1948 Bible Studies - page 138

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BIBLE STUDIES.

[14] (Barrhead and Paisley). --We cannot play off one thing against another.

The Lord’s words are apposite--" These ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone " (Matthew 23. 23). We would all be very sorry if the poor were neglected.

J. M.

[15] (Melbourne). --These three good men evidently supplied the Apostle’s need of material things which the Corinthians so grievously had failed in supplying.

J. M.

See 1 Corinthians 9. and 2 Corinthians 11. 7-11.

[16] (Melbourne). --No one who is blessed in the knowledge of Christ (Matthew 16. 16, 17), with the forgiveness of sins (Romans 4. 6-8), and with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1. 3) can be Anathema or accursed, as one saved by grace, without works. But we must, it seems to me, avoid making the Apostle’s state-ment meaningless, that in no sense can one who is a believer be Anathema.  We may wipe out at once the thought that the " man " in this verse (1 Corinthians 16. 22) is an unregenerate man, for it is not possible for an unregenerate person to love the" Lord Jesus.  If this verse has any application at all it must relate to such as are viewed as servants of Christ, and if these do not love the One who is their confessed Lord, let them be Anathema. Compare what is here said with the strong words of Paul relative to angels and men in reference to the gospel.  Have any who have been enlightened by Christ ever preached another gospel ?  I’m

afraid  the  answer  must  be--yes;  e.  g.,  see  Acts  15.  1.  J. M.

Questions and Answers.

From Atherton. Question 1. --According to the Old Testament (Malachi 3. 10) the Jew had a definite amount stated to bring as an offering.  Have we in New Testament times any (a) specified amount, (b) obligation to give more or less than the Jew.

Question 2. --Should the Lord’s portion all be put in the box, or should we personally deal with it ourselves ?

A n s w e r . --(1) The Israelite had to tithe his increase, and besides, there were many kinds of free-will offerings he could bring to God’s house.

J. M.

Answer. --(2) The bounty of 1 Corinthians 16. 1-3 was an assembly-bounty, consequently the laying by of the saints on Lord’s day must have been brought to the assembly and given by each saint severally.

The gift which the Philippians sent to Paul was also an assembly gift, consequently each saint must have brought his gift to give to the fund for this purpose. What saints should do in regard to these matters in their responsibility to Assembly givings to the poor and to the Lord’s servants, should never be confused with what one may do in a private way. These things should be kept apart.

J. M.

From Cowdenbeath. Question 1. --Will the glory which the bodies of the saints shall possess in varying degrees be bestowed as a reward seeing that this shall precede the judgment-seat ?

J. M.

Answer.

--See Note [9]

in paper from Cardiff.

Question 2. --If we are to accept that the household of Stephanas included women, how are we to understand the words " b e in subjection unto such " ?

A n s w e r . --The onus is on such as allege that they were all women or that there were some women in the house of Stephanas, to prove it from the Scriptures.

When this is proved, then we shall have to consider the question that is propounded J. M.

how men were to be in subjection to women.