southside
Church of Christ
Meeting place: 1208 S. Davis Mailing Address: P. O. Box 271 Sulphur Springs, TX 75483 903-885-9286 web page:www.churchofchristss.com
Service Times: Sundays Bible Classes ... 9:30 AM Worship ......... 10:30 AM Worship ........... 6:00 PM
Wednesdays Bible Classes .. 7:00 PM
Elders
Bob Parker Don Petty Charles Shurtleff Keith ShurtleffDeacons
Kerry Taylor George Walker Aubrey WashingtonEvangelist
Shane Carrington 885-9286_______________________
Devil’s Advocate
Your friend expresses an unproven idea. Rather than being a “Yes man,” you challenge him by presenting possible weaknesses in what he said. In other words, you play the role of “Devil’s advocate” -- you take the opposing side! If your attitude is humble and spiritual, playing this role can be of great service to you and your friend. It can allow you to discuss strengths and weaknesses of ideas, so both of you can see more clearly.
Our Deadliest Opponent How this expression came into our vocabulary, I do not know. But this I do know, the devil ALWAYS sides against us. In fact he is described as “Satan,” which is defined as: “adversary (one who opposes another in purpose or act)” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, p. 50). We may sometimes help our friends by challenging their thinking, but Satan always has our destruction at heart. Just like Peter said: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). As God’s children, Satan is our most powerful enemy.
We can overcome him, though, for we follow Jesus. Since He defeated our enemy, so can we. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself (Jesus, sc) likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:14,15). And, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8b).
Advocating The Devil’s Cause? The most tragic reality of all, though, is that sometimes WE take the Devil’s side: WE advocate what HE wants us to do and say, whether consciously or unintentionally. How, you say, do we do this?
Devil’s Advocates In Areas of Morality For one thing, the Lord speaks very clearly about right and wrong in areas of morality. Works of the flesh lead to hell; the fruit of the spirit leads to heaven (Gal. 5:19-22). When we pretend lying, fornicating, stealing, etc. are acceptable, we have taken the Devil’s side. People do this either by LIVING in sin, APPROVING the practice of sin in others, or REFUSING to stand for right when sin prevails.
Violations in areas of morality often come in popular forms in our culture. Some violate copyright law by pirating music CDs, DVDs, or computer software. Many people permanently “borrow” these from friends, making copies for themselves or running them on their computers, rather than buying their own copies. This violates the law of the land; this is stealing from the producers of these media. Another violation: pornography, whether on the internet, magazines, movies, etc.. This filth finds easier accessibility in our culture than ever before in history, but that does not justify it.
Moral sins also prevail in our culture concerning the subject of divorce and remarriage. Many seek the easy way out, trying to avoid responsibility -- not to flee harm -- but to be without obligation to their mate or to find another mate through unscriptural means. Jesus spoke very clearly on this: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18); “… whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matt. 19:9). When a person remarries following an unscriptural divorce, the result is adultery: an illegitimate relationship from which they must repent and cease. Society may view this otherwise, but we must stand with the Lord.
Remember the inspired words of Paul: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret” (Eph. 5:11,12). May we flee moral sins like Paul instructed the young evangelist: “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22).
Devil’s Advocates In Areas of Religion Another area of concern to which we should pay very close attention: unauthorized religious practices. Many live pristine moral lives while showing much less concern for worshipping God according to the Bible, following the simple plan of salvation revealed in God’s word, and ensuring the church of which they are members is organized and working according to scripture.
These are matters for which we must also give great concern, because Jesus said, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). And, “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matt. 15:13). Since scripture enables us to “be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17b), we must give close heed to what it says about how God wants us to act. Since God forbids us adding to or taking away from the teaching of scripture (Rev. 22:18,19), we must follow the Bible exactly.
Some obvious inconsistencies with scripture find refuge in the practices of many churches. Some have women as preachers, elders/bishops/pastors, and deacons. God’s word clearly forbids this: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:11,12). Yes, women have many important responsibilities in the work of the church, but they must not exercise authority over men.
Another inconsistency: many churches teach baptism as “an outward sign of an inward salvation,” but not necessary to salvation. Scripture teaches the exact opposite, for according to the Bible baptism has purpose: for us to “be saved” (Mark 16:16) through Jesus’ sacrifice by being baptized. In other words, we are baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). And the scriptural order in every passages is: baptism leading to salvation. Sadly, many today think they are saved first -- then baptized later. May we use wisdom by practicing God’s things in God’s way.
The Lord’s Advocates The only way to advocate the Lord and His word? Do the following things: Know your Bible well. Spend much time reading and meditating upon this message. Practice nothing for which you find no authority in scripture. Take the New Testament as your guide in religion and morality -- not the Old Testament. Practice everything for which you find scriptural authority. Look for positive, divine authority BEFORE you act, rather than seeking justification from scripture after beginning a practice. Spend much time in prayer. Consistently assemble with other Christians to worship God and study scripture together. Actively serve other people who need help and encouragement. “… submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7,8). Remember: if you are too busy to serve the Lord, you are busier than the Lord intended you to be.
Conclusion Many advocate the Devil and his causes. May we stand up for the Lord. God knows what He wants from us and possesses the wisdom and power to preserve this will for us. May we possess the humility and devotion to practice His will. In this way we defeat our greatest enemy, for we follow the Master.
written by Shane Carrington