Wholesome Words for Spiritual Guidance

I Corinthians 3:9-15.

To help the believers at Corinth into a clearer understanding of the true nature of the assembly, and of their part in it, Paul taught them to regard it as a building that belonged to God, which was still in the process of construction.

When Paul said, "I have laid the foundation", he was going back in thought to those early days when he first preached the Gospel there, and "many of the Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptised" (Acts 18:8). That is, a large number of the Corinthians, each through a personal act of faith, were resting individually 'on Christ the solid Rock' for salvation, and were willing to testify to that, by being baptised.

But there was more to be done before the 'building of God' could take shape in Corinth, and so we read, "...he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them" (Acts 18:11). They must be gathered together and set upon this same foundation in a collective sense, and, as living stones, be built up into a spiritual house (see I Peter 2:5).

Paul was confident that the foundation had been soundly laid, and that no substitute could ever be found for it, but he said, "another buildeth thereon". Construction was still in progress, and there were two areas of concern that must be carefully guarded if the work was to proceed according to God's purpose. Let us look at them, remembering that while they have a special application to those who minister the word of God, and are influential in the assembly, they also have a real bearing on the attitude and contribution of every member.

1. The attitude and workmanship of the workman - "Let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon", v.10. In this, we have the example of Paul himself, in his own words - "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation". His work was done in the consciousness that his ability to do it was a gift from God. He was aware that it did not originate from himself, nor did he earn it, and since it was given by grace he did not even deserve it. Such an attitude among the saints in Corinth would have saved them from many of their problems. It is summed up in I Peter 4:10,11, "As every man has received the gift, even so let him minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.. if any minister let him do it as of the ability that God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ..."

Paul was also a wise masterbuilder. He was wise with the wisdom of God, not with the wisdom of the world, which is foolishness with God. in the hour of supreme crisis, the wisdom of this world gave the verdict that crucified the Lord of glory. They thought He could be dispensed with. But the wisdom of God is personified in Him, and He has become the Source and Centre of all our blessings (I Cor. 1:30). Wise builders will work so that the superstructure is compatible with the foundation as a continuing demonstration of the all-sufficiency of Christ in everything relating to assembly life. Let us then be encouraged to 'search for Wisdom as for his treasure' (Prov.2:4).

2. What sort of materials are being used? - "The fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" v.13. We are given a list of six materials, three of which will endure trial by fire and the other three will not.

Gold takes our thoughts to Rev.3:18, "Buy of Me gold tried in the fire", then to James 2:5, "the poor in this world, rich in faith", and to I Peter 1:7, "that the trial of your faith being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ". Are we not reminded here of all those attitudes and acts of faith in God, that have been built into our assembly life by believers young and old, as we stand together on His promises? How glorifying they are to God, and how they will shine out at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Silver brings the great truth of redemption to mind, for in Exodus 30:11-16 and 38:25-28 we learn that every adult male must pay half a shekel of silver for the redemption of his soul, and this silver was used in the building of the Tabernacle. The eternal redemption that our Lord Jesus Christ has obtained for us, has set us free from the bondage of sin and Satan, and from the curse of the law, so that we can reloice in the liberty with which Christ has made us free. But it also teaches us that we are no longer our own, we belong to the Lord, and we are now responsible to live for Him. Contributions made to assembly life that have been motivated and governed by our appreciation of these two aspects of redemption will surely be rewarded in that day.

Precious stones are often used in Scripture to portray the radiance of the glory of God when His presence is manifested. They also appear in Exodus 28:9-12, 17-21, where they show us typically how God sees that radiance reflected in His people, and how precious they are to Him. We all need to keep these thoughts in mind in our dealings with one another, but the fact that it was the rulers who brought the precious stones (Ex.35:27), emphasises that this is specially so for elders and teachers in the assembly. Barnabas was a good example of this in Acts 11:22-24, and we can be sure that ministry such as his will stand the test in the day of review.

Wood is a useful building material, less costly, and with it, rapid progress can be made in construction. Some of it is durable too, so long as it is not exposed to fire. In the present context it could represent things that would be counted prudent and progressive in the eyes of men who build for this life. But it will not stand the test of fire.

Hay is simply grass, and it is much less valuable and durable. "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof fadeth away" (l Pet.1:24). This would encompass all that is done out of pride and self-confidence, and merely for the glory of man.

Stubble is practically worthless, reminding us of things that are corrupt, mean and dishonest, as well as the shameful things condoned by the Corinthians, that were revolting, even to the ears of unbelievers.

There is a day coming when in the presence of the Lord we shall see clearly just what sort of materials we have used (v.13). Because, in contrast with the things which dim our vision down here, the light of that day will make it all clearly visible. John saw the eyes of the Lord as a flame of fire, (Rev.l:14), and Paul tells us that the fire will first reveal (or remove the veil from) our work, and then test it as to what sort it is. If our work comes through the fire we shall receive a reward. If it is burned up, we shall suffer loss. This is not the loss of the soul, for the salvation He has given us is eternal, but it will be as though the fire has burned away all that is unworthy of His presence, and left us ashamed, with so little that He can reward.

So then, as we build, let us keep in mind the exhortation of 2 John 8, "Look to yourselves, that we lose not the things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward".

-R.M. Goatley

.WALKING IN THE LIGHT

God is light, and dwells in light. He is the source of light, and where He is, darkness cannot be. God's light is revealed in the Person of His Son, and manifested to us by the Spirit of God. if we are walking with God and abiding in Christ; if we are living and walking in the Spirit, we have fellowship one with another as children of one Father, redeemed to God by the blood of the Lamb. If we are not walking in love, abiding in Christ, and walking in the truth, there can be no real fellowship.

For this reality of fellowship, each one must be abiding in love. Just so far as we are abiding in Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, our differences cease. Just as we are walking in the Spirit, so are we perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement, and all speak the same thing. We may not all see to the same extent, but whereunto we have already attained we shall walk by the same rule.

Not simply getting into the light in our morning devotions, at the family altar, or on our knees at night, but a constant thing -walking with God step by step, moment by moment, abiding in Christ as a branch in the living vine, feeling that without Him we can do nothing, following the Spirit's leading. We then have a practical fellowship of kindred minds more like to that above than anything on earth besides. But this communion does not end in fellowship one with another, saint with saint, in the light of love, holiness and truth. It will also be with the Father through the Son, in the communion of the Holy Spirit.

It is only by thus walking in the light, as God is in the light, that we know as we are known. He who makes all things manifest and searches the secrets of the heart, discovers the evils that are there. We find ourselves face to face with God, and our own conscience bears testimony that the imagination of the thought of the heart is only evil continually (Gen.6:5). It is a searching, dangerous place to bring our idols. Dagon will fall on the threshold (I Sam.5: 1-5), the imagination that exalts itself will be humbled, our righteousness on which we pride ourselves will appear but "as filthy rags" (lsa.64:6). "Woe is me!" I am not only polluted myself, but "dwell among a people of unclean lips" (lsa.6:5). Evils not only arise from within, but find an entrance from without.

If we walk in the light, what shall we discover there? "I have heard Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5,6). Does anyone say, "I have no sin?" The soul that can say that, has not been in the light as God is in the light. Would that those who talk so, could come into the light, humbling though it may be, it would be the best thing that could happen to them.

When Aaron entered within the veil in the earthly sanctuary, where the glory of the presence of God was, he needed the cloud of incense between, that he die not. When we come into the presence of God we must come in the sweet fragrance of Christ in all His living perfection. To come into the Holiest of all, where the Shekinah glory shone upon the mercy-seat, eastwards on the line of approach was the blood. it is by the blood of lesus that we have boldness now to enter into the Holiest, into the presence of God by faith (Heb. 10:19). Because it is Christ that died, "it is God that justifieth" (Rom.8:33,34), for He has seen the blood, and invites the worshipper to draw near.

Abridged. - T. Newberry.

"Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not". (Gal.6:9). Sooner or later there will come trails of our faith and patience in connection with our service. Therefore, whatever our work may be, let us never lose sight of this positive promise that the Lord has given.

Remember, "In due season", not at the time you would think to be the best and most suitable time, but at the Lord's time, which is always the best time. This is the due season, and in the due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Our business is to give ourselves to prayer in order that we may be kept from fainting. We should go on patiently and believingly in the Lord's service, for in due time, most assuredly, the due season will come.

-George Muller.

Paul fully knew that the Gospel was "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth". Therefore if he desired to go to Rome - the then proud mistress of the world - his object was "to preach the Gospel" If he went to Corinth -licentious, yet proud of its wisdom - his one theme was the Gospel, or "the testimony of God". If he contended with "false brethren" it was "that the truth of the Gospel might continue" with the Church; and if he withstood a true brother and fellow-apostle, it was because in refusing to eat with Gentiles he and others were not walking "uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel".

Paul was jealous of any addition to the Gospel, and he would not please men by allowing it. If he had allowed circumcision to be added, he would have pleased the Jews, and might have more readily got their ear (Acts 21:21), and if he had used "enticing words of men's wisdom", he would have been more popular with the Greeks. But while he would den y himself or endure anything to "please his neighbour, for his good to edification", he would never "please men" merely to attract them.

Paul not only had faith in the Gospel of God; he believed also in the God of the Gospel. He knew that by the energy of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel-the Gospel alone - could accomplish the mighty work of God in those who received it. He also knew that God could open doors for the Gospel and make opportunities for preaching it. Thus he was - like the Lord Himself- cast upon God at every step (Psalm 22:10), and the faith that raised him above all human devices for furthering God's work found constant expression in prayer, which brought answers of guidance and power. "The power of the Spirit of God" was his strength; he gloried in that which C hrist wrought by him; and the obedience (not mere profession) of the Gentiles was the fruit for which he looked (Romans 15:18,19).

All this suggests some solemn questions for us. Has the Gospel lost its power? Is the living God less able to accomplish His work in His own way? Does He need devices of human wisdom to attract people to hear it? If we turn to any other path than that so clearly shown in Scripture, are we not departing from the "course", and ceasing to "strive lawfully?"

Faith in God will never make us careless about our ministry, for "the lips of the wise dispense knowledge", and "the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning". The more we learn of Christ, the more will our words be of wisdom, like the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.

While the "many devices in a man's heart" may make a great show at times, "nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand", (Prov.19:21). "He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh r eap corruption" is a Divine maxim that is proved to be true in many diffe rent ways.

"Sow truth, if thou the truth would reap;
Who sows the false shall reap the vain:
Upright and sound thy conscience keep;
From hollow words and deeds refrain."

-W.H.Bennett.

The Doctrine of the Lord's Supper - Continued.

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 the Spirit of God has been pleased to place on record for all the days of Christian testimony, the details and particulars of the Lord's Supper that are necessary for its proper observance. The following matters should be carefully noted:

(a) The Occasion of the Passage - Verses 17-22. The church at Corinth was far from being a perfect church. There were factions and rival parties. There was also confusion in their practices. The rich and the poor tended to segregation, and shameful scenes had taken place at meetings of the church. The Lord's Supper and their own supper had become confused, and the situation called for clear and authoritative direction and instruction. It is to these happenings, that in the providence of God we owe this vital doctrinal statement. God is a God of order, and this fact is apparent in the passage under consideration.

(b) The Divine Origin of the instruction - Verse 23. To the accounts of the institution given in the first three Gospels must be added this independent witness of Paul. This instruction was the subject of a revelation by the ascended Christ to the apostle. it was a confirmation from heaven of instructions already given on earth. It was an authoritative message from the Lord Jesus in His heavenly glory, even as the earlier records had made known His directions while in His earthly humiliation. Thus the Supper is of Divine and heavenly origin. We do not owe the instruction to the early church, nor is this passage merely the echo of the words of the Gospels. It is a separate, independent, authoritative message of the exalted Lord delivered through the pen of His servant and apostle Paul for the benefit and guidance of His believing people.

(c) The Significance of the Emblems - Verses 24-25. in stating the central matters of the Supper, Paul mentions an historical happening that provides a very moving appeal to the hearts of the believers. He reminds the Corinthians that the emblems were provided by the Lord "in the same night in which He was betrayed". While this deeply solemn scene was taking place in the upper room, Satan was doing his dark and deadly work in the heart of Judas, and already the shadows were gathering around the Lord. His betrayal, apprehension, trial and crucifixion were looming up. But with all these happenings, and the still more terrible endurance of the wrath of God before Him, He was intent on caring for His own, and on giving them this ordinance by means of which He would be perpetually remembered by them.

The bread and the cup selected by the Lord Jesus were, no doubt, taken from the Passover meal, but they were given a new significance. It is not to be thought that the Lord's Supper is merely a continuation of the Passover. It is distinctively associated with Christianity, and is a powerful witness to the deepest realities of the Gospel.

When Paul states that the Lord gave thanks for the bread, it does not mean that any virtue was imparted to it. This has been taught from the words in I Corinthians 10 - "the cup of blessing which we bless" .To bless is to give thanks, and to give thanks is to bless. in that sacred moment the Lord Jesus gave thanks to the Father, not merely for the loaf which He held in his hands, but for what it stood for - the giving of His body for the redemption of men.

It is perhaps unnecessary to add that the words "This is My body" could not mean that the bread was actually His body, for the reason that His body was present in the upper room, and there could not be at the same moment two human bodies of the Lord. The plain meaning, therefore, is that the bread and the cup symbolise His body given and His blood shed. The Revised Version has rightly rendered the expression "This is My body which is for you". The word used in Luke 22:19 is "given for you." The Lord's body was not broken. "A bone of Him shall not be broken", the Scriptures had prophesied, and John in his Gospel notes how this was fulfilled at the Cross.

Thus the bread which we break is a solemn reminder that His holy body was given in death for us, and the cup tells of the new covenant in His blood, upon the basis of which we have the forgiveness of sins and everlasting relationship with God.

-G. Maclachlan.

In studying the lives of the men who have obtained the most from God, men who have left behind them living monuments to God's faithfulness, what strikes one most is that the dominant note in their lives is not one of intense conflict, of trust at breaking point. Far otherwise! A quiet, restful though persistent attitude of faith and prayer has certainly been the normal in their lives. It may be, and it should be so with us today in spite of the rush of the modern world.

For being called of God to stand for Him, to turn like precious promises into blessed facts, I feel at once that I cannot compass the majestic faith of Elijah. At least the feeling that I should need to do so in order to obtain answers to my prayers would have an infinitely discouraging effect. But I believe that each one of us can learn to be a child. I know that, coming as a child to a loving Heavenly Father, whose barns are bursting with blessings, I shall not be denied my simple and needful requests.

God has designed us to have the natural, restful, trustful expectancy of a child towards one who is infinitely loving, powerful, and anxious to pour out upon each one of us every possible good gift and grace, and to enable us to join with Him in "bringing many sons unto glory".

Thus, however searching may be the travail of the soul, however exalted the heart experience, whether it be Mount Moriah, or the Mount of Transfiguration, the fundamental relationship must ever remain that of a child with a parent. This basic fact may never be outgrown or repudiated without disaster. Therefore as children to a father, let us come boldly to the throne of grace in this time of our present need.

-Dr Northcote Deck.

Looking back over another year we are grateful to the Lord for every encouragement to continue in the work of publication. We gladly acknowledge His kindness and faithfulness as we look to Him to provide for the variety of need that is involved. He faileth not. As well as this, we reflect again with joy and gratitude on the support and fellowship of so many of our fellowbelievers, without which the work could not continue. To those in whose prayers we have a place, and to all who help us, in mailing, distribution, and contribution toward expenses, to all these our helpers we extend our warm thanks.

May we remind our readers that our record-keeping is greatly simplified when gifts are made payable to Wholesome Words, and changes of address and numbers required are notified promptly.

As the end of another year approaches, we may be tempted to think that these annual deadlines are artificial, and that the pressures they bring are unnecessary. However, we know from Genesis 1:14 that God set them up from the beginning and divided our lives into days and years, and when we remember this, the prayer of Moses rises in our hearts, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom".

But we know that our God is not bound in this way, for with Him, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Therefore as we look forward into the New Year in His will, let us fortify our hearts with His promise, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms".

-Editor.

Back to the Cross I look and wondering see
The Christ of God, dying instead of me;
But gazing closer at that form Divine
I see with Him - myself; His death was mine.

Again beside the garden tomb I stand,
And watch Him buried there with reverent hand;
But in that grave faith sees not one but two,
God hid me there forever from His view.

But was that precious "corn of wheat", thus sown
In tears, wasted, or did it rise alone?
A fruitful ear, bursting from 'neath the sod,
It rose, its every grain a saint of God.

Since then by simple faith we ourselves see,
Whether for death or life in Christ to be;
May the world henceforth in our words and ways
See Christ in us, to His continual praise.