July 15, 2001 Volume 2 Number 28
|
The Righteous Men of
God (2) - Joseph We also have another man named Joseph. We find a short account of him in Acts 1:22-23. Luke writes, “beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." (23) And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.” Even though little is said, what is said speaks highly of this man. After the death of Judas it became necessary to find a replacement. Peter quotes out of Psalms to point out the fulfillment of prophecy and that his office must be taken by another. Ps 69:25; 109:8. The apostles were to be witnesses of Jesus. Peter here states the conditions required in the one whom is to be appointed to take the place of Judas. He mentions two things: these men should have been disciples of Jesus "from the baptism of John," and that they should have accompanied him after his resurrection. In other words, to qualify one should have known and followed Jesus from the first of his personal ministry to his trials, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The one selected must be a competent witness; no one can be selected who is not an eyewitness of the things to which he must testify, so that his knowledge may be firsthand and his evidence trustworthy. After revealing the qualifications, two men are found. After this, we read in verses 24-26, “And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Just because Joseph was not chosen he shouldn't be thought of in a negative light. He was not chosen for the position of an apostle. Even if we met all the physical qualifications I don't know how many people would be qualified to stand as the apostles did and proclaim God's word. The very fact that he was a disciple of Jesus for over three years and been with him through his personal ministry, through his trials, death, burial, resurrection and ascension says a lot for him. Joseph The Husband of Mary: While much has been said and written about Mary, inspired and otherwise, very little attention has been given to Joseph. However, he was the head of the home where the Son of God grew from an infant into manhood. What a privilege Joseph enjoyed---watching and listening to the things Jesus said and did, as Jesus "advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" Luke 2:52. What a responsibility he and Mary shared as guardians of God's only begotten Son! Consider Joseph's Biography: Joseph was a carpenter who lived in Nazareth (Mt 13:55; Luke 2:4). He taught Jesus the carpenter's trade (Mk 6:3). He was the "supposed" father of Jesus (Luke 3:23) He was the father of four boys, and, at least, two girls (Mt 13:55, 56). He was "of the house and family of David" (Luke 3:23). He was the son of Heli (Luke 3:23). It also states in Mt 1:16, "and Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. God calls Joseph "a righteous man." Since God tells us that Joseph was righteous, or just, we know that he was. We would do well to imitate his righteousness that we might, also, be righteous in the eyes of God. How Was Joseph Righteous? First of all, Joseph was a righteous man in his relationship with Mary. He and Mary were betrothed. The Jews were betrothed ten or twelve months prior to the marriage. So sacred was this relationship, that unfaithfulness to it was deemed adultery, and was punishable by death---death by stoning (Deut 22:23-28). It was while Mary was betrothed to Joseph that the angel, Gabriel, appeared to her and told her she would give birth to the "Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:26-33). Mary did not understand how this could happen since she was a virgin (Luke 1:34). The angel told her, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you" (Luke 1:35). Mary went to see Elisabeth fro about three months and then returned to her house (Luke 1:39-56). Being a righteous man, Joseph knew that the child in Mary's womb was not his. To be righteous before God, one must not commit fornication or adultery (1Cor 6:9, 10, 18; Gal 5:19-21). Joseph gave much thought to this serious problem. We, too, should think before we speak or act. He assumed Mary was unfaithful to him so he was "minded to put her away secretly." "As a merciful man he did not wish to openly disgrace the one to who he was so fondly attached. He wished to act justly toward his own reputation and mercifully toward the reputation of Mary. The Lord sent an angel to inform Joseph of the miracle that had never happened before, or since! This even was prophesied in Isa 7:14. Joseph was also righteous because he obeyed the Lord's command. For example, to take Mary to be his wife (He did not question the truthfulness of the angel's message), to name Mary's baby, Jesus, and have him circumcised on the eighth day (Gen 17:12; Luke 2:21), concerning the purification after a birth (Lev 12:2-6; Luke 2:22), concerning the redemption of the firstborn (Luke 2:22-24), to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod's murderous plot (Mt 2:13-15), and to observe the Feast of the Passover every year in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41). Could God say of you that you are "righteous"? Do you keep yourself pure? Do you obey his commandments?
Many of the first gospel sermons I can remember presented the superiority of the Lord's church in contrast with organizations formed by man. It was emphasized that Christ's church is a divine institution; divine in origin, mission, worship, and destiny. The church belongs to Christ and as his bride wears His name. These comparisons made the difference obvious. In recent years some brethren have sought to demonstrate the superiority of the church over the denominations of men without a "thus saith the Lord." It is now done on the athletic field. The papers are full of recounting the heroics and exploits of "church league" competition. Often we are informed of how the "Church of Christ" overwhelmed the "First Church of the Modern Day" in basketball or softball. Just think what wonders Peter of Paul could have done with this "evangelism!" Perhaps Paul could have led the Ephesians in triumph over the First Church of Diana, winning the trophy in "pop goes the weasel" and evangelized them all. It is evident many seek to attract people to church by holding out as a lure, not the gospel of Christ but a recreational activity. The athletic contest brings them together, and then they are exposed to a mild case of teaching. You just ease up on them from the "blind side" and convert them before they know it. In order to know the "thrill of victory" or (perish the thought) the "agony of defeat" the religious program that goes with it is to be endured. In those sermons, mentioned earlier, it was stated that the work of the church was evangelism, edification, and benevolence. This work which is authorized by God is unique to the church. Why attach to it the elements of the world? More to the point, where is the Biblical authority for such? Jesus said, "No
man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him. it is
written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God. Every man
that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me" John
6:44-45. The only way one is drawn to God is by the gospel. People are
to be taught the gospel not bribed into becoming a Christian so he can The whole idea borders on following the Lord for the loaves and fishes. It is ludicrous to imagine the twelve fielding a football team (the one left over could be the water boy) and Mary Magdalene serving as captain of the cheerleaders. We need to be careful not to appeal to fleshly lusts instead of the spiritual needs of man. The distinctiveness of the Lord's church should not be destroyed by incorporating worldly activities as a part of its work. MY HUSBAND ISN'T A
CHRISTIAN Many wonderful ladies find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having a husband who isn't a Christian. It's a sad situation which causes, in many cases, great anguish of heart and presents a tremendous challenge to the Christian's faith. However, it is not an impossible situation for the one who has the desire to cope with it and the faith to do so. Perhaps the following suggestions will be helpful. 1... DON'T GIVE UP! It was just to such a situation as this that Paul wrote, "For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?" (1 Cor 7:16). Paul didn't recommend giving up and neither do I. Surrender to his unfaithfulness is not the answer. It will do nothing but drag you into his lost state and erect barriers which might well be the doom of both of you. 2... BE A CHRISTIAN WIFE. Learn what the Bible teaches in 1 Peter 3:1-4 and Titus 2:4,5 and then make a conscious, determined effort to practice it. What he needs more than anything else at this time is the gospel according to you. 3... BE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE CHURCH. Many husbands are unreachable because the wife demonstrates in her life that the church is unimportant. 4... SPEAK WELL OF THE CHURCH. Criticism of the church will have a negative effect. Emphasis on the bad side will blind him to the good side and the divine side. Any congregation has a good side. Look for it and talk it up! 5... KEEP APPROPRIATE LITERATURE IN CONVENIENT PLACES IN THE HOME. Many husbands have been brought to the Lord by this method. 6... PRAY REGULARLY FOR HIM. The Lord's counsel in Luke 18:1 is important. Let him know that he is on your prayer list. Just knowing that someone is praying for you has a tremendous effect. These few suggestions will not guarantee the conversion of your husband, but the chances are good that they won't do you any harm. Give them a try. Two Girls Want To
Date Austin Austin is a bright young man with a great future. He is a Christian, genuinely dedicated to pleasing the Lord and preparing for heaven, Two girls recognize these great qualities and want to date Austin, but their approach is considerably different. The first girl tries to attract Austin by worldly means. She relies on her physical beauty and "up-to-date" wardrobe. She turns on her charm anytime he is around and is quite forward in his presence. She owns her own car and seeks to use that cherished commodity to the greatest possible advantage. She is a member of the church and attends regularly, but material values obviously outweigh spiritual values in her life. She has some good qualities, but she is placing so much emphasis on outward appearance that it is difficult for one to penetrate the veneer to see her real character. The second girl makes no obvious effort to attract Austin at all, for her "meek and quiet spirit" could never allow her to be forward or flirtatious. In her effort to please God, she seeks to develop spiritual qualities in her life, and she would like to think that these spiritual qualities would make her attractive to a spiritual young man. Because she is Christ-like, she is warm, friendly, sympathetic, concerned, the kind of person one can feel close to, and she manifests these qualities in Austin's presence as she does towards all her acquaintances. She does not possess the physical beauty of the first girl, but she is neat and wholesome in appearance and possesses a beauty from within, which is very precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4). Which girl is Austin likely to date? We are not sure. We have seen good boys who, when flattered by the attention of flirtatious girls, have made poor choices. And Austin could make that mistake. But, knowing Austin, we are quite sure that he will distinguish the girl who will make a great date from the one who will make a great wife, and will chose the latter. Two vital questions remain to be asked: Girls, which one of the two girls correctly depicts you? Boys, which would you, choose for a date? Young people (who are wise) choose mates that will help them go to heaven. The Spirit Expressly
Says ... FAITH IS MIGHTIER THAN FORCE Over what does faith give victory? John said it overcomes the world. Opposition was great for those who lived the Christian life 2000 years ago. Swords, stones, imprisonment awaited those who confessed Jesus as the Christ. Their only defense was the "shield of faith", but they won the victory! Force may kill people, but it cannot destroy principles. Faith is spiritual, force is material. The spiritual things will continue when all of the material things decay. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says Jehovah of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). There are other enemies that we may overcome by faith. The enemy of suffering. Modern medicine may not bring relief. Doctors may not have a cure--But there is therapy in faith in Jesus Christ. For ten years, the Dartmouth school of Medicine has been studying patients who have put their faith in God. Over the ten year span 80% of the patients who have overcome sufferings, have put their faith in God! Come learn about the Great Physician, who can bring relief to any soul. Food For Thought One thing beats love at first sight . . . love with forbearing insight. Ninety percent of life's daily friction is caused by the wrong tone of voice. A successful marriage is like getting a PhD. in human relations. A good marriage is the union of 2 good forgivers. We
hope you find this bulletin useful in your Bible study. 2
Sam 22:31
|
