Examine Yourselves

By: Keith McNeely 

            In our state official car inspections must occur on a yearly basis (unless you should happen to buy a two year tag), that is the law!  Understand, in an effort to keep our highways, and the people that travel on them safe, we have this inspection process.

            In similar manner God has told Christians to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Paul has spoken on these matters elsewhere, “But let a man examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28); “But let every man prove his own work” (Galatians 6:4). 

Concentrate on the first passage (2 Corinthians 13:5). When Paul says “Examine yourselves...prove your own selves,” he is declaring our responsibility to (1) try ourselves and to (2) put ourselves to the test whether we “be in the faith”.  Understand plainly that Paul is here writing to Christians at Corinth, to members of the church, those that had obeyed the Gospel; in fact, he calls them the “church” and “saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2) which is synonymous in the New Testament with the term, Christians. The original word (in the Greek language) indicates Paul to be telling us to pierce our hearts, bore ourselves through, in this process.

Realize Christian, when we practice such an inspection as God has authorized we will not have any omissions or oversights of even the most subtle details in our lives.  Sadly, on a regular basis we can find fault in our own lives and the lives of others, thus, we have our assignment from God, through Paul, on this matter. God’s advice that He gives us is that we practice thorough and regular self-examinations. Christian, examine yourself, and determine whether you are living a faithful life or not, and by all means, make the needed corrections.

IT IS REQUIRED IN STEWARDS, THAT A MAN BE FOUND FAITHFUL

By: Scott Jacques   

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  As we read these words written by the apostle Paul we readily recognize Paul’s conviction in being in example to others a servant of Christ, and a faithful steward being given the charge of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles. A faithful steward of the hidden things of God.

  A steward is one given the charge to take care of a possession or managing the affairs of another. A faithful steward is one who is accountable and worthy of the trust given to him.

 Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:7-11 instructing first century Christians to be sober minded, prayerful, being loving and hospitable toward one another without grudge, being good stewards of the various gifts they had been given, knowing they were from God and were to be used to glorify Him through Christ. Just as we should recognize and use our various talents today.

 We as Christians have been given the charge to spread the gospel, more specifically the elders of the church have been given the charge to care for, and take the oversight of the congregation, preachers given the charge to preach the word, and deacons given the charge to take care of various works and needs of the congregation.  

 Those accepting these responsibilities are expected by God as well as by members of the congregation, to be faithful, worthy of the trust given them, in carrying out their work, as well as being examples of a servant of Christ, both to Christians and those in the community.

 Should we not expect the same accountability in those who teach our bible classes, those who lead us in our singing, or lead our prayers, read scriptures, serve on the Lord’s table, work as ushers as well as other duties that may be necessary in carrying out the work of the church.

 Let us all strive to be faithful stewards by using our talents to glorify God and in our example as a servant of Christ.

What Is The
“Perfect Law of Liberty”? 

By: Garland M. Robinson 

            James 1:25 reads, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” The “perfect law of liberty” very simply put, is the Word of God – the New Testament.

            James, chapter one, also speaks of it as: “the word of truth” (vs. 18). “the engrafted word which is able to save your souls” (vs. 21), “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (vs. 22), and “a hearer of the word” (vs. 23).

            The Word of God is “PERFECT” – it is complete. In it, God has “…given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

            The Word of God is the “LAW” of Christ. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

            The Word of God is the Law of “LIBERTY.” “Then said Jesus…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

            The “perfect law of liberty” is a code or rule of action. It is the standard by which all men are obligated to live for it regulates and governs our lives. Without law, there can be no sin for “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).

            The “perfect law of liberty” is the law by which all men will be judged. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

            The “perfect law of liberty” must be studied and searched diligently (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11). James 1:25 says, whoso “looketh into the perfect law of liberty” and obeys it shall be blessed. The word “looketh” means to stoop down and look or gaze intently. The purpose is that one may be able to fully know the law so he may be able to obey its commands. If you desire God’s blessings, study, learn and obey God’s perfect law of liberty!