many times in His Word reminds us that rulers are for our good, and that we are to honor them and obey them. We may not agree with them always, but we are to keep their laws unless in so doing we must break God’s laws. A wise man in the Old Testament said, “he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Christians should be more careful to obey laws than non-Christians, for in this way they will show others that the Lord Jesus is giving them a real desire to be their very best in all things. August 26, 1951 THE CHRISTIAN IN PUBLIC LIFE Matt. 5:13-16; 13:33; Acts 5:25-29; 1 Pet. 3:13-16 Pointers on the Lesson The Christian life is not something to be hidden. It is to he manifested. It is not an experience to be confined with in monastery walls or church buildings. It is to be demonstrated in the crowded ways where men toil and sin and sorrow. The Christian life is not a feast of good things to be eaten selfishly by a few while the world goes hungry. It is a satisfying portion to be offered to the starving multitudes. It follows therefore that the Christian, though not of this world, is yet in the world and is expected to bear witness to his redeemed life before un believers. This week’s lesson deals with various aspects of his living before the world. The Nature of the Christian’s Public Life Matt. 5:13-16 Two metaphors are used to set forth this nature, namely salt and light. What salt accomplishes in the physical realm, so God’s people are expected to accom plish for the world in the spiritual realm. Salt preserves. It seasons. So the Christian ought to be an in fluence in a corrupt, sinful, putrid world retarding its complete corruption. Imag ine living in a community with no church and no believers. Every believer ought to be a purifying influence in so ciety. When Elisha cast salt into the putrid water at Jericho it became sweet (2 Kings 2:21). Are you being used to sweeten the life of your community? Then, too, as salt seasons food and makes it appetizing, so Christians ought to be distinctive in character suggest ing the attractiveness of Christ. Moreover, what light is to the physical world, so also should Christians be in spiritual matters. Light illuminates, di rects, warms, heals, purifies, and pro duces growth. The Christian with Christ “ looking out of the window” of his life will seek to do all of these things for those who are in the darkness of sin. The Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt. 13:33 The writer believes that it is unfor tunate that this lone verse out of Mat thew 13 was chosen as a part of this week’s lesson. It is difficult to treat it
be God’s” (v. 25). They were willing to use such money in their daily lives. They profited by the privileges and pro tection which the Roman state provided. Therefore they should pay taxes to that state and obey its laws recognizing that “the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). Thus our Lord lays down a principle in His object lesson which applies in every generation. Be lievers are bound by two loyalties, to God and to government, the first taking precedence over the second when there is definite opposition, for the child of God must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Peter’s Practical Principles- 1 Pet. 2:13-17 The principles here set forth are repe titions of the ideas presented by Jesus in the previous passage. Peter makes it clear that there is a two-fold loyalty that the Christian should observe. The heart of this passage is verse 15. By assuming a right attitude toward rulers and their laws, believers may manifest the character of their faith. “With well doing ye may put to silence the igno rance of foolish men.” Helps for the Children Rules for Right Living Luke 20:19-26 Memory Verse: “He that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Prov. 29:18). While the Lord Jesus Christ was upon the earth, many men were His enemies, always trying to find fault with Him and turn others against Him. The chief priest and the scribes, those who should have been the most ready to believe the Saviour and to follow Him, sent forth spies to listen to His words that they might find something for which to put the Lord to death. The spies pretended to be very religious, but the Son of God knew who they were and the evil that was in their hearts. The spies decided to catch the Saviour by asking Him a question that would make Him say some thing for which He could be taken to their governor or ruler to be punished. They first told Him that they knew that whatever He said was true and right. This was a lie, for they hated Him and refused to believe His words, but they did not want Him to know that they were trying to trick Him by their ques tioning. Their question was, “ It it law ful for us to give tribute [or to pay taxes] unto Caesar, or no?” The Saviour saw how sly they were and asked them to show Him a penny. He asked them whose name and picture was upon the penny. They replied, “ Cae sar’s.” The Saviour said, “ Render [give] therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.” So surprised were the spies at this wise answer, that they marveled at it and refused to try to accuse him before their ruler! Sometimes Christians believe that they do not have to keep the laws of their nation or their city, or, even, of their own home. Such is not at all true. God
SALVATION CHARTS FOR VISUAL AID Visually presents the Gospel to boys and girls. 1 4 charts in color K show God's w ay of salvation. S k , An outstanding help for Sunday Schools. D.V.B.S., etc...... $1.50 CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS, Inc. North 3rd Street, Harrisburg, Pa. SACRED PIANO SOLOS “ There's a Wideness in God’s Mercy” “ Blessed Be the Fountain” “ Safe in the Arms of Jesus” Classical arrangements. Original instructions. Rich harmonies. Brilliant cadenzas. Modulations, Chimes. Suitable for radio performances. Each 35c, A L L THREE $1.00 postpaid. Order from GORDON E. HOOKER 558 S. Hope Street Los Angeles 17, Calif. LANTERN SLIDES Missionaries.and Christian Workers: You can have your black and white snapshots or printed pictures turned into beautiful colored glass slides (2"x2" or 3^4"x4") at 75c each. (Discount "on quan tity.) Over 15 progressive years at this address.
C. WHITFIELD SIMS Phone CLeveland 66129
6176 Myosotis Street
Los Angeles 42, Calif.
Unbreakable.. . moulded to look like glass. Light weight. noise free. Eco nomical.; Standard height. Order from your dealer. SPECIAL OFFER Mail $1.00 for trial lot of one dozen sent postpaid. 55 SudburySt.. Boston 14. Mass.
M Y L I F E I X T H E C O N T E X T A BOOK OF FACTS A detailed description of black nunnery in Bristol. Twenty-four great, chapters. Margaret Shepherd, escaped nun, describes in detail the terrible ex periences of helpless and defenseless girls within the high stone walls of Bristol convent. The most terrible revelations ever recorded. OVER 6,000,000 COPIES PRINTED The most extensively read book on this vital and important subject. No book like this in print. Read this frightful heart-breaking story and learn the truth concerning convent life. 258 burning pages. Postpaid only $1.50. The edition is limited . . . so order at once. GOSPEL ART SHOPPE Dept. KB7 Rowan, Iowa
P I purchase [ ] rental 0 offering [ ] send catalog ۥ O. Baptista Films Dept.5 Sunnyside Wheaton, Illinois
J UL Y ,
Page Thirty-one
1 9 5 1
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker