Pointing People Heavenward

VOLUME 5: CONTENTS:-

Page 2 - REFLECTION: ThThThTheeee True Riches True Riches True Riches True Riches - A theme developed from Luke 16:11

Page 6 - BIBLE CHARACTER: TTTThe he he he Lure of the City LightsLure of the City LightsLure of the City LightsLure of the City Lights - A look at the life of Lot

Page 11 - BIBLE BOOK: Our Our Our Our LLLLife under the Sunife under the Sunife under the Sunife under the Sun - The message of ECCLESIASTES

Page 15 - UNDERSTANDING: Three Profitable ThingsThree Profitable ThingsThree Profitable ThingsThree Profitable Things - A Greek word that appears three times

Page 18 - GOSPEL TRUTH: Only a StepOnly a StepOnly a StepOnly a Step - It can make such a difference

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THE TRUE RICHES

by Martin Girard

Newspapers and magazines often list the richest people on earth today. Pop stars,

celebrities from the world of entertainment, sports personalities, business tycoons

and the heads of gigantic corporations are named and their total wealth - known or

presumed - is estimated. Lists of this kind may change, for the richest person this

month may not be at the top next month.

One of America's richest citizens in 1990 was Malcolm Forbes. Even today his

name is legendary. With six palatial homes, a South Pacific island, eighty

motorcycles, his own personal Boeing 727 jet airliner, thirteen hot air balloons,

and two million dollars to spend on his 70th birthday party, here was a man who

was one of the richest! You may have read similar accounts describing the wealth

and extravagant lifestyle of Arabic sheikhs or oil magnates. People like this are

often envied for their accumulated riches and possessions.

Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of riches when He was on earth and warned

His listeners of "the deceitfulness of riches," (Mt.13:22 KJV) which can

prevent the Word of God being effective in an individual's life. Riches are

"uncertain", (1 Tim.6:17). How easily they can make themselves wings

and fly away, (Prov.23:5)! Malcolm Forbes did not live long after his

carefully-planned birthday extravaganza. Like every other human being,

when he died he left all his worldly possessions behind.

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The Scriptures make it clear that Christian believers are stewards and must be

faithful with what God has entrusted to them. Although this is an important

subject and is worthy of careful and personal consideration, it is not the purpose

of this article to deal with the matter of stewardship. Instead we are going to

consider riches of another kind - those referred to by our Lord Jesus Christ in

Luke 16:11 as the true riches. What can these be?

RICHES OF - GRACE In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul mentions "the

unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph.3:8) and states that he

was appointed by God to proclaim this profound truth among

the Gentiles. Oh, the riches of God's grace! Displaying

totally undeserved favour to us, God provided His own dear

Son as a substitute who would die in our place. Through the shedding of His

precious blood redemption is available and the forgiveness of sins is possible. All

this, we are told, is "according to the riches of His grace," (Eph.1:7). This is a

great theme of praise - one that will occupy the saints of God throughout eternity.

Indeed, in the ages to come God is going to display "the exceeding riches of His

grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus," (Eph.2:7). Once we were

dead in our sins, far away from God and without hope, but by His gracious

intervention He has reached us in our lost condition and has raised us to the

heavenly places where we are now seated with Christ Jesus. This is not just grace

but the exceeding riches of it! Such grace brings the forgiven sinner to glory!

RICHES OF - GLORY In the same epistle (and in others) Paul writes about the

riches of God's glory. This great work of salvation in the

"vessels of mercy" who have been prepared for glory

demonstrates "the riches of His glory," (Rom.9:23). We

need to see this clearly, and Paul turned to God in prayer that the saints at

Ephesus might be enlightened in order to grasp the hope of God's calling and

appreciate "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints," (Eph.1:18).

Notice that Paul is not thinking here of the believer's inheritance but of God's own

inheritance in His redeemed people. God has been enriched eternally by the cross.

His grace has been transformed into glory!

We must not think that those "riches of glory" have only a future significance. In

his second recorded prayer in Ephesians, Paul beseeches God that by His Spirit

He might strengthen His people with power, "according to the riches of His

glory," (Eph.3:16). A plentiful supply is therefore available, for according to

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those riches God gives His people the power that they need both to receive His

truth and to live for Him. Notice that His giving is not "according to our needs"

but according to the riches of His glory. How wonderful! According to those

same "riches in glory" that are at His disposal, God is able to meet all the needs of

His people now, (Phil.4:19). How different those needs are - but all the resources

are available for all His people. He does not give "out of" those riches - for if He

did, we might think that the supply could be diminished. Rather, it is according to

those riches that He gives through Christ Jesus, the only Mediator.

RICHES OF - GOODNESS In his epistle to the Romans Paul writes of the "goodness and

forbearance and longsuffering" of God, (Rom.2:4). Such

"goodness" should lead us to repentance as we appreciate

how guilty we are before Him and how we deserve His

righteous judgment on account of our sins. "The riches of

His goodness" should never be despised by the sinner. Paul, in this particular

epistle, demonstrates the remarkable goodness of God in bringing Gentiles into

the blessings of the gospel. Elsewhere he declares that this was a "mystery" -

something not revealed in earlier times. The Church is the body of Christ, and He

is its head. Gentiles, as well as Jews, have been incorporated into that body,

Christ within our hearts being "the hope of glory," (Col.1:27). God has now made

known to us "the riches of the glory of this mystery".

Just as His grace has brought us to glory, so His goodness has done the same.

This salvation for the Gentiles, Paul tells us, has come about through "the fall" of

Israel. It has brought "riches" to us, (Rom.11:12). Such riches have come to us

from God's unlimited store. Well might we exclaim: "O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments,

and His ways past finding out!" (Rom.11:33). Paul's concern was that believers

might enter into the "riches of the full assurance of understanding" of these

wonderful truths, (Col.2:2). May our hearts desire this as we acknowledge what

God has done for us in Christ!

TIME AND ETERNITY

Two final New Testament Scriptures speak of riches. Moses,

we are told, was a man of faith. Egypt's wealth did not attract

him. Instead he chose to cast in his lot with the people of

God and suffer reproach for the sake of the Christ whose

coming he anticipated. Just consider that! He evaluated things and considered "the

reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt," (Heb.11:26). His

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perspective was correct, for his attention was fixed on eternal things. Christ

mattered more to him than any other. If "the reproach of Christ" was worth more

than Egypt's treasures, what value can be placed upon the glories of Christ?

Like Moses we need an eternal perspective. Suffering for Him now must be

expected, but it will be followed by glory - and what glory that will be! As the

New Testament closes we are introduced to an angelic company proclaiming the

praises of the Lord Jesus Christ and declaring: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory,

and blessing," (Rev.5:12). Did you notice the second attribute? Riches are His. He

is worthy of eternal riches for all that He has done.

Hattie E. Buell wrote:-

My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full - He has riches untold.

I'm the child of a King! The child of a King!

With Jesus my Saviour, I'm the child of a King! (1)

Everything in the universe is His, but He has wonderful spiritual riches that He

wants to share with His children. As His people, let us be concerned with the true

riches.

(1)Hymn 946 in Ira Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos.

Ephesians 3:8

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THE LURE

OF THE

CITY LIGHTS

by Martin Girard

One of the saddest characters we meet in the Bible must be Lot. By this I do not

mean that Lot was necessarily a man of melancholy disposition. Rather, I mean

that his life was something of a tragedy. Lot started out so well - but he finished

up with nothing. The man we first meet in a position of great privilege is finally

seen bereaved of his wife and dwelling in a lonely cave in the mountains. What

went wrong? Understanding the cause of Lot’s calamity may help us avoid the

same pitfalls in our own lives.

Have you ever watched in the evening a moth attracted by a bright light? Drawn

ever closer, the moth is soon fluttering around the light bulb. An electric light

may present a danger to the moth, but a candle is worse. A burning candle is pure

fire, and if the moth comes too close to the flame it may be destroyed. The world

in which we live is like the candle flame, and we are drawn to it like the moth to

the light. The city lights lured Lot - and he is not the last person to have been

ruined by the attractions of the big city.

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A PRIVILEGED POSITION

To begin with, we need to understand something about Lot's background. He

lived more than 4,000 years ago and is first mentioned in the Bible at the end of

Genesis 11. His father's name was Haran, and his grandfather was Terah. Another

of Terah's sons was Abram (later called Abraham), a well-known figure of Bible

history. Abraham was therefore Lot's uncle. Lot's own

father (Haran) died in his native land, but although bereft

of his father Lot was not left alone. His grandfather

(Terah) and uncle (Abraham) had an interest in him and

took him with them as they set off for Canaan. The Lord

had already called Abraham to leave the land of his birth

and to commence a journey of faith to an unknown destination. In obedience to

that call Abraham had set off at the age of 75 accompanied by various family

members including Lot, his nephew (cf Gen.12:1-4).

As the extended family journeyed, we can imagine Lot questioning his uncle

about the purpose of the expedition. Lot would have watched as Abraham

worshipped the Lord and called on His name at the altar he had built (cf

Gen.12:8). Lot was in a very privileged position. He was in the company of a man

of God.

Many people today enjoy similar privileges - perhaps without realizing it. To

be brought up in a Christian home and to be surrounded by those who love the

Lord is a great privilege. To have a godly mother or father who prays for you

and seeks to introduce you to Christian things is a privilege but on its own is

not enough to get you to heaven. A personal faith is necessary, and at this

point we may well ask what personal faith Lot had. Was he simply depending

on the spiritual insight and faith of his uncle? Being born into a Christian

home is not enough - and neither is attending a Christian church. It is vital to

take the step of trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour.

THE SNARE OF PROSPERITY

Lot's troubles can be traced back to his prosperity. Abraham, blessed by God, was

"very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold" (Gen.13:2, KJV).

Lot had great possessions too (cf Gen.13:5). Sadly their

possessions led to strife between them. They had so many

animals that the land could not support both sides of the

family. The herdsmen employed by Abraham and those

employed by Lot began to argue - and the Canaanites and

Perizzites who occupied the land witnessed it all (cf Gen.13:6-7).

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Prosperity can still be a dangerous thing. Someone has said: "Money can buy you an education but not intelligence"Money can buy you an education but not intelligence"Money can buy you an education but not intelligence"Money can buy you an education but not intelligence; a bed but not ; a bed but not ; a bed but not ; a bed but not sleep; food but not an appetite; cosmetics but not beauty; a house but not sleep; food but not an appetite; cosmetics but not beauty; a house but not sleep; food but not an appetite; cosmetics but not beauty; a house but not sleep; food but not an appetite; cosmetics but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; entertainment but not happiness; a home; medicine but not health; entertainment but not happiness; a home; medicine but not health; entertainment but not happiness; a home; medicine but not health; entertainment but not happiness; acquaintances but not friends." acquaintances but not friends." acquaintances but not friends." acquaintances but not friends."

In Mark 8:36 our Lord warned of the danger of gaining the whole world but

losing your own soul. Today some church leaders teach that those who please the

Lord will be blessed materially. Such teaching is wrong. In Old Testament times

God did bless His people in this way. But the New Testament makes it clear that

the believer's blessings today are heavenly and not earthly, spiritual and not

material. Beware of prosperity! If you are an unbeliever, your wealth can keep

you eternally from the Saviour as it did the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22. If

you are a believer, your prosperity can divert you from a life that is truly useful to

the Lord.

THE BIG CHOICE

Abraham was both gracious and generous. As the older man the choice should

have been his, but turning to his nephew he asked Lot to state his preference. "It's

not right for there to be a dispute," he said. "There is plenty of space for both of

us. If you go to the left, I will go to the right. If you decide on going to the right,

I'll go to the left." (cf Gen.13:8-9). To use an analogy from tennis, the ball was in

Lot's court.

From his vantage point, Lot surveyed the land. The plain of Jordan looked so

well-watered and reminded him of Egypt - a place where he had been with his

uncle during a famine, according to Genesis 12:10. Lot already had plenty of

cattle, but as he viewed this fertile land that also reminded

him of "the garden of the Lord" (Gen.13:10) he realized

that if he moved in that direction he could do even better.

Prosperity now had a grip on his life. Journeying east, the

Bible simply tells us that Lot "pitched his tent toward

Sodom" (Gen.13:12). A chilling note is added here: "The

men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord

exceedingly" (Gen.13:13). The city lights were beginning

to lure Lot in their direction. Big cities still have a tantalizing attraction. Many

young people have turned to the city hoping to find fulfilment and satisfaction,

but disappointment has been encountered and their dreams have been dashed.

All of us today have choices to make. Do we look to the Lord to guide us, or are

we attracted by the prospects that this world has to offer? The Bible tells us,

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart"

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(Ps.37:4). It also gives us a sober warning: "Love not the world, neither the things

that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in

him" (1 Jn.2:15).

A GRACIOUS WARNING

Genesis 14 tells of a war that developed. By now Lot was

dwelling in Sodom. The king of Sodom and four other

kings were attacked by four more powerful kings. Lot

found himself embroiled in the conflict - and on the losing

side. Before long he was taken captive and found himself

in enemy hands. News of what had happened to Lot

reached Abraham. Instead of blaming his young nephew

(as he could have done) for his foolishness and for getting what he deserved,

Abraham set out on a rescue mission. With 318 of his servants Abraham overtook

and overcame the enemy forces, thus bringing deliverance to Lot and his family.

God had been merciful to Lot, and no doubt he was very grateful. But was there

not a warning in the experience? God surely speaks through the circumstances of

our lives. Through this experience Lot should have realized that Sodom was not

the place for him to live. But, as we shall see, the warning appears to have gone

unheeded. Sometimes we are very slow to learn what God is trying to teach us.

A TOP SPOT

For a little while Lot disappears from the scene. The

next time we read of him, he is seated in a position of

authority "in the gate of Sodom" (Gen.19:1). People

looked up to him as one of the leaders of their city.

Imagine we could meet him and ask, "Lot, what are you

doing here? Sodom is a very wicked city." How might

Lot have replied? He could well have said, "I know that - but you can't complain

and do nothing! By my position in Sodom, I might be able to make things better."

Many Christians today make the same mistake. Although we are to let our light

shine, we are not told to engage in politics or local government in order to

improve society. Our responsibility is to proclaim the gospel message that can

change men's hearts! Did Lot achieve anything by being promoted to a place in

the gate of Sodom? The remainder of Genesis 19 answers the question. When two

angels arrived at the city with a message of judgment and told Lot of the urgency

to flee from the city, he approached the members of his family "but he seemed as

one that mocked unto his sons in law" (Gen.19:14). They refused to take him

seriously. The pathway to blessing is never one of compromise. There are some

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places on earth where a Christian ought never to go. Lot was in the wrong place.

He should never have been in Sodom.

WITH NOTHING

When morning dawned the angels urged Lot to leave

Sodom at once lest he be consumed in the destruction

that was about to engulf the city, but Lot lingered (cf

Gen.19:15-16)! He failed to grasp the urgency of the

situation. Sodom was his home. All his possessions were

there. He was being asked to leave everything behind!

We can well be reminded of our Saviour's words: "Lay not up for yourselves

treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Mt.6:19-

20). If, like Lot, we love the world, we will be sad to leave it. We must learn (as

Colossians 3:2 teaches) to set our affection on things above and not on the things

of this world.

The Lord was merciful, and the angels took Lot's hand and led him, his wife, and

his two daughters out of the doomed city. Sadly his wife perished a short distance

from Sodom as she disobeyed the instruction and looked back longingly at her

home. The final glimpse we have of Lot is a very sad one indeed. The man who

had sat in the gate of Sodom is now living in a mountain cave with his two

daughters. All his possessions have gone - and all this happened because Lot

made the wrong choice.

"THAT RIGHTEOUS MAN"

If we had only the Old Testament we might well wonder

whether Lot was a believer. The New Testament, however,

says more. Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,

tells us that Lot was a righteous man. The things he saw and

heard in Sodom perplexed him greatly. Unlike the unbridled Sodomites, Lot had a

righteous soul (cf 2 Pet.2:7-8) - but his mistake had been in choosing to live

among them.

What about ourselves? Are we different from the unconverted people around

us or do we merge in with all the rest? Followers of the Lord Jesus should be

like Him. Don't be lured by the dazzling lights of this world. All that the

world offers is temporary - passing. Remember - "the things which are not

seen are eternal" (2 Cor.4:18).

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OUR LIFE -

UNDER THE SUN by Martin Girard

A theme that is simple and yet profound; a message that is universal and yet

individual; something timeless, without being eternal. Does all this seem

contradictory? Perhaps it does. It is an attempt to define the Old Testament Book

of Ecclesiastes - a book which somehow defies any definition but raises themes

with which we can all identify in our most thoughtful moments.

There has been a great deal of debate over the Book of Ecclesiastes during the

past one hundred years or so. Questions have been raised concerning the identity

of the author and the time when it was written. Very much like the tone of the

book itself, more questions have been raised than have been answered.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The book’s title is an interesting one. Ecclesiastes is a transliteration of the Greek

word for "assembly". The Hebrew title in the original text was a word meaning

"one who assembles". We can thus picture a preacher assembling a congregation

in order to address those gathered - and this may well be the meaning of the

opening verse of Ecclesiastes. Another possibility, however, is that the word

refers to one who "assembles" wise sayings and arranges them in order. This was

certainly something that "the Preacher" did (12:9-10), so both interpretations of

the word are true.

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The Preacher describes himself as "the son of David, king in Jerusalem," (1:1,

KJV). For hundreds of years this verse was taken literally, and it was understood

that the author was Solomon (David's son) who succeeded his father as Israel's

king (1 Kings 2:11-12).

More recently this view has been questioned, and it has been suggested that "the

Preacher" was simply a "nom de plume". Some students of Scripture maintain that

the writer was not actually Solomon but one who used Solomon as the central

character of the book. After such a promising start when he became king,

Solomon erred and turned away from the Lord, (1 Kings 11:1-6). According to

this latter view, it is pointed out that we cannot be certain that Solomon ever

repented of his idolatry and came back to God. It is suggested that another author

based his message upon the tragic experiences of Solomon.

The traditional view, however, is that the actual author was none other than

Solomon. Although he sinned greatly, in later life he was restored to God and

wrote Ecclesiastes shortly before his death - long after he had written Proverbs.

Whichever view we adopt, we can still benefit from listening to the Preacher's

words and learning from his experiences.

VIEWPOINT

The key phrase to bear in mind when reading Ecclesiastes is:

under the sun," (1:3). This little expression is used no fewer

than twenty nine times. Many have failed to understand the

significance of the phrase and have concocted unscriptural

doctrines based solely on the teachings of this book. For

example, the Jehovah's Witnesses (so-called) quote many

"proof texts" from Ecclesiastes to support their notions about

what happens after death.

It is vital to understand that Ecclesiastes is written from a human viewpoint -

"under the sun". God is above the sun, and we must interpret the message of

Ecclesiastes in the light of the fuller revelation of the New Testament.

Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of the man of the world - the natural

man, not the spiritual man, (1 Cor.2:14). Although wisdom is evident in the book,

it is very often human wisdom rather than divine wisdom - and it is therefore

shown to be deficient.

We can grasp the real meaning of this significant phrase the very first time it is

used. "What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?"

the Preacher asks (1:3). All man's labour is "under the sun" and takes place in a

realm where the sun rises and sets, and day is followed by night, (1:5). He

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maintains that, in reality, "there is no new thing under the sun," (1:9). All of

mankind's discoveries are based upon past knowledge and draw upon earlier

findings.

Another word frequently used and often connected with the phrase "under the

sun" is the word "vanity". The Preacher's opening text is, "Vanity of vanities

... all is vanity," (1:2). The Hebrew word meaning "vanity" is used 38 times in

Ecclesiastes to describe that which is empty, transitory and unsatisfactory.

The initial statement is repeated in the conclusion to the book, (12:8).

In between these two references the Preacher expands his theme and verifies the

truth of his statement. He was wise and had great experience of wisdom and

knowledge, (1:16). He had great opportunities to explore wisdom and folly, mirth

and laughter, to experience entertainment and to engage in enterprise, (1:17; 2:1-

4). He found "all the works that are done under the sun" to be "vanity" (1:14), and

his own great works and projects turned out to be no different, (2:11).

It did not take him long to find the answer to his opening

question: "What profit hath a man of all his labour which he

taketh under the sun?" (1:3). Solomon's own experiences

taught him that there was "no profit" to be found "under the

sun," (2:11). All his wealth, wisdom, and worldliness failed

to satisfy the deep longings of his heart and forced him to

conclude that "all is vanity," (12:8).

THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT

A fly that became trapped in some sticky ointment might ruin the

fragrance and emit an unpleasant odour of its own. In just the

same way a little folly can do a great deal of harm, (10:1). Death,

like the fly in the ointment, casts its shadow everywhere. Life is

short and is itself compared to "a shadow" (8:13) that quickly disappears when the

sun passes behind a cloud. The things that we possess "under the sun" will remain

under the sun when we die.

It has been remarked that there are no pockets in a shroud. When we die we must

leave all our possessions behind. The things that we have worked so hard to

obtain, and that we have come to value so highly, may become the property of

someone who squanders them. It is a bitter thing to contemplate happening and is

all so meaningless. The heart can despair - for there seems to be no point in

labouring at all, (2:18-20). Yet, in spite of this, there is some enjoyment to be

found upon earth, and the Preacher counsels us to get the most out of life that we

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can, (9:7-9). This, he sees, is the best thing that a man can do "under the sun"

(8:15), for he recognizes that God is the giver of all good gifts, (5:19).

THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER

The writer of Ecclesiastes certainly does not have all the

answers. There is more to life. Although his theme is

timeless - nothing is new and all is vanity - and thus true

for all generations, we need to consider that which is

eternal. Occasionally, like a ray of light, we catch a

glimpse of eternal things. God is eternal, and His work is

perfect in every way, (3:14). He has made us to live for

ever and has set "eternity" in our hearts, (3:11, NKJV).

We ought to fear Him and remember that we must give

an account of our lives to Him, (3:14-15). In spite of all

the perplexities and inequalities of life, the Preacher

remains convinced that "it shall be well with them that

fear God," (8:12).

"The conclusion of the whole matter" to which the Preacher brings us is this:-

"Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man,"

(12:13). He tells us that God will "bring every work into judgment" and that He

shall reveal "every secret thing," (12:14). Clearly this conclusion brings us into

New Testament territory. The Lord Jesus taught in Matthew 12:36 that we are

accountable to God - a theme that Paul reiterated in 2 Corinthians 5:10. To fear

God means to respect and obey Him - and this is by no means simply Old

Testament truth.

If we love our Lord we will keep His commandments, (Jn.14:15). Let us seek

to do this as we continue living in this vain world "under the sun". The aged

apostle, John, certainly agreed with the Preacher's conclusion. He wrote: "And

the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God

abideth for ever," (1 Jn.2:17). It is a theme that we constantly need to

remember.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

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THREE PROFITABLE THINGS

by Martin Girard by Martin Girard by Martin Girard by Martin Girard

The last word listed by James Strong in his Greek Dictionary of the New

Testament is ophelimos - a word that means helpful, serviceable, or advantageous.

This word, translated "profitable" in the King James Version, appears in three

places in Paul’s pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus, and these three texts

deserve our careful consideration.

Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, asked the question: "Can a man be profitable unto

God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?" (Job 22:2 KJV). The

Hebrew word rendered profitable here is an Old Testament equivalent of the

Greek word we are considering. It is certainly true that a wise person may be

"profitable unto himself" - his wise decisions resulting in actions that benefit his

own life - but can anyone "be profitable unto God"? Knowing that God is so

much greater than we are, we appreciate that His wisdom far exceeds our own. He

does not need to depend upon us for anything. No task is too difficult for Him to

undertake. He is perfect in every way. How can sinful and finite creatures be

profitable unto God? The question raised by Eliphaz is really rhetorical.

Obviously we cannot be "profitable unto God".

While this answer is true, the question must not be dismissed. Suppose that we

could be "profitable unto God". What would we have to be - and what would we

have to do? Turning to the New Testament, we discover a different answer to the

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question. Sinful, finite creatures, cleansed from their sin and yielded to Christ

their Lord, can bring pleasure to God and thus be "profitable" to Him. Let us see

how this is possible.

First: THE CALL FOR GODLINESS

Before discovering what we can do to be profitable to God, it is important to learn

what He wants us to be. This is always the scriptural order. In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul

states that "bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable

unto all things". The same Greek word is used twice in this verse.

First, Paul considers bodily exercise. There is some "profit" or value in

recreation and physical exercise. The body can benefit from activity

and can be healthier through regular exercise, but the profit is only "for

a little," (JND, AMP). In other words, the benefit is only short-term. In

contrast to bodily exercise, however, Paul considers godliness. While bodily

exercise profits just "a little", or in a few ways, "godliness is profitable unto all

things." It has far greater inherent benefit than physical recreation, for it can be

beneficial to the spirit and soul as well as to the body. It is good for time and also

for eternity.

Those who are godly are promised blessing in this life and in the life to come, and

doubtless they have a greater capacity to enjoy the glories of heaven even now.

Because godliness is of such value, Paul counsels Timothy to give priority to

spiritual exercise rather than to physical and to exercise himself "unto godliness",

(1 Tim.4:7). Godliness literally means "well-devout". A godly life is a devout life

that displays the character of God Himself and is pleasing to Him. Clearly this is

what we should strive for - but how can we become godly?

Second: THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

In Paul's second epistle to Timothy the pathway to godliness is

revealed, and we are introduced to something else that is

"profitable". We are told there that "all Scripture is given by

inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for

correction, for instruction in righteousness," (2 Tim.3:16, KJV). The

Scriptures provide us with the key to godliness.

From his earliest days Timothy had been familiar with the Old Testament. He had

received personal instruction from his mother and grandmother and had come to

believe the precious truths of God's Word, (2 Tim.1:5; 3:15). Because the

Scriptures are "God-breathed" (2 Tim.3:16, NIV, AMP), they have the power (or

ability) to lead a soul to salvation in Christ. Today we possess the completed

Word of God - Old Testament and New Testament. God has, through His Word,

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provided us with a resource that is "profitable" for our spiritual progress. The

"doctrine" of Scripture teaches us what is right, and its "reproof" reveals to us

where we are wrong. Its "correction" shows us how to put things as they should

be, and its "instruction in righteousness" enables us to stay on the right track. The

Bible contains all needful directions "that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work," (2 Tim.3:17, NKJV). Surely, "the

man of God" is the individual characterized by godliness. Thus we discover that

the Word of God, when it is read and obeyed, is a "profitable" resource which can

produce a godly character. Being "equipped for every good work" is the goal, and

this brings us to the final place where the word ophelimos is used in Scripture.

Third: GOOD WORKS

Titus was serving the Lord in Crete and had been entrusted

with a teaching ministry. One theme that he had to preach

repeatedly was the necessity that those who had "believed in

God" should "maintain good works," (Ti.3:8). God desires

that His people should be "eager and enthusiastic about

living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds" (Ti.2:14, AMP). Titus

himself was to be an example to the believers in this respect, (Ti.2:7). Good

works ought to be prominent in the lives of Christians because "these things are

good and profitable unto men." (Ti.3:8). Mankind is benefitted by the good works

of God's people; such things are "profitable" to others.

We are certainly not saved by our good works, but when we are saved we

discover that God intends our lives to be filled with good works, (Eph.2:8-10).

Doing good deeds to others can provide us with an opportunity for speaking to

them about the Saviour and can be the means of pointing lost souls to Him. We

must also seek to do good at all times to God’s people (Gal.6:10). Elderly people

are often lonely and appreciate a visit, while those who are handicapped can be

helped with tasks that they cannot easily perform. By good deeds and acts of

kindness that are done for the sake of our Lord and Master, the God whom we

serve can be recognized and glorified, (Mt.5:16). If our "good works" cause

someone to glorify our Father in heaven, then they are especially "profitable".

THREE THINGS

The Scriptures tell us that a threefold cord is not quickly broken, (Eccl.4:12). Paul

has written about three things that are "profitable" and are closely connected.

Those who read, meditate upon, and obey the Word of God, will soon display

godliness in their lives. Their good works will then glorify God and bring blessing

to those around. In this way we can, by His grace, be "profitable" to God.

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by Martin GirardMartin GirardMartin GirardMartin Girard

Nobody could have said that he was a novice. He knew his job and was a capable,

reliable, and efficient builder. When he was told that the roof of a freight shed

needed repairing after storm damage one February morning, he arrived for work

knowing exactly what needed to be done. With tools in hand, he climbed the

ladder on to the roof expecting, with the help of the other workmen, to have the

job finished that afternoon.

ONLY A STEP

Then it happened. As he walked across the roof to collect a saw, he slipped and

fell through a perspex skylight, crashing almost twenty feet to the concrete floor

below. Quickly an ambulance was called and he was rushed to hospital, but his

condition deteriorated rapidly. His skull had been fractured, and within hours he

was dead.

Men who had been working with him on the damaged building were devastated.

Here was a man of less than 50 who had been busily engaged in his daily work.

He was perfectly fit and healthy and knew what he was doing, yet for some

unknown reason he had taken one false step and had plunged to his death. It was

only a step, but it was a step in the wrong direction. Had he known the

consequences, he would never have taken that step.

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JUST ONE STEP...

Life is like that. One step can make all the difference. A life can be spoiled,

ruined, or even lost by one small step in the wrong direction. Just one step in the

right direction, however, and a person’s life can be completely transformed. What

do we mean?

“THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE!”

God has presented all of us with a clear choice. It is a choice that involves taking

a step in one of two directions. Before us are life and death, and God’s plea to us

is “therefore choose life.” (1)

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,

but by Me.” (2) If you want life now at its best, as well as a home in Heaven in the

future, you must come to Jesus - for He is the only way. As an old hymn says,

Only a step to Jesus!Only a step to Jesus!Only a step to Jesus!Only a step to Jesus! Then why not take it nowThen why not take it nowThen why not take it nowThen why not take it now????

Many have taken that simple step of faith, believing in Jesus and His promises,

and have found it to be a step in the right direction. Taking that step to Jesus is

stepping forward into life.

Right where you are now, you can take that step. The Lord Jesus will never turn

away those who come to Him. (3) Simply confess your sin to God, believe that

the Lord Jesus died on the Cross for you, and ask Him to cleanse you from your

sin.

ONLY A STEP!

We are living in a world full of uncertainties. Accidents and premature deaths

remind us that “as for man, his days are as grass.” He flourishes - then suddenly is

gone. (4) Tragic accidents illustrate how life can end so abruptly and unexpectedly

- and not one of us knows what a day may bring forth. (5) Taking that one step to

Jesus will bring you certainty that you will never find anywhere else - and you

will be able to face the future with absolute confidence.

Only a step to Jesus! A step from sin to grace;Only a step to Jesus! A step from sin to grace;Only a step to Jesus! A step from sin to grace;Only a step to Jesus! A step from sin to grace; What hWhat hWhat hWhat has thy heart decided? The moments fly apace. as thy heart decided? The moments fly apace. as thy heart decided? The moments fly apace. as thy heart decided? The moments fly apace. (6)

Why not take that one step in the right direction - NOW?

END NOTES:- (1)Deuteronomy 30:19. (2)John 14:6. (3)John 6:37. (4)Psalm 103:15-16. (5)Proverbs 27:1.

(6)Hymn 448 in Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos “Only a step to Jesus.”