The End

There are two words which are often used at the end of movies and books. These two words are profound although, they are very small in comparison to other used. These two words are, “The End.” They mark the finality of the journey which one views or reads. It also marks the finality of the journey we all take in our daily lives. Writing to the congregation at Corinth, Paul had to deal with the subject of the resurrection as there were some who denied that it would occur. Having proven that it will occur, that Christ was the firstfruits of the resurrection and that man would one day follow in the resurrection Paul wrote, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1 Cor. 15:24). After the resurrection of man, Paul said, “Then cometh the end…” It will be the end of death (v. 26). It will be the end of our labors on this Earth. After man’s judgment it will be the end of one of two things. It will either be the end of all joy and happiness and the beginning of eternal suffering (Matt. 22:13; 25:46) or the end of all suffering and the beginning of eternal joy and happiness (Hebrews 11:24-26). It will be the end of all preparations (Matthew 25:1-13). If man is unprepared now, he will be unprepared at the judgment. Are you ready for “The End”?

We Must All Give An Account

Sometimes a movie or book will include the subtitle, “Based on an Eyewitness Account.” That means the story one would read or watch was based on the word of someone who was present for the events. That individual retells the events in his or her own words and Hollywood adds a dramatic spin to it. This story is said to be “Based on an Eyewitness Account.” Our lives will one day be retold in the same manner. The events of our lives, no matter how boring or exciting, will one day be retold by one who was present for it all. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). The word “account” means “a word or saying, also means an account which one gives by word of mouth” (Vine’s 17). The idea here is that Christians will one day stand before God and justify the life that was lived. I must stand before Him and give an account of myself. This action will not only be performed by Christians but those who are not (2 Cor. 5:10; Ecc. 12:14). There are a few basic thoughts of which man needs to be reminded.

Everyone Shall Give An Account of Himself.

At the judgment, one will not be responsible for the actions of his neighbors, children, parents, friends, other relatives, or even his brothers and sisters in Christ. Mankind is quick to point out the failures of others but shies away from his own misdeeds. God made sure the people of Ezekiel’s day understood the idea of being responsible for their own actions (Eze. 18:20). On the judgment, God will not allow any excuses but will force man to be responsible for his own actions (Jam. 1:13-16).

Everyone Shall Give An Account of His Words.

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36). Do we just say what is on our minds because, “I thought it, so I might as well say it”? Christ said that mankind would be judged by the words that come out his mouth. That includes the words we say which do neither harm or help.

Everyone Shall Give An Account of His Actions.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). This would include the actions we perform in public and private (Prov. 15:3). One may think his actions are hidden, but nothing is hidden from God.

Everyone Shall Give An Account to God.

This should be one of the most sobering thoughts to accompany this. All of mankind shall one say stand before God and be judged according to His Word. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

One day we must all stand before God and give an account of the things we have done. This is a sobering and somewhat fearful thought. Thankfully, God allows mankind a way to have those misdeeds washed away by the precious blood of His Son (Acts 2:38). He is a just God (Psa. 89:14) and will deal with His creation justly. Remember, our actions define His dealings with us in the end.

WORKS CITED

Vine, W.E. “Account.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1997. Print.

Preach the Word (Part 4)

The Attitude (With all longsuffering and doctrine)

Longsuffering – As the Christian teaches others there is a bit of patience that is shown in the process. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Sometimes Christians want individuals to, “Get right and get right now!” While a love of the lost and a long desire for other to be in a right relationship with God is very important, it does not give allowance for the Christian to push, push, push, push, push, and push. That individual will likely have no success in working with others. Show patience in your work.

Doctrine – Doctrine, that is “instruction,” is just as important as patience. How can a man know what is right if he does not know what is wrong? If a man were in the ocean drowning but did not know he was drowning, what would occur? He would die. If a man, who is lost in sin, sits in services every Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday night does not know that he is lost, what will happen? He will die in his sins. Christians, not just preachers, are to teach according to the doctrine of Christ. It is that doctrine which is able to save the soul (Romans 1:16).

That being said, it is one thing to say something and another thing to do it. Have you been spreading the message of the gospel of Christ? Not “another gospel” that carries Christ’s name but not His divine stamp of approval (Gal. 1:6-9). Have you been spreading the message of the gospel as God intended it to be spread? If not, there is a grave importance that all Christians “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

 WORKS CITED

Barnes, Albert. “2. Tim. 4:2” Notes on the Bible. e-Sword, version 7.8.3.

Strong, James. “G2784.” Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. e-Sword, version 7.8.3.

Preach the Word (Part 3)

The Discipline (Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort)

When preaching is involved, there is some discipline which occurs in the process. It is important to note that Paul did not say to whom these actions were to be performed. Some preachers have the idea that preaching is standing at the pulpit and telling the members what each are doing wrong. A good preacher will realize that the sermons he prepares are just as important for his own soul as it is for the brethren.

Reprove – The Greek word means “to convict, confute, refute, usually with the suggestion of putting the convicted person to shame.” This is not just saying a person is wrong for the life which he leads but convicting him using sound, logical arguments. Looking through the Bible, there are many of these arguments which would be used to convict an individual of any transgression that he has committed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This is not a mere convincing someone that he is one. Convincing and convicting are two different things. A man can be convinced that he is in sin but continue to live his life as he sees fit. A man that is convicted that he is in sin will make the appropriate changes.

Rebuke – This word means “to change” and by implication “to forbid.” Barnes noted, “In the New Testament the word is used to express a judgment of what is wrong or contrary to one’s will, and hence, to admonish or reprove.” Many live their lives in a manner which is contrary to the will of the One who created all. Paul wrote to Timothy to warn them of the consequences of said lives. 

Exhort – That is “to encourage.” When you convince a man of his sins and confront him with the end point if he continues to live as such, the Christian can also bring this person comfort. That Christian cannot comfort that person in his sins. Christianity does preach peace, forgiveness, and salvation. These three come specifically from Christ. Christianity also teaches that in order to have these one must forsake his sins in order to follow Christ. 

Notice that Paul commanded Timothy to perform to negatives and a positive. That gives the general idea that preaching, to an extent, is two-thirds negative and one-third positive. One preacher put it as such: “Tell them the problem. Tell them why the problem is bad. Tell them how to get out of that problem.”

Preach the Word (Part 2)

The Content (the Word)

Obviously, the reference here is to the Word of God. Notice the short, simple, and yet all too important word, “the.” Paul told Timothy to preach THE Word.” That implies singularity. There is but one Word which God breathed life into (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Accept no substitutes (Gal. 1:6-9)! Far too often sermons filled with far too little of what mankind needs the most. Instead, some feel that syrupy sweet messages will do the trick. Others will water down the message with jokes and little stories. Many of those things are well and fine but witty sayings are not a replacement for God’s Word. It is God’s living message which is able to convict me of any wrongdoing (Heb. 4:12). “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16). It is God’s message which is able to save my soul. For those who are not preachers, God’s Word is still capable of doing these things in Bible studies, Bible classes, and in my learning how to stand approved in the eyes of God.

The Period of Time (Be instant in season, out of season)

The word “instant” gives the idea of constancy and readiness. The implication is that Christians are to be ready to “Preach the Word.” That means time must be given to read and study the inspired message which God has provided (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim 2:15). Does that mean the Christian will be able to answer EVERY Bible question asked? No, but he must be able to know where to find it. Readiness is needed. When? “In Season” or when it is convenient to preach the message! There are times when the preaching of the gospel is going to be easy. There are people who will readily accept the message and will learn, study, and continue faithfully. Paul experienced many times such as this! But there are also times when Christians will meet individuals who will curse at, threaten, and quite possibly do harm to a Christian because the gospel of Christ is not welcome. Paul said to be instant “out of season.” Preach the message when it is not popular. Paul knew all too well of what it was like to preach out of season. He knew that Timothy would experience times where Timothy’s life would be on the line. It would be easy for Timothy (or any Christian) to say, “God’s message has changed!” in order to save his own skin. Paul encouraged Timothy (and ultimately Christians) to preach the message, without change, even in the face of danger.