But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you."  (1 Corinthians 14:24,25)

The primary focus of a local church assembly is to edify, exhort, and comfort the saints. This was accomplished by plain, understandable teaching or prophesying. Unfortunately, this function was disrupted by the disorderly use of the gift of tongues. Thus, the need for the words contained here. However, the power of plain preaching not only impacted the saints, but also the unbelieving and unlearned.

Paul tells them that just noise is not worth much to either the believer or unbeliever. (1 Corinthians 14:7-9)  But when there is a distinction in the sound, such clear ideas may be able to reach the heart of the unlearned.  The gospel teacher is responsible to clearly declare the sinful state of man, of man's spiritual needs, and of God's mercy. Then, he must clearly spell out the terms of pardon and try to persuade the sinner to act on those terms.

When there is a distinct message from God the true spiritual state of the unbeliever is revealed. Paul says he is "convinced of all", "he is judged of all", and the "secrets of his heart are made manifest". A sense of guilt is awakened. Becoming aware of his sinfulness, his aspirations for a better life offered by God are aroused.

The result of this process is described in dramatic fashion. The unbeliever falls down on his knees, contrite and submissive, pleading for God's mercy and acknowledging God's presence. When the love of God becomes real to the unbeliever, he explodes with rejoicing and praise, for he who was lost is now saved.

What are the effects of our service and work? Are we bringing the sinner in contact with a convicting word that will reach his heart, and cause them to come to Christ? If not, there may be something in amiss in our efforts.

By George Slover

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

The author of Hebrews has established his major premise. Now at the close of the letter he offers some final words of encouragement.  Among them are the words recorded in the verse above.

Every sacrifice offered to God is only acceptable through Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ’s atonement for sin, are a holy priesthood able to offer spiritual sacrifices “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. (1 Peter 2:5) The blood of Christ is sufficient to purge the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14) What an undeserved honor!

We bring our offerings of praise to God because of his perfect glory and power. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) We come to the Lord with a song because the Lord is God. (Psalm 100:2,3)  And we bless God for his goodness and benevolence. “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:12,13)

The most visible way to honor God is the fruit of our lips. Such praise must spring from a heart full of gratitude. We must never allow our worship to become meaningless repetition. It must bring us closer to God and lift our hearts to heavenly things.

While there may be a prescribed time for communion (Acts 20:7), there is no specific time for praise. “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God. (Hebrews 13:15) Praise is not an occasional exercise, but an abiding attitude of our heart. We must cultivate a thankful and praise full spirit.

With such sacrifices, God's well pleased. He graciously accepts our feeble attempts to honor him, and by them, he is glorified.

By George Slover

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”   (Hebrews 12:14) 

When things begin to go wrong in your life, when it seems that the foundations are breaking, when the pressure seems unbearable, it's easy to lose our perspective. This may have been the case with these Christians. The early part of the chapter refers to the discipline of the Lord. Such discipline may have come in the form of some kind of persecution. Thus, words of encouragement follow. 

During times of such duress, it is easy to point the finger at others and play the blame game. This disposition promotes persistent grudges and quarreling. To guard against such differences, God counsels these disciples to pursue peace with one another.

Peace is essential to spiritual progress and usefulness. In times of suffering, disciples need to join arms and face the enemy together. Our brother needs to be edified (Romans 14:19) and encouraged. This best happens in an environment of unity and harmony.

In addition to peace, the saints are called to holiness. Holiness is a state of being separated unto God. The state of holiness is a lifestyle that proceeds from a pure heart, a heart fully devoted to God. Given the context, holiness would also include peaceful inclinations towards the brethren.

We must pursue holiness by developing a more intimate relationship with God. Such glimpses of God’s purity will provoke us to move more closely to his image. This is accomplished by prayer and meditation of God's word. By diligent effort and constant attention to these things, we become more the people God wants us to be.

The writer then adds a warning: "without which no one will see the Lord.”  We must never lose the loving favor of God. We must stay on the path of spiritual courage and growth. One day heaven will open and we will see God.

By George Slover

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  (Colossians 1:10)

Just as Paul prayed for disciples everywhere, he also prayed for the brethren at Colossae. These prayers supply us with valuable insight into what our aim should be in our relationship with God. In this context. the apostle is praying for the disciples to walk worthily of the Lord.

Walking worthily of the Lord is not a walk of merit, for we are unprofitable servants. It is a walk of respect for the dignity of our calling. By God’s grace, we have been elevated to the high and lofty state of being God’s children.

This walk calls upon us to please Christ in all things. A conduct that is worthy of Christ will seek to please him in all areas of our life, and at all times. Seeking the approval of man is inconsistent with seeking the approval of the Lord.

Bearing fruit for God is the proof of one’s faith (James 2:18), and is the natural result of the seed of God's word planted in one's heart. It stems from a desire to benefit others (Galatians 6:10). Its ultimate aim is the glory of God. (Matthew 5:16) 

Is it by increasing in the knowledge of God that we bear fruit, or is it by bearing fruit that we are increasing in the knowledge of God? I think both are possible interpretations here. Certainly serving others is a learning process that teaches us important lessons of patience, forbearance, and kindness. There is no substitute for experience, and by such experience, we're brought closer to God.

High moral principles must constantly characterize God’s blood-bought people. We must promote the goodness of God in an evil world. Are you walking worthily of your calling this week?

By George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net