by J. Randal Matheny

How does the church multiply as it evangelizes and brings people to a knowledge of the truth?

Paul offers a model in 2 Timothy 2:1-15. Here are ten points from the passage.

1. Take care of yourself (vv. 1,15). You can't pass on what you don't have. And when push comes to shove, as it inevitably will, if you don't have a handle on the grace of God, you'll quit.

2. Entrust the gospel to capable men (v. 2). If it all revolves around you, when you are removed from the picture, the work will stop. Multiply efforts by passing on the truth and the responsibility to teach.

3. Share in the suffering (vv. 3,9,10). God works when bad things happen to us. The tough life rewards him who sticks it out.

4. Keep the focus (v. 4). A soldier serves to please his superior officers. Don't get sidetracked into useless discussions (v. 14). Do all, endure all, "for the sake of the elect" (vv. 10-13).

5. Play by the rules (v. 5). Olympic athletes got stripped of medals because they were doped up. Christians lose their reward for stepping out of bounds. We must work "according to the rules."

6. Work hard, really hard (v. 6). The work of the farmer wears him out. Such is the effort necessary to a multiplying church. (See Luke 5:5; Acts 20:35; Romans 16:6,12; Colossians 1:28,29.)

7. Think things through (v. 7). To understand how the Lord wants us to work and produce fruit, we need to ponder over the inspired instructions. Otherwise, we'll use human principles and get human results. God will show us the way when we consider what the Word says.

8. Concentrate on Jesus (v. 8). Everything must revolve around him, both message and methods. It's all based on facts about him, who was real. The New Testament brings us those facts faithfully. Otherwise, we're just blowing in the wind.

9. Free the word (v. 9). It just doesn't matter what our circumstances or limitations are. "The word of God is not chained." No limits to what the Word can do. That's where the power is to convert the hearers.

10. So handle the Word of truth properly (v. 15). Don't shortcut its power by your ineptness. Use it wisely, explain it properly (NRSV), proclaim it clearly and boldly.

No big secrets bar the church of God from multiplying. It's a question of using basic principles, of getting out of a recreation-crazed mode and getting down to work.

by Phil Sanders

Every Christian struggles with temptation regularly. Often people make terrible decisions, which can cost them greatly. Sin has terrible consequences that cost far more than the pleasure the sin might bring.

Moses wisely reasoned the cost of sin, "choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward" (Hebrews 11:25,26).

In making moral decisions, a wise Christian will weigh out the cost at a time when he is not being tempted, when his thinking is clear. We all find ourselves vulnerable at times. Here are some things to think about before you make a bad decision:

Will doing this grieve the Lord who redeemed me from sin? If I do this and am caught, will it drag God's holy name through the mud? How can I look Jesus, the righteous judge who suffered for me, in the eye on the Day of Judgment and account for my actions? Will my actions place untold pain and shame upon my family? Will I lose my family's respect if I do this? Will my family and friends be willing to forgive me for my sin? Will this behavior destroy my example and influence on family and friends? Even if God can forgive me, will I be able to forgive myself? Will Satan, the enemy of God and all good, be pleased with my behavior? Will this bring lifelong shame upon me and upon my loved ones?

Sin carries a higher price tag than most will pay, if they had thought through the cost.

Paul said, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7,8,ESV).

Some people foolishly think they can sin and get away with it. God always catches them, and they always catch themselves. You can't fool God or yourself.

A little wisdom today can help us avoid terrible pain tomorrow.

by Michael E. Brooks

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

While hiring a car to take our group up into the mountains of Nepal to work among the churches in remote areas, I examined the tires. Finding them quite worn, approaching "baldness", I asked the car owner/driver if he could not put better rubber on the vehicle. He smiled confidently and replied, "These tires have been up into the mountains and back many times." I responded that I could readily believe that, but I was concerned about future trips, not past ones.

Too often we base our willingness to take chances with sin on past success. One might say, "I have drunk beer for years and have never had a problem." Or another may boast, "I can gamble, win or lose a little, but walk away at any time. I never go too far or lose enough to hurt." Often these claims are true, at least to date. But does this guarantee continued immunity from addiction or other peril? Paul's warning is a serious reminder that it does not.

Of course, this ignores the argument over whether drinking and gambling (or other similar behaviors) in moderation are permissible to the Christian. I do not believe that they are. But in making arguments against them, one of the more convincing is the addictive, enslaving character of these and other sins. Consider another example. Bangladesh is troubled by arsenic in ground water in many areas. Many people have drunk small amounts of arsenic in their water for years without immediate death. But when one of our wells was tested and showed arsenic, we closed it immediately. Arsenic accumulates and even small amounts taken over a long period are detrimental to health. We don't want to ingest any of it, especially knowingly. Should our approach to sin not be just as circumspect and cautious?

Of course, the warning against overconfidence does not apply only to taking deliberate risks with temptation. It is also directed against pride in one's faithfulness and any assumption of invulnerability. No one is so strong that he cannot be tempted. No one is so faithful that he cannot weaken. Paul himself says, just a few verses earlier, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The Christian's proper relationship towards sin and temptation is stated simply. "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9b). "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak" (Mark 14:38). "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:11). We are to abstain from all sin and flee from the danger of temptation. Rather, we must seek righteousness and strive in all ways to honor and please God. Let us take no chances, assume no guarantees, but trust in God and seek his path always.

by Tim Hall

Certain scriptures give emphasis to preaching God's word. Paul's familiar "Preach the word!" (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV) is a notable example. Passages like these give clear guidance to those who venture to proclaim to others what God expects.

Another passage often cited when speaking of the responsibilities of preachers is 1 Peter 4:11: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God ..." This writer believes that preachers are to be guided by this principle. But are preachers the only ones Peter had in mind? Could Peter have been thinking of other Christians when he wrote those words?

Peter's thought began in verse 7: "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." The apostle gave advice in view of the seriousness of conditions. Distress was looming over the church, and Peter urged them to give attention to prayers, love, and hospitality. No one questions the audience Peter had in mind when he wrote those things; he was writing to all Christians.

The thought continues in verse 10: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." How important it would be to minister to one another! When the enemy attacks, it's time to circle the wagons and band together. Christians must watch out for their sisters and brothers in Christ. God had equipped each of them with various gifts, and they were to use them to strengthen one another.

What kinds of gifts did Peter have in mind? He mentions two in verse 11: speaking and serving. But it's not so much the acts Peter wanted to emphasize as the spirit in which they were to be exercised. Those who served others were to do so "as with the ability which God supplies", i.e., zealously and gladly. And those who would speak words to encourage their brethren were to speak "as the oracles of God."

"Oracles" simply means "words." Peter's idea seems to have been that we should speak only after considering how God would convey our message. Are we about to speak the truth? Will we speak it with a spirit that imitates Christ? Care must be taken when we speak to others about God's will, for it's possible we could make things worse.

Paul addressed the same issue in Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." It's commendable that some Christians want to restore their erring brethren. But are they heeding Paul's admonition to do so "in a spirit of gentleness"? Are they truly speaking "as the oracles of God"?

The surgeon who found a tumor in the patient's body has offered to remove it in order to prolong life. It's wonderful that this physician has the desire to help. But will he be gentle in removing the tumor? Or will he, by clumsy actions and blunt instruments, make matters worse?

Yes, Peter's words are for all of us. We ought to reach out to one another in order to encourage and exhort. And those of us who speak must be careful to speak "as the oracles of God."

by Mike Benson

Whether or not I am willing to admit it, my identity as a male is linked not only to my vocation -- but also to THE AMOUNT OF TIME I devote to it. Strip away my work and those long hours behind the desk, and somehow I feel less than a man -- almost subhuman.

Scripture teaches that meaningful labor is, in fact, tied to who I am. In working, I become a loving provider (1 Timothy 5:8), a thankful consumer (Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Thessalonians 3:10a; James 1:17), as well as a concerned giver (Ephesians 4:28). But what happens to "self" not just when I work, but when I habitually over work? What do I become then...?

AN IDOLATER "Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, work at their play, and play at their worship. As a result their meaning and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair and their lifestyle resembles a cast of characters in search of a plot."1/

AN ADDICT "Workaholism is an addiction that our society not only tolerates but applauds and encourages in both the corporate world and our churches."2/

A MACHINE "The laboring man has not leisure for a true integrity day by day. He has no time to be anything but a machine."3/

AN EMPTY SHELL "Terence Fox was the president and chief executive officer of Iroquois Brands, Ltd., of Greenwich, Connecticut... When asked how he had become so successful so quickly he said that at fifteen his most burning ambition was to be wealthy by thirty. At twenty he quit Marquette University and went to work on Wall Street, later getting his degree by attending night school. The six years he spent on Wall Street told him there was no better place to make a lot of money legally. He saw he could make a lot if he worked hard. And what did that involve? A twenty-four-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week commitment. 'My golf game went from a four to a twelve handicap; I stopped hunting; my marriage faltered after five years. I am never home, I am constantly traveling between our fourteen plants, and on many a Saturday night while I am having dinner alone in a strange airport I say to myself, You are here because you chose to be.'"4/

Now consider what the Word from Proverbs 23:4 says on this subject:

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!" (NKJV). Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have wisdom to show restraint" (NIV). "Do not toil to acquire wealth; be wise enough to desist" (RSV). "Don't ruin your health trying to become rich. If you are wise, you will be patient" (ETRV). "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it" (NASV). "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself" (NCV).

Labor that is designed to benefit others and promote the cause of Christ must be tempered with balance, lest I rob my family, destroy my health, and limit my effectiveness. Jesus rested (Mark 6:30-32) and still accomplished everything his Father sent him to do (John 4:32). Dear friend, I want to be like him (1 Corinthians 11:1). Don't you (Ephesians 4:16; Psalms 90:12)?

1/ Gordon Dahl, Work, Play and Worship in a Leisure-Oriented Society, 12. 2/ Rodney Cooper, Double Bind, 53. 3/ Henry David Thoreau 4/ R. Ken Hughes