Okay, before we get started, I am opposed to gambling (Proverbs 13:11, Luke 16:13, and I Corinthians 6:19-20). I am merely using a figure of speech in the title of this article. Having made that clear, we shall move on to the point of the article. All too often people who proclaim to be Christians are willing to say and do things that they are not 100% certain is correct. In fact, these “Christians” will gamble on very low odds at times and do things they are more uncertain about, than they are certain. They will act with doubting, which is clearly an error in the Scriptures (Luke 12:29, James 1:8, and I Timothy 2:8; cf. Hebrews 10:38 and II Corinthians 5:7). As Christians, we are not supposed to follow influences that will cause us to do things we are unsure of (Ephesians 4:14 and II Peter 3:16-18). We have to be able to test and know what is right. Notice what Paul wrote to Ephesus: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:6-10). We cannot do anything that is not by faith. We know that faith comes through God’s word (Romans 10:17), not our own personal convictions (Proverbs 21:2 and Jeremiah 17:5; 10). Therefore, we cannot say, “I thought I was right” and excuse ourselves. Notice the following passage: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Brethren, we cannot walk to the beat of our own drum. We have to step up to God’s standard. When we are unsure (which is anytime you cannot 100% prove you are right), we should not act (I Thessalonians 5:21). Some people just need to be more humble and stop rolling the dice! Here’s a short quiz for us all to think about:
2. Are there more than two things in the Scriptures you are without knowledge of? 3. Name four things about Jasiel? Now for the answers… If you are reading this article as a human being on this earth, you are answering “yes” to the fist two questions. If you answered no, I’d like to meet you to call you a liar to your face! In fact, I am sure that most are just like I am. I forget even some of the obvious things from time to time (i.e. that God has a heart – Genesis 6:6; 8:21, Psalms 33:11, Jeremiah 23:20, Acts 13:22, etc.). Even in the things we know we need reminders (II Peter 3:1-2). In those things we do not know, we need to grow (II Peter 3:18). As for Jasiel, this name appears once in inspiration (I Chronicles 11:47). Based on the context, you’d have some troubles answering question three. Furthermore, I’d have serious questions about someone who actually knew who Jasiel was because most people I know need to be studying more relevant matters. Pride will keep some people talking when they do not know what they are saying (Proverbs 14:3). Brethren, let’s show humility and admit that we do not have all of the answers all of the time. Nothing is wrong with having to make sure of something before we tell someone what we think is right. Thinking we are right, even when we are adamant about it (Romans 10:1-3), does not make it right! Notice Isaiah’s inspired words: “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21)! Sometimes pride is not the only issue that keeps people gambling with their souls. Sometimes people reason within themselves that ignorance is okay and that becomes their reason to act without knowing what is right. Some have the idea that they can just keep doing or saying what they’re not sure of until they are proven wrong. For example, we know that we are commanded to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). We know that we must understand what we are saying and doing or even the lawful actions we do are empty (Psalms 47:7, I Corinthians 14:15, and James 1:6-7; 4:3). Even our prayers have to be given according to the will of the Lord (I John 5:14-15). Knowing this, some will assume that they are okay doing something they are not sure of, until they find out otherwise. This is backwards (II Samuel 7:1-7 and Proverbs 10:32). When Paul came to Athens he witnessed ignorant worship. Notice his declaration and the solution: “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you… And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:23; 30-31). Paul did not tell the Athenians that they were okay since they did not know any better. Brethren, one cannot continue in sin thinking God will overlook it (Romans 6:1-2). Paul told them to repent. Those who have to repent of something are LOST, not just lingering in a state of lawful confusion (Luke 13:3; 5). Ignorance is not an excuse (Ephesians 4:17-24). We should never gamble with what is right and wrong. The penalty of Hell for even so-called “innocent ignorance” (no such thing), is too high (Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:13-15). Therefore, we conclude with a simple passage: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). |
| Volume VIII ~ Issue XXVIII ~ April 6th, 2008 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| Would You “Bet Your Soul On It”? By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| Rolling the Dice Because of Pride |
| Ignorance Is Not an Excuse |
| Conclusion |