Let’s consider how we look at laws for a moment before we continue our discussion. A child of the Lord realizes that any violation of God’s law, even just one tiny bit, is a sin (James 2:10). A faithful child of God understands that any transgression of God’s law is a sin (I John 3:4). A faithful child of God would never get into discussions of how much of a sin one would have to commit before he / she really has done something wrong. This is important you see, for if we begin to define right and wrong on different degrees it will be our standard of thought. For example, instead of knowing all alcohol consumption is wrong (Proverbs 23:29-35 and I Peter 4:1-4), we’ll ask, “how drunk is too drunk?” Instead of knowing all lying is wrong (Revelation 21:8), we’ll begin talking about little lies and big lies. Brethren, is five miles per hour over the limit worse than fifty? By whose standard would we then judge? Let me say, all speeding is wrong in the sight of God! How is speeding in your automobile related to our obedience to God? This is simple, speed limits are set in order by our civil government. We may only disobey civil government in cases wherein we would find ourselves disobeying God by obeying civil law. Aside from this exception, disobedience to civil law is disobedience to God. Notice the proof: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour… Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God” (Romans 13:1- 7 and I Peter 2:13-16). Have you ever considered how shameful it would be to be pleasing to the Lord in so many ways and to end up in Hell because you thought five miles per hour over the speed limit was okay? Have you considered how much further five miles over the speed limit will actually get you? Let’s take for example a speed limit of seventy miles per hour which is common on many West Texas / New Mexico roads (eighty miles per hour on Interstate ten outside of El Paso County). If you are traveling seventy-five miles per hour (five miles per hour over the speed limit) you will gain five minutes for each seventy mile span you drive. WOW! Five minutes per hour is certainly worth Hell, right? Brethren, what is your soul worth to you? Jesus asked: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26)? Sometimes, we need to take a step back and think about things (Haggai 1:5 and Jeremiah 26:13)! Sometimes, we even have to consider how we think about things. My earthly father is not just of his own opinion on speeding, but on just about everything else too. All he needs is one Scripture or point to twist. From his past divorces to liberalism he will just spin anything he wanted to. When God says, “let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6-9), my dad figures, what’s four times over the limit on divorces anyways? Just as he said the state trooper will let you pass with five miles over the limit, he knows the liberals won’t question his five marriages. If they do, he’ll just explain away God’s clear marriage limit (Matthew 5:31-32, Romans 7:1-3, and I Corinthians 7:1-2). Brethren, don’t be like the Pharisees trying to justify yourself before men (Luke 16:14-15). Let’s remember that God sees everything (I Chronicles 28:9, Psalms 139:1-10, and Hebrews 4:13). Even if you pull the wool over the eyes of others or get by the state trooper, you’ll answer to Christ (II Corinthians 5:10). How can we be a people who realize that obedience to law is not adding or diminishing, and still try to justify transgressing speed limits (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6, and Revelation 22:18-19)? Let’s let our lights shine as obedient people (Philippians 2:14-15). If you need to get somewhere at a certain time, leave early. Don’t let the sin of speeding be your demise. |
| Volume VIII ~ Issue XXXIX ~ June 22nd, 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 |
| Is Speeding A Sin? By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| If You’re Faithful To God, You’ll Know That All Speeding is Wrong! |
| The Mindset of Those “Just A Little Over” Individuals |
What is that sign on the side of the road that reads, “SPEED LIMIT”? To some people
that is a suggested speed posted on the side of the road. To others, it is a reminder that police
might be watching how fast they’re traveling in the car. Some of us actually realize it is the
maximum speed that our government says we can travel on the respective roadway. Still, many
have their unique ways of explaining how speeding is okay.
I remember my earthly father teaching me how to drive. It is one of a very few things he did
show me how to do. Among the many good and useful tips on how to drive, he threw in his
unique explanation of the speed limit violation law. You see, he said that the speed limit was
posted on the sign, but the police are satisfied with up to five miles per hour over that limit. I
must admit, I liked that concept until I later thought for myself from a scriptural standpoint of
law. Is it okay to travel five miles per hour over the speed limit if you can get away with it?
that is a suggested speed posted on the side of the road. To others, it is a reminder that police
might be watching how fast they’re traveling in the car. Some of us actually realize it is the
maximum speed that our government says we can travel on the respective roadway. Still, many
have their unique ways of explaining how speeding is okay.
I remember my earthly father teaching me how to drive. It is one of a very few things he did
show me how to do. Among the many good and useful tips on how to drive, he threw in his
unique explanation of the speed limit violation law. You see, he said that the speed limit was
posted on the sign, but the police are satisfied with up to five miles per hour over that limit. I
must admit, I liked that concept until I later thought for myself from a scriptural standpoint of
law. Is it okay to travel five miles per hour over the speed limit if you can get away with it?
| Conclusion |