The Elon Challenger
ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST
New Hope, Alabama
Seeking to challenge your interest in things
spiritual & eternal (Eph. 6:10-18)
Volume 15 Number 7
March, 2018
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Table of Contents
The Parable of the Pharisee & Publican——————- Mike Johnson
How Do I Do That? ———————————————–Wendell Ward
Spotlight on a Bible Verse (Mt. 25:46)———————-Jarrod Jacobs
For Such Is the Kingdom of God ————————Author Unknown
Why We Don’t Give Up——————————————–Shawn Smith
A Friend like Jonathan——————————————–Simon Harris
Only the Word of God—————————————-Author Unknown
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THE PHARISEE & THE PUBLICAN
Mike Johnson
The Parable of the Pharisee and Publican is only recorded in Luke18:9-14. Jesus pointed out that a Pharisee and a publican both went into the temple to pray. He then contrasted their prayers and attitudes.
The parable is addressed to “certain which trusted themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.” The NIV says it was “to some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else….” This would have certainly fit a description of what many Pharisees were like.
The Pharisees
The first man was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the main sect which existed at this time and were characterized by haughtiness and arrogance. They sought, in a very strict way, to keep the traditions which had been passed down (Mt. 15:1-20). They are mentioned quite frequently in the gospel accounts, and Christ had constant confrontations with them.
The prayer of this Pharisee was one which exhibited pride and a lack of dependence on God. Verse 11 says that the Pharisee stood and prayed. Herbert Lockyer, in his book All the Parables of the Bible, says of the word translated “stood” “. . . suggests in itself a static and upright position of perfect security and self-satisfaction.” The Pharisee prayed, “God I thank thee,that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” The Pharisees went on to say he fasted twice a week and gave tithes of all he possessed. It might be noted that in his short 34 word prayer that he used the word “I” five times. It is clear that his prayer was very self-righteous and self-centered.
The Publican
The other man was a “publican” which means he was a tax collector. The NASB uses the term “tax gatherer.” The Jews were under the authority of the hated Romans at this time and certain men would gather taxes for them. These collectors were usually greatly despised by the Jewish people.
The prayer of the publican was one that exhibited humility and a need for God. Again, Lockyer says that the word translated “standing” suggests that, “he stood with a bowed heart and sorrowful countenance — the crest-fallen attitude of contrition.” The Publican would not even lift his eyes unto heaven. Instead, he “smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Jesus concluded in verse 14 that this second man was the one who was justified.
Applications
A general principle learned from the parable is that we are not to be self-righteous, but we are to be humble and are not to despise others. The purpose of this parable is revealed in the very first verse which says, “He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.” Many passages speak of the importance of humility. I Peter 5:5 points out we are to be clothed with humility, and Colossians 3:12 says we are to put on humbleness of mind. The specific application, however, that Jesus makes of this principle is in the realm of prayer. Humbly focusing on our own short-comings is essential in prayer. In fact, humility is actually a condition of acceptable prayer. We would not want to pray, as the Pharisee did, with arrogance and with a self-sufficient attitude, but we should be as the publican who prayed with humility and with an understanding of his need for God. In the application of the parable (18:14), Jesus states, “. . .for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Another lesson that can be gained from the parable is found in the realm of self-examination. Paul said, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves….(II Cor. 13:5). The Psalmist stated (119:59), “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Actually, in the parable, both men were examining themselves. However, the Pharisee apparently took a partial look. He may have excelled in some areas, but there were other areas in which he was obviously lacking (such as pride) and he neglected looking at these. Sometimes we can be like the Pharisee in that we have what might be called a “sin list.” We have certain sins on our mental list which we are not involved in, and we examine ourselves from this list. Then we come up with a good report on ourselves. At the same time, we ignore other sins we may indulge in which are not on our “list.” Consequently, like the Pharisees, we come up with a partial, inaccurate view of ourselves.
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HOW DO I DO THAT
Wendell Ward
Once upon a time there was a centipede with a serious problem. He had arthritis! A centipede couldn’t have anything worse than arthritis you know. So, he goes to the wise old owl for a solution. The owl listened to his plight and told him to return the next day for the answer to his problem.
The next day found him back to hear the owl’s advice. “You must be turned into a snake,” said the owl; why? “Because a snake has no legs; and this will get rid of your arthritis.” The centipede went away happy.
Later; after the excitement wore off; he started wondering how this great change could happen. So, the next day he approached the wise old owl and explained that he had a problem with his advice. “What’s the problem,” the owl asked. “Well; just how do I get turned into a snake?” “Tell me now; how do I do that?” To which the owl responded, “Man; don’t bug me with details; I’m just a planner.”
This story reminds me of some who preach that a person must be “born again” in order to be saved; and yet; are unable to give details on how to do it.
Details of the new birth are plainly given by our spiritual planner; Jesus; the Christ. Jesus says it involves being born of “water and of the Spirit.” (John 3:5) How do I do that, you ask?
It starts with faith in Jesus as God’s Son. (John 3:18) A certain eunuch made the same confession to Philip when he said; “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36-37) The Holy Spirit further teaches that confession with the mouth the Lord Jesus is made unto salvation. (Rom 10:9-10)
The Spirit teaches that Godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation. We turn our backs on our sinful ways. (2 Cor. 7:10; Titus 2:11-14) Apostle Paul says that when we obey the teaching of the Spirit, it will lead us to be baptized into the one body; the church. (1 Cor. 12:13) We are born of the Spirit; that is to say; by “words of faith;” which the Spirit moved to be written. (Rom 10:8, 17)
We obey the Spirit’s teaching and submit to baptism. We are baptized into Christ’s death, where contact is made with the blood of Christ; which was shed for remission of sins. We are then to walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:3-4) Thus; one is born of water and the Spirit.
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SPOTLIGHT ON A BIBLE VERSE
(Matthew 25:46)
Jarrod Jacobs
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
This short verse concludes the Lord’s description of Judgment in Matthew 25. After separating the righteous from the wicked (v. 31-45), this final verse in the chapter tells us what will happen to all.
When reading the Bible, we see that God usually gives men the option of two choices. In the Garden, there were two trees that stood out above the others (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:24). In the days of Noah, the people’s options were to get into the Ark or to drown (Genesis 6-8). In Christ’s day, He said men can only walk one of two roads in life (Matthew 7:13-14). Thus, it ought not surprise us that “everlasting punishment” and “life eternal” are the only two options for folks in Matthew 25!
We live in a world that says man has a myriad of choices. Not so with God. We will choose either truth or error. We will choose either light or darkness. In the end, we will either go to “everlasting destruction” or “life eternal.” Where we spend eternity depends on how we live today! How are you living?
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FOR SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Author Unknown
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:19). This was in response to His disciples rebuking them.
This shows us that God and man have two different ways of looking at things. The disciples, mere men, thought the children were a nuisance; Jesus, God, thought they were precious. God’s ways are neither our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts (Isa. 55:8, 9). We also learn the nature of those who make up the Kingdom. They are child-like in character and quality.
Children are humble. They rarely think themselves to be something they are not. They do not put on airs for others. Just look at those who have mud or chocolate smeared on their clothes and have no shame whatsoever. Many proudly wear a milk mustache. To be a part of the Kingdom, we must have such a humble attitude (Prov. 16:18, 19).
Children are also tenderhearted. When their friend is hurt, it bothers them. If a baby is crying, they often ask why and want it fixed for the baby’s sake—not their nerves. When mommy or daddy is down, a child will give them a hug or snuggle up to them. They care about others. How many children have wanted to take home that “sad looking” kitty cat, puppy, or turtle? The Lord commands us to be tenderhearted toward one another (Eph. 4:32). Without this disposition, we cannot be part of the Kingdom.
Purity is another quality children possess. Their minds may have some mischief every once in a while (I can hear a mother protesting now, “every once in a while”?!?). However, their little hearts are not thinking about doing evil to others. They do not devise plans to rob banks, cheat the store owner, or destroy the life of their neighbor. Rather, they think of what they can play next; cars, dolls, tag, etc. I am convinced one of the reasons God gives us babies who grow into children is for us to see there is purity in this world and how sweet it is—as opposed to giving us teens that are “difficult.” Purity is needed to be a child of God (Phil. 4:8).
Another quality of the young is trust. They inherently trust their parents. Think of the baby or toddler whose parent throws her into the air. Would you let someone else do that to you? It is hard for me at times to ride in a car with others. Yet, children rarely think twice about their own safety because of the trust they have. It is amazing and a great example for us; not necessarily to trust in others, but to put our faith in God. A Christian is to trust God implicitly (2 Cor. 1:8-10). He does and will take care of us.
Is your character more like a child or a cranky, grumpy, cynical old man? It will impact your joy in this life, not to mention your eternal destiny.
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WHY WE DON’T GIVE UP
Shawn Smith
One of the most discouraging experiences in life is watching a fellow Christian lose faith and stop serving God. I have some people on my prayer list that I pray will soon return to God and their spiritual family. Perhaps the old Devil just wore them down to the point that they stopped trying. In the Bible, we see a pattern though: perseverance, persistence, then the prize!
Jesus Christ never promised us an easy way to live. In fact, the apostle Paul wrote: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Do you see the pattern here? The purpose is to run to get the prize; the plan is to deny yourself whatever is potentially harmful, constantly training your body and mind; the prize is a crown that will last forever!
This pattern repeats in Galatians 6:7-10. “Don’t become weary in doing good, sow to the Spirit, reap eternal life.” In Ephesians 6:10-20, “put on the whole armor of God and pray, use it for protection from Satan, that you may stand in the end.” And in Philippians 3:12-14, “press on each day, forget the past and strain toward what is ahead, a heavenly prize is the goal.” This is why we don’t give up!
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A FRIEND LIKE JONATHAN
Simon Harris
Truly one of the greatest love stories in all of Scripture is not a story of romance and passion, but of camaraderie and friendship. It is the story of a friendship that blossomed and grew in spite of numerous obstacles.
1 Samuel 18:1 says, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” Thus begins the friendship between the prince and a shepherd, a soldier and the giant slayer, an heir of the throne and the man who would be king.
Throughout their friendship the one constant was their commitment and concern for one another. Both men were greatly benefitted by the bond of friendship that was fostered in triumph, strengthened through adversity, and established in an abiding love for God. Jonathan and David serve as a model of friendship for both men and women alike. Consider for a moment the kind of friend David had in Jonathan, and what it must have been like to be so blessed.
Jonathan wanted what was best for David, even when it was not what was best for him. From the opening scene of their friendship we see Jonathan giving David what is rightly his, that is, the right to be the next king. 1 Samuel 18:4 records that Jonathan, unaware of David’s future, gives him his robe, his armor, his sword, his bow, and his belt. Even when Jonathan becomes aware of David’s future, his love for David is not diminished. Jonathan’s love for David goes as far as promoting his claim to the throne (1 Sam. 20:13). Jonathan wanted David to be the next king even if that meant he would never be king.
Jonathan was willing to protect and defend David against injustice. Because of the madness of an impenitent heart and bitter jealousy, Saul wanted to kill David. Jonathan’s love for David would not allow such abuse of the king’s power to go unchecked, and he spoke to his father saying, “[David] has not sinned against you…Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without cause?” (1 Sam. 19:4-5). To appreciate the danger in which Jonathan was willing to place himself for his friend, we only have to recall how on another occasion he stood up to protect David from his father’s anger, “then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him” (1 Sam. 20:33). Even with this, Jonathan was more angered by his father’s treatment of David than of himself.
Jonathan sought to strengthen David when he was down. While David is “on the lamb,” living as a fugitive, Jonathan seeks him out to encourage him to continue serving the Lord, and waiting for Him to fulfill the promises of the kingdom. He tells David, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul shall not find you. You shall be king of Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” (1 Sam. 23:17) How remarkable it must have been to hear such uplifting words from a great friend like Jonathan. Just when David surely needed a boost, Jonathan was there to minister to him.
Who wouldn’t love to have a friend like Jonathan? How encouraged we would be to have a companion who loved us enough to seek our good. One who was willing to protect us against the evil around us. One who would defend us in the face of grave danger. One who would strengthen us when we are discouraged and unsure.
The truth is that we do have such a friend. Every one of us have such a friend in Jesus Christ. Your friend Jesus went to the cross of Calvary because He was more concerned about what was best for you, than what was good for Him. He will protect you and fight your battles against the Evil One. He will strengthen you when you are down and it seems that no one cares. He cares. He loves you as He loves His own. He wants you to be His own.
To have a friend like Jonathan, like Jesus, we must be willing to be the same kind of friend to him. You can judge the quality of friends you have by the quality of friend you are. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:14) This article is not about having a friend like Jonathan as much as it is about being a friend like Jonathan. Are you willing to seek what’s best for Jesus, or what’s good for you? Are you willing to protect and defend the name of Jesus? Are you willing to strengthen the cause of Christ by encouraging the weak and seeking the lost? Are you a friend to Jesus like Jonathan was to his king?
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ONLY THE WORD OF GOD
What determines right? What is the standard of truth? The answer is; the Word of God only. Why? “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2Tim 3:16-17) The standard of truth comes only from this single source. God’s breathed out word equips believers for every good work. May I suggest some ways that do not determine right?
Human reasoning does not determine right. For example; based upon innuendoes Jacob’s sons told him about Joseph, he reasoned in his heart that Joseph was dead; he would go to his grave mourning his son’s death. (Gen 37:12-36) Jacob’s logic was incorrect; it was not based upon truth; Joseph was not dead.
Self sense of right and wrong does not determine right. Many people say “Let your conscience be your guide.” Your sense of right and wrong cannot warn you of sin if it is not first trained in God’s righteousness. Lying is sinful whether you have been taught that it is or not. The Lord hates lying tongues; and Paul tells us to put away lying. (Proverbs 6:17; Eph 4:25) Paul could say that he had lived his past life in all good conscience even though he had spent a big part of his life killing Christians; persecuting the church that belonged to Christ. He was honest and sincere in what he was doing yet he was wrong in so doing.
Majority does not determine right. Jesus compares the ‘many’ to the ‘few’ by saying that more are going to Hell than to Heaven. (Matt 7:13-14) Do not; I repeat, do not depend upon what the majority does; for your assurance in righteousness! Why? We live in a crazy and insane world where men rush to Hell as if it were Heaven; and; avoid Heaven as if it were Hell! (Author Unknown)
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The Elon Challenger is published monthly by the church of Christ meeting at 4021 Hobbs Island Road in Owens Cross Roads. The mailing address is PO Box 149, New Hope, AL, 35760 where any comments, questions, or requests for further information can be sent. The Challenger is also distributed monthly to the Elon congregation as an eight page, paper publication. The editor is Mike Johnson.
The website address is www.elonchurchofchrist.com.
Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org