<BrethrenVoice> <GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY> <31 July 2002> Contents: --------- (1) <Slice-of-Infinity> "Pleasure at a price" - Ravi Zacharias (2) <Article> "10 Traits of the wise man" - Connie Gioradano (3) <Article> "Dispensationalism defined" - ... (4) <Poem> "Apples of Gold" [Forward & Introduction] - Charles E. Wigg (1) <Slice-of-Infinity> PLESURE AT A PRICE Ravi Zacharias During the Vietnam War, American soldier Lance Sijan was flying his F4 on his fifty-third combat mission. Suddenly a faulty fuse triggered an explosion in his aircraft, and he crashed on the border of Laos. He could have been rescued as his comrades flew near, looking for him. But Sijan lay low and did not draw them to his spot because the enemy was too close and he did not want his compatriots to risk their lives. Over the next forty-six days, he crawled three miles. He tried to survive on leaves and the bark of trees. Finally caught and put into solitary confinement, he was tortured to extract secrets. Those who could overhear what was happening ached for him deeply but were proud beyond measure at his unbreakable will and his determination not to betray his trust. There was nothing his tormentors could do to dent his courage and his commitment to his country. We are rightly proud of such heroism. Isn't it astounding how a man could endure such torture, sacrificing himself for his fellow soldiers, while many of us find it seemingly "impossible" to withstand lesser pressures for even lesser causes. Many have so surrendered their wills to such a state of weaknesses that they have lost sight of their capacity for strength. It is far better, goes the old adage, to shun the bait than to struggle in the snare. To some things we must learn to say "no" and to mean it. Not just for the sake of saying no, but because life must be lived in terms of higher purpose. Is there not more than the immediate impulse for indulgence? If we do not resist and go the easy way there will be a price to be paid someday. An essential principle in a philosophy of pleasure arises here: all pleasure must be bought at a price. The difference between illegitimate and legitimate pleasure is this: For legitimate pleasure, the price is paid before it is enjoyed. For illegitimate pleasure, the price is paid after it is enjoyed. Turning aside from instant gratification is one of the most difficult things to do. But this is where the battle is often won or lost. The strength of our will-and this is crucial-surrendered either to God or ourselves-reveals the character we possess, and the strength of our will determines when the price is paid. It is the submission of our will to God that protects us from illicit pleasure, so that we may fully enjoy those which are legitimate. When that distinction is made and honored, life becomes a delight. --- Copyright (p)(c) 2001 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. A Slice of Infinity is a radio ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries _______________________________________________________________________ (2) <Article> 10 TRAITS OF THE WISE MAN Connie Gioradano "The one who has wisdom in his head and heart does not need to shout at others." - Spiros Zodhiates "A young man was promoted to fill the position of a senior officer with a brilliant record who had just retired from the company. The young man asked his predecessor for the secret to his success. The old man answered, ' Two words: right decisions.' The young man then asked, 'But how do you make right decisions?' Again the older man answered, this time even more tersely than before, 'Experience.' 'And how do you get this experience?' The young man asked once more. 'Two words---' answered the older man, 'wrong decisions.' " - ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS James 3:13 - The Apostle James asked the question, "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?" So many have their own opinions about what constitutes a "wise man." Nonetheless, how do the Scriptures define him? God's Word speaks repeatedly about this topic. In this message we would like to look at ten characteristic features of the "wise man" and see how we compare. #1 A Wise Man Has The Power To Hear Proverbs 1:5 says - "A wise man will hear..." In other words, he hears with attention and interest; he has the power to hear. How important is it that we hear? Very Important! Luke 8:18 - The Lord Jesus told us on two separate occasions - "Take heed therefore how ye hear..." Mark 4:24 - and "Take heed what ye hear..." Throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke; Jesus repeatedly is recorded as saying - "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." How is your hearing today? Do you pay close attention to what is being said to you by others? Do you listen with attention and interest? #2 A Wise Man Is Always Growing And Increasing Proverbs 1:5 - "A wise man...will increase learning." Proverbs 9:9 - "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser..." Amos 6:1 - He is never "at ease in Zion." He is always growing in grace and increasing in the knowledge of God. He readily receives instruction, and resultantly, adds to his learning, insight, instruction, and teaching-power. How about you? Are you further along in your knowledge of the Word, for instance, than you were a year ago? What do you do with the godly instruction that comes your way? Do you apply it to your life and make yourself wise in mind, word, and act? With all of the instruction that you have received over the years, are you able to teach others, or are you still having to be taught the first principles - Hebrews 5:12 - "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." #3 A Wise Man Accepts And Obeys The Commandments Proverbs 10:8 - "The wise in heart will receive commandments..." He that is wise lays hold of and accepts God's precepts from His Word. He understands that his life is not his own and that he lives not unto himself, but unto Him that died for him. How about you? How do you respond when God gives you a command? Is your attitude like that of Mary - Luke 1:38 - "...be it unto me according to Thy Word..." Luke 19:14 - or like that of the citizens in the Parable Of The Talents - "...We will not have this man to reign over us." Your reaction will determine whether or not you are a wise man or woman. #4 A Wise Man Stores Up Knowledge Proverbs 10:14 - "Wise men lay up knowledge..." A truly wise man hides wisdom and understanding from God's Word in his heart and mind. James 1:19 - He is "swift to hear"and "slow to speak," reserving his words for the right time, place, and audience. How about you? Are you storing up God's Word in your heart for God to then release you at the right time and in the right place to the right people? Matthew 12:35 - "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things..." #5 A Wise Man Has Discernment Proverbs 16:21 - "The wise in heart shall be called prudent..." Those who are learned, shrewd, crafty, cunning, and intelligent will be recognized for their discernment, insight, and understanding in the matters of life. These are the ones with wisdom from God. How about you? Do others recognize your keen sense of discernment? Hebrews 5:14 - Do you have your "senses exercised to discern both good and evil"? Hebrews 5:13 - Or are you still a babe on milk - controlled by emotions, whims, and fancies? Ephesians 4:14 - Are you still like a little child "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness..."? #6 A Wise Man Easily Receives Correction Proverbs 9:8 says - "...rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." In other words, reprove and correct a wise man, and he will have affection for you, truly love you, and consider you as his friend. How about you? Are you like this wise man? How do you react to the correction of the brethren? David welcomed reproof from the brethren. Psalm 141:5 - In fact, he considered it as something desirable - "a kindness" and an "excellent oil" - "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil..." Is this how you feel when someone comes along and corrects you? Proverbs 27:17 - Do you love those whom God sends to sharpen you as iron? Proverbs 9:8 - Or are you as the scorner who hates those who reprove him? Proverbs 12:15 says - "...he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." #7 A Wise Man Is Remembered For His Words Proverbs 15:7 says - "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge..." A wise man is always scattering or spreading out wisdom and understanding wherever he goes. However, his perception and understanding is not tossed about at random. Proverbs 15:2 tells us - "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright..." In other words, his knowledge is well placed - spoken at the right time in the right place and to the right people. Proverbs 14:3 - As this knowledge spreads forth, it brings forth two results - it guards, protects, and keeps the wise man - "...the lips of the wise shall preserve them." Proverbs 12:18 - It also serves as a medicine, cure, or remedy for the recipients needing wholeness and restoration - "...the tongue of the wise is health." How about you? Proverbs 10:21 - Do your lips "feed many" with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God's Word? Isaiah 50:4 - Do you have the "tongue of the learned" where you speak a "word in season" to those who are weary? Isaiah 54:17 - Do your words protect you against every tongue that rises against you in judgment? Are your words medicine for the sin-sick or the sick in body? #8 A Wise Man Is A Holy Man Proverbs 14:16 tells us - "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil..." This man lives under the holy restraint of the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 4:14 - Resultantly, he avoids the "path of the wicked"; he does not travel on it; he turns from it and passes away. How about you? Proverbs 16:6 - Do you fear God enough in your life to depart from all evil? Proverbs 16:17 - Are you walking on the "highway of the upright", 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - abstaining from even the appearance of evil? #9 A Wise Man Is Influential Proverbs 13:20 says - "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise." The wise man leaves a marked impression on all. Hebrews 10:24 - He provokes those about him to love and to good works. Proverbs 2:20 - He walks in the "way of good men" and keeps the "paths of the righteous" and influences others to do likewise. How about you? Psalm 119:63 - Are you a companion of all those who fear God and obey His commands? What kind of company do you keep? Are you influencing others for Christ or are others influencing you for the world, the flesh, and the devil? Someone once said, "Show me his company, and I'll tell you the man." Another said, "Let me know the company he keeps, and I shall easily guess his moral character." #10 A Wise Man Wins Souls Proverbs 11:30 tells us - "...he that winneth souls is wise." His measure of influence reaches far beyond the four walls of the Church building. Proverbs 24:5 says - " A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength." This man is bold, loud, mighty, and powerful. Because of his knowledge of the Word, he is alert, brave, courageous, determined, and solid in his faith as he goes forth into all of the world as a mighty witness for the Lord. How about you? Ephesians 6:10 - Are you "strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might"? Acts 18:24 - Are you "mighty in the Scriptures"? Acts 17:6 - Are you turning the world upside down for Jesus? Are you winning souls for the Kingdom of God? James 3:13 - The Apostle James asked the very pertinent question - "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?" We have examined 10 basic traits from the Scriptures which depict the wise man. Using these characteristics as a criteria of judgment, on a scale of 1-10, how do you score? How many match your life? 9 out of 10? 5 out of 10? 2 out of 10? Whatever the results of our personal survey, may we all go before the Lord and cry out to Him for His enabling grace to be that "wise man" to whom the Apostle James referred in Chapter 3 of his Book. May the Lord take the areas of our weaknesses and make them our greatest strengths. May God bless His Word Connie --- Copyright: Connie Gioradano 2000 _______________________________________________________________________ (3) <Article> DISPENSATIONALISM DEFINED ... What is a dispensation? Definitions vary slightly, but here are some helpful ones: OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY: Anglicized form of Latin dispensation, to weigh out or dispense. 1) The action of dealing out or distributing; 2) the action of administering, ordering, or managing; the system by which things are administered; 3) the action of dispensing with some requirement; 4) a stage in a progressive revelation, expressly adapted to the needs of a particular nation or period of time...also, the age or period during which a system has prevailed. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK: Various forms of oikonomeo, -mos, -mia, also koinonia. Steward, stewardship, dispensation, edifying, fellowship. Lk. 12:42 ;16:1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 8 ; Rom. 16:23 ; 1 Cor. 4:1 , 2 ; 9:17; Gal. 4:2 ; Eph. 1:10 ; 3:2 , 9 ; Col. 1:25 ; 1 Tim. 1:4 ; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:10 ; also koinonia in ASV of Eph. 3:9 . SCOFIELD REFERENCE BIBLE: "A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture." C. RYRIE: A distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose. The distinguishing characteristics of a different dispensation are: 1) a change in God's governmental relationship with man (though a dispensation does not have to be composed entirely of completely new features), 2) a resultant change in man's responsibility, and 3) corresponding revelation necessary to effect the change (which new revelation is a stage in the progress of revelation through the Bible). G. SCROGGIE: The administration of the human race (or part of it) at different times in different ways, according to the necessity of the case, but throughout for one great end. H. A. IRONSIDE: That particular order or condition of things prevailing in one special age which does not necessarily prevail in another. W. E. VINE: Oikonomia primarily signifies the management of a household (oikos, a house; nomos, a law)...and so a stewardship. A dispensation is not a period or epoch (a common, but erroneous, use of the word), but a mode of dealing, an arrangement or administration of affairs. HELP GIVEN BY DISPENSATIONALISM Charles Ryrie suggests three ways that a dispensational view helps the Bible student: It makes necessary biblical distinctions: e.g, Israel, the Church, and the Kingdom; God obviously deals differently with Adam in Eden, Israel under Law, the present day of grace, and the Millennium. Thus the need for "rightly dividing the Word of truth." It provides a philosophy of history: in 3 areas: i) The progress of revelation--covenant theology "by an artificial system of typology, and allegorizing interpretation, sought to read back practically the whole of the New Testament into the Old" (Jas. Orr). ii) A unifying principle: covenant teaching makes it soteriological--the covenant of grace; the dispensational view says it is theological--the glory of God. iii) What is the ultimate goal of history? The covenant theologian says it is the millennial kingdom; dispensationalism sees it as the eternal state. It provides consistent hermeneutics: It allows for the plain and literal interpretation of Scripture. There is no need for allegorizing, especially the prophetic Scriptures. Because the Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ were literally fulfilled, there is no reason to believe that those prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled will be fulfilled in any other way but literally. WHY SHOULD WE EXPECT SUCH AN ORDERLY ARRANGEMENT OF HISTORY? God's revelation is both general and special. God has revealed Himself generally in nature, conscience, and history. He has revealed Himself specially in the Word of God and in the Incarnation. Although Volume 1 (His general revelation) is incomplete, it nevertheless reveals planning, method, and purpose. It is consistent to then suppose that similar planning and purpose will be found in all God does, especially in the unfolding of the ages. This is the "eternal purpose (lit., the purpose of the ages) which He purposed in Christ" ( Eph. 3:11 ). --- Courtesy: Joseph & Florence Home Page _______________________________________________________________________ (4) <Poem> "APPLES OF GOLD" Charles E. Wigg Foreword to second edition by Br. Bernard Nute ---------------------------------------------- I have known Bro. Charles Wigg since first arriving in Tasmania, from the U.K. in 1960. Our friendship grew from a mutual love for the Lord & His word, and has deepened through the years. I am happy to provide this foreword to these verses, (second edition of 'Apples of Gold', in Pictures of Silver); they reveal Charles' extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, and his sensitive application of its truths. They also show our brother's easy relationship, not only with those of us who are older, but also with the young. May the Lord be pleased to use this compilation to instruct, encourage, and comfort His people! Bernard Nute Rutherglen Retirement Village Hadspen, Tasmania, Australia. Introduction to the Second edition by C.E. Wigg ----------------------------------------------- The first edition of this book was published in India many years ago. Since that time more poetry has been written, some poems have been expanded, and as the first printing of several thousand has now been exhausted, it has been prayerfully decide to print this second edition. Since the first printing brother C.V. Samuel, who wrote the foreword to the first edition has gone home to be with the Lord Jesus. He died earlier this year, 2001. He was a very dear and gracious brother, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He laboured for many years at a place called Dindugal in Tamil Nadu. His foreword remains as a testimony. Brother Bernard Nute who wrote the foreword to this second edition, has been a very close friend for forty years or more. I appreciate his kindness, and his willingness to write the foreword above. Our brother was severely handicapped by a stroke many years ago, but continues to serve the Lord as he is able. He is an example to us all, in the way that he has more than conquered his disabilities. We commend this second edition to God for His blessing. Charles E. Wigg 1-3-2001 [To be continued...] _____________________<BrethrenVoice>_____________________ [which seeks to be guided solely by the New Testament Biblical pattern, facilitates free flow of Christian information. To God be the glory!] To subscribe, email: <brethrenvoice-subscribe@...> To unsubscribe, email: <brethrenvoice-unsubscribe@...> For "BrethrenVoice" FAQs, email: <brethrenvoice-faq@...> To send a message to the Moderator, email: <brethrenvoice@...> "BrethrenVoice" Home: http://associate.com/digests/brethrenvoice/ eFellowship Home: http://groups.msn.com/BrethrenChristiansForum/ [Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." (2 Cor 13:5)]