October 10, 1999 Humble Messenger
In Season Out Of Season
Joe Fitch
"Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season" (2Tim. 4:
1) But what does that mean? "It means preach it when they want it and preach it
when they don't want it !" comes a quick reply. Well, that is just about right.
It does not miss the point, but this is an applied point. The basic principle being
applied involves more than preachers and preaching -- or even the audience of the
preacher. The principle is at the very core of Christianity. In all areas and with all
disciples, Christianity in practice is not a convenience religion. Disciples must perform
without regard for convenience. "In season or out of season" --
convenient or not-- must not be a significant part in the deciding process. When
convenience decides, we will surely -- ultimately-- fail. It is not a question of whether
we will fail; just when.
Many serve well in the sunshine when it is comfortable, but what about the blizzard? Jesus
never promised us a rose garden -- in season -- convenient working conditions. Rather,
Jesus warned of persecution -- the worst sort of persecution -- the most discouraging kind
of persecution. What will you do then? What will you do when the price of right is the
loss of family or friends? What will you do if standing for the right will likely cost you
your job? -- or a promotion or be paid for in terms of lots of money? Well, I the
principle of "in season and out of season" dictates: do right anyway .
As Jesus' disciple, you are committed to "out of season" service.
What about when you just do not want to do some particular duty? What about when
you are not in the mood to do something which is admittedly right and good to do?
What if it is a task you just do not like ? Even worse, what if an assigned task is
offensive to you -- but is the right thing to do? Down deep you know the answer --
in spite of all the excuses. As a disciple of the Lord, you are committed to "out
of season" service.
What about when you just do not understand? "I know what the Bible says, but I
just don't know why I have to do this ?" God does not always tell us the reason;
he is not obligated to explain at all. You surely may not agree even if he did explain,
but that is not the point. He is God who decides and you are a disciple committed to
"out of season" service -- that means even when you do not understand.
What about when your assignment just scares you to death? That is surely neither
convenient nor comfortable. All Jesus' disciples con- front such challenges; it is the
failing point of many. "I was afraid" links them with the one talent man
-- and together they sit down to moan and do nothing. Paul knew about working "in
weakness and fear and much trembling." Surely it was not easy -- or comfortable.
But he knew it was right because he understood the principle of "in season and out
of season" service. And as a current century disciple, you are still committed to
the same "out of season" service -- even when it scares you. In fact, it
is not the "in season" part which so clearly demonstrates char- acter.
Anyone will work when they want to and when everything is just right. Real character is
demonstrated if people work when it is "out of season." Settle it in your
mind before the blizzard; you are committed to "out of season" service.
"I will serve the Lord in season and out of season."
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News of Interest
Creation Evidence Series, Oct. 14-17, Thursday-Sunday, Benchley, Bryan, TX, David
M. Bonner. See topics and times in foyer.
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Hospitality
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one
another in honor...PRACTICING HOSPITALITY" (Rom 12:10-13). "An overseer, then,
must be... HOSPITABLE..." (1 Ti. 3:2). "Above all, keep fervent in your love for
one another...BE HOSPITABLE TO ONE ANOTHER without complaint" (1 Pe. 4:8,9).
The word translated "hospitality" (philoxenia) comes from two words: philos,
loving + xenos, a stranger. The adjective (philoxenos) is defined by Thayer's
Greek Lexicon, "hospitable, generous to guests, [given to hospitality]."
Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dict. defines "hospitable," "1a
given to generous and cordial reception of guests."
"Strangers" sometimes refers to brethren, i.e. brethren one is not
familiar with. (Mat. 25:15...40; 3 Jo. 5-8). Some we meet with weekly are
"strangers"! Visiting brethren are "strangers." While
"strangers" is in the etymology of the word, it may be pressing it to limit it
to those we do not know well. The context of both Rom. 12:13 and 1 Pe. 4:9 point to a
setting of fellowship between brethren. Besides, we are to "serve one another"
(Gal. 5:13), "bear one another's burdens" (Gal 6:2), and "encourage one
another day by day" (Heb. 3:12). Hospitality one toward another provides one means
for fulfilling and enjoying these responsibilities toward each other. Abraham is set forth
as an example of hospitality (Heb. 13:1-2). In that case (Gen. 18) there is no indication
these men were starving, or needed clothes, or financial help. Nor is there any indication
they spent the night. If we limit "hospitality" to cases of physical need, we
may exempt ourselves from responsibility and miss the blessing in it.
The word for "practicing" in Rom. 12:13 is "Lit., pursuing."
M.R. Vincent in his Word Studies says, "The verb indicates not only that
hospitality is to be furnished when sought, but that Christians are to seek opportunities
to exercise it." The church is an island of faith in an unbelieving world. We need
one another. "Hospitality" holds the following potential: (1) developing
appreciation of godly brethren (2) alerting to needs, spiritual or physical (3) building
edifying relationships (4) positive influences on our children (5) studying together,
learning from and teaching one another (6) discussing volatile matters in a relaxed
atmosphere (7) being OBEDIENT! srf
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, Oct. 13
Song Leader:
Sunday AM, Oct 17
Announcements: Kris Emerson
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Jeff Bogs
Lord's Table:
Bread: Gregg Hutson
Fruit of the Vine: W. Ottersbach
Contribution: Rocky Rodriguez
Assistant: Bill Faulkner
Closing Prayer: Johnathan Bernard
Sunday PM, Oct. 17
Song Leader:
First Prayer: Jim Crain
Lord's Table:
Bread: Mark Hargrove
Fruit of the Vine: Boyd Hurst
Contribution: Ennis Osteen
Closing Prayer: Verlan Wilson