Ques. 10. Does Matt. 10:22, apply to the Tribulation period, or is it for the present time? H. G.
Ans. Matt. 10:5. 6, 7; shows that it is a testimony sent to Israel only, and that it is the gospel of the Kingdom, not the gospel that is preached now, but it will be resumed after the church is taken to heaven. Before the disciples get over the cities of Israel; the Son of Man will come.
As Son of Man He comes to Israel and the earth-and we, the heavenly saints, will come with Him. He is our Lord and our Bridegroom, He comes for us first. But there are general teachings true for us and for Israel. Matt. 10:22. "They shall be hated of all men for My name's sake", compare for us now, John 15:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 John 3:13; we suffer for Him, Phil. 1:29; and with Him, Rom. 8:17.
“He that endureth to the end shall be saved." This primarily refers to faithfulness to Christ through the time of Tribulation. Saved, here refers to saved into the Millennial Kingdom.
We are exhorted to faithfulness also, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Rev. 2:10; 3:11; James 1:12.
There are many scriptures that bring before us that it is God's faithfulness and not our own, that keeps us true to Him. Phil. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:20; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.
Ques. 11
Is it right for a young brother in a small meeting gathered to the name of the Lord to take part in prayer, or to give out a hymn? J. K.
Ans. When we are gathered together to the name of the Lord Jesus, we have His promise: "There am I in the midst of them". We must remember, therefore, that He is there; we are to wait upon Him. We are members of His body, He is our head; therefore the Head is to guide and control our actions. Each one who speaks, prays, reads or gives out a hymn, should be clear that the Lord is leading him to do so. Where this care is taken, it is a joy to all right minded persons when a young brother takes part; it is a great encouragement and help in a meeting when the brothers feel it their privilege to take part freely.
In taking part we must bear in mind what we came for, so that our hymns and prayers or worship will be in keeping with the character of the meeting.
When we come to remember the Lord in His death, our thoughts are generally led to His sufferings and to the love that gave Himself for us. If we read scripture it is to lead our hearts in that direction.
Ministry and prayer are reserved till the important point is gained and the Lord is remembered. Worship is the character of this meeting; deepest reverence becomes us in presence of His body given and His blood shed, as the symbols testify. A prayer meeting is for prayer and worship, to tell out our need as an assembly for all that burdens our hearts for Christ's glory.
A reading is to wait on the Lord for the ministry of His word to our souls.
We might take three scriptures to guide us: 1 Cor. 14:26, "Let all things be done unto edifying"; 1 Cor. 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order"; 1 Cor. 16:14, "Let all things be done in love".
Avoid self-conceit; humbly wait on the Lord for His guidance. It is sad when a brother has a hymn or hymns ready as if he was determined to have his own way. Read Psalms 89:7; Eccl. 5:1, 2.
Ques. 12
Please explain 2 Cor. 3:17. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." R. B.
Ans. From 2 Cor. 3:7 to 16 is a parenthesis, teaching the exceeding glory of the gospel beyond the glory of the law.
The law was the ministration of death, but the gospel was the ministration of righteousness by the Spirit. A Christian is made the righteousness of God; 2 Cor. 5:21; and has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him 2 Cor. 1:22.
In the 6th verse the apostle is speaking of the New Covenant, not of the letter that killeth, but of the Spirit that giveth life; 17th verse says "Now the Lord is that Spirit"; meaning, that He is the substance of all the figures and shadows which went before. If we see a shadow coming in view at a corner, we might say "some one is coming", but when we see the person, we cease to look at the shadow.
So now we have seen the Person, the substance, and the Holy Spirit has, through the work of Christ, set us at liberty; and points us to Him glorified; now with unveiled face we look at Him and as we gaze we are transformed into His image from glory to glory. It is by learning of Him that we grow like Him. Wonderful privilege through grace! Not only are we set free from the power of sin, and Satan, but we are at perfect liberty to enter within the veil, delighting our souls in the glorified One.