Things That Were Written Aforetime...

It does not take much examination or observation to notice the bickering, gossiping, and back biting that sometimes goes on between brethren. Some churches are filled with persons condemning others over matters of opinion and judgment. Some of this is brought upon the recipient himself through poor judgment displayed in one matter or another, but all too often, it is the result of contention, envy, and prejudice.

Proverbs 26:20-21 declares, “Where no wood is, the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” There are many fires burning throughout the church. Some are small localized fires, some have spread out and singed those in close proximity, and some are raging out of control, severely burning everything in its path.

These fires cause spiritual death of individual Christians, they scar entire congregations, and the smoke from these fires causes us to fail to see the real problems facing the church today. There are three basic elements that must be present in order for a fire to ignite. These elements are fuel, heat, and oxygen.

FUEL

Since no man is sinlessly perfect (Rom 3:23), it will always be easy to find fuel for a fire. We should always try to remember that not everything is worth getting burned up over. Some jump to the wrong conclusions about others when they do not have all the facts. Jesus said in John 7:24, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” There are many fires that could have been prevented had the facts of the fuel been thoroughly investigated.

We can also avoid supplying a contentious brother with fuel by being careful how we exercise our liberties. In 1 Tim 5:14, Paul instructed younger women to, “...give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” We would all do well to heed this advice and be careful that we do not say or do something that might start a fire in the church. Be careful not to give your enemies a rope to hang you with.

HEAT

Even when there is something that might become fuel for a fire, we can prevent the fire by not letting it get hot. All too often, we take things so personally that we are determined to have it our way. Friction, caused by one who demands to have everything his way, helps to provide heat for a fire. Paul wrote in Eph 4:2-3, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” When we can practice these attitudes in our dealings with one another, we can avoid friction and heat. It does not hurt us to yield to others in matters of opinion, and if by doing so we avoid sparking a problem, then we grow from it and become mature Christians. 1Cor 10:24 tells

(continued on page 10)

ONLINE ACADEMY OF BIBLICAL STUDIES A work of the: Phillips St. Church of Christ 912 Phillips St. Dyersburg, Tn. 38024 (901) 285-5666 www.oabs.org Director: Tom Bright           HOLY BIBLE * Four-Year Program (part-time) * Tuition Free * Qualified Faculty * Live, interactive classes, on-line * Write, call, or                                             email for your application             "Preach the Word..."                   2 Timothy 4:2 Come and study the Bible from the comfort of your home!