THE TRENTON BULLETIN

THE TRENTON BULLETIN

Trenton Church of Christ, Trenton, Florida

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). The apostle Paul remained faithful to Christ laboring diligently until his life came to a close. The word of God is silent in the matter of his passing, but to this author it seems appropriate that the scriptures leave us with Paul in bonds for preaching Christ, but taking advantage of his limited opportunities to continue to spread the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14, 4:22; Acts 28:30-31). He serves as the best Biblical illustration of perseverance in Christ

Perseverance comes from hupomone which literally means, “an abiding under,” and is best defined as “cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy” (Strongs - 5281). It implies suffering, enduring, or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity (ISBE). It is more than just a passive quality whereby one simply sits about patiently enduring hardship, like a ship anchored in a storm holding out against harsh wind and high waves. Rather it is an active quality more like a ship sailing on in spite of the storm moving forward into the teeth of the wind and plying through the crashing waves. Perseverance is not just bearing with trials, but bearing up under trials (Hebrews 12:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:10-11).

Perseverance is essential to growth toward maturity in Christ. One must allow patience to develop the kind of mature character that manifests the servant’s heart, not selfishness; that come to anticipate being with Christ, not fearfully grasping on to life in this world; that finds joy in the midst of burdens, rather than whining over every perceived difficulty and slight (Romans 5:4; James 1:4; Luke 8:15). Perseverance is a vital ingredient in enduring trials (2 Thessalonians 1:4; James 5:11). And, it is necessary to reach eternal life (Romans 2:7; Hebrews 10:36).

There are things that one can cultivate in life which will help him to strengthen his hands for labor and develop a resolute countenance against opposition.

The right elements: 1) a daily examination of the Word of God (Romans 15:4; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 3:13), 2) a strong hope in the resurrection (Romans 8:25, 1 Corinthians 15:20), 3) constancy in prayer (Colossians 1:11, 4:2), and even successfully handled tribulations ( Romans 5:3; James 1:3).

1) Looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-4). By considering the Lord who endured such hostility, one will be less likely to grumble and give up.

2) Looking to the ancient prophets (James 5:10-11). Their examples of devout service in the face of death should motivate the faint of heart. In view of what they patiently endured, ones own excuses for lack of perseverance or failures to bear up under trials seem self-indulgent and foolish (Hebrews 11:32-38).

3) Looking to each other (Hebrews 3:12-14, 10:22-25). Encouragement from fellow Christians is a powerful aid to persisting against temptation and despair. By continual exhortations and frequent assemblies, one is more likely to be faithful until death.

4) Looking at burdens as opportunities (James 1:2-3). Trials in life are designed by God for ones own betterment; they mold and make him what God would have him be. Instead of grieving under trial, rejoice and glory in tribulations ( Romans 5:3-5).

5) Looking to the future (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Burdens are brief and light compared to the eternal weight of glory. For those who persevere until the end, glory awaits (Revelation 2:25-29, 3:1).

Remaining active in service to the Lord is difficult during lingering illnesses, deep abiding grief, and long term financial difficulties. Occasionally, Christians will make some disappointment, loss, or grief an excuse for shirking their duties to the Lord. But to truly demonstrate perseverance, they must continue to press on in doing good regardless of the circumstances of their lives. Perseverance is also needed when faced with earthly delights, pleasures, and seductions. Such distractions are just as dangerous as tribulation in rendering one unfruitful in Christ (Luke 8:14). “Just as the dark clouds of trial may render us inactive, so may the dazzling brightness of temptations blind us and render us useless” (Alexander MacLaren). Perseverance is an extended version of self-control. Self-control is a daily exercise. Therefore, perseverance is self-control exercised today, tomorrow, the next day, and the rest of one’s life. It is reasonable to believe that Paul persevered as a teacher of truth for the rest of his life. He did so one day at a time. The kingdom of the Lord needs such teachers of truth who will remain steadfast until the end moved by the servant’s heart to share the gospel with others.

¼ It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for it's name's sake, because it requireth all my spare time.

¼ It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian, because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.

¼ It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world, and keepeth me from the study of God's word.

¼ It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend the evening worship service and doing nothing in the Kingdom of God.

¼ Yea, though I liveth to be a hundred, I shall keep on viewing my TV as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion.

¼ It presenteth entertainment before me, and keepeth me from doing important things with my family.

¼ It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set out in the Word of God.

¼ Surely, no good thing will come of my life because my TV offereth me no good time to the will of God.

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family.

In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bill, five years my senior, was my example. Fran, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors--Mom taught me to love the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it.

But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening. If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it all. He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future. The pictures he could draw were so life-like that I would often laugh or cry as I watched. He was like a friend to the whole family. The stranger was our storyteller.

He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. My brother and I were deeply impressed by John Wayne in particular.

The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up, while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places, go to her room, read her Bible and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave.

You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house--not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, constantly used four letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted.

My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home, not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely (probably too much and too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man/woman relationship were influenced by the stranger. As I look back, I believe it was the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave.

More than forty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our young family on Morningside Drive. He is not nearly as intriguing to my Dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, I would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

Paul warned early Christians some were preaching “another Jesus whom we have not preached” (2 Corinthians 11:2-4). Today many are not preaching the whole truth from God’s word concerning Jesus. Please consider how some are preaching “another Jesus” today.

Preach the baby Jesus without the Lord Jesus. Many pay homage to a Jesus that remains a plastic baby. He never speaks, he never acts, he never commands, he never demands, he remains passive and silent. This is the kind of Jesus they desire to “serve.” The real Jesus did not remain a baby in a manger. He grew up, taught us the truth, was crucified for our sins, ascended into heaven and was given “all authority” (Matthew 28:20) as “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). We must confess and obey this Jesus to be saved! (Philippians 2:9-12; Hebrews 5:9)

Preach the compassionate Jesus without the angry Jesus. Jesus was the ultimate example of compassion (Matthew 14:14). But some serve a Jesus who never gets upset and angry. This is not the Jesus of the Bible. The real Jesus was angry at wickedness, sin, false teachers and their doctrines! On one occasion when dealing with wicked people it is said He “looked around at them with anger” (Mark 3:5). On another, his disciples remarked that “the Pharisees were offended” (Matthew 15:12) by what Jesus said. On another, He was angry enough to call people “Hypocrites!”, “blind guides”, “Fools”, “whitewashed tombs”, “Serpents, brood of vipers” (Matthew 23).

Preach the tolerant Jesus without the strict Jesus. Many view Jesus as ever tolerant of anybody and anything. The Jesus of the Bible showed great patience, but He never gave unquestioning acceptance! Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). He also said (Matthew 7:21-23) that religion alone, regardless of how sincere, will not save us! But, we must do the will of His “Father in heaven,” otherwise on the day of judgment He will say to us, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:23). Not presenting this aspect of Jesus is to preach “another Jesus”!

Preach the saving Jesus without the judging Jesus. Many people only want to know a Jesus who saves (John 3:16). Undoubtedly the news of salvation is the most wonderful news ever heard. But, the real Jesus is not just a Savior, He will one day also be our judge. Paul said, “the Lord Jesus Christ... will judge the living and the dead at His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1) and “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Is it any wonder then that in view of this Paul said, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men”? (2 Corinthians 5:11)