From the Pen of Paul. . .

"By Love Serve One Another"

These words were spoken by Paul in his short letter to the churches of Galatia. (Gal. 5:13b). In verse one of this chapter, Paul had condemned one type of bondage and now, just 13 verses later, he commands another type of bondage. A lot of time folks desire to be "great." This was a constant struggle among Jesus' apostles. Yet, if one does desire to be important, here is the way. In Matthew 20:27, Jesus tells us, "Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." In much the same words, He states in Matthew 23:11, "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant." We even see Jesus' commendation and blessing pronounced upon those on His right hand at the judgment as "good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21).

As the family of God (I Tim. 3:15) we are told to love one another as brethren (I Pet. 3:8). And in Galatians 5:14, Paul says that "all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus made a similar statement in Matthew 22:36-40 in answer to the lawyer's question, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

There are a number of things spoken of in the Scriptures that we are to do for one another. We are to "have the same care one for another" (I Cor. 12:25). We are to "Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another" (Rom. 12:10 [Amplified Bible]). Paul had earlier, in the fifth verse of this same chapter, stated that we are all "members one of another." By comparing the spiritual body with the physical body, Paul shows that as members, we are mutually dependent upon one another.

Understanding our mutual dependence upon each other for the proper functioning of the body, we can more easily understand Paul's statement that we are to "by love serve one another." It also explains his warning two verses later, "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Gal. 5:15). Nothing will destroy a congregation faster than members fighting among themselves. Often times we permit little disagreements to frustrate our faith and our behavior; this then escalates into spiteful criticisms, derogatory remarks, and poison-tongued attacks against those with whom we are mutually dependent. Outside attacks often strengthen, but attacks from within will destroy. This has been demonstrated time after time by a mighty oak tree which has stood the test of time for many years; it has withstood many attacks from without as the rain, the wind, ice, and storm have beaten against it; however, when disease or insects attack from within, the mighty oak is soon destroyed. What outside forces could not do, is accomplished from within. Is it any wonder that Paul said, "take heed that ye be not consumed one of another?" This state of things is totally incompatible with the law of love just stated in verse 14, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Gal. 5:14).

Instead of lending discouragement and pushing folks away, Paul urges, "Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7 AB). We are to "admonish one another" (Rom. 15:14). To "admonish" here means to instruct. But, our instruction should be aimed at building up, encouraging one another to do right and shun the wrong; and, we should always be "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). The key to showing proper love toward one another is found in the statement "as thyself" (Gal. 5:14b). See also Ephesians 5:28-29, 33. Paul uses this same expression to teach men how to love and treat their wives.

We are to "greet one another" (Rom. 16:16), "bear one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2), and to "edify one another." Paul wrote, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another" (I Thess. 5:11). We are living in a wicked world (I John 5:19); we have a tremendous enemy that is seeking to destroy us (I Pet. 5:8). As "strangers and pilgrims" we are passing through this wicked land trying to make it "home" (I Pet. 2:11). While here, we need each other! So, in the words of Hebrews 10:24, "Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activity" (Heb. 10:24 AB).
—Paul M. Wilmoth

From the Preacher's Viewpoint. . .

Understanding the Bible

"What do you think are the greatest hindrances to people understanding the Bible?"

I think that, perhaps, the greatest hindrance to understanding the Bible is that people do not read and study it very much. Far too many Bibles collect dust and are often used as filing cabinets for valuable papers. It is impossible to know what is contained in the Bible if we do not read and study it. We cannot learn anything unless we study and meditate.

Many people do not understand the Bible because they do not realize the divisions of it. The Bible is divided into two sections. It contains the Old Testament, which gives the history of God's dealings with man until the coming of Christ, and the second section which is the New Testament. The New Testament starts with the birth of Christ and ends with John completing the book of Revelation. The Old Testament is God's word as well as the New Testament. The Old Testament was God's law to the Jewish nation. It ended with the cross of Christ (Col. 2:14). We are not under the law of Moses but under grace (John 1:17). We are to hear Christ (Matt. 17:5). God speaks to us today through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus was the fulfillment of the law of Moses (Matt. 5:17). We could never be justified by the law of Moses (Gal. 5:4). None of us have ever been under the law of Moses. No Jew living today has ever been under the law of Moses. That law was taken out of the way almost 2,000 years ago. The gospel of Christ is for all nations and all peoples of the earth (Matt. 28:19-20). The New Testament is what men are to follow today.

I think men do not understand the Bible today because they do not realize that all that God has said, or ever will say to guide us in religion, is found in the Bible. Some think that God still speaks to them directly from heaven. This is not so. The Bible is God's complete revelation to man (II Tim. 3:16-17). We are to reject everything but the Bible including angels (Gal. 1:6-9) in what we preach and practice in religion. We must not add to nor take from the Bible (Rev. 22:18-19). We must abide in the pages of the Bible in faith and practice (II John 9-11). God has given us everything we need to become Christians and practice the Christian religion (II Pet. 1:3). What we do in religion must be authorized by Christ (Col. 3:17). We live by what Christ says and not by what He has not said (Matt. 4:4).

Many other things could be mentioned as to why folks misunderstand the Bible. Some view religion as it is today and not as it was in the first century. Others are led in religion by their parents or kinfolks instead of by Christ. Some do not have respect for the Bible and its authority. Some are prejudiced and will not hear. Some do not want to pay the price for genuine Christianity, and on and on we could go. The Bible is not hard to understand. We can know the truth if we desire it (John 7:17; Matt. 5:6). Please read, study and then obey the gospel for your salvation and for the salvation of others.
—Malcolm L. Hill