Truth Magazine

By Mason Harris

It is said that after Thomas Carlyle took Ralph Waldo Emerson through the dark streets of London, with its sin, he asked, “Do you believe in the Devil now?” In our own day listen to die news or read the daily paper if you need proof of the, Devil’s existence.

Not only does he exist, Peter says, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” Naturalists have observed that a lion roars when he is aroused with hunger, for then he is most fierce, and most eagerly seeks his prey. And under the figure of a hungry lion, Peter pictures the devil at work among people. And what defense does man have in the presence of such a foe? James said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (1:7)

The strategy for overcoming the devil begins in the submission of self unto God. We are to yield to what he has judged necessary for our welfare in the, life that is, and our salvation in the life to come. The object of the command here is to show how we might obtain the grace, which God is willing to bestow, and how we might overcome the evils against which we have been warned.

The strategy for overcoming the devil continues by resisting him, and this is with the assurance that the devil will flee. While we are to yield to God in all things, we are to yield to the devil in nothing. We are to resist and oppose him in whatever way lie may approach us, whether by allurements, by flattering promises, by the fascinations of the world, by temptations, or by threats.

The true way of meeting him is by direct resistance, rather than by argument; by steadfast refusing to yield in the slightest degree, rather than by a belief that we can either convince him that he is wrong, or can return to virtue when we have gone a certain length in complying with his demands. No one is safe who yields in the least to the suggestions of the Tempter. Place yourself under the, protecting arm of God. He is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted above that which you are able to overcome. (1 Cor. 10:13)

 

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 36, p. 2
July 19, 1973

By Larry Ray Hafley

Brother J. D. Tant used to warn and exhort, “Brethren, we are drifting.” The late and lamented W. W. Otey once wrote a lengthy series of articles on “Trends.” The practice of these men does not establish the way of truth, but their admonition to beware of gradually slipping away (“drifting”) from the truth is scriptural. Today, however, we are hearing the sound of a different drum. We are told not to worry about “where some are headed.” We are not to charge others with tendencies or leanings in the wrong direction. We are urged to leave a wandering one alone lest he be turned to error. Do not fire at him, wait until he goes into complete apostasy, or else you may spur him prematurely into digression. Some advice that is! Sublime counsel! It is neither sensible, practical, nor godly. immediately, I ‘am branded a legalistic, vindictive mote seeker. So be it. But mark this down. When one pleads for tolerance he may justly deserve mercy, reserve, and understanding. Fine, he should receive it, but occasionally one asks for a cease-fire so he can continue his trend to error unimpeded. That is the bird to keep your eye on.

New Testament Trends

1. Hebrews: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Heb. 2: 1). “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12, 13). “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it many be defiled” (Heb. 12:15). The book of Hebrews was written to smother a trend, a deadly direction into which some were headed. This can be shown in the author’s statement, “And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation” (Heb. 13:22). Some were on the verge of casting away their confidence and of drawing and drifting back unto perdition. So, the Hebrew writer exhorted them not to waver but to hold fast.

2. 2 Peter: Peter’s entire second epistle was written to those who were “established in the present truth.” The apostle, though, felt the need to stir them up by putting them in remembrance. Was he concerned about the way some might be headed? “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Pet. 3:17).

3. Acts 20:28-32: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, which after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Paul warned of “perverse things” (doctrines) designed to “draw away” disciples. Why did he not wait until the fact was evident? Why warn of the coming trend? Might he not “turn off” some with his language and “turn” them “on” to innovations? If he was worried about such a thing, this passage does not tell us. Rather, the passage reveals:

(1) That it is proper to call attention to error not yet present;

(2) That it is right to cite sources of potential danger;

(3) That it is correct to point out the results of imminent arisings of error.

Dangers Of Holding Fire

Hesitating to expose a movement or a trend has several drawbacks. First, it allows a person to become hardened. He may be redeemable and retrievable if reproved early, but if allowed to go unchecked, he may be “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Second, it permits a little leaven to penetrate and permeate a whole lump. If one is allowed to drift he may lead astray “whole houses,” whereas, if his mouth is stopped early, his influence is stifled. Third, it condemns those who allow the drifter to slip away, for “his blood,” God says, “will I require at thine hand” (Ezek. 3:17-21). Fourth, it establishes a precedent that encourages drifting. Anything that is tolerated ceases to be odious. Others drift and no concern is expressed. Drifting is not so bad after all, thus, we unwittingly set the stage for our own drifting, departure, and damnation.

 

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 35, pp. 12-13
July 12, 1973

By Eugene Britnell

The Sermon on the Mount is truly the masterpiece of the ages. It was delivered by one whose ability, as a teacher was so great that he was frequently called “The Teacher.” We cannot question the clarity, sincerity, practicality and authority by which he spake. Concerning this great sermon, the multitude said, “He taught as one having authority.” (Matt. 7:29.) The thunders from the summit of Mount Sinai proclaiming the Ten Commandments form a striking contrast to the gentle voice of Jesus from the mountain in Galilee proclaiming the religion of blessedness. Jesus began this sermon with a series of blessings or “beatitudes.” Our lesson is to deal with the third of these – “Blessed are the meek.”

Meekness Defined

The Greek word “praos” translated “meek” in our text is thus defined by the authorities: “Meek, gentle, kind, forgiving, Matt. 5.5; mild, benevolent, humane.” (Analytical Greek Lexicon, P. 340.) “Gentle, mild, meek.” (Thayer, p. 534.) “Gentle, kind, not easily provoked, ready to yield rather than cause trouble: but not used in the Bible in the bad sense of tamely submissive and servile.” (Cruden’s Concordance, P. 424.) “Mild of temper; patient under injuries; long suffering. Gentle. Kind.” (Webster.)

So when the Lord pronounced a blessing upon the meek, he had in mind that character that would be kind, gentle, forgiving and humble; one who would “go the second mile” and “be defrauded” rather than possess the spirit of personal retaliation. As we shall see later, he does not expect the meek to allow truth to suffer and be perverted at the hands of unholy men, but rather to defend it and “fight the good fight of faith.”

Meekness is rather the attitude of the soul toward another when that other is in a state of activity toward it. It is the attitude of the disciple to the teacher when teaching; of the son to the father when exercising his parental authority; of the servant to the master when giving him orders. It is therefore essentially as applicable to the relation of man to God as to that of man to man. Meekness toward God necessarily issues in meekness toward men. It is not meekness in the relation of man to man barely stated, of which Christ here speaks, but meekness in the relation of man to man with its prior and presupposed fact of meekness in the relation of man to God.

Meekness is patience in the endurance of injuries with the belief that God will vindicate us and with the attitude that we are willing to wait for that time. Both Jesus and Paul set fine examples of meekness or patience in the endurance of suffering, willing to wait the Father’s good time to vindicate them. Some look upon meekness as cowardice or the surrender of our rights to others, but it takes more courage to be meek than it does to fight for our rights. A deeper appreciation of the meaning of meekness can be seen when we consider that it is associated with lowliness (Eph. 4:2.), a quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4), and gentleness. (Titus 3:2.)

Meekness Exemplified

Moses: Concerning this great man of God we read, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3.) The meekness of this man consisted

(a) Not in the absence of temper, but in the control of it. The word rendered “meek” is the word used by the Greeks to describe a colt when it has been harnessed and broken.

(b) Not in timidity, but in able and aggressive leadership of God’s people.

(c) In forbearance toward his enemies and oppressors.

(d) In submission, without complaint, to God’s plan even though it thwarted his personal ambition. (See Deut. 34.)

Jesus: From a study of Deut. 18:15 and many other passages we learn that Jesus was to be like Moses in many ways. Meekness was a characteristic of both. Meekness and lowliness of heart are the only qualities that he claimed for himself. “For I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11.29.) In his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he is described as being meek. “Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass. And upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Matt. 21:5.) This was a fulfillment of prophecy. In 2 Cor. 10: 1, Paul speaks of the “meekness and gentleness of Christ.”

As diametric as it may seem, and as hard as it may seem for us to comprehend it, the Book says that Christ possessed the characteristics of both the lamb and the lion. First, let us consider him as a lamb. When John saw Jesus coming unto him, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1: 29.) In his unjust trial and crucifixion on the cross, he fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy, which described the slaughter of a lamb. The passage referred to (Isa. 53.) described his vicarious death, his submissiveness, his humility and meekness. No animal could better demonstrate those characteristics in Christ than a little lamb.

But let us not forget that he was also “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.” (Rev. 5:5.) Under some forms of attack he was a lamb, but when the enemies of God began to pervert and fight against Truth, he turned lion in his opposition to their evil works. Hear him as he rebukes the scribes and Pharisees. (Matt. 23.) Six times in that chapter he called them “hypocrites” and once he referred to them as “blind guides.” Of course he knew the hearts of men, but this doesn’t sound too much like a lamb, does it? Why did he thus speak? Because he was fighting sin and hypocrisy. His action in the temple of God (Matt. 21.) is another example of his firmness in dealing with sin.

Remember, it was in the Sermon on the Mount that he pronounced a blessing upon the meek. But in that same sermon he pointed out the one way to God (7:14; Cf. Jno. 14:6), warned against false prophets (7:15) and condemned all who would call him “Lord, Lord” but obey not the things, which he commanded. Since he left us an example that we should follow him (I Pet. 2:21), we conclude that we are to do the same today, and such is not “fighting” or “judging” but the work of true meekness and love.

As we sum up the life of Jesus, we find the following:

(a) Toward the fallen he was not harsh, but gentle.

(b) He was not a spineless man, but a courageous leader as was Moses.

(c) He suffered much wrong, but did no wrong; he was not vengeful, but forgiving.

(d) Like Moses, he yielded to God’s will though it led to his death. (John 5:30)

Paul: Another great character in whom we see a true picture of meekness was the apostle Paul. Like Moses and Christ, he was meek but firm. Paul gives us this description of himself: “Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.” (2 Cor. 10: 1) Note that he claimed to possess the two outstanding characteristics of Christ – meekness and lowliness. I am confident that he was both in the fullest sense that it is possible for a human to be. Yet in verse 2 of the same chapter he said he was bold and in verse 3 he said he (and all Christians) are engaged in war. Can one be meek and lowly and at the same time be bold and aggressive? Certainly he can. In verse 5 he describes the type of war in which he and all Christians are engaged. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

In 1 Cor. 4:21, Paul asked the Corinthians: “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Here again we see both the lion and the lamb. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:23) he listed “meekness” as a fruit of the Spirit. In addition to being meek himself, he taught his brethren to be. But we see from this same letter that meekness did not preclude firmness and aggressiveness. In verse 8 of the first chapter be called down the anathema of heaven upon those who would dare pervert the gospel of Christ. In verses 4 and 5 of chapter two we see that neither he nor the Galatians compromised with nor tolerated the work of Judaizing teachers. In verse 11 of the same chapter we see Paul in his meekness as he resisted and condemned Peter to his face. And he did not call him off into a corner and whisper it into his ear for verse 14 shows that he reprimanded him “before them all.” Some brethren of today think it is wrong to publicly call names and rebuke brethren for their false teaching, unscriptural works and liberal attitudes. But it is not. If Paul could do so and be meek, so can we. The same principle can be seen in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 4:2, he admonished them to be meek, but in verses 10-17 of chapter six he told them to put on the armor of God and fight the fight of faith. And yet all of this is in harmony with true meekness.

Meekness Vs. Weakness

One may be meek and militant at the same time. As we have seen by numerous examples in this study, one does not have to be weak in order to be meek. Weakness is not meekness and meekness is not weakness. One may be truly meek and yet be strong in those things, which demand strength. Or one may be very strong in some ways and lack true meekness. Jesus was meek, yet he had power over self, the heavens, the earth, sin, sickness and the gates of Hades. Violate the principles of his Father’s will and he was the Lion of the tribe of Judah; revile and abuse him personally and he was the lamb dumb before his shearer. The man who is truly meek is not interested in getting praise for himself, but in seeing God’s will done regardless of the cost to him for he knows that herein lies not only his strength but that of the church and all righteousness. No, one does not have to have a backbone like a wet noodle in order to be meek.

The Reward

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The promise connected with this blessing has been the object of much discussion and controversy in the religious world. The Premillennialist reads it and finds comfort in thinking it helps substantiate the theory of premillennialism. He interprets it to mean that Christ will reign with the meek on this literal earth for one thousand years. But it does not mean that. In 2 Peter 3: 10 we read: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” Since this shows that the literal earth shall be destroyed, obviously Christ did not mean the meek shall inherit this earth.

Among the lower forms of life, the meek are inheriting the land, while the vicious are vanishing. Among the nations of the earth, the meek are surviving while the cruel and lustful are fading. The Old Testament promised that certain ones would inherit the earth. (See Psalms 25:13; 37:9, 11). To those under the Law, such a promise referred to the land of Canaan, and the land came to be looked upon as a type of all blessings. It seems the Lord had reference to his spiritual kingdom, of which “the land” of Canaan was a type. The meek shall not become the actual title-holders of the land (Luke 12:15); but they shall come into the real enjoyment of the things of God; they have a greater capacity for enjoyment. Divine protection and contentment are theirs. Eventually, they shall enter the heavenly land or country; that spiritual “earth” whose builder and maker is God.

Let us therefore be meek: In the reception of the word (Jas. 1:21); in teaching the word (2 Tim. 2:25); in restoring the erring (Gal. 6: 1); in reciting a reason for the hope we entertain in our hearts. (1 Peter 3: 15)

 

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 35, pp. 6-9
July 12, 1973

By Mason Harris

Long ago a prophet in Israel voiced the word of the Lord by saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6).

The penalty for ignorance is often disastrous to man. Politically speaking, to be ignorant of the aims and methods of the Communist conspiracy to take over our country leaves one helpless to act in defense of his country. Actually, without being aware of it, he may become a part of the revolutionary bomb.

Physically speaking, if we are not acquainted with the rules of good health, or if we are not aware of the symptoms of dreaded diseases, our ignorance can result in a short life span for us. But, spiritually speaking, the consequence of ignorance is even more tragic because it involves the destiny of the soul. So, as Paul instructed the Ephesians, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). And he instructed fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The training of youth is primarily the responsibility of fathers, because they are at the head of the family relationship. And the children are to be put under such discipline and instruction that they shall become acquainted with the Lord. But there is a conflict between the command of the apostle Paul and modern education as taught in many of our public schools-and in some private schools. Modern education has put a premium on materialism. The use of the Bible is forbidden in many schools and the existence of God is often ridiculed. Morality is being thrown to the wind.

But this is not a new situation. Other periods in the history of man have seen the same development and the consequences. The apostle Paul speaks of a generation who professed themselves to be wise, but became fools. The women of that day practiced

lesbianism and the men practiced homosexuality; they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the created rather than the Creator. As a result, God gave them up to the way of life they had chosen and thus they passed into eternity without God. Regardless of what scoffers may say, God is our only hope. Let us then seek to know what his will is and then make application of it.

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 35, p. 2
July 12, 1973