What Saith the Authorities
Hiram Hutto
“Once while two Christians were discussing a Bible subject, one of them asked, “What do the authorities say about it?” No doubt he had in mind such things as lexicons, Bible dictionaries, historic, and geographic. Yet I feel that sometimes (though not with the one who raised the question) there is the all too prevalent attitude to depend on what men may say about a certain Bible subject or passage. It may be a lexicon; it may be a dictionary, or it even may be a preacher, but such is surely to be deplored. Paul said that we ought “not to think of men above that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6).
None of the foregoing is meant to disparage the use of tools in Bible study. I am persuaded that it would be good if more members of the church would invest a little more money in such aids as dictionaries, lexicons, and the like. What I am trying to say, however, is that such should be kept in their proper place; namely, that of an “aid” or a “tool.” A Bible dictionary can be a good thing. Nevertheless, it is not the Bible; it is not the word of God; it is a dictionary. It ought to be merely an aid that does just that aid; aid in understanding the Bible, not replace it.
And the same goes for commentaries. I am not opposed to the proper use of good commentaries. I use them frequently. I fear, though, that many times, the joke “A good commentary is one that ages with what I already believe” is far more than a joke. It’s a fact! Just because Johnson’s Notes may say a thing does not mean that it is so. Just because Adam Clarke may be quoted does not mean that such is the truth. More seldom than somewhat one meets such expressions as: “This passage means so and so.” Proof? “See Albert Barnes, page 22!” or “What happened then was thus and thus.” How do you know? “See MacKnight, page 38!” Such does not prove anything other than that is what Albert Barnes or somebody thinks. And, frankly, that is not the word of God.
What is an authority? What is a scholar? Well, oftentimes it depends upon whom you ask. Webster says that a scholar is “one who has engaged in advanced study and acquired knowledge in some special field”, and I suppose that is the usual way in which the word is used. Nonetheless, we need to remember a few things:
- Scholars are not divine; they are human beings. Their opinions may be weighty but they are not inspired. They may be skilled in some special field but they do not know everything in that field. They may have acquired some knowledge but they have not acquired all knowledge. Just because a man may know a few things in one field does not mean that he is skilled in another field. Scholars may be learned but they are not infallible.
- Sometimes scholars, being human beings, are prejudiced. A fellow doesn’t have to read very many of them to discover this. At times scholars allow previous practice and previously held positions of their own to influence their thinking. It’s not a bad idea to know something about a given scholar’s background.
- Oftentimes scholars disagree. If you look long enough you can find some scholar or authority to substantiate nearly any position imaginable. This might be a good place to point out that the oft-heard expression “all scholars agree…” is a figment of an imagination; it just isn’t so unless you have a pretty limited definition of the word “scholar.” By the way, that reminds me of the debate I heard between two college students from England and two from the University of Florida. One of the Florida students chided the English for not quoting any authorities to substantiate their position. To which one of the English debaters replied, “You can quote authorities on any side of any question. But if you want an authority, here is what one noted authority has written….” Then he concluded, “If you want to know who that authority is and where he wrote such, I made the statement, I wrote it, and that’s pretty good authority, at least to me.” Well, since scholars disagree, it is a good idea to consult several; don’t take one man’s word.
- Let us never get to the point that we feel that because a scholar or even many scholars may say a thing, then that must be the way it is. Their thoughts may be valuable, but they are not absolute. Before such we may bend, but we must not bow. Remember, we are to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21). We are to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1). The place to do the proving and the trying is in the word of God. Again, let it be noted that we may respect authorities, and we may study them, but we must not “think of men above that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6). “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). When we say, “What saith the authorities?” let us mean “what saith the scriptures?”
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Go Away for Now
Mike Johnson
Luke tells us in Acts 24 of a time when Paul, whom the Jews had earlier seized, was brought before the area’s governor—a man named Felix. They brought charges against Paul, and he defended himself. Hoping to receive a bribe, Felix refused to let Paul go, and he kept him as a prisoner for two years. During this time, Felix and Drusilla, his wife, sent for Paul regularly to hear him preach.
On one occasion, when Paul preached, we are told that he reasoned with Felix about “righteousness,” “self-control,” and the “judgment to come.” Both Felix and Drusilla needed to hear these lessons for many reasons. First, Felix and Drusilla were involved in an adulterous relationship. Thus, they clearly needed instruction in self-control. Further, Felix was not righteous in his relationship with God or with his fellow man. Also, Felix and Drusilla should have realized that they would have to give an account of themselves to God on Judgment Day. Paul’s straightforward approach with Felix is remarkable, given his dependence on Felix for his release from prison. Many people would have said whatever Felix wanted to hear to secure their freedom. However, Paul wanted to defend the truth and, if possible, save Felix’s and Drusilla’s souls.
Consider a few observations about Paul’s preaching. First, he did not merely preach what Felix wanted to hear. Typically, a person living in an adulterous relationship does not want to hear about righteousness, self-control, and the “judgment to come.” Next, he did not preach to please Felix. Paul did not compromise; he offered no apology, and his sermon was not so general that Felix could miss the point. Finally, his sermon was persuasive preaching — he spoke it to prompt action!
Upon hearing Paul’s sermon, Felix was “afraid” (vs. 25). However, he did not ask, “How can I obtain forgiveness?” Instead, he said, “Go away for now, when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (NKJV)
Today we need to preach as Paul did. He did not preach to please people but to please God (also note 2 Tim. 4:1-2). When we hear God’s Word, we must obey it (Heb. 5:9) and not delay (2 Cor. 6:2)!
Delay is rebellion against God. Children who tell their parents they will obey later are rebelling against them. People who say to God, “not now,” are rebelling against their heavenly Father.
Delay is also extremely dangerous. We could die at any time; the Judgment could happen at any time. A person delaying obedience could easily be caught unprepared. There is also the strong possibility that the person who continues to reject God will eventually develop a “hardened heart” (Mt. 13:15; Heb. 3:13).
How do you respond to the preaching of God’s Word? Are you willing to do everything God tells you to do in His inspired Word, or do you obey when it pleases you? A person cannot obtain salvation without becoming a Christian. To become a Christian, one must hear (Rom. 10:17); believe (Jn. 3:16), repent (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), confess Christ (Rom. 10:10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16). After one becomes a Christian, he must remain faithful (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).
The Scriptures do not say that Felix responded to Paul’s lessons. Most believe he did not. We must not make the same mistake. Are you saying to God, “Go away for now?”
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Why Did David Use Instruments?
Steven Deaton
In discussions with denominational folks about instrumental music, they will sometimes claim that David’s use of them justifies their use today. Is this true?
First, let us establish that David is not our Savior. He is not the authority in Christianity, Jesus is (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18). David was a prophet; he was the sweet psalmist of Israel, guided by the Spirit of God. Still, the New Testament reveals that we are not to follow and heed the Law or prophets, but the Son of God (Matthew 17:1-5).
Second, David used the instruments because God commanded him to (2 Chronicles 29:25). It is not as though David presumptuously changed the worship of God. Many today believe they can. Without a commandment from God, they alter what the New Testament says about worship. They add instrumental music, social activities, even outright entertainment. All such activities are without divine authority and render the worship vain (Matthew 15:7-9).
Third, there are many things David did that we cannot do. David offered and commended animal sacrifices (Psalms 51:19). He had many wives (2 Samuel 3:2-5; 5:13; 12:8). Who will argue that we should offer bulls and goats or that a man can practice polygamy because David did? Honesty demands that none of these things are permissible because of David’s practices; not sacrifices, not polygamy, not instrumental music in worship.
The bottom line is, David used instruments because that is what God commanded him to do. In our worship we must sing, because this is what God commands us to do (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Let us be like David, people after God’s own heart, by submitting to the Lord’s will, not living by ours.
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Raging Against Sound Judgment
Chad Brewer
Proverbs 18:1, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
In the context, Solomon is talking about isolating from counsel and advice. When we know what we want, and we are fully convinced about what is best for ourselves, we pull away from counsel and advice. In knowing what is best, we conclude that we do not need anyone else’s input. They don’t know what I know. They couldn’t understand what I understand. They have never been in my situation.
But more than that, we begin to rage against wise judgment. We start to develop the feeling that they are against us or against our happiness. We feel misunderstood, uncared for, and persecuted. We can lash out or isolate ourselves further. We entrench ourselves in the belief that we are the only one who knows.
But Solomon has already named this man in Proverbs 12:15; he is a fool. It’s a fool who rejects wise counsel and keeps his own. It’s a fool who trusts in his own understanding. When you see yourself falling into this pattern of thought and behavior, be warned and make changes.
Ask: Do I seek counsel, or only confirmation? Do I listen when someone challenges what I have already decided? When wise people disagree with me, do I consider their words, or assume they are against me?
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Drop a Pebble in the Water
James W. Foley
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy a-circling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
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Sermon Audio
Living With Dying
Sewell Hall
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Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org