Ques. 41. What does Rom. 13:14 mean? A. G. P.
Ans. Read Rom. 13:11-14. We are waiting for the Lord's coming, and our behavior is to correspond with our character as children of light. We are to walk honestly, as in the day. We are not to give way to the lusts of the flesh, but make the Lord Jesus our pattern, and thus put on in our practical life, the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision to indulge in worldly desires and pleasures.
It is quite right to make provision for our households and bodily needs. The contrast in verse 13 will help to make plain what the apostle meant.
Ques. 42
What is the meaning of Acts 2:16,17,18: "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel", in reference to "your sons and your DAUGHTERS shall prophesy?"-W. H. E.
Ans. It was so marvelous to hear men speak "the wonderful works of God" in tongues they had not learned, that in amazement they say, "What meaneth this?" Others said, "These men are all full of new wine." Peter answers, "These men are not drunken as ye suppose." "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." Joel prophesied of the pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh when the millennial reign of Christ begins, in the time of Israel's restoration; and extraordinary signs as in Acts 2:17, 18, will accompany it. But, notice, Acts 2:19, 20, show signs of a different kind, in heaven and earth, in sun and moon. These will precede the blessing, as said, "before the great and notable day of the Lord come.”
What we see in Acts 2, is the same Spirit that now indwells believers only, and baptizes them into one body (1 Cor. 12:12,13), and forms the limited aspect of the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:22); but this is not yet the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy; it is a different people who now receive the Spirit.
In Acts 21:9, Philip's four daughters prophesy. (See also 1 Cor. 11:4,5.) We do not get women in Scripture praying in public or preaching to saints or sinners. So we need to think of them exercising this gift where and when it would be according to Scripture.
Ques. 43
Does 1 Tim. 5:8 include the thought of one laying by in store against death: as by life insurance and the purchase of a house for the benefit of those dependent upon him? If not, what scripture would show the Lord's mind in regard to those matters? F. F. S.
Ans.-1 Tim. 5:8 speaks of a believer's duty to provide for the present need of those dependent upon him, and this extends sometimes to caring for a mother, sister, etc. (1 Tim. 5:16), that they might not be a charge to the assembly. Unbelievers, with only natural affection to guide them, will care for their households. If a believer did not, it would be a reproach to the truth.
Matt. 6:19-34 tells us not to be anxious about the future. We can only provide for them according as God has prospered us; the rest we are to cast upon Him (Phil. 4:6).
Man is a steward of what is committed to him. The believer with a heavenly calling is also a steward of all the Lord gives him. If he allows his heart to be taken up with earthly things, his spiritual enjoyment is hindered; he does not enjoy "his own" portion, the "true riches". (Luke 16:11, 12.) He is responsible, and therefore should seek guidance from the Lord (Prow, 3:6), when to spend, when to keep, when to give, and how to trade with it. (Luke 19:13.)
It is against natural affection, and it would certainly be wrong, not to do our best to provide for our children (2 Cor. 12:14): at the same time we should seek to teach them dependence on God, and exercise our own hearts to walk in it, avoiding a covetous spirit that desires what we have not, lest to get it, we leave the path of dependence upon God, for some invention of man's, that appeals to our natural selfishness, by offering us something large for very little, and, what is worse- for it destroys dependence on God- promises immunity from need, thus depriving the soul of the exercise needed to walk with God.
The path of faith is to trade with what God has put into our hands; to go beyond this is getting into debt, to trade with other people's capital. We should avoid debt, and seek to be content with what God has given us. (Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim. 6:9-11.)
There is nothing to hinder us buying a house, or whatever we may need, if we pay for it honestly, thus doing all for the glory of God. (Col. 3:17.)