Christian is invited for dinner.

Q. Who did the inviting? ____________________________________.

Q. Who was invited? (based on the context) _________________________.

Q. Paul continues with advice, assuming that the Christian was d______________ t_____ g_______.

In Paul’s hypothetical situation, he envisions an unsaved person inviting a saved person over for dinner. He did not instruct the Corinthians to decline the invitation, but rather gave them instructions assuming their acceptance of it. Based on this, do you think Paul was advocating isolationism? That is, that the Christians of the day cut off all ties to unbelievers? Of course not. Paul assumed that the Corinthians had acquaintances outside of the Church and he sought to help them to behave properly within those relationships.

• Eph 5:3-7. Q. After this long list of sins committed by unbelievers, what instruction does God give us in verse 7?

The proper balance of separation comes when we realize that we are in the world but not of the world. That is, we will always have relationships with unbelievers, but we are told very clearly not to behave like unbelievers. This is one of the keys to having proper relationships with our unsaved friends.

Next, we find another key principle in 1 Corinthians 10. The context is that of an unsaved, idol worshipper inviting a Christian for a meal. Some of the meat which the unbeliever is serving may, or may not have been first offered to an idol. How is the Christian to proceed? Is he to go ahead and eat this meat or to refuse?

In 1 Cor 10:25, Paul tells the Corinthians to buy and eat any meat that his sold in the shambles (or meat market) and not to ask whether or not it was first offered to idols. Why? Because the earth and all the fullness is God’s (v26) and all things are sanctified by prayer (1 Tim 4:5). But then in verse 28 of 1 Cor 10, Paul gives different instructions. & 1 Cor 10:28.

Why do you think Paul’s instructions have changed?

If the Christian went ahead and ate this meat, acknowledging that it was first offered to idols, what message would he be sending to his unsaved friend?

So we find a second principle. Not only are we to not partake with the sinful lifestyle of unbelievers, but we are to avoid any actions that may send the message that we condone such things.

In today’s contemporary church movement this principle is lost. Biblical standards of separation have been eliminated in the name of relating. We are to be friendly, to influence and to witness, but never at the expense of our godly character, or personal holiness. If we destroy our distinctiveness in the pursuit of being a witness, we destroy the one thing that validates our witness!

Inoffensive in All Things

Our Reactions

• 2 Cor 6:1-10 Q. Here we read a long list of life situations including persecution, distress, need, sorrow, false accusations, etc. Q. According to v3, how are we to behave in all of these situations?

Q. According to verse 3, why are we to be inoffensive in these things?

To “give offense” literally means “to be a stumbling block”. One of the greatest testimonies to God’s saving power is the way in which Christians react to trouble, adversity or opposition. If we are to win our unsaved friends, we must be sure to maintain a godly attitude in the midst of trials. When our reactions do not match our profession, we can actually hinder unbelievers from coming to Christ. We must always behave as if others are observing us… because they are!

Our Witness

As we maintain a proper testimony before our unsaved friends, we ought to seek out ways to share the gospel with them. In essence, every friendship we have outside of the church ought to be for the purpose of witnessing. How can we approach presenting the gospel to our unsaved friends?

• Col 4:5-6. Q. How should our speech be towards those “that are without” (the unsaved)?

• Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore _____________ as serpents, and ____________________ as doves.

• Php 2:15. Q. We are to be B_______________ and H_________________

It is easy sometimes for the Christian to become overbearing in his witness. It is important when we talk to our unsaved friends that we use wisdom, and speak graciously. We must learn our friends and seek opportunity to witness to them in a manner which is inoffensive. That is not to say that we compromise our message. The Bible says that the message of Christ is an offense and a stumbling stone. We must allow the message to be an offense, but never allow ourselves to be an offense. We become the offense when we condescend, overbear, or judge.

• 1 Cor 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the ­­­­­­­­­­­­______________, nor to the __________________, nor to the ______________ of God:

Paul mentions three types of people in this verse: the religious and unsaved, the pagan and unsaved, and the saved. Our task as Christians is to learn to behave properly toward each of these. We must understand our unbelieving friends and use wisdom to present the gospel to them in both an inoffensive and meaningful way.

• 1 Cor 10:33. Q. Paul sought to ________________ all men, by not seeking his own ______________________, so that all could be ______________.

This kind of selfless attitude is what is required in winning our unsaved friends to Christ. We acknowledge their unsaved state, their sinful lifestyle, even their rejection of the gospel, but we still seek to witness, either through direct conversation, or by modeling a transformed life. If your direct verbal witness has been rejected, it is still quite possible that your unbelieving friends will be saved by the long-term observation of your Christian character (Matt 5:16).

A Word of Caution

As we have already seen, our relationship with our unsaved friends should never compromise our Christian testimony. If the friends that you want to witness to are the same friends that you once practiced sin with, you may find yourself being tempted and drawn back into your old lifestyle (James 1:14). If you find that maintaining a friendship with these people is too much to bear, than you ought to separate from them. Compromising your testimony will do far more to hinder your friends from being saved, than your separation from them. You will still have an influence on them through prayer, and by the testimony that you have kept. Let’s review:

1. Have friendships with the unsaved for the purpose of witnessing, not companionship.

2. Do not allow any of your actions to be misconstrued as acceptance of your friend’s sinfulness.

3. Do not create undue offense by being overbearing or judgmental.

4. Maintain a right testimony at all times.

5. Use wisdom in seeking appropriate opportunities to share the gospel in meaningful ways.

6. Be ready to separate if your friendship becomes a hindrance to your spiritual life.

Tags: enemies, friends, government, taxes, tribute, unbelievers, unsaved
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How should the Christian relate to worldly authorities? This question is often debated in Christian circles. Some folks believe that the Christian should be a pacifist and remain “under the radar” at all times, while others believe that the Christian ought to be a social activist, protesting the government for the cause of Christ. Some believe that the Christian has the right to withhold taxes from an ungodly government, while others teach that it is the Christian’s responsibility to pay taxes. With so many differing opinions on the subject, one may assume that the Bible is unclear on the relationship a Christian ought to have to his government. The exact opposite is true.  As we will see in the remainder of this study, the Bible gives us clear instruction in how to respond to our government.

It would be helpful before you begin this study to read & Romans 13:1-10, where we find key principles regarding our relationship to the powers that be.

• Rom 13:1. In this verse we find two principles that are key to the subject of the Christian and his government.

Q. Here God tells every soul to be ___________________________ the higher powers.

According to this verse God requires that all Christians obey (be subject to) their government. This teaching is consistent with other passages:

• Titus 3:1. Q. Here Paul told Titus to teach the Christians in Crete to be S_________________ to the principalities and powers and to O___________ magistrates.

• 1 Pet 2:13-14. Q. How does Peter tell us we should respond to every ordinance of man?

Q. What are two types of authorities mentioned in v13-14 that we are to submit to?

• 1 Pet 2:17. Q. How are we told to respond to the King?

So the first principle that we see is that of submission.  God has ordained that all Christian’s honour and submit to their government.

Q. According to the same passage in 1 Peter mentioned above, what will be the affect of the Christian’s submission to the government? (v15)

Submitting to worldly governments is a matter of maintaining a right testimony before the unsaved.  Christians are often looked at with skepticism or even suspicion. When we live as exemplary citizens, obeying the powers that be, we put to silence those who seek an occasion to accuse us. According to Titus 3:2, this submission exemplifies a meek and gentle character.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

A lot of the debate surrounding the Christian and his government comes from the fact that most Christian’s live under unchristian or even anti-Christian governments and do not feel that their leaders deserve to be obeyed. Does the moral state of our government dictate whether or not we should submit? Let’s examine some scripture and establish the next key principle – the principle of God’s Sovereignty.

• Rom 13:1. Q. According to this verse, where does all power come from?

Q. Who ordained (appointed or set up) the ”powers that be”?

• Romans 13:2. Q. If we resist our government, we are also resisting the ordinance ­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________.

• 1 Pet 2:13. Q. For whose sake do we submit to every ordinance of man?

• 1 Pet 2:14. Q. We are to submit to our governors as ones that are  S__________  ________  __________.

• Rom 13:4. Q. Our rulers are the ministers ______________________.

When we submit to our government, we do it as servants of God. There is no power which does not first come from God. He has ordained all the powers that be.

• Rom 13:3. Q. According to this verse, our rulers are to protect us from E___________. And to P__________________ those that do good.

• Rom 13:4. Q. When should we fear our government?

Q. What should our government do with those who doeth evil?

• 1 Pet 2:14. Q. What two roles should our government play?

God has given us government for our protection.  Proverbs 21:1 says The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Even under the most ungodly governments we must acknowledge that our rulers hold an office which is ordained by God. He has given us our rulers for our own protection and for the judgment of those who do evil. Ultimately God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and in his sovereignty, he has allowed some ungodly men to wield power upon the earth. Even under these evil rulers we are to follow the principle Paul laid out in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Consider the audience to which Paul is writing in the book of Romans.  The men and women in Rome of that day lived in a society which was ruled by an absolute monarchy, one in which slavery was rampant, persecution was common, and taxes were exorbitant. It was to this audience that Paul said Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. If Paul so clearly and directly told the Romans to submit to their government, we dare not claim that we are excused because of our ungodly government!

An Exception

Now, after we have acknowledged that it is God’s will that we submit to our government as if we are submitting to Him; and that it is our duty to try, as much as is possible, to live peaceably with all men; and that our civil obedience is a major factor in our godly testimony toward the unsaved; we can ask the question; Is there ever a time when we are permitted to oppose the government?

First of all, there are some situations in which a government provides legitimate ways to influence who its leaders are, and what decisions they make. In these instances the Christian ought to exercise his right to vote, both in elections and referendums. But what about those situations where the Christian has no voice and is being coerced to behave in a way contrary to God’s will?

The Hebrew Midwives

• Ex 1:15,16. Q. What did the King ask the Hebrew midwives to do?

• Ex 1:17. Q. How did the midwives respond? For what reason?

• Ex 1:20,21. Q. How did God respond to the midwives?

• Ex 1:22. Q. Did the midwives obedience to God stop Pharaoh’s plan?

If the midwives disobedience toward their King did not stop his ultimate plan of killing the Hebrew babies, why was it commendable?

The Apostles

In Acts 5 we read an account of the Apostles being thrown into prison for preaching about Jesus Christ.  After God miraculously delivered them from the prison, they continued preaching. They were recaptured and brought before the council once more, this is the context of Acts 5:27:

• Acts 5:27-28. Q. What did the council forbid the Apostles from doing?

• Acts 5:29. Q. How did the Apostles respond?

• Acts 5:40. Q. How did the council react to the Apostles?

Daniel

• Dan 6:7-9. Q. What decree did King Darius make? What was the penalty?

• Dan 6:10. Q. How did Daniel respond to the King’s decree?

• Dan 6:16. Q. How did the King respond to Daniel?

• Dan 6:22,23. Q. What ultimately happened to Daniel? Why?

Considering the above examples, do you think it is ever permissible to disobey your government? Under what circumstances?

In circumstances where the government passes laws which directly coerce the Christian to behave in a way which is contrary to God’s law, the Christian ought to obey God. Notice that while God allowed the Apostles and Daniel to disobey their governments, he did not keep them entirely from the consequences of their disobedience. The Apostles were put in prison and beaten, and Daniel spent a night in the lion’s den. These men were ready and willing to suffer the consequences of their disobedience.

Taxes

Lastly, let’s consider the subject of taxes.  Should the Christian pay taxes to his government? What if his government uses tax money for ungodly causes?

Q. In Romans 13 we are told that the government is ordained of God and that it is charged with our protection.  Based on these facts, what does Rom 13:6,7 say we should do?

• Matt 22:17-22. Q. Considering v21, did Jesus say we should pay taxes?

In answering the Jews, Jesus stated that we ought to give according to God’s requirements, and according to the government’s requirements. Remember that God has ordained our earthly governments, therefore paying taxes is in actuality an act of obedience toward our sovereign God!

Jesus principle of “render under Caesar that which is Caesar’s” is a principle that applies to all Christians under all forms of government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was not a moral government, and certainly would have used it’s money for immoral purposes, but notice that Jesus still taught that taxes should be paid. If at all possible, every Christian ought to strive to be an example of a good citizen and to obey his government. Or as Rom 12:18 states it, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Tags: enemies, friends, government, taxes, tribute, unbelievers, unsaved
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“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

When Albert E. Brumley wrote those words back in 1965 he was expressing what every Christian feels when they begin to live an obedient life for God This world begins to lose its appeal, and in time, actually stands in opposition to his spiritual desires. This experience is consistent with what Jesus taught regarding this present world.

• John 15:19. Q. What did Jesus say we are “not of”?__________________.

Q. Jesus said that he has chosen us ___________________ the world.

When Jesus said “the world” he was not talking about this planet, but rather society.  It is the social system that exists all around us, the philosophy, the morals, the entertainment, all of the constructs of fallen man that make up “the world”.  When we got saved, Jesus gave us a new nature and immediately set us apart from this world. This setting apart is what the Bible calls sanctification.

• Hebrews 13:11-14. This passage speaks of our relationship to this world.  It uses the Old Testament sacrifice of animals as a parallel.  In the Old Testament the priest would sprinkle the blood of an animal within the temple, and then take the body of the animal to burn it outside of the city. The idea of being outside the city is that of being isolated, separate or even despised.

Q. According to verse 12, Jesus suffered _____________________________, So that he might S_____________________ us by his blood.

Q. Verse 13 shows what our response should be to what Jesus has done for us. It says that we should go forth therefore __________________________the camp and as a result we would ­­­­­­­­­­­bear his ­­­__________________.

Q. According to verse 14, what do we not have?_______________________.

Q. Where is our city?_________________________________.

It seems that Albert E. Brumely was almost certainly influenced by this passage when he wrote his famous hymn. Our citizenship is not here in this world, but we are pilgrims, passing through, waiting for our true home in heaven. Our response to Jesus’ sacrifice is to turn from this world, even if it means bearing reproach. • John 15:19. Q. What does the world think of Christians? Why?

Now let’s examine a little closer what this world is all about.  First of all, let’s consider the Satanic Dominance in this World.

The Bible refers to Satan as both the god and the prince of this world.

• John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the ___________
___________________ be cast out.

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the ___________________________ hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

These verses and others help us to understand why Satan, when tempting Jesus in the wilderness could claim to have both power and glory in all the kingdoms of the world!

• Luke 4:5-7. Satan said that all the power and glory of the kingdoms of the world had been D__________________ unto him.

When Adam sinned against God, he lost his dominion over this world, and sin and Satan were delivered the power to dominate.  Now, man in his fallen condition is heavily influenced both directly by sin and indirectly by Satan.  Satan may not make himself known, nor appear directly to men, but he has built up a world system founded upon his rebellion against God

What are some areas of our society where you believe Satan’s influence can be seen?

So, in understanding the world we must recognize the Satanic Dominance of the world, and next, we must see the Sinful Depravity of this world. All one has to do is watch the nightly news or the latest Hollywood movie to witness the depravity of this world.  Depravity means “morally corrupt”.

• 1 John 2:15 What are we told not to do?________________________

We are told not to love the world or anything in the world, why is this? Look at the very next verse in 1 John 2:

• 1 John 2:16. Q. What three categories can all that is in the world be divided into? _____________________________________________

This world system is driven by three main desires – the desire to have more (lust of the eyes), the desire to do more (lust of the flesh), and the desire to be more (the pride of life). These three things are absolutely opposed to the nature of God and to what he desires for his children. While the world desires to attain wealth, the Bible says “be content with such things as ye have” (Heb 13:5), while the world desires to indulge the flesh, the Bible says to not “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16), while the world says we should always desire to be more the Bible says that we are to “be not highminded” (1 Tim 6:17). These unholy drives have been the foundation for this world’s philosophies and approach to life ever since Adam sinned in the garden.  We must recognize the sinful depravity of this world and make a decided effort not to be conformed to it.

• Romans 12:2 And __________________________________________: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…

Next, and lastly we must recognize the Sure Destruction of this World.

• 1 John 2:16,17. Q. What will happen to this world?

• 2 Peter 3:10. Q. How will this world be destroyed?_________________.

The Bible makes it clear that this world and all the things within it will eventually be burned up.  Recognizing this fact ought to change the way we live our lives.  Look at • 2 Peter 3:11. Q. According to this verse, the future destruction of this world ought to motivate us to live in h_____________ and g______________.

Part of developing a right relationship with this world is realizing that this world is only temporary and that we, therefore, should not invest too much into it! Jesus taught this same truth in Matthew 6.

• Matt 6:19-21. Q. Why should we not lay up treasures on earth?

Q. v20, Where should our treasures be? v21,What does this indicate about us?

The right attitude toward this world is that of a pilgrim.  We are not invested in this world but are simply passing through.  Because of our pilgrim nature we must be sure not to “set up camp” in this world!

What are some ways that a Christian may become “too invested” in this world?

• Write out Col 3:2

So we have seen Satanic Dominance in the World, the Sinful Depravity of the World and the Sure Destruction of the World.  Next let’s look at some important reasons for our separation from the world.

First of all, we ought to separate ourselves from the world in order to Protect our Walk with God.

If we desire to protect our walk with God than we must separate from the world. When we walk in this world we expose ourselves to all the sin and temptation that comes with it.  The Christian who does not guard himself against these things will find himself slowly becoming affected by them.

The Christian who attempts to live both in the world and for God will struggle his entire Christian life and is very likely to eventually choose the things of the world over the things of God.

• Matt 6:24. Q. What can no man do?___________________________.

Q. What will eventually happen if one tries to serve both God and the world?

When a Christian develops a daily quiet time with the Lord, he ought to diligently seek to protect it.  This protection comes when we guard our lives from the sinful influences of the world.  The Christian who has no problem being friends with the world, or indulging in the world’s depraved entertainment probably does not have a daily quiet time with the Lord which he values.

• 2 Cor 6:17. Q. What must we do before God will receive us?

• James 4:8. Q. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. _____________ your hands, ye sinners; and _____________your hearts, ye double minded.

Although we will never lose our salvation, we can certainly lose our fellowship with God. When we walk in this world and become defiled by it, God will not receive us until we repent of it.  We must separate from the world and remain pure and clean from its influence on us.

Lastly, we must separate from the world in order to Proclaim the Word of God. Every Christian has been commissioned to preach the gospel.  We are to be witnesses of what Jesus has done for us. In order to have credibility in our witness, we must be separate from the world and not take part in its sin.

• Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________.

We must maintain a testimony which is free from the sinfulness of this world, else the world will not accept our witness.  When Lot tried to warn his family of the coming judgment they rejected him, why? Because he had not shown himself as a man that knew God or walked with Him. Next week we will examine more in depth the idea of setting safeguards in our lives in order to have a successful walk with God.

Tags: fellowship, satan, separation, society, world
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In this week’s study we will examine the proper relationship that the Christian ought to have with his employer. • Alternate reading Colossians 3:22-25.

In this passage we do not find the terms employee or employer but rather servant and master. Although the servant/master relationship is in some respects very different from the employee/employer relationship that we are familiar with, there are enough similarities to make the principles found in scripture both valid and applicable to our modern work relationships. For the purposes of this study we will look at three Biblical principles that we ought to apply to our work relationships.

The Principle of Sovereignty

• Col 3:22. Q. We are told here to obey our employers in all things. According to the last two words of the verse, in what attitude are we to operate?

• Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as ____________________
__________________________________.

• Col 3:24. Q. According to this verse, whom do we serve?

In order to have a proper attitude toward our employment we must first realize that in all things that we do, we are servants of Jesus Christ. Whether we are employed in jobs which this world considers menial, or in jobs which this world admires, all things are to be done as if we are working for Jesus Christ himself. This is a universal principle that applies to all the relationships that we will study throughout this series.

• Col 3:24. Q. Who will we receive our reward from? _________________.

Many employees fight and vie for promotion and recognition, but this is not the way that a Christian employee should behave. We serve Jesus Christ as our master, knowing that it is from Jesus Christ that we will receive our ultimate reward.

• Psalm 75:6,7. Q. Where does our success and promotion come from?

• Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, ___________
___________________________:

Jesus Christ is sovereign over all. All authority that is over us, is actually under Him! For this reason we respect and submit to earthly authorities knowing that ultimately He is our judge and our rewarder.

As Christians, it is tempting sometimes to divide life into the secular and the sacred. The fact is, if we apply the principle of God’s sovereignty to our work life then every place of employment becomes a place to serve God.

One of the ways that God has chosen for us to serve Him is by serving our earthly employers in such a way that He gets the most glory:

• 1 Timothy 6:1. Q. What is the result of an employee that dishonours his employer?

A man or woman who professes to be a Christian represents the name and doctrine of God. His attitude, actions and reactions will all be used to form an opinion of who God is in the minds of his employer and fellow employees. Bearing the name of Christ brings with it the tremendous responsibility of also bearing his character qualities (Gal 5:22-25). Where there is inconsistency between these things, the name of God and his doctrine can be blasphemed.

• Titus 2:9,10. Paul told Titus that as the result of a servants Godly behaviour he will adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. The idea here is that the Godly character and work ethic of the Christian employee will be so different from others that it will hang on him like the adorning of clothing.

Next of all, let’s consider The Principle of Steadfastness.

Steadfastness can be used to describe the Christian work ethic. Someone who is steadfast is faithful and determined. The Bible is very clear about God’s desire for Christians to be steadfast and determined in their work life.

• 2 Thess 3:10-12. Q. Who should work? What if they do not?

• 1 Tim 5:8. Q. What has the man who does not provide for his own house done? Who is he worse than?

_ Why do you think a Christian who does not provide for his home would be worse than an unbeliever?

Now look up Colossians 3:22,23 where we see a description of the Christian work ethic.

• Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with ______________________, as _______________________; but in __________________________ of ___________________, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it _____________________________, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Not with Eyeservice.

The idea here is that the employee should work diligently all the time and not simply when “the boss is watching”. The Christian has a Heavenly Father who is always watching and desires His children to work as to please him, and not as menpleasers.

In singleness of heart.

This means to work with sincerity. The Christian employee sincerely seeks to complete the work that he has been given to do. He is not duplicitous, that is, he is not two-faced or hypocritical. Ephesians 6:7 tells us to work with good will.

Do it heartily.

To work heartily means to give your all. We do not work half-heartedly, looking to cut corners or “just get by”. An employee who works heartily will be ambitious, energetic and thorough in completing the work that he has been given to do. Titus 2:10 tells us to serve with all good fidelity or faithfulness.

• Titus 2:9,10. Here God tells us that we are not to purloin. This is a word that we don’t use much anymore, it means to embezzle. Employees often help themselves to goods or supplies found at work, this is exactly what God is telling the Christian employee to avoid.

There is a clear, Biblical work ethic. God desires that all able-bodied men work. He also desires that the work which the Christian performs be exemplary, sincere and thorough.

_ How would a poor work ethic affect the Christian’s ability to witness to others in the workplace?

Lastly, let’s look at the Principle of Submission

The principle of submission goes beyond “doing what you are told”. God also requires us to display a submissive attitude.

Eph 6:5. Q. According to this verse we are to obey our employers with F__________ and T_____________________.

Like we learned in our lesson on The Christian and the Government, we are responsible to respect and submit to those authorities that God has set over us. In the workplace, this submission is shown by a respectful and reverential spirit.

• Titus 2:9. Q. According to this verse, what are we not to do again?

We are in a society where unions wield great power in the workplace. Oftentimes these unions promote a spirit of rebellion. They begrudgingly fulfill their obligations and hold a spirit of disdain for their employers. The Christian employee, whether a member of a union or not, is not to behave this way. The Bible says that we are obey our employer with a willing spirit and while not talking back. Half-hearted obedience is no obedience at all.

What about Bad Bosses?

Doubtless there are many Christians who are working under employers who are disrespectful, dishonest and ungodly. How do we react under these circumstances?

• 1 Peter 2:18. Q. What two types of employers should we submit to?

• 1 Peter 2:19. Q. What is thankworthy?

Q. What has the Christian in this verse suffered wrongfully for?

Maintaining a Godly testimony in our workplace may result in ridicule or grief. Jesus said in Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. When we decide to apply these principles to our work life, it will be so obvious that we are different because of our faith, that we may face opposition. Suffering for Christ’s sake in this way is both honorable and expected (John 15:20). When this opposition comes, it provides us with yet another opportunity to display the character qualities of Christ!

Unlike our parents, or even our government, the authority of our employer is one that we can change. If a Christian finds himself in a circumstance where his employer behaves himself in a grossly immoral or abusive way, then he can seek employment elsewhere, while maintaining a right and Godly testimony. Like all major decisions, this one should be made after much prayer.

Conclusion

Our relationship with God dictates that how we behave in all of our other relationships. In the workplace he desires us to submit to authority with a sincere and obedient attitude. By our Godly attitude and our Biblical work ethic others will see a difference. This affords an opportunity for us to witness and for God to be glorified.

Tags: employee, employer
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