ANOTHER COMFORTER

It is difficult for us to fully comprehend the sorrow that filled the hearts of the disciples in the upper room on the night of the Lord’s betrayal, when He told them He was about to leave them and return to His Father (John 16:5,6.). During the three years that they had been in His company their hearts had been drawn to Him in love and trust, He understood their hopes and fears and weaknesses so perfectly that they knew they could turn to Him for comfort, strength and courage in everything. He was their comforter in the widest sense of that word. That is, one called in to help in circumstances with which one could not cope alone.

Now, as He was about to leave them. He said. "1 will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth. ..He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" (John 14:16,17). When He said "another" He meant another of the same sort, none other than the Spirit of truth, the third Person of the Godhead. He would come to them from the Father as the Divine Helper, and be to them all that the Saviour was while He was present with them. This would be much better for them, as He said, "It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come’ (John 16:7). While the Lord Jesus was here as a man, those who sought His help must go to Him where He was, but when the Holy Spirit came, He would dwell in them wherever they were and He would never leave them.

This is still true for every child of God today, for we read in Rom.5:5 and I Thess.4:8 that God has given us His Holy Spirit. In fact Paul says in Romans 8:9, ‘If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." This gracious heavenly Comforter has brought with Him many blessings as He has come to take up residence in our hearts.

He is Given as a Seal - Eph. 1:13: 2 Cor.1:22. He is the seal of Divine ownership. In this we are assured as believers that we belong to God. He is the Divine and living token that we are truly His, and His forever.

He is Given as an Earnest – 2 Cor.1:22; 5:5; Eph.1:14. In the business world of Paul’s day, the earnest was a deposit, a downpayment made as a guarantee that the transaction would certainly be completed. We have been redeemed, spirit, soul and body by the precious blood of Christ, but we await the day when the Lord will come to take possession of His redeemed ones and with changed and glorified bodies we shall enter with Him into our heavenly and eternal inheritance. The earnest of the Spirit in our hearts is the Divine guarantee of this.

He brings conviction and assurance to our hearts in the following ways:

He fills our hearts with the love of God - Rom.5:5.

He witnesses with our spirits that we are the children of God -Romans 8:16.

He guides us into the truth - John 16:13.

He takes the things of Christ and shows them to us, glorifying Him, and changing us to be more and more like Him - John 16:14; 2 Cor. 3:18.

He reveals to us the sovereign power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ in His resurrection glory, so that we gladly own Him as our Lord. In this way He fits us to take our place harmoniously in fellowship with His people in Church life – 1 Corinthians 12:3. He searches the deep things of God, revealing to us the things which God has prepared for them that love Him; things which transcend unaided human thought – 1 Cor.2:9,10

He gives the strength, incentive and practical wisdom to continue in the face of adversity, as Paul wrote in l Tim. 1:7, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,"

It is to be noted that in all these things He uses the Holy Scriptures, therefore if we are to enjoy His gracious ministry, we must take time to read and meditate in them. It is well known that Paul’s epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians are similar and complimentary. To the Ephesians he writes in chapter 5:18, "be filled with the Spirit," and in the parallel exhortation to the Colossians in chapter 3:16 he writes, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." We must keep these two together so that we will be kept from attributing to the Holy Spirit, vague and mystic ideas that are not found in the Holy Scriptures.

His Presence is a Powerful Incentive to Holy Living. It was into the deplorable laxity of moral standards prevailing in the church at Corinth that Paul directed this stern challenge, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s." (1 Cor, 6:19,20). Also in 1 Thess. 4:3-8, where Paul is teaching the saints God’s standards of holiness and moral purity, he concludes in this way, "He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, Who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit."

He Counteracts the Lusts of the Flesh. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (Gal.5:17). Though born again through faith in Christ, and having become new creatures in Him, we still have the flesh within us, that old tendency to sin and self-will. But the Holy Spirit is there countering that, constraining us to choose what is right and pleasing to God, and to reject the works of the flesh. As we choose between these two, so our actions are determined, our habits formed and our characters moulded.

The works of the flesh are listed in verses 19 to 21, and of these, the Lord Jesus says in Mark 7:23, "All these evil things come from within and defile the man." But the fruit of the Spirit is described in Gal.5:22,23 in its nine-fold beauty: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law."

He Helps us in our Prayers. Romans 8:26,27. Sometimes the children of God are called to pass through deep trials, and, groaning in spirit under the weight of sorrow and perplexity, we do not know what we should really pray for because of the limitation of our understanding. But our sympathetic Comforter helps us, groaning with us and making intercession for us according to the will of God. He enables us to rest in the knowledge that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (v.28), and the peace of God which passes all understanding keeps the heart and mind.

Let us not grieve this holy, gracious Helper by behaviour that is selfish, foolish and unholy (Eph.4:30), and when He urges our hearts to loyal love and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, let us not quench Him (l Thess.5:19).

-R.M. Goatley.

THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN

Prior to the advent of Christianity, the position of women in pagan Greece and Rome was decidedly inferior. As in Islam today, they were forced to lead very secluded lives, With some exceptions, the wife was regarded merely as a piece of property completely under the control of her husband, History shows that Christian teaching concerning women stood in sharp contrast to anything found in the heathen world.

Luke’s gospel especially emphasizes our Lord’s attitude to women. It was one of courteous sympathy. It gives the account of His being anointed by the city sinner in chapter 7 and of the gracious service of Martha and Mary of Bethany (10:38-42). Luke 8:2,3 mentions three women by name who ministered to Him. This is the only passage in the Gospels which tells how Jesus and His disciples lived when they were not entertained by hospitable persons. We also ought to remember that women were last at the cross and first at the tomb.

But as regards public ministry, it is significant that twelve men were chosen to be apostles. At the institution of the Lord’s Supper in the upper room, only men were present, The apostolic commission in Matthew 28:16-20 was given to men only. Later, Paul mentions only men as witnesses to the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.

Paul, in his categorical instructions as to the position of women in the church, has been accused of being a confirmed bachelor, completely out of sympathy with the opposite sex. But no one who reads Romans 16, and considers the courteous and appreciative things that he says about a number of women, could have any doubt about his sympathy with the valued service of those of whom he writes. But far more important than what others may say, is the fact that what Paul writes in this regard has apostolic authority behind it and the stamp of divine inspiration upon it.

Paul’s teaching is that in the oneness of the body of Christ their is neither male nor female (Gal.3:26-28), but in the public ministry of the Word in the church there is a difference. Three main passages in his epistles deal with the subject; 1 Cor. 11:2,3, 1 Cor.14:34,35; and 1Tim.2:12. The last two enjoin silence on women in the church. Some would soften this by translating it "to be quiet." But Paul makes his meaning clear in 1 Cor.14:34 by adding, "for it is not permitted unto them to speak," and again. "for it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church" (v.35). Then he adds, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (v.37).

At Corinth, Paul’s teaching of emancipation from the principle of law gave rise to an over-emphasis on freedom. Apparently one of the abuses at Corinth was the fact that women took part publicly, and that without having their heads covered. Paul corrects the uncovered head in chapter 11 and the abuse of taking part publicly in chapter 14. He says categorically that the woman must be silent in the church.

The instruction in 1 Timothy 2 concerning the position of women in the church emphasizes what he had taught six years previously to the Corinthians. The teaching there has its background in the order established at creation, whereas the teaching in I Timothy is based on what happened at the fall. Eve, instead of consulting her head Adam, when she was tempted, acted independently with disastrous consequences, not only to herself but to all her posterity. It is a well-known fact that many of the heretical cults were either started or greatly influenced by women.

There are four key words relating to the sister in l Tim.2:9-15; sobriety, subjection, silence and salvation. In 1 Cor. 11 the problem had been the refusal of the head covering. Here it is the other extreme: over-decoration, adorning the natural glory. and the extravagance of weaving gold and jewels into the hair. Peter, referring to this matter says, "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart...the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Pet.3:4). Paul uses the terms "sobriety" and "silence" twice. His words appear to be more emphatic in Timothy than in 1 Corinthians.

The last verse in chapter 2, "Notwithstanding she shall be saved in child-bearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety," has given rise to a good deal of controversy as to its meaning, There are two main interpretations: 1. That it refers to the Redeemer, the seed of the woman. The woman shall be saved through the childbearing, namely, the birth of Christ.

2. That the salvation is from daily temptation through occupation with her sphere in the home and raising a family.

In Genesis, there was a twofold sentence on the woman as a result of the fall. First, in sorrow she would bring forth children, and, secondly, she was to be in subjection to her husband. It is very likely that the salvation referred to in verse 15 is not the salvation of her soul, but daily salvation in her primary function of taking care of the home.

To summarize, the apostle teaches that women are not to take part audibly in public worship. This includes preaching and praying in a mixed company, and teaching men in public. This does not mean that a woman may not teach her children, for Timothy himself was taught the Scripture by his mother and grandmother. There is exhortation too, in Titus 2:34 that the aged women are to teach or train the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, and to love their children. She must never usurp the authority that God gave to the man to lead in the public ministry in the church. This is the pattern established in Scripture.

W. Hoste comments on this "It seems clear that the home is the typical sphere of the woman, and that her service, though it may be varied, should always be in keeping with this. Clearly, it would not be the mind of the Lord if a desire for prominent service led anyone to neglect the humbler and more prosaic duties of home life."

- T.E. Wilson. Courtesy "Counsel"

UNION WITH CHRIST

"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth it and cherisheth it, even as the Lord (Christ R.V.) the church: for we are members of His body..." Eph.5:29,30.

What a comfort this statement has in its message to all God’s suffering people. In times of physical suffering and disease, as well as mental suffering among the children of God, Satan is never far away with the suggestion - "Does this look like love?" In the case of Job, his wife was the instrument Satan used as he moved her to say, "Dost thou still maintain thine integrity? curse God, and die" (Job 2:9).

In times like these if the tempter can only get the believer to doubt the love of God he has achieved a great victory. When tested in this way, may this glorious fact come to us with such spiritual force, that we shall get the victory. Our loving heavenly Father brings before us the great truth of the "New Man" (that is, Christ the Head and the church which is His body Eph.1:22, 2:15,16), so that we might rest in the glorious fact that it can only be love, "for no man ever yet hateth his own flesh." He can only love me, for as I am a member of His body, when He loves me He loves and nourishes Himself.

We sometimes sing, "In every pang that rends the heart, the Man of Sorrows had a part," but we ought to sing, "has a part," for we are members of His body. Not only does it bring out the truth, "if one member suffer all the members suffer with it," but, wonder of wonders, it also teaches us that if one member suffers the Saviour feels it too. Furthermore He feels it more acutely, for He is "The Head".

Saul, of Tarsus learned this great truth as he heard ‘the voice on the Damascus Road saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me". As this arch-persecutor was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the saints - the members of His body - on earth, the Head cried out in glory, "Why persecutest thou ME" (Acts 9:4). In the clear light of that day that is coming, much of the mystery of present suffering in the lives of the saints may yet find explanation in this great truth. God has removed our Lord Jesus far from the assault of Satan and his satellites, for we read in Heb.7:26 that He is "separated from sinners" (R.V.) The only way possible to strike at Him now is through His members, and unquestionably Satan knows this.

It is wholesome for us to remember this too, and whenever we are tempted to say and do unkind things to one another, let us tell the Adversary to do his own cruel work, for we do not wish to so hurt and grieve our holy Lord. Let us never forget that any such hurt to a saint is most keenly felt by The Head in glory.

In all these sufferings, no matter how or when they come, let us remember that they are part of the "all things" that work together for good to them that love God. Satan may bring it, but God either sends it or permits it.

"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39).

- J.C. Steen.

THE DEW FROM HEAVEN

Dew is an important source of moisture for plants growing in arid regions such as are found in Israel, and it is often used in Scripture as a symbol of God’s goodness and blessing.

The Source of Dew: Job was asked, "Who hath begotten the drops of dew?" (Job 38:28). Dew forms according to God’s physical laws which He established so that His purposes for creation would be fulfilled on a regular and consistent basis. However, as Sovereign, God can also suspend these laws on certain occasions. For example, when He judged Israel in the days of Elijah, God did not allow rain, or dew to form, causing the vegetation to dry up so that there was no food in the land.

The Psalmist refers to dew coming from above. The blessing and strength that we need for our Christian pathway can only come from a heavenly source, We obtained the blessing of salvation when we rested upon the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. That blessing came from above because the Lord Jesus left heaven’s glories to come to earth, where He gave His life at Calvary. Now He sits at God’s right hand distributing gifts to men.

God used His sovereign power to encourage Gideon when he was fearful to lead Israel. against the Midianites (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon put out a fleece, asking as a sign that the dew be only on the fleece, and that all the ground around be dry, and God did so. The second night, he asked that the fleece be dry and the dew be on all the ground around, and again God did so. God is also willing to use His mighty power to answer our prayer and to overcome obstacles in our lives.

Dew and the Presence of God: Dew provides plants with moisture for their growth and greenness. The Psalmist recognized the link between dew and life when he wrote," As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore" (Psa. 133:3). As the dew that nourishes the grass, the Lord promised to be with Israel to bless them. God also commands blessings for us so that we can grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and be fresh and vigorous in our service for Him. He desires to develop us into a garden whose fruits and fragrance bring pleasure to Him (Song of Sol. 4:12-16). When God blesses us we should never be "puffed up by pride," but rather remember that it all flows from the riches of His grace.

Dew forms in the cool of the night when the elements are at rest, and generally falls uniformly on all the vegetation in the affected area. God’s refreshing power and blessings are comprehensive, and fall upon believers who are at rest in Him. However, the dew dissipates in the morning when the heat of the sun causes it to evaporate. Likewise, the wisdom and power He gives to help us today will not meet our needs tomorrow. We must continually seek God’s presence in our lives. Like the Israelites who gathered the manna each morning, we need to commune with Him and gather fresh thoughts and encouragement from His word each day.

Unlike rain, whose coming is sometimes announced with thunder and flashes of lightning, dew comes quietly and its presence is only recognized after it forms. Often the blessings of God come into our lives in quiet and unexpected ways, leading us to marvel at His wisdom and grace. The Spirit also moves quietly in our hearts, giving us desires to be more obedient and Christ-like.

The Beauty of the Dew: Dew glistening in the early morning sunlight has a unique beauty. The psalmist uses this simile as he writes, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is...as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion" (Psa.133:1,3). Where there is unity and peace among believers as they bow in obedience to the Word of God, the Lord finds true beauty. Many Scriptures admonish us to exhibit attitudes of love, caring consideration and humility in our relationships with each other. Sin and self-will in one believer can destroy unity in an entire assembly. An assembly at peace will be marked by harmony in worship, oneness in service, and fellowship in the things of the Lord. We need to examine our hearts and lives to ensure that our acts, words and attitudes always contribute to the unity of the local assembly.

Dew refreshes the plants on which it falls. Moses said, "My speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass" (Deut.32:2). As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through feeding on His Word, the Spirit of God gives that freshness in our own souls, which in turn refreshes the heart of both God and man. This is particularly important for brethren who would pray or speak in assembly gatherings, for just as air that is devoid of moisture cannot produce dew, so those who are not being refreshed from above, cannot be used to refresh others.

In summary, the dew that forms at night brings blessing in the natural realm. Every blessing our gracious Father brings into our lives comes from above. These blessings come when we rest confidently in the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, the Holy Spirit will work in the stillness of our hearts to prepare us for receiving spiritual blessings to guide us in our worship of God and service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

- R. Lawford.

TAKE HEED TO THYSELF

If we are not right with God ourselves, we can do little for others, Much failure in the Lord’s work is due to a "let down" in the inner life of the worker. Let us be careful that nothing in our deportment detracts from the doctrines which we hold.

- G.M. Landis.

"BY THE ARMS"

Oh tender Father, take me by the arms,
Teach me to go;
I am a little child, fears and alarms
Distress me so:
Uphold me and direct my tottering feet,
For I am weak,
Willful and wayward, full of vain conceit
Scarcely can speak.

Oh take me by the arms, the waves I see,
Boisterous and wild;
Like him of old who sought to walk to Thee,
A faithless child,
I’ve ventured on the waters, and I quake;
Shield me from harms;
Teach me to go, my Father God, and take
Me by the arms.

Let me not wander from the narrow way,
But keep me still,
Close to Thyself, seeking from day to day
To do Thy will.
Oh, may I ne’er to this vain world go back,
With its false charms;
Teach me to go in faith’s unwavering track,
Held by the arms.

- D.G.S

R.M. Goatley,
P.O. Box 353
Taree, N.S.W. 2430, Australia.