Purposeful Study

A quick glance through a religious bookstore or the religion section of bookstore will show that there is great fascination with the end of the world, and naturally, of Christ's ' return. Many people spend a great deal of time in reading various books and trying to study passages such as I Thessalonians 4:13-17, I Thessalonians 5:1-5, II Timothy 3:1-9, and II Peter 3:1-13. Studying these passages is certainly not a bad thing, but along the way many lose sight of the purpose of Bible study.

When we study the scriptures it is not simply to accumulate knowledge. Nor is it a mental exercise. It is not done in order to impress others with our understanding. It is done so that we might better understand what the will of God is. If you glanced at the passages above (and I certainly encourage you to do so before continuing), you notice that I left a few verses off of each passage. Each of these is completed with a “therefore” type statement. When one of the inspired writers of scriptures used the word “therefore,” it means he is about to conclude his statement with an application.

When Paul wrote in II Thessalonians 4:13-17 about the dead in Christ rising before the living upon Christ's return, he concludes in verse 18 by telling us to comfort one another with these words. It was not simply to provide a fact of interest, but to give Christians comfort.

In I Thessalonians 5:6-11, Paul concludes telling the church in Thessalonica that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night by warning them to always be prepared for it. Again we see that there was a purpose to Paul writing other than just to provide interesting points of information.

In II Timothy 3:10-17, Paul concludes warning Timothy about people by admonishing him to not walk in such ways. Instead, Timothy was to continue in the truth.

In II Peter 3:14-18, Peter concludes a passage on the earth's destruction by fire with an admonishment to be diligent. Without making application from the information, the passage would hold less value for the Christians receiving the letter from the apostle. Likewise, we must be sure to make application from each passage we study.

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.

II Timothy 3:16-17

We see then what Paul tells us scripture is useful for. It is there that we may learn the doctrine (that is, the teaching) of Christ. Through the word of God, we can understand what the Lord wants. We see that Paul tells us that it is useful for reproof, that is, in showing error and exhorting to righteousness. Paul states that scripture is good for correction. We all must repent in our lives, that we may put away sin and follow the Lord. He also tells us that scripture is good for instruction in righteousness, that is, the word of God teaches us how we may walk blameless before the Lord.

And if we use the scriptures in this way, not just to gain knowledge or accumulate facts, we will be made complete and mature before God. We will be equipped with all that we need that we may do good works, that is, the things which God has commanded. Let us strive not only to study, but to study purposefully!

As We Have Opportunity

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

Each of us, as individuals, has a task to do. Each of us must use what opportunities we have to do good to others. Many wait for glaringly obvious opportunities to present themselves. Instead, we need to look for opportunities to do good. In Matthew 26:16, Judas sought an opportunity to betray Christ. Rather than this, we should seek opportunity to serve Christ. And by serving the needs of others, we do indeed serve Christ (Matthew 25:33-46). What we are faced with is not a lack of opportunities, but rather, a failure to recognize and grasp the opportunities we are presented with.

The matter of doing good unto others is one with many implications. Many things we can do seem like such small things, and are things that will never receive acclaim or praise from other men. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the small things, whether it is a matter of helping someone walk across the floor, sending a card for someone, or mowing their lawn for them. At other times, our opportunities may seem far beyond what we are able to handle. They may seem to require more of us than we can do, whether emotionally, physically, or financially. We cannot let the size of opportunities keep us from doing what we can. If we cannot do it all, we all can at least do something.

In addition to doing what we can for others physically and lending a helping hand in whatever way we can, there is another aspect which can have much longer lasting effects. And that is doing good unto others spiritually. That is, bringing the gospel to those who do not have it, and helping the brethren continue in the walk with Christ. We are commanded to go unto all the world (Matthew 28:18-20), spreading the gospel of salvation (Romans 1:16). Whatever we may do for others physically is good, and the effects may last for a long time. Whatever we may do for others spiritually can last eternally.

We have no excuse to not do good unto all men. We have a responsibility to Christ to care for others. Whether for the poor, who are always with us (John 12:8), those who are without family (James 1:27), our brethren (John 13:34), our physically family (Mark 9:7-13), or for anyone else who may pass our way, we must do for them as we would do for Christ, that we may be good and faithful servants (Matthew 25:34-39).

So how many opportunities have you looked for in this last week?

II Corinthians 9:12-14

This passage is often used to show that the role of the church is to look out for the physical well being of all people, regardless of the state of their soul. Let us consider what these verses actually say.

Verse 12

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

The beneficiary of their benevolence is listed here as “the saints,” as it is also stated in the first verse of the chapter. Other passages which deal with benevolence from a church are Acts 2:44, 4:32, 6:1-10. Acts 11:27-30, Rom15:25, I Cor 16:1, II Cor 8:9, I Tim 5:9-10. Each time it is stated as being benevolence to believers. We thus begin establishing a pattern.

We also see that a result of it is many thanksgivings unto God. This is, of course, a natural outpouring from saints, but uncommon from nonbelievers.

Verse 13

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

We see the that the recipients glorify God. Once again, this normal for saints and abnormal for non- saints.

The word translated here as “distribution” is the word koinoneo, meaning “fellowship.” Other places this appears are Acts 2:42, Romans 12:13, Philippians 1:3-7, and I John 1:1-9. Each time we see this word used positively when it describes a saint/saint relationship and negatively when it describes a saint/unbeliever relationship.

We also know that there were other needy saints than just in Jerusalem, where it is assumed the “saints” named here are located (I Cor 16:1). We also know there were needy saints throughout Judea (which was a region) based on Acts 11:27-30. It also seems likely to me that there must have been financial difficulties in numerous places, much as it is today. Thus, it is easy to understand the phrase, “and unto all” (remembering that the word men isn’t found in the Greek, but is an addition by the translators) as “to the saints in Jerusalem and in other places” or “To the saints in Jerusalem and to all other places benevolence has been sent”

Furthermore, there are several occasions when “all men” refers in context to saints only. Compare Acts 2:44-47, Romans 16:19, I Thessalonians 2:15, and III John 1:12.

The “men” is not included in the NASB, BBE, YLT, or ASV. It is included in the KJV and NKJV. The phrase is translated as “and with everyone else” in the NIV and as “for all others” in the ESV.

Verse 14

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Remembering that a pronoun is used to refer back to the previously mentioned noun, we must ask who is offering prayers and who “longs after” the Corinthians for the “grace in them?” Is it unbelievers? Or is it believers? Once again, it would be the norm to come from believers, but unusual to come from unbelievers who are either untaught or have rejected the message to respond in this way.

Thus, the congregation is limited in benevolence to saints only. This does not mean that individuals (Gal. 6:10, etc.) are not to “do good unto all men,” but only that it is not the work of the church as the church. Just as different Christians play different roles, the individual and the congregation play different roles.

Aiming at the Target

When you shoot a firearm or bow, you are aiming at something. In doing so, you keep your focus on what you are aiming at. You are steady in where you point the muzzle or arrow. You deliberate and careful. We must have the same approach towards our own lives.

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on all the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (NKJV)

Solomon, to whom was given great wisdom, examined a number of things which a life can be aimed at. In this passage, he looks at pleasure and those things which are enjoyable. And we all surely know those who are only concerned with having fun, whose lives are dedicated to enjoyable activities. And yet, Solomon's conclusion is that aiming at such is great foolishness and waste. In Ecclesiastes 4:13-16, Solomon examines the concepts of popularity and power, and finds that they too are not proper goals for which to strive.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 7:19-21 (NKJV)

Christ tells us in the New Testament that our hearts must not be centered on wealth and earthly gain, but rather focused on those things which are spiritual. If our focus is centered on earthly things, if our targets are all of this world, then in this life we will have our reward. If, however, we focus on Christ, setting our eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:1-2), our reward is an eternal reward. We will have eternal life, and dwell with the Lord forever. In Philippians 3:6-16, Paul instructs the church at Philippi to press on towards the goal of the upward call of Christ. The target we aim our eyes at is Christ. We must strive to follow Him, to walk as He walked (I Peter 2:21-22, I Corinthians 11:1, etc.).

If we do so, if we diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), if we aim at that target, we can have the confidence that Paul had.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)

Paul, having aimed for Christ, was to receive the reward: a crown of righteousness. That is, Paul was going to receive eternal life and bliss with the Lord.

So, what are you aiming you life at? Is it the things of this world? Fun, money, power, popularity? Or is your treasure stored up in Heaven, having striven to be like Christ? If the former, your reward will be in this short life, so full of suffering. If the latter, your reward will be an everlasting life in the presence of God.

Dead Works

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:1-2

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:1

To follow Christ as we should, we must be purged of dead works, and repenting from dead works. So what, exactly, is a dead work? As it turns out the phrase holds two different significances. The first meaning of the phrase, and the most commonly thought of one, is that dead works are those actions which lead to spiritual death. That is, dead works are sinful deeds. And it is easy to see in scripture that we should not do those things which are evil in the sight of God.
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

I Corinthians 15:34

And it is equally easy to see that these actions lead to death.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8

The other meaning of the phrase “dead works” refers to those actions, which may be good of themselves, which are done without faith, half-heartedly, or merely out of habit or rote. This was the fault of the hypocrites in Matthew 6:1-17. They did good actions, but did so in order to receive the praise of other men. Their works were dead. In Matthew 15:1-9, the Pharisees performed dead works in that they gave money to the temple in place of supporting their parents. While God approved of giving the money to the temple, their action was dead because it ignored what God wanted. Instead, they were replacing it with a tradition of men.

We must be sure to not only be doing the right actions, but to do them in the right way, with the right heart, and with the right purpose. Otherwise, our works are dead. In the second chapter of James, he writes that faith without works is dead. The opposite is also true. Works without faith is dead.

The Hebrew writer wrote his letter to Christians, reminding them that although they should have been past this point, they still needed to repent of their dead works. We too must repent of dead works and strive to become a fully living, active, and productive Christian, pleasing to the Lord.

Preparing the Heart

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra 7:10

To begin studying, we must first prepare ourselves, just as Ezra did. We must set our hearts in the proper path to begin study. In order to prepare our hearts, there are several attitudes we must strive to match.

First, we must humble ourselves (Proverbs 11:2, Colossians 3:12). This means that we must be aware of our own status, relative to the Lord. We must be aware of our limitations and of our failures when following Christ.

Second, we must have fear ( Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 15:33). We must have reverence towards God and His word. We must also have a degree of fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Consider that in studying, you are handling the word given by God.

Third, we must have an open and receptive mind. We must make sure that we are not studying the Bible in search of proof for what we believe. We must have the mindset of Job (Job 6:24), of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:24), and of David (Psalm 25:4-5). Our mindset must be that we wish to learn and, if necessary, be corrected.

We also need to prepare with prayer. As in all other things, we should pray (I Thessalonians 5:17). When Paul prayed for the church in Colossi, he prayed that they be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Such should be our prayer. Likewise, Solomon prayed for wisdom and knowledge (II Chronicles 1:7-13), and this pleased God greatly. In fact, if pleased God so much that He granted Solomon much that had not been asked.

Let us always remember to prepare our hearts to seek the law of the Lord. Rehoboam failed to set his heart to seek the Lord, and the results were evil (II Chronicles 12:14). Let us not be like him. Let us follow the example of Ezra instead.

And of course, this does not apply solely to private study of the scriptures. Each time we gather together to study, whether in Bible class or sermon, we must be properly prepared. Let us keep this in mind, whether we are studying alone, studying with others at home, studying with others in an assembly, or in our upcoming gospel meeting.