1st.Corinthians 1:17 & 2:4-5 "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect . . . And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."
We live in a world enamored by complexity. existential and esoteric interpretations of life and literature not only abound but are embraced as "true light" to be grasped if one is to find peace and enlightenment. The Apostle Paul made it clear that the Gospel he proclaimed, although profound in depth and implication, was simple to teach and comprehend. Sadly, many have turned GOD's truth into something much more complex than it is. Yes, the Gospel is theologically deep and its ramifications great, but it is not difficult to understand - nor should we make it so.
Consider the following words written by Dr. A.T. Pierson at the beginning of the 20th. century, for they ring true for us today: "The preaching that lacks simplicity makes the cross of none effect, by lifting it above the level of the average man. When the Gospel is robed in unsanctified rhetoric, attention is diverted from the CHRIST to the 'Chrysostom,' the golden-mouthed orator. Such preachers, like the Pharisees, 'have their reward.' they call forth a cold, intellectual assent, awaken an aesthetic pleasure, kindle a sentimental glow, perhaps even an enthusiastic ardour and fervour; but they fail to pierce the heart with the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD. That sword proves living and powerful, not when worn in the sheath of scholarly culture, or when swung in the air to show the flashing gems with which learning decks it, but when drawn from its scabbard and thrust naked into the hearer's heart. A Scotch preacher has said that it is always some WORD of GOD that smites the sinner, and that man's words only feather GOD's arrow, that it may 'carry' straight to the mark."
We have considered the need for simplicity in proclaiming the truth - specifically, the Gospel message. In a day in which many glorify complexity and embrace uncertainty, we must be careful not to make the cross of CHRIST "of none effect" through our use of "vain words" and the "wisdom of the world."
How can we effectively proclaim the truth with simplicity ? First, we must boldly declare that truth does exist and that it can be known. Truth exists in the spiritual and moral realms just as it exists in the physical realm. JESUS CHRIST is "the TRUTH." GOD's WORD is truth. the Gospel is truth. And, truth is communicated through language. One author rightly declared, "Language is GOD's vehicle for conveying truth." GOD uses HIS WORD, the Bible, to declare that a relationship with HIM comes only through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST. The Gospel message is simple and clear: We all are sinners who need a SAVIOR, and Salvation is available by JESUS' death, burial and resurrection. Second, we must emphasize the power of GOD's WORD when we communicate the truth to others. As a living Book, it is more accurate than even eyewitness testimony or personal experience (2nd.Peter 2:19). It knows us better than we know ourselves (Hebrews 4:12-13). First Thessalonians 2:13 reveals the starting point for truth: Man must receive GOD's WORD as IT truly is - the very communication of GOD to man. Third, we must define the Gospel and other Christian terms clearly. Many today have no knowledge of Christianity or Christian vocabulary. We need to be plain about what Salvation is and is not. May we ably communicate GOD's truth to this lost world. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
James 1:12-18 " Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love HIM. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD: for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted HE any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the FATHER of lights, with WHOM is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of HIS OWN will begat HE us with the WORD of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of HIS creatures. "
Like Adam and Eve, we naturally blame others, or even the LORD HIMSELF, for our failure to live according to GOD's Holy will (v.13 cf. Genesis 3:12-13). Excuses for our sin abound: "The temptation was just too great" or "My situation required choosing between two evils" or "I guess I'm not made with the kind of backbone others have." Each attempt to rationalize our transgressions shifts accountability away from self to another. This is disastrous, for it robs us of the only remedy for sin in our life - confession. Unless we take personal responsibility for our failure to comply with the LORD's commands, then we will cut ourselves off from HIS divine prescription for healing the sin-sick soul (Psalm 51:1-4; 107:17-21; 1st.John 1:5-10).
The temptation to sin manifests itself in our being "drawn away" (v.14) from the "word of truth" (v.17). Two forces are at work in attempting to seduce the saint from the place of steadfastness (v.14): "his own lust" (from within) and "entice[ment]" (from without). The best defense, therefore, is to "keep [the] heart with all diligence" (Proverbs 4:23) and to circumspectly "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1st.Thessalonians 5:22).
The end of sin is bleak for saint and sinner alike - for the former: a defeated, fruitless life now and loss of reward at the Judgment seat; for the latter: eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire. Notice carefully verse sixteen, a warning directed to the believer. The LORD will not allow the rebellious, wayward saint to continue on in known sin indefinitely; "there is a sin unto death" (1st.John 5:16; 1st.Corinthians 3:15-17; 5:5). Let us walk as children of light that we may obtain the glorious crown of life (vv.12, 17-18). DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
