or not the singing comes from the heart. Verse 17. “And whatever you do.” Paul now sums up with the believ er’s purpose and guide in life. “Do” applies to all that we set out to ac complish, every overt action. “In word or work.” The reference is especially to our Christian testimony. Does our teaching uphold and exalt the Lord Jesus or are we prone to run after the ideas of men (2:8, 18, 19) ? Since silence at certain times is as eloquent as speech, we will be judged for that also. How many op portunities have we wasted? We have been saved to do good works (Eph. 2:10). Yet it is possible to do His work in such a way as to bring reproach upon Him (Rom. 2: 17-24). “Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” “AH” is absolute and takes in every action (I Cor. 10:31). “In the name of” means “To the glory of” (John 14:13). Nor are we to be sullen and rebellious in our service. Instead, we are to be giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Re joicing and gratitude to God form a way that we can walk worthy of Christ (1:12). As Christians, happi ness as well as love is to be our mark of identification (3:15). We convey our thanks to God by way of Jesus Christ. How? By praising in His name, by giving thanks as He would (Eph. 5:20). Aside from Je sus, we have no access to God, not even to thank Him. Verse 18. “Wives, be subject to your husbands.” We always have cer tain “difficult” verses which we ig nore. This is one that American Christian women generally shy away from and that their husbands grasp. The men, however, have no right to force their wives to be obedient; for the submission required is not that of either the child or the slave (w . 20, 22). Instead, it is a voluntary obedience. The wife is to subordinate herself. While normal for all, it is harder for those who have been in- 30
“Teaching and warning” are the same verbs used in 1 :28. Here, how ever, both are directed toward the Christian (II Thess. 3:15). “Each other” indicates that the teaching and warning is not to be left up to the pastor. No, all of us are priests in the house of God (I Peter 2:9). Each must help the other. Paul states three ways in which we can teach and warn others: by means of psalms, hymns, and spirit- "BUT GOD" I know not, but God knows; Oh, blessed rest from fear! All my unfolding days To Him are plain and clear. Each anxious, puzzled "W h y ?" From doubt or dread that grows, Finds answer in this thought; I know not but He knows. I cannot but God can; Oh balm for all my care! The burden that I drop His hand will lift and bear. Though eagle pinions tire, I walk where once I ran. This is my strength to know I cannot, but He can. I see? not, but God sees; Oh all-sufficient light! M y dark and hidden way To Him is always bright. M y strained and fleering eyes — Annie Johnson Flint ual songs. The first refers to sacred songs, especially those of the Old Testament. T h e second refers to songs of praise and worship to God (Acts 16:23; Heb. 2:12). The last is the ordinary word for song. The adjective “spiritual” pertains espe cially to the last word and declares the songs to be in contrast to world ly or fleshly ones. “By grace singing in your hearts,” that is, singing gracefully. Not everyone has a beau tiful voice, nor is that required. To God the beauty consists in whether May close in restful ease. And I in peace may sleep; I see not, but He sees.
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