The Without Guile Milk of the Logical

(τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα)

Guile is the use of words in cleverness to deceive. We see this type of vile workings in those who crucified Christ, plotting to have Him arrested, but not in public lest there is an uproar from the people, Matthew 26:4-5. After the resurrection of Christ, guile is used by Elymas, who sought to pervert the proconsul of Paphos from the straight ways of the Lord, Acts 13:8-10.  Guile is an aspect of unrighteousness, for when used, what a person says may not be sinful, but the use of cleverness to manipulate others is done out of deceit, Romans 1:29.

Logical is that which comes out of proper reasoning. One who is being logical will draw inferences from premises to conclusions that are based upon, and tested by, truth. God’s word is logical and cannot be interpreted through emotions, for emotions do not require proper reasoning and are based upon feelings, not actuality or facts. Therefore, the Word of God does not use the cunning, deceitfully persuasive words of men in their wisdom; rather, it comes in Spirit and inherent ability, 1 Corinthians 2:4. Spirit is our rational part; therefore, the soulish man cannot receive the things from the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:11,14. Those who seek to deceive the saints use persuasive words, changing the grace of our Lord into licentiousness, according to the principles of the world by using the passions of the flesh, not the truth related to the Christ, Colossians 2:4, 8.

It is our reasonable logical religious service to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God, Romans 12:1. For the truth of the matter is, He purchased it, 1 Corinthians 6:19. Any logic that lifts itself above […]

The Without Guile Milk of the Logical2023-12-23T07:20:05-08:00

Reviled (λοιδορέω)

“Revile” is to speak in an insulting way towards another.

The Pharisees reviled the blind man that Jesus healed because he questioned if they wanted to become disciples of Christ after they continued to ask him how he was healed, John 9:28. This man was blind from birth and Jesus healed him on the Sabbath as a sign to the Jews that those who do not see will see. After hearing his story, the Pharisees again call him back to recount what happened to them. They revile him because the man who was blind calls them out for not listening to him and the fact that no one has ever been healed in this manner before; therefore, Jesus has to be from God. In response, the Pharisees claim to be Moses’ disciples, insult him, and cast him out of the synagogue.

In Jerusalem, while Paul was being accused by the Jews so that the Romans would put him to death, after stating that he has lived in all good conscience before God, Ananias commanded the ones nearby to strike him. Paul calls him out for his unrighteous action, referring to him as a whitewashed wall. Paul is then rebuked for reviling the High Priest, Acts 23:4. However, Paul was not aware that Ananias was the High Priest at that time and apologetically quotes Scripture, which states they are not to speak bad concerning a ruler of the people, Acts 23:5. Although what Paul stated was not inaccurate, it was intended to be an insult and therefore not appropriate for him to say against the High Priest.

In response to being reviled, Paul speaks well of others, 1 Corinthians 4:11. Just as Christ, when He suffered for righteousness, did […]

Reviled (λοιδορέω)2023-12-23T07:22:36-08:00

Healthy (ὑγιαίνω)

“Healthy” expresses good physical health and describes the proper use of information that is to be taught, but not put into practice by correctly dividing doctrine and teaching.

In response to the Pharisees and scribes complaining against Christ’s disciples concerning them eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus explains that one who is healthy does not have a need for a physician, for the Messiah has not come for the righteous, but the sinners to change their minds, Luke 5:30-32.

When healthy is used with teaching, it is the type of teaching that is according to the gospel of the proper opinion of the happy God, which was committed to Paul. This teaching has to do with properly handling Old Testament information, which is to be learned but not practiced. The Law is good, but it is for the unrighteous; all those who do things that are contrary to healthy teaching, 1 Timothy 1:8-11. We are righteous in Christ; therefore, we are not under law. Rather, our standard is to live by grace out from faith.

If anyone does not commit himself to the healthy words of our Lord, we are to withdraw ourselves from them, 1 Timothy 6:3. Of these who do not hold to the words of our Lord are those who teach that gain is godliness, where according to healthy words godliness with contentment is great gain. Since we brought nothing into this world, and will take nothing with us, going after money leads to all kinds of temptations and snares, for the fondness of money is a root of all wrong actions, 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

We are in a time where most assemblies claiming to be Christian are not putting up with healthy teaching, but […]

Healthy (ὑγιαίνω)2023-12-23T11:31:44-08:00
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