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 sound 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

By George Slover    |    Visit www

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

The result of following the command above is stated in verse seven: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. What components in the command will assure the tranquil life God promises here?

Paul is certainly not encouraging laziness or the totally carefree life. Diligence to both our physical as well as spiritual life are necessary to our success. In caring for our daily needs God says: “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) In building spiritual character we are instructed to “give all diligence”. (2 Peter 1:5) However, there is a kind of anxious care that robs us of our spiritual energy.  

So after all has been done on our part we are exhorted in all things to “pray”. “Prayer” is the first of three steps commanded here.  When used in the same context with words like “supplication” and “thanksgiving”, “prayer” may refer to the worshipful aspect of this triplet.  It seems to refer to a reverent, submissive frame of mind. It acknowledges that God's presence is our deepest joy, and extolling him is our greatest delight.  When our relationship with God means everything to us; it is difficult for the worldly cares to creep in.

And “supplication” implies a request. Certainly God covets our petitions. Here we are acknowledging our total dependence on him.  This is where we give to him our special petitions, and cast our cares on him. When such petitions are tempered by a prayerful, submissive state of mind, our cares are transformed from worldly aspirations to much more noble objects such as seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is how the peace of God guards our hearts.

When we are aware of what God has done for us; what he is doing for us; and what he will do for us, we cannot help but be thankful. We are encouraged to give thanks to God continually. When we are focusing on our blessings it is difficult to be distracted by anxious care. This is the perfect remedy for our anxiety.

The peace which God supplies is not merely a freedom from external troubles, but stems from a deep-seated harmony with God. God promises to guard our hearts through “prayer” which rests everything on him; through “supplication” which acknowledges our dependence on him; and by “thanksgiving” which recognizes the blessings from him.

By George Slover
 

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him." (Luke 2:25)

The word “parakalesis” means comfort or encouragement.  Here the word is included in a title to describe the long-awaited Messiah, the comfort of Israel.

For forty days, a woman was considered unclean after the birth of a child.  Having completed the days of purification, Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice for Mary.

There was a man whose name was Simeon who received Jesus and his parents at the temple. The scripture states that he was waiting for the “consolation of Israel”. God promised he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

The Jews believed they were God's chosen people. They believed they were destined to be relieved of the oppression of other nations. They longed for their champion warrior to arrive from heaven and to lead them to world prominence.

However, there were a minority of Jews who may have viewed the mission of the Messiah differently.  Simeon may have been among the few. He knew by special communication from God that he would see the Messiah, and having witnessed the promised King, he was ready with joy to die.

The comfort that Jesus brought was far different from what the Jews sought. New Testament writers also speak of a consolation connected to Christ; of a comfort in times of affliction (2 Corinthians 1:5-7), of a consolation connected to God’s immutable counsel (Hebrews 6:17-20), of an everlasting consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

In the same context Simeon also summarizes the work of the Messiah (vs. 34). Christ would cause some to fall and some to rise. One thing for certain with Jesus man must make a decision. With Christ there is no neutrality. Fortunately, those who choose Christ can be filled with satisfying joy and comfort.
 

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. (Romans 6:17)

The Greek word,  hupakuo (obey) means to listen, to attend, and so to submit or obey.  Literally, the word means “to hear under.”  Jesus used this same word in John 10:27:  "My sheep hear My voice (listen submissively), and I know them, and they follow Me (they walk beside me). (John 10:27)  The imagery is of one sitting at the feet of a master with the intent to follow.  These verses imply a choice was made of one master over another.

Consider the two potential paths.  One may yield to the motions of either “sin unto death” or of “obedience unto righteousness”.  There is no middle course.  We are enlisted in one or the other.  One is mistaken if he thinks this is a choice to be trifled with!  Sin can become a grievous taskmaster.  This master comes in various forms- love of money, pride, love of pleasure, or selfish ambitions.  The result is degradation of the soul.

The apostle is thankful that his readers have chosen righteousness over sin.  They have obeyed a “mold of doctrine” delivered to them.  He refers them back to the time of baptism when they buried the sinful man and committed their lives to Jesus.  Christ has won their hearts.  In this new life true freedom is realized.  Every duty, every area of life is patterned after the life of Christ.    Every action guided by the motive of love.

The choice of yielding to righteousness is met with thanksgiving to God.  There is no denial that sin brings its pleasure, but the difference between sin and righteousness is as different as darkness is to light.  Thank God they chose Jesus!  He is the only one that offers hope now and forever. 

George Slover