Kingdom Truth - What is the Kingdom of Heaven in the Bible?
Chapter 4, Part 2 (continued)
The Church Follows the Steps of the
"Congregation" of the Old Testament
(2) The List of Sins
When I look into the mirror to admire my handsome face, I see only myself. But if the mirror is smashed into ten pieces, I see ten of me. This is the description given in 2 Timothy 3:1-6. Under the banner of "for my own self', all shapes and sizes of sin respond and emerge instantly. The sins listed can be divided into two groups. The sin of "malicious gossips --demon" is the division. The ten sins in the first group are evenly divided between "transgressions'' (overdoing) and "sins'' (falling short). The same also hold true for the second group of ten. Let us look into them now.
Lovers of money. It is commonly acknowledged that the dollar is almighty. Money is used to bribe gods and protect oneself. Even the book of Ecclesiastes tells us that "Money is the answer to everything". It is natural that people would regard it as the only assurance for life. It is very easy for believers to forget the warning in the Scriptures: "For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang." (1 Tim. 6:10) Chinese people all know that: "Wealth must be properly gained." Some Chinese churches have completely forgotten this ancient teaching and if it is money, it is accepted with no questions asked! Not a single cent is refused and the more the merrier! Consequently, many churches have unknowingly become dens of thieves. How can they have God's presence?
Boastful. It refers to talented people with accomplishments but they do not acknowledge that all are God's grace. So on their high horses, they view everyone else with a scornful eye. Puffed up in bride, they despise the brothers and sisters in the church. In reality, the truly knowledgeable and accomplished people know that all they know and possess are but a mere drop in a bucket. Furthermore, since they are all bestowed on us by the gracious Lord, what is there to boast about?
Arrogant. This word is a combination of "exceed" and "to manifest'. It refers to people who know that they are not as good as others but insist on putting on a one-man show to impress others that he is superior. The fact is that quality sells itself and there is no need to show off. It is obvious to the sober-minded that such acts are merely camouflages of one's inferiority complex! May God have mercy upon us! Let our yes be yes and no be no. Do not let us speak excessively that is from the evil one.
Revilers. This refers to a behavior that is one step beyond arrogance. It is not used to step on others, it is to find fault with God. This is the same word with which the Jews used to accuse Stephen. They said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." (Acts 6:11)
Disobedient to parents. It refers to people who do not bear in mind the first commandment that carries a promise (Eph.6:1-2). They have forgotten the toil and hardship of their parents in bringing them up. The only thing on their mind is their own enjoyment and personal gain. Perhaps they serve in the church but the welfare of their parent is ignored. Consequently, they cannot enjoy God's blessing: ''That it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth."
Ungrateful. This word is a modification of the word formed by 'no' and 'bestowing grace". It refers to the extension from the uncaring attitude towards parents to all other people. Everything is self-centered. It is the duty of others to treat me well. I have no obligation to repay others for their kindness towards me. This is just the opposite of the ancient Chinese teaching: ''Show kindness without expecting repayment but, when being shown kindness, never forget. The children of the Kingdom of Heaven cannot even rise up to the moral standards of the children of the world. What a shame!
Unholy. This is formed by the combination of "not" and "godly". It is used only twice in the New Testament. It has the meaning of unclean and ungodly. It refers to a person concerned only with his own heart's desires. He lets loose his passions with an eagerness to perform all types of filthy acts. He has forgotten God's teaching and command: ''You shall be holy for I am holy."
Unloving. It refers to those who have forgotten God's revelation in the Scriptures which repeatedly command and declare: "love one another" and "be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor''. Consequently, the church has become a temple. When brothers and sisters see each other, their smiles are only skin deep. Isn't that tragic?
Irreconcilable. The original word is a combination of "not" and "the libation liturgy of reconciliation". It refers to an unwillingness to make up. Often, it is due to a minor conflict that develops a lifelong hatred. They have forgotten that we in Christ "have the same roots''. We have the same God who is the Father of all man! When the gracious Lord was on earth, He especially emphasized this. Once He emphasized the importance of forgiving others using the positive and negative aspects of it (Matt.6:14-15). Children of God, please pay attention!
"Devil". This word appeared in the New Testament thirty-eight times. Other than three times in the Pastoral Epistles (once each in 1 Tim., 2 Tim. and Titus) where it was translated as 'malicious gossip', the rest were all translated as 'devil'. It is a combination of dia (thorough) and ballw (to push or throw energetically). Ballw is translated as 'thrown' in Matthew 3:10; 'throw' and 'thrown' in Matthew 5:29; 'thrown' in Mark 9:22; and 'thrown' in Revelation 12. Therefore, according to the meaning of the root of the word 'devil', it has the meaning of a 'thorough strike' or 'complete destruction'. Malicious gossip is an extended meaning translation just as how he maliciously gossiped about God in front of Eve (Gen. 3:5) and Job in front of God (Job 2:4-5). It is sheer fabrication out of thin air to tempt people to oppose God and trap people in unrighteousness.
Without self-control. It appears only once in the New Testament. It is made up of "no" and "power". It has the meaning of no power for self control and living out one's degrading passions. In fact, the reason why Christ came to this world is because mankind is powerless to help themselves. In other words, mankind cannot regenerate by its own efforts. And that is why it needs His salvation. So, for those who believe in Him, He gave them "authority" to be the children of God. In addition, He granted them a spirit of strength, love and forbearance so that they can have self control. For this reason, the fruit of the Spirit ends with ''self-control" (self control is a combination of "have" and "power" which means that there is power for self-control). Unfortunately, in the last days, there are those in the church who replaced self-control with "self will" such as: "I am hot stuff', "I toot my own horn" and "I am always right". In the end, he finds himself in deep trouble, wastes his fife away and falls for his own schemes!
Brutal. It also appears only once in the New Testament. It is a combination of "not" and "tame". The extension of its meaning is violence and brutality. It is no wonder that in the last days, even the church would go to court. What a disgusting affair that the sons of light are being judged by the sons of this world! The gracious Lord has told us that He is gentle and humble in heart, and He wants us to learn from Him. For those who have ears, let them hear!
Haters of good. It also appears only once in the New Testament. It is a combination of "nor", "prefer" and "good". Good often has the meaning of "excellence" (Luke 10:42). No wonder when someone called the gracious Lord "Good Teacher'', He said, "No one is good except God alone." (Mark: 10:17-18) In the last days, there are those who love to speak in tongues more than they love the Lord, love the denomination more than the unity in the Lord, and love man's philosophy more than God's word. All these are "haters of good"!
Treacherous. The original meaning is "betrayer" or "traitor". It appears three times in the New Testament. Other than here, the other two times are found in reference to Judas (Luke 6:16) and the Jews (Acts 7:52}. In the last days, it is common that people cannot endure to the end. Some have become the modern day Demas and some have become Solomon in his old age! For such people, the Scriptures tell us that "How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve!" (Heb. 10:29) Since they purposely continue to commit sin, they reach the stage where they cannot repent anew. As a result, they became deluded by sin. Their hearts became hardened and some even "have forsaken the living God". A Chinese proverb says: "If you know the law and transgress it, your penalty will be increased by one Ievel!" Let us consider this statement seriously!
Reckless. It is a combination of "forward" and "to fall". The extended meaning is rash, reckless, etc. It appears in Acts 19:36 as "rash". It refers to action that originates from an emotional outburst without thoughtful consideration. So such action is usually inadequate to accomplish anything but more than sufficient to spoil everything! May we all be mature and insightful in Christ and do not react with our emotions. In all things, we should seek the Father's will and wait patiently for His guidance.
Chapter 4, Part 2
Shepherd His Sheep
