NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING RELATED ARTICLES APPEAR ON THIS PAGE:
1. Things Refused,
Neglected, Paid No Attention To And Hated #1
2. Things Refused,
Neglected, Paid No Attention To And Hated #2
3.
Penalties For The Naïve, Scoffers And Fools (Part One)
4. Penalties For The Naïve, Scoffers And Fools
(Part Two)
5. Penalties For The Naïve, Scoffers And Fools
(Part Three) – New
Note: Also see the related article “For The Naïve, Scoffers And Fools” at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm
The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 3, April 2010
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Things Refused,
Neglected, Paid No Attention To And Hated #1
In
last month’s article we noted that the naïve, scoffers and fools are grouped
together in Prov. 1:22. Moreover, God wasn’t politically correct in telling
them what they were. God knows each heart — He’s no politician. If He says a
group is comprised of fools, the naïve and scoffers they are! In fact, this
makes up a large part of the book of Proverbs. You might desire to read that
article before reading this: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm
.
In
this lesson and the lesson following we’ll be looking particularly at what the
naïve, scoffers and fools refused, neglected, paid no attention to and hated.
Lord willing, after that, we’ll note what they received for doing so. If you
don’t pay attention to and strive to comprehend the things in this list here,
then you won’t be bothered or in fear when you hear the things in the
subsequent list of what they receive for doing so! Moreover, this list presents
good admonitions that you can give to someone that will describe them if they
are not paying attention and getting pounded by God for not doing so!
God’s Call Was Refused, Prov. 1:24
Pro 1:24 Because I have called, and
ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
God’s
“call” was for them to repent upon being reproved (Prov. 1:23). Be careful with
Bible Software — you will find Calvinism quite often — even explanations that
seek to do away with the fact that God said “You” refused — God placed the
blame upon each of them. God’s Word thoroughly explains “how” God deals with
man. He tells us “why” they did not return. As stated earlier they loved being
naïve, scoffing and hated knowledge of God’s Word (Pr. 1:22). If God justifies
the wicked by “making” him return what is God? Solomon said, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth
the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD” (Pr. 17:15) . That would mean God is an abhorrence
to Himself. Impossible! You can’t do this but it is OK for God to commit this
sin is the result of Calvinistic type thinking. Somehow apostates think because
they can choose to change that God might change. God cannot be unfaithful to
His Word that He will deny those who deny Him (cf. 2 Tim. 2:13; Rom. 3:3).
No One Paid Attention to God’s Outstretched Hand, Prov.
1:24
God’s stretched out
hand comes with His Word (Jer. 1:9) but no one carefully paid attention. Read
Jeremiah and Isaiah if you want to known
how much you will NOT be appreciated by the majority for speaking the Truth.
God’s Word became the object of reproach and scorn to them. They had no delight
in it! (Jer. 6:10) The prophet never harmed anyone yet everyone cursed him —
saw him as a man of strife and contention (Jeremiah 15:10). Not one time did
Jeremiah turn to them and seek their favor — “You were right, that’s what I
was. I’m so sorry.” He delighted in God’s Word and endured reproach for the
Lord (Jer. 15:15-16; Heb. 13:13). He
plainly told them: “Therefore, thus says the LORD, "If you return, then I
will restore you-- Before Me you will stand; And if
you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They
for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them”
(Jer. 15:19).
Their pitiful choice
to follow their own thoughts is what put them in the wrong path (cf. Isa.
65:2-5). They refused His hand and answered God’s teachers with mocking — as a
“gainsaying” people gives retort with laughing and mocking (cf. Rom. 10:21).
This is the scorners part as depicted in Prov. 1:26 —
in the word “laughing” when put with mocking there is the connotation of
celebration, joy and rejoicing in the ridicule. Like Israel did when Hezekiah sent out couriers for them to come and keep the Passover (the
alternate) after he cleansed the Temple (2 Chron. 30:1-10). He said, “And be not ye like your
fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their
fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see (2 Ch.
30:7)” — imagine that on that they laughed and mocked them to scorn (cp. 2 Ch.
29:8). Just as Sennacherib’s chiefs did when he besieged Hezekiah in Jerusalem
— they mocked saying Hezekiah took away your strength for God was in the false
idols he destroyed (2 Ch. 32:12). They mocked and Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed!
(2 Ch. 32:20). Was Sennacherib laughing when he left? Not one time did Hezekiah
or Isaiah say, “Oh you’re so right! Yes we are the
fools for following God! (Read 2 Kings 18-19). When they did not listen then
God stretched His hand out for judgment (Ezk. 16:27).
They
Neglected All God’s Counsel,
Prov.
1:25, 30
Pro 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my
counsel: they despised all my reproof.
The words “set at nought” (KJV) mean “to let go, let loose, ignore or let
alone.” There is also the meaning of “be loosened of restraint” — but one can
never get away from the consequences of refusing God’s Word (cf. 2 Pet. 2:18-22). Those who avoid God’s
knowledge and wisdom despise their own souls i.e. despise themselves (Pr.
15:32). If someone is ill and they have
no regard for the proper food and medicines they despise health, life and also
those seeking to help them and wanting them to help themselves. It doesn’t work!
Although they know proper nutrition is necessary their choice ends in death.
The instruction and wisdom of God’s Word is health and life (Pr. 15:31).
Reproof is a way of life for all the faithful (Pr. 6:23). What is your soul
worth? (Matt. 16:26).
In the multitude of counselors there is
strength (Pr. 11:14; 15:22). In Pr. 1:30 they would not accept God’s council —
not yield to or desire to be willing to do so. Straying members figure out
every possible way of being able to “avoid” God’s word. When on that “I’m
ignoring you kick” they despise scriptural reproofs.
Do
young adults know when someone they are interested in is ignoring them? It is
indeed painful should they truly care for them. Most young adults go through
that once or twice. They know that another’s “stories” are not lining up when
told that they couldn’t be there because they had a headache, or the car broke
down, or they had to work late etc. In time they figure it all out. Cheaters
and liars really don’t care about the other person’s feelings and anxiety.
Generally some friend who cares about them tells them there was no headache for
they ditched you to go somewhere else; the car wasn’t broke and they really
were getting off on time, etc. Caring about souls can be painful but ultimately
it is God they “ignore” and treat this way. And that is the point of these
“lists” in Proverbs chapter one. It includes God and not just that a person who
really cares about you is ignored, shunned, hurt and pained.
They did not want God’s reproof (Pr.1:25). That’s plain! God didn’t say,
“Oh I know you were a good person and you really wanted to do right.” What do
those kinds of things sound like in place of the truth? One of the more popular
in the world: “I know they don’t seem interested but they really have a good
heart.” They “despised” all of God’s reproof! In Pr. 5:12 the truthful
admission here is one’s own. Moreover a fool hates knowledge. A fool does not
have a good heart while being a fool!
By Bob Lovelace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To
learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 4, May 2010
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Things Refused, Neglected, Paid No Attention To and Hated #2
In past articles we noted that the naïve,
scoffers and fools are grouped together in Pro. 1:22. Moreover, God wasn’t
politically correct in telling them what they were. God knows each heart — He’s
no politician. If He says a group is comprised of fools, the naïve and scoffers
they are! In fact, this makes up a large part of the book of Proverbs. If you
have not done so you should read the March article at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm
. In our last article we noted that God’s call was refused, and they
paid no attention to His outstretched hand (Pro. 1:24). They would have none of
His counsel, and despised all of His reproof (Pro. 1:25,30).
Since this is a continuation, if you have not yet done so you may want to read
last month’s article before reading this: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm .
Lord willing, our next article will state
what the naïve, scoffers and fools received in return for doing these
despicable things.
They Hated Knowledge, Pro. 1:29
Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Solomon said this is what “fools” hate: “How long,
ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the
scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Pro. 1:22). The word “hate” (H8130) means “to hate
(personally): - enemy, foe, (be) hate (-ful,-r),
odious, X utterly.” Its antonym is “to love, to friend.” Do you understand that
such do not have “a good heart.” They will be enemies
of those who love the truth and speak the truth! Upon hearing God’s Word they
will become a foe, not your friend, should you tell them what they need to
hear.
What did Solomon say about rebuking a
scorner? He said, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man
and he will love thee” (Pro. 9:8). Again he said, “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke” (Pro. 13:1).
When a member repeatedly makes up excuses
to miss class Sunday morning, or not be there Sunday night or Wednesday night —
they actually do hate hearing the proper
applications of God’s Word. Sinners should feel bad when they come to church,
hear God’s Word with its rebuke, and because of guilt need to repent and
haven’t.
Fools hate the rebuke
and in so doing only injure themselves further (Pro. 8:36). Solomon placed the
blame where it belongs — with one’s self.
They Did Not Choose the Fear of the
Lord, Pro. 1:29
Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
The fact that they are guilty of themselves and cannot blame God, His
Word or the one who speaks it is further set forth by the word “choose” — “H977 bāḥar: A verb whose meaning is to take a
keen look at, to prove, to choose. It denotes a choice, which is based on a
thorough examination of the situation and not an arbitrary whim.” They heard the Truth, examined it and did not
want it! In the March 2010 article on the naïve, scoffers and fools God said
the fools “love” their own false reasoning. Hear this: “How long, ye simple
ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners
delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Pro. 1:22). The
“rejection” of the Word and the church today is the “choice” of the worldly and
carnal!
Note carefully
the Sin that introduces the warnings in the book of Proverbs: “The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools
despise wisdom and instruction” (Pro. 1:7). Moreover to “despise” is to “hate” for Pro. 1:29 says it
is! If you “despise” these then what do you “love”? When we are told in
the Scriptures that God’s wisdom is despised that necessarily implies that
man’s wisdom is loved. This can be compared somewhat to the Lord’s statement in
Matthew 6:24 — in regard to loving God or mammon you hate one and love the
other. The “alternate” lesson in Pro. 1:7 is fearing the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The fear
of the Lord increases one’s ability to learn. The “conclusion” of the whole,
Solomon said, is fear God and keep His commandments — this applies to every
person (Eccl. 12:13).
When Fear of the Lord is from the
Precepts of Men
“Wherefore
the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and
their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (Isa. 29:13).
Fools often claimed to have a fear of the
Lord — it is like “another” Gospel for it was false and hypocritical being
taught by the commandments of men. Jesus used the point in Matthew 15:1-8 — the
fools finding fault is based upon their love of human tradition that makes void
God’s Word (Mk. 7:13). Jesus said they were experts in setting aside the
commandments of God in order to keep their traditions (Mk. 7:9). The fear of God in Pro. 13:13 is in keeping His commandments
— “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but
he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.”
Lessons that Saved Us from Human
Tradition Must be Renewed Again & Again
(Applications)
1. Man making
holidays “spiritual” tradition — churches keeping Christmas and Easter with all
the gimmickry — “Come and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!”
2. The bigger
the show the greater the recognition from man (See Lk.
20:46).
3. False churches are like businesses that have “violent peaks” for
major Holidays!
4.Most want to be ignorant and
scoffers are willfully so (Matt. 23:37; 2 Pet. 3:5).
5. Paul spoke of
Christians’ “desire” to be enslaved again by human tradition
(Gal. 4:9-11).
6. The “desire” in Gal. 4:9 answers the “why” Christians submitted
themselves to human decrees in Col. 2:20-23.
Some were fond of change and loved an empty show!
7. Notice the word “self” in Col. 2:23 — self-made religion.
8. The “report” of wisdom and great spirituality went forth — You can find it here! When found it is of no value, Paul
says (Coil. 2:23)
9. There will always be the difference between those who study and apply
God’s Word and those whose fear of God is taught by the traditions of men (cf.
Mk. 13:31).
10. Churches’ “Contemporary” worship plus “Traditional” worship is a
misnomer on both counts — human tradition added the instruments of music to New
Testament worship and human tradition allows the bands blaring along with the
new performers! (cf. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; 2 Jo. 9).
11. When they complain about the “Contemporary” what they really want to do
is go back to the “old human tradition” that has been left far behind but was
itself error!
12. Community “type” churches are filled with Calvinism! The New Testament
does not teach once saved always saved (cf. 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Gal. 5:4). Also
among the many things they pervert is the false teaching that one is saved
before baptism, or that baptism is among the first acts of obedience of one who
is already saved (cf. Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:11-12).
13. The Human Society Apostasy in the 1800s was followed quickly by the
Instrumental Music Apostasy of 1866-67. It was Apostasy not just controversy!
14. The defense for the instrument was “the world’s changing” — Don’t you understand that the train has changed travel and
the world and society has a new set of standards now? Worship without the Instrument (they knew
the New Testament churches had no instruments) is Ok for back woods churches,
but new standards of respectability are being established, they proclaimed.
15. The minority kissed the innovation good-by. Many were forced to leave!
They had a harder time going on and continuing to function as local churches of
Christ — but they did not give up on the Truth!
16. The great principle was: They denied that man has the right to
introduce innovations into the prescribed worship of God! (cf. Phil. 1:27-28;
Jude 3)
17. When our churches divided again in the 1950s-60s things were not always
easy. The majority went with Institutionalism — the church support of Human
Organizations. The “Social” was in their hearts as well and they wanted
“social” functions to be the work of the local church (cf. I Cor. 11:34,21). Church sponsored recreation was part of that division.
One thing that was too obvious was those who loved man’s praise and status went
into the Institutional—Social Apostasy! That’s Apostasy not controversy.
18. Some members today get swept away — or they return back to a love of
church socials, clubs, and charity events!
Without A Fear of God Many Wrongful
Things
Happen To Christians
(Applications)
1. Contentment is hard to find (cf. Heb. 13:5).
2. For some “family” comes before Christ (cf. Matt.
10:34-37; Lk. 14:26).
3. For others it is the job, business or material gain
that comes before Christ (cf. Lk. 14:18-19; Lk. 8:14).
4. For others it is their mate that keeps them from
church and obedience to Christ (cf. Lk. 14:20).
5. Persecution sweeps many away (cf. Lk.
8:13; Mk. 4:17).
6. Friends are maintained at the expense of the Truth
(cf. Lk. 8:13).
7. “The one who dies with the most toys wins!” — but
as one said, He still dies! The rich man in Hell said “I am in torment in this
flame” (Lk. 16:23).
8. Losses in life bring despair — be it a mate or
a job or things lost because of a loss of income.
9. If you have lost your job because of the economy do not give in to
despair — do not be tricked by the ungodly — stay close to those who fear God
and regard others as more important than themselves (Phil. 2:2-3).
10. If your church is small don’t advocate dispersing —-the seven churches
of Asia contain lessons for churches for times like today (cf. Rev. 2-3).
11. Preaching is lacking in application but full of man’s wisdom and
application (2 Tim. 4:1-4).
12. The warning on “deceit” in Eph. 4:14 follows
the “Ones” in verses 4-6 for a reason.
Without a fear of God, but with the desire to do things man’s way with
man’s praise, Human Institutions are built by brethren to do the work Christ
gave the church to do (cf. I Tim. 3:15).
By Bob Lovelace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To
learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 5, June 2010
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Penalties for the Naïve, Scoffers and Fools (Part One)
Several articles about the naïve, scoffers
and fools have been connected in sequence. Their links are:
1. March
2010 “For the Naïve, Scoffers and Fools” at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm
.
2. April
2010 “Things
Refused, Neglected, Paid No Attention To and Hated, Part One” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm
.
3. May’s
continuation “Things Refused ...Part Two” appears also at the
above link.
Now, “part one” on the penalties that these foolishly thought they’d
escape all the while paying no attention to God’s call. This list of penalties
comes from Proverbs 1:23-33. It contains application from previous points in
the above mentioned articles — thus you may desire to read them. Remember who
is being addressed — those who make up the class of the naïve, scoffers and
fools (Pr. 1:22).
God Withholding His Word
Pro 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate
knowledge?
Pro 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my
spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
This follows Wisdom’s call (1:22) that contained
the thoughtful question put to them, “How long?” How long! God is angry, and
yet the question Wisdom offers implies there is still time to change their
minds. This was not a time for pampering! You see here the proper placement of
rebuke: it comes before repentance and when the description is appropriate to
one’s disobedient life. How long will you hate knowledge, deceive and seduce others! If they’d
turn to His rebuke then He’d “pour out” His spirit unto them and make known
His words unto them. The words “pour out” mean to utter, gush forth, like a
spring bubbling forth water — Pro
18:4 “The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the
wellspring of wisdom as a flowing
brook.” God’s wisdom is an exhaustless beneficial stream. You can go out into the valley east of Yuma and there are places where
the Gila River just disappears. Even where the water runs it is anything but
deep — not so with God’s Wisdom when it is appreciated, used and wanted there
is always a flowing brook.
God’s rebuke and their accepting it stood
in between Him making known His words to them.
If they’d turn then they would know all about what to do and think with
respect to God. You can’t help a fallen brother or sister if they will not
listen and accept God’s word’s rebuke.
There is a “fuller” explanation
of the place of God’s rebuke in our lives but these ignoramuses are not there —
at least not yet. Fear God and learn to accept the Word’s rebukes when reading
and studying by yourself, when alone, but do not
reject another’s giving you a necessary rebuke. Here reproofs are a way of life
as they should be for all of us: “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and
reproofs of instruction are the way of
life:” (Pr. 6:23).
God Will Laugh at their Calamity,
God will Mock when
their Fear Comes,
Pro 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I
will mock when your fear cometh;
God is telling them what they had done with His instruction. This is associated with Him having them in derision (Ps. 59:8). God sees
in advance their day of affliction coming upon them! (Ps. 37:12-13). David
understood that God foresaw Saul’s end (I Sam. 26:10). God himself will choose
their delusions: “I also will
choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I
called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not
hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not” (Isa. 66:4). There was more involved at times than their just eating the fruit of
their own way and being filled with their own devices (Pr. 1:31-32). God said
He would mock them — “And I will give children to be their
princes, and babes shall rule over them” (Isa. 3:4). Micaiah’s sarcasm mocked
Ahab before he fell at Ramoth Gilead. Sure, go and
prosper! (I Kings 22:15-23).
Distress and Anguish Come,
Pro 1:27 “ When
your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind;
when distress and anguish cometh upon you.”
1. Why these
come upon the wicked:
a. They continue on and do not
repent! See the word “because” — Pr.
1:24, 25, 29.
b. As the fruit of their own ways, Pro. 1:30-31. The
fault was theirs all along. The fruit is death — often physical but always
spiritual (Rom. 6:23)
c. Micah 3:10-12 — they lean on Lord but not in sincerity.
d. They ran out of “time” — Rev. 2:21-22. The point here is about “time”
and the longsuffering and mercy shown in the delay of God’s judgment. A sad
“but…”
2. How these come upon the
wicked:
a. Their dread (terror—sudden alarm) comes in like a storm; their calamity
(destruction) like a whirlwind (Pr. 1:27).
b. The “Storm Chasers” Series — this type of storm is used to describe the
aftermath of rejecting God’s wisdom on how to live faithfully. Their vehicle is
designed for “learning” not being a victim and not fleeing —it is low profile,
heavily plated and weighted, small portals – lots of technology to gather data
– they desire to learn about the strength of tornadoes and violent storms.
c. Prov. 6:12-15 — although he “deviseth” i.e.
“constructs, as an artisan” — does things with design and intent — his ruin
comes without warning and without relief.
d. They are already feeble and failing before God — like a leaning wall or
tottering fence, Ps. 62:3.
e. Isa. 30:13 — sins and
things they trust (12) in become like a bulge in a high wall that breaks
suddenly and brings everything down with it. “I didn’t think it would do all of
that!”
f.
Distresses are multiplied — Ps. 32:10-11 — read and appreciate — we fail at
times to consider the one problem we may be dealing with in comparison with the
many we’d have if we forsake God!
g. Sins determine the degree
— Lev. 26:14-39.
3. The view of the wicked when these
come:
a. The fear of evil is a great part (Pr. 1:33). Continual
fear — “Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against
him, as a king ready to the battle“ (Job 15:24).
b. Sometimes stops them
temporarily — the change in Ahab was not
repentance it was the fear of the consequences of sin (cf. I Kings 21:20-26).
He hated God’s prophet and imprisoned him (I Kings 22:8, 27).
c. Frequently hardens — they are liars still professing worship of Jehovah, having been stricken and consumed they refused to
return! (Jer. 5:2-3, 7-9). Things that go together: False praise (5:2),
chastened but did not grieve over their sins (5:3), consumed and yet refuse to receive instruction. The reformation under Josiah
was merely superficial in the case of the majority. Question: What does the majority of God’s
people look like today?
d. They lied and said it would not come, Jer. 5:12.
e. “Not” enough to make them want to part with their sins: Jer. 6:29 “The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed
of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the
wicked are not plucked away.” Jer 6:30 “Reprobate silver shall men call
them, because the LORD hath rejected them. — In other words, the efforts made
to purify Israel in the furnace of affliction were in vain.” Jeremiah ch. 39 — the destruction came (See Lamentations).
4. The Faithfull's view:
a. Do not be afraid of the desolation of the
wicked when it comes — Proverbs 3:25-26 “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither
of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. [26] For the Lord shall be thy
confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
b. They had no reason to complain because their
affliction was just — Jeremiah
30:15 “Why criest thou for thine
affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude
of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I
have done these things unto thee.”
c. God is glorified. God dealt with Pharaoh and Egypt slowly for this
reason — so His glory might bee understood by the
nations (Ex. 14:4).
d. Are for examples to
others — all Christians have this
warning (I Cor. 10:11).
e. Homosexual have their example (2 Pet. 2:6).
Pro 1:32 For the turning away of the simple
shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Pro 1:33 But
whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and
shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Note: Continued in July, Part Two.
By Bob Lovelace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 6, July 2010
A Publication of the Valley church
of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Penalties for the
Naïve, Scoffers and Fools (Part Two)
There are now several articles about the
naïve, scoffers and fools that have been connected in sequence. Their links
are:
1. March 2010 “For
the Naïve, Scoffers and Fools” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm.
2. April 2010
“Things Refused, Neglected, Paid No Attention To and Hated, Part One” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm.
3. May’s
continuation “Things Refused ...Part Two” appears also at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm.
4. June’s
“Penalties for the Naïve, Scoffers and Fools (Part One)” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm.
5. July’s
“Penalties for the Naïve, Scoffers and Fools (Part Two)” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm.
In part one of the current topic we
presented the penalties of (1) God Withholding His Word, (2) God Will Laugh at
their Calamity, God will Mock when their Fear Comes and (3) Distress and
Anguish Come. Now “part two” on the penalties that these
foolishly thought they’d escape all the while paying no attention to God’s
call. This list of penalties comes from Proverbs 1:23-33. It contains
application from previous points in the above mentioned articles — thus you may
desire to read them. Remember who is being addressed — those who make up the
class of the naïve, scoffers and fools (Pr. 1:22). Look for “Part Three” in
August.
God Will Not Answer
Pro 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I
will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Pro 1:29 For that they
hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they
despised all my reproof.
“Then”— i.e. when distress
and anguish come (see Part One). God did not answer because they did not
turn or repent (Pr. 1:22-23).
For some application take time here to
read about King Saul — God did not answer Saul when the Philistines came up
against Israel (I Sam. 28:5-14). Having not repented and with no answer from
God he used another means God forbid — a “medium.” He went to what he himself
had removed from the land (I Sam. 28:3). The penalty for using mediums was
death (Lev. 20:6). I Ch. 10:13 says that Saul died for his transgressions which
he committed against the Lord, and also for asking
counsel of one that had a familiar spirit.
People are often fascinated with Samuel
coming up from the dead to speak to Saul, but the fearful lesson here is Saul’s
wretched condition. He is afraid because God had departed from him and would not
answer him (I Sam. 28:15). Samuel added something to that and what was it? In verse 16 — God has become your adversary
(cp. Ja. 4:4). God’s enemies perish! (cf. Ps.
68:1-3). Samuel’s explanation was you did not obey the Lord in the matter of Amalek (18). God’s penalty now will be Saul’s and his sons’
deaths (19).
Saul is so shaken that he fell full length
upon the ground – he
is wholly frightened, and has no strength having neglected to eat for twenty
four hours (20). The caring, helpful witch urged him to eat — she wanted him
out of there lest her destruction comes quickly (21-25). The
lesson:
Here are the last days of one forsaken by God!
Samuel did not tell Saul to repent he just told him what was going to happen to
him! Concerned reader there is a passage like that in the New Testament — it
deals with attendance having been neglected by those in the church (cf. Heb.
10:23-27). Its purpose is to instill fear and a resolve to quit forsaking the
assemblies of the local church. God is telling them what they “did” to Christ
after having received the forgiveness of their sins — moreover they insult the
Holy Spirit after receiving His blessings (cf. Heb. 10:28-29; cp. Heb.
6:4-6). They had done these things to God
rather than staying fruitful:
Heb 6:7 For the earth
which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it,
and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is
dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
Heb 6:8 But that which beareth
thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose
end is to be burned.
Heb 6:9 But, beloved, we
are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though
we thus speak.
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to
forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do
shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope
unto the end:
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers
of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Stay fruitful!
God Will Not Be Found
Pro 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I
will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did
not choose the fear of the LORD:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they
despised all my reproof.
These did not love God — “I love them that
love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Pr. 8:17). The
lesson: One can “call” and “seek” without repentance! Don’t
you think that the lost called on God at the Flood?
An empty
cry:
Job 27:8 For what is the hope of the
hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh
away his soul?
Job 27:9 Will God hear his cry when trouble
cometh upon him?
Job 27:10 Will he delight himself in the
Almighty? will he always call upon God?
God will
not hear vanity:
Job 35:11 Who teacheth
us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us
wiser than the fowls of heaven?
Job 35:12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
Job 35:13 Surely God will not hear vanity,
neither will the Almighty regard it.
This is
like James said:
Jam 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and
desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because
ye ask not.
Jam 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye
ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jam 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know
ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever
therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Empty requests!
The prayer of the wicked is an abomination
(Pr. 28:9). This is true of their prayers in the assemblies (Isa. 1:12-15). No
doubt many places the “unfaithful” in the church are crying to God on account
of lost income, lost jobs, little prospect of improvement, fear of the future,
worry about their child’s future – will they have the best?
Is my cry to be able to continue to serve
God, support the gospel, support the local church and give to brethren in need
— the pattern is both local and abroad. Is it just to get to retirement and
spend for myself? Perhaps it is the cry of the one who dies with the most toys
wins?
We’ve all known some in the past who the
more they prospered materially the less they cared for the church and spiritual
things: Holding work back that could be done just to be able to skip Wednesday
evening worship — saving things to check
on for Sunday that could be done on Saturday — striving to please the physical
physician while displeasing the Great Physician when one knows the difference
between a doctor’s advice and my making that “advice” into a command that gives
me leisure time apart from worship and exhorting others to good works which
somehow just makes good sense — insulting the Spirit of God by jokingly
dismissing worship early because of something else to do or there was no
preparation to begin with — the scorner
will teach others to enjoy the joking and scorn the warnings — wanting christians
to just be a bunch of big kids —
enjoying hearing members’ kids talk about how they enjoyed the ball game
last Sunday rather than being in church — staying away from worship to have a
good time — lying about being at work or sick because they did not like the
teacher or preacher or class — buying tickets to events for self and others
although it conflicts with church and resent being told it was wrong.
Hear the
Psalmist:
Psa 66:17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he
was extolled with my tongue.
Psa 66:18 If I regard
iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Psa 66:19 But
verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Psa 66:20 Blessed be
God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
By Bob Lovelace
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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Truth In
Print Vol. 16 Issue 7, Aug. 2010
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Penalties for the
Naïve, Scoffers and Fools (Part Three)
We now have several articles about the
naïve, scoffers and fools that have been connected in sequence. Their links
are:
1. March 2010 “For the Naïve, Scoffers and
Fools” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/naive-scoffers-fools.htm .
2. April 2010 “Things Refused, Neglected,
Paid No Attention To and Hated, Part One” at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm
.
3. May 2010 “Things Refused ...Part Two” appears also
at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm .
4. June 2010 “Penalties for the Naïve,
Scoffers and Fools (Part One)” at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm
.
5. July 2010 “Penalties for the Naïve,
Scoffers and Fools (Part Two)” at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm
.
6. August 2010 “Penalties for the Naive,
Scoffers and Fools (Part Three)” at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/thingsrefused-hated.htm .
In “Part Two” of the current topic we
presented the penalties that these foolishly thought they’d escape all the
while paying no attention to God’s call. This list of penalties, continued now from
Proverbs 1:23-33, contains application from previous points in the above
mentioned articles — thus you may desire to read them. Remember who is being
addressed — those who make up the class of the naïve, scoffers and fools (Pr.
1:22).
They Will Eat the Fruit of Their Own Way And Be Filled With Their Own Devices
Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did
not choose the fear of the LORD:
Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they
despised all my reproof.
Pro 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit
of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
The word
“fruit” (vs. 21) means “bough, fruit or reward.” Thus to “eat” is to consume or
devour the reward of their own way. By definition “way” means “ a road
(as trodden);
figuratively a course of life or mode of action…” One thinks of parallels on sowing and reaping: Pro 22:8 “He that soweth iniquity shall
reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.”
There will be an end!
Job 4:8
Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness,
reap the same.
Job 4:9 By the blast of
God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.
God punishes
according to fruits!
This point is made again: “The
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself” (Pr. 14:14).
You do this to yourself!
Consider Paul’s warning:
Gal
6:7 Be not
deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but
he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting.
Pro
1:32 For the
turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall
destroy them.
“Turning away” is waywardness and refers to the “apostasy” of the
naïve we have been studying about. The blame is put where it belongs in the
book of proverbs. Those in error and apostasy are themselves the blame.
Their Prosperity Will Destroy Them
“Prosperity” sometimes translated
“complacency” also means security — either real or imagined. We walk on
slippery ground at times thinking that what is will always be. I have seen
brethren bounce back and forth — in church — then away from — and usually away
from church when they get everything material that they desire — only to see
them die suddenly and that without remedy. I witnessed this once where the
sister in Christ died within one year of leaving the church for the last time!
Pro
29:1 He, that
being often reproved
hardeneth his
neck, shall suddenly be destroyed,
and that without remedy.
Should you
read this study and be on the bounce “out” of the church take heed and be no
longer deceived. Who did the Lord refer to as a fool in Lk.
12:20-21? Why? Consider the necessity of being “ready” in the parable of the
ten virgins and five who were foolish in Matt. 25:1-12.
Either I am prepared right now or I’m not!
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Pro 14:13 Even
in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
Pro 14:14 The
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
Pro 14:15 The
simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Pro 14:16 A
wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth,
and is confident.
False confidence deceives many!
By Bob Lovelace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To
learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com