Flourish in Giving – Give Attention to Reading, Exhortation, Doctrine

    We are instructed to flourish in our faith, to grow and develop and bear good fruit (2 Peter 3:18, John 15:1-8, Galatians 5:16-26). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (by taking it in and comprehending it, Romans 10:17). We need to know God to appreciate and reverence Him, we need to know His instructions in order to obey them, and we need to know of His proffered help so we can endure temptation and walk properly in His sight. We can know all these things by reading His Word, the Bible. We need to read (listen to) His word and follow it, to benefit both ourselves and those who hear/observe us.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

    Our foundation must be in God’s word in order to properly exhort our brethren. Sometimes it is our enthusiasm about a passage we’ve studied that sparks enthusiasm in our sister, prompting her to dig into that passage and renew her habit of reading and study. Without a doubt, our knowledge must be developed in God’s word and way to enable us to properly warn our sisters and to properly encourage them; we want our words to be true and helpful, not platitudes of hollow comfort.

    We need to know what God says and be sure we are following His doctrine/teaching not man’s. We can know His word by listening carefully, and always following up with study to be sure what we hear is truth (Acts 17:11). We need to hold all thoughts and statements (the preacher’s, the teachers, our friends/family’s, and our own) up to the word of God – Are these things so? Was that taken out of context? Does this align with, or contradict, God’s word?

    I’ve drawn this lesson from 1 Timothy 4:12-16, please take the time to read this passage. In it Paul gives the young preacher, Timothy, instruction to “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (v13). I think that we, too, can benefit when we give attention to these very things.

Give Attention to Reading

    Reading God’s word helps us to avoid the counsel of the ungodly, keeps us from the standing in the path of sinners, and from sitting amongst the scornful; it will help us flourish and prosper like a green-leafed tree that has been planted by flowing water (Psalm 1). It will give us insight and understanding (Psalm 119:130). Reading God’s word will teach us, comfort us, and give us hope (Romans 15:4); it will make us capable of knowing right from wrong (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:12-14). We need to develop a taste for it – which only comes from continued reading – in order to grow (1 Peter 2:1-3), because those who read God’s word – and keep it (remember it, and do it) – will be blessed in this life, and in the one to come (Revelation 1:3, 1 Timothy 4:8).

Give Attention to Exhortation

    How can we help encourage or admonish another person if we ourselves do not know the standard God has given us? We need to be reading and applying His word so that our minds are renewed and our lives are transformed (Romans 12:1-2). We need to know that God wants our words to be encouraging, not harsh and full of hate (Ephesians 4:29-32). We need to read to learn just how much God loves us and how much He has done to help us overcome, so that we in turn can develop our love for others and help them in their walk, by reminding them that they are loved and cared for by a God worthy of our faith and trust (Hebrews 3:12-14). We need to be thinking of others, and ways we can help others, so that we can stir up love and good works amongst the brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25). Think of it as fanning the glowing coals to flame, and getting our brethren excited about doing good and reflecting God’s love to all around.  

Give Attention to Doctrine  

    We need to know God’s word, plain and simple. We need to know His will in order to walk in it (Ephesians 5:15-17). God’s word is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; it is the only way for us to be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your low; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it… Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” (Psalm 119:33-35, 37 NKJV)

    We must give attention to reading so we can know how to properly exhort our sisters in Christ (consider Titus 2:3-5, encourage them with truth) and so we can know God’s word and will – not guessing or surmising – but truly knowing how to be pleasing and acceptable to Him!

    When we give attention to these three areas we will be better fitted to be an example to all believers…

    …in word (the act of speaking) Ephesian 4:29-32, Colossians 4:5-6

    …in conduct (our behavior) 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:11-12, Matthew 5:14-16

    …in love (desiring the best for another) 1 John 4:7-11, Romans 15:2

    …in spirit (zeal) Romans 12:10-13

    …in faith (confidence, fully persuaded) Hebrews 11:6, 13-16, 2 Timothy 1:12, Romans 4:19-21; 8:38-39

    …in purity (sinlessness) 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:8, 2 Timothy 2:21-22, James 1:27, 1 Peter 3:1-3, Philippians 2:14-15, Psalm 24:3-4, 51:10

    Determine today that you will give attention to reading – take time to read and meditate on God’s wondrous word (fan the embers of your habit by reading/listening to Psalm 119). From wherever you are right now, give attention to exhortation, so that you can lift up your brethren and encourage them in their walk on the narrow path.  And always give attention to doctrine – be sure and confident that what you are being taught and what you believe is God’s word – His way is the only way! In doing this, you can be assured that your example will be good and your progress will be evident to any who hear or see you! Are you ready to give it your all?

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving – Giving to Others

     In our Flourish in Giving study, we have learned that we must first give ourselves to God (submit wholly to His word and way); when we do that we begin to understand all that He has done and continues to do for us and our hearts will be tuned to give thanks to God for everything. We will also be ready to give God all the glory He so rightly deserves, and any praise we receive we will redirect to Him, because we know that all we have and all we are capable of is due to His generous blessings.

    Over the past few weeks we had a small side study in which we learned what not to give: place to the devil, heed to fables/doctrines of men, and offense to others for the gospel’s sake.

    Now, let’s return to our main theme and consider another area in which we can flourish in giving – Give to Others.

    As we run this race, we are not to think only of ourselves; we must also give time and thought to others (Philippians 2:3-4). God established the church so that we would have others of like precious faith who would help us flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22); people who would love us, warn us, and edify us as we overcome obstacles in our run toward the goal (Philippians 3:12-16). If we are going to do these things for our brethren we need to give time to them.

Give Time to Others

    We are supposed to be a support to one another. That means not only acknowledging one another in the assemblies but listening for opportunities to offer help or comfort. We are to bear one another’s burdens – doing this fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) – we go through the trial and endure it together; we help carry the weight of the trouble.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV)  

    There’s a saying, "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow," and I will venture to say that it may have been based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:26. We need to take time to look (and listen) for opportunities to help others, we need to take the time to sit with our sisters in Christ and hear them, so we can better learn from them (consider Titus 2:3-5), encourage/support them, and/or help them with tasks that an extra set of hands would make easier. Let them know that you are here for them, whatever the need, and that you have time for them; in doing so, you will fulfil the law of Christ and discover the blessedness of helping! Remembering that in our turn, we should also lean on others so they, too, can discover the blessedness of helping!

    Take time to read Hebrews 3:12-14 and consider Ephesians 4:25, 29-32. We have Today – how will you use those 960 waking minutes?

Give Physical Needs

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 NKJV)

    The very first Christians shared with one another so everyone had what they needed (Acts 4:32-37), and throughout the New Testament you see several accounts in which people give to help those in need, for example: Dorcas/Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41), Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37), the Macedonian brethren (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Read and consider: Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Matthew 5:42, 10:42, 25:34-46, Romans 12:13, 20, Galatians 6:9-10

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” (1 John 3:17-19 NKJV)

    The widow gave “out of her poverty” (Mark 12:41-44), and the Corinthians brethren gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) – because they first gave themselves to God, they trusted Him, and were thankful for the opportunity to give!

Give Generously

    God gives generously to us (Psalm 68:19) so that we can give generously to others (Romans 12:8)! He gives us so much comfort in our troubles that we have more than enough to then comfort others in their troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He is also able to make all grace abound toward us, so that we always have all sufficiency in all things, and have abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)! God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – not clinging to our money/possessions, but clinging to Him, knowing all that we have is from Him; we are simply stewards with a responsibility to use these things for good (1 Peter 4:7-11).

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV)  

    We are all rich in blessings! You have time, use it for good – be a helper to those who run this race alongside you. When you have provisions, share them when you see a need. When you tune your heart to give to others God will grant you both opportunity and wherewithal to do just that! Give yourself to Him first, then to the work, and you will soon discover the joy and fulfillment of building up another person and fortifying a fellow soul! Your heart will overflow as you comprehend just how much God grants you each day, and the absolute truth of His promises! Soon you will give thanks to Him in everything, and willingly give Him the glory for all you are able to do!

    Are you ready and willing to give to others?

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving – What We Are NOT to Give (Part 3)

Do Not Give Offense in Anything

    In this the final lesson of our three-part mini study of what not to give, I would like you to consider the inferred instruction that we find in several places in the New Testament: Do not give offence so that our ministry may not be blamed (2 Corinthians 6:3).

    We need to realize that lax attitudes about bad habits (refusing to work on our patience, our holiness, or our purity) does not just affect ourselves, it can damage our influence for good (Titus 1:16), it can also sully the reputation of the congregation we are a part of, and it will inevitably give opportunity for the world to ridicule God’s way and blaspheme His word and name (Romans 2:23-24). Consider for a moment why Jesus admonished the Laodicean church for being lukewarm in Revelation 3:15-16; if they were hot they would be zealous in their obedience, if they were cold they would simply separate themselves from God and the church, but they were lukewarm and it was very harmful to the work and respectability of the church, and lowering the One for who the church is named in the eyes of the world because these members were known to be Christians but their conduct was far from Christ-like.  

    We, specifically, are given duties in Titus 2:3-5 that we must accomplish. Why? So “that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”  If we are not conducting ourselves reverently, and if we are slandering others and drinking, we cannot be teachers of good things. And we are given the task of being an example and a teacher to the younger women so they may learn to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, and obedient to their own husbands. Otherwise, God’s word may be blasphemed, made fun of, and altogether rejected. Our behavior is seen, and our words are heard, by more people than we think! “I thought she was a Christian?!” “She talks down about her husband and kids a lot – isn’t she a church goer?”  “Well, I guess if she’s acting like that, I can too!” “If she doesn’t follow this command, why should I?” “She complains all the time, storming around, ranting about everything, why would I listen to her advice?”

    How do we avoid giving offence and keep God’s word from being blasphemed?

    Jesus instructed His twelve apostles to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16) because they would be like sheep amongst wolves and they needed to be always mindful of their intent (to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 10:7) and retain their pure, untainted motive (to reach the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:5).

    It was, and still is, vital to be mindful of our intent:

• to serve God humbly and faithfully, Luke 17:5-10,
• to be holy in all our conduct, 1 Peter 1:15-16,
• to proclaim His praises, 1 Peter 2:9
• to do good so that God is glorified, Matthew 5:14-16
• to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, 1 Peter 2:18
• etc.

    And to always remember why we are doing it:

• He is God, our Creator, and worthy of our every service, Acts 17:26-27, Romans 6, Ephesians 2:1-13, Jude 20-25
• He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9
• We hope to be with Him in eternity, 1 John 3:1-3
• We want others to share in that hope, too, Mark 16:15-16

    Jesus instructed this and exemplified it – we need to look to Him and follow His footsteps:

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

“…But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously…” (1 Peter 2:20b-23 NKJV)

“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:4-6 NKJV)

    We need to remember who God is – and all that He has done and all that He continues to do for us: His mercy and grace, His forgiveness, His patience, and His blessings – and who we are before Him: in dire need of His mercy and grace, in utter need of His forgiveness, in desperate need of His patience, and in humble appreciation of His bountiful blessings – so that we give no offense nor minimize God, His word, or His way in other's eyes.

    Guard yourself in faith (Ephesians 6:16) and obedience (James 4:7) so you do not give opportunity to the devil to lure you from God (Ephesians 4:27). Study God’s word daily, and attend worship services and Bible studies to learn with your brethren, to know the truth (Hebrews 5:14), so you do not give heed to fables or notions of men (1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 1:14). And give proper diligence to do what God has given you to do, as a Christian, and specifically as a woman, so that you do not give offence and God’s word is not blamed or blasphemed.

You can do it!! So can I!!   

Flourish in Giving – When Not to Give (Part 2)

Do Not Give Heed to Fables and Doctrines of Men

    Continuing our mini study of what not to give, let’s consider the instruction given by the apostle Paul to both Timothy and Titus: do not give heed (attention) to fables/Jewish fables, endless genealogies, and the commandments of men (1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 1:14). He was warning them against listening to anything that people have used/will use to justify their resistance to wholly obey God’s commands and what they will use to try to align God (and His way) with their existing beliefs. The Jews and the Gnostics (those who denied Jesus was deity who came in the flesh) used these devices to hold onto their former habits and ideas.

Side Note: In case of the Jews, one might argue that their ways were God’s ways because they should have been following the Law of Moses, but by Jesus’ time many of those laws had been modified to suit the people and therefore what many followed were only commandments of men (God’s commands changed in any way, big or small, by men become men’s commands). Consider, for example, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:17-48 (“You have heard that it was said… (man’s modification), but I say to you… (the truth)”). After Jesus’ death, the New Covenant came into effect (Hebrews 10:9-10) and several of the New Testament letters are teaching the Jews to let go of their Judaism and simply follow Christ (see Paul’s letter to the Romans, for example, and the letter to the Hebrews).

    We can be just as guilty of using these devices. If what the preacher/teacher says is not scripturally sound – modifying God’s word and commands to please himself/his audience – and you give heed to his words, and base your faith and actions on what he says, never once checking to see if it is correct (consider Acts 17:11), then you are blindly following the commandments of men (read and think on 2 Timothy 4:3-4). And if you hold to it, because it checks a box in your moral conscience that you’ve attended “church” and that’s enough for you (that’s all you’re willing to give), then you are no different than the Jewish people who simply went through the motions of service (read and consider Malachi 1, Matthew 15:7-9).

“These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9 NKJV)   

We are also guilty of these devices if we base our “goodness” and our “righteousness” on what we think the Bible says – “I’m pretty sure it’s in there, somewhere” – instead of knowing what it says through sincere study and application. If we do this then we are simply following our own made up notions, and we are giving a foothold to the devil to carry us further from the narrow way with fables, wives’ tales, and “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

“…they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:2-3 NKJV)

How do we avoid giving heed to these things?

• By exercising ourselves toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) and trusting in the living God (1 Timothy 4:10). 

    Go a little further in that same chapter and see the instructions given to Timothy – yes, Timothy was a preacher but the instructions he received are sound and useful for every Christian!

• Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, faith, in purity (v12). This can only be accomplished when we submit to God and learn His way (see next two points).
• Give attention to reading, exhortation, to doctrine – meditate on these, give yourselves entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (vv13, 15).
• Take heed of yourself (your relationship with God) and the doctrine (His instructions), and continue in them (v16) 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

    Give time and attention to reading God’s word, and not just reading, but thinking on it and obeying it – apply it to your life, see God’s wisdom, give Him the glory and thank Him for His provision. Don’t give attention to any ideas or commands that are not clearly founded in God’s word – it’s our responsibility to search “the Scriptures daily to find out if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Remember, we need to know the True and Authentic so we can properly spot what is false (Hebrews 5:14) and keep not only ourselves, but our brethren from being led astray. God has provided all we need to know Him, the One True God – the very source of Truth. Don’t be content with everyone else’s knowledge, get your very own through careful study and application! Only then can you serve God with confidence, knowing you have submitted to His righteousness! Are you ready?   

You can do it! So can I!!