Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 53

 

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

 

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT PART III

How vile and abominable this sin is appears from the following considerations. It is a sin which makes a person most like the Devil. The Devil is a spirit, and therefore gross carnal sins do not correspond to his nature. His sins are more refined and intellectual, such as pride and malice, deception and falsehood. "He is a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44), and the more malice enters into one composition of any lie, the more nearly one resembles him. It is therefore a sin most contrary to the nature and character of God, for He is "the Lord God of truth" (Psa. 31:5), and therefore we are told that "lying lips are an abomination unto the Lord" (Prov. 12:22). As Satan is a liar and the father of lies, and as God is the Lord God of Truth, so His children resemble Him therein, "seeing they are My people, children that will not lie" (Isa. 63:8). God has threatened a most fearful punishment upon them; "all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8). Alas, to what fearful heights has this sin risen. It has become so common that few indeed have any conscience thereon, until we have to lament that "truth is fallen in the street" (Isa. 59:14). First, truth has departed from the pulpits. A whole century has passed since the lie of evolution captivated the scientific world and then was taken up by thousands of unregenerate preachers--a lie which strikes at the very foundations of Truth, for it repudiates man's fall, and sets aside his need both of redemption and regeneration. For the same length of time the so-called "higher criticism" of German neologians has been peddled throughout the English-speaking world by thousands of godless ministers, who wish to be looked up to as men of superior intellectuality. Once Truth departed from the pulpits it was not long before it departed from the halls of legislation and the marts of commerce, until we now live in a world where confidence between nations is nonexistent, and where the word of our fellows is no longer to be relied upon.

 

1) Summarise Pink’s reasons for us not to tell lies.

2) With the rise of social media and “fake news" it really is true of us that we live in a time where "truth is fallen in the street" (Isa. 59:14). I confess that I have read and then shared items of news or memes or articles which I felt furthered the Christian cause (such as reports on erroneous or heretical statements made by the pope) only to discover that they had no ground in truth. Are you diligent in tracking back a resource to find if a quote really was said by someone or an action performed? Your intention in sharing something may be good and even gospel centred but does the work of God need to be aided by a unresearched fact? A half truth? An outright lie? How many times have you heard a quote from the pulpit and tried to find its source only to find that it is found only on Christian websites quoting other Christian websites? If you do preach make sure you check your quotes back to printed material or discoverable video or audio recordings please.

3)There was a time when a person’s honour was a carefully guarded thing. When a person’s word was their bond and impugning someone’s truthfulness could even result in a duel to the death. Now we as a society revere lying as a skill. Indeed someone who cannot lie or refuses to may be passed over for promotion at work. Are you prepared to lose opportunity in order to honour God – do you need to repent of this action if you have already undertaken it?

Orthotomeo - 2 Corinthians 7:1

 

Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 52

 

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

 

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT PART II

Negatively, this ninth commandment forbids all false and injurious speeches respecting our neighbor; positively, it inculcates the conservation of truth. "The end of this Precept is that because God, who is Truth itself, execrates a lie, we ought to preserve the truth without the least disguise" (Calvin). Veracity is the strict observance of truth in all our communications. The importance and necessity of this appears from the fact that almost all that mankind knows is derived from communications. The value of those statements which we accept from others depends entirely on their verity and accuracy. If they are false, they are worthless, misleading, and evil. Veracity is not only a virtue, but it is also the root of all other virtues and the foundation of all right character. In Scripture, therefore, "truth" is often synonymous with "righteousness." The godly man is "he that speaketh truth in his heart" (Psa. 15:2). The man that "doeth truth" (John 3:21) has discharged his duty. It is by the truth that the Holy Spirit sanctifies the soul (John 17:17) .

The positive form of this ninth commandment is found in these words: "Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour" (Zech. 8:16). Thus the first sin prohibited therein is that of lying. Now a lie, properly speaking, consists of three elements or ingredients: speaking what is not true; deliberately doing so; and doing so with an intent to deceive. Every falsehood is not a lie; we may be misinformed or deceived and sincerely think we are stating facts, and consequently have no design of misleading others. On the other hand, we may speak that which is true and yet lie in so doing, as in the following examples: we might report what is true, yet believe it to be false and utter it with an intention to deceive; or we might report the figurative words of another and pretend he meant them literally, as was the case with those who bore false witness against Christ (Matt. 26:60). The worst form of lying (between men) is when we maliciously invent a falsehood for the purpose of damaging the reputation of our neighbour, which is what is more especially in view in the terms of the ninth commandment.

 

1)Do you agree with Pink’s assertion that a lie consists of three elements or ingredients: speaking what is not true; deliberately doing so; and doing so with an intent to deceive? Should we add a fourth category – doing so in order to commit evil. To aid your thinking on this, consider the following three scenarios:

 

-         a 1940s German who is hiding a Jewish family in her loft is asked by the police if there is anybody else in the house with her and she say no.

-         the woman Rahab who hid the Israelite spies in her home in Jericho and misled the soldiers who came to arrest them.

-         Or what of Christ himself – we find the following in John 7 - “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do...You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.

 

2) Following the idea in question 1) is it appropriate to lie in order to save others from injury or death or to love others. Do parents tell many little lies to their children simply because the truth is harmful for a young mind (for example saying that granny is sleeping rather than dead, or even saying that granny is definitely now with Jesus even though it was clear to the adults that she had no real faith, or that mummy and daddy sometimes close and lock their bedroom door because they need a proper sleep in the afternoon.) In other words – is all mistruth always sinful? What about the placebo effect for example or a parent saying that “this is not going to hurt” or “it will be better tomorrow”?

Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 51

 

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

 

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT PART I

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour" (Ex. 20:16). Take these words simply at their face value and they prohibit only the horrible crime of perjury or the giving of false testimony in a court of law. But as with the previous Commandments, so it is here: much more is implied and inculcated than is specifically stated. As we have so often pointed out, each of the Ten Commandments enunciates a general principle, and not only are all other sins forbidden which be allied to the one named and prohibited, together with all causes and tendencies thereto, but the opposite virtue is definitely required, with all that fosters and promotes it. Thus, in its wider meaning, this ninth commandment reprehends any word of ours which would injure the reputation of our neighbor, be it uttered in public or in private. This should scarcely need any arguing, for if we restrict this commandment to its literal terms it would have no bearing on any save that small minority who are called upon to bear witness in a court of justice.

In its widest application this commandment has to do with the regulation of our speech, which is one of the distinguishing and ennobling faculties that God has bestowed upon man. Scripture tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:21), that "a wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Prov. 15:4), and that an unbridled one is "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). That our words are not to be uttered lightly or thoughtlessly is made clear by that unspeakably solemn utterance of our Lord's: "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matt. 12:36, 37). O how we need to pray, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Psa. 141:3). The duties concerning our tongues may be summed up in two words: our speech must always be true and spoken in love (Eph. 4:15). Thus, as the eighth commandment provides for the security of our neighbor's property, so this one is designed to preserve his good name by our speaking the truth about him in love.

 

 

1) “…each of the Ten Commandments enunciates a general principle, and not only are all other sins forbidden which be allied to the one named and prohibited, together with all causes and tendencies thereto, but the opposite virtue is definitely required, with all that fosters and promotes it.” What then are the opposite virtues to slader and lying?

 

2) The word “devil” means slanderer. The devil is also called by Christ the father of lies. In what ways does the keeping of the 9^th commandment prevent us from being like the devil.

 

3) Do you value your own integrity? Why does reputation play an important role in our interractions with others? How do you feel when you discover that others have spoken ill of you (perhaps unfairly) “behind your back”? How do you feel about someone when they speak ill of others – do you trust them not to do the same of you?

 

4) What attitudes foster a slanderous character? Why do we lie?

 

 

Orthotomeo - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

 

Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 50

 

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

 

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT PART V

 

Here are a few suggested helps and aids to the avoidance of the sins prohibited and to the performance of those duties inculcated by this eighth commandment. (1) Engage in honest labor, or if a person of means, in some honorable calling, seeking to promote the public good. It is idle people who are most tempted to mischief. (2) Strive against the spirit of selfishness by seeking the welfare of others. (3) Counter the lust of covetousness by giving liberally to those in need. (4) If your Savior was crucified between two thieves that the gift of salvation might be yours, bring no reproach upon His name by any act of dishonesty. (5) Cultivate the grace of contentment. In order thereto, consider frequently the vanity of all things temporal, practice submission to Divine providence, meditate much on the Divine promises (such as Heb. 13:5, 6), be temperate in all things, set your affections on things above, and remind yourself daily of the earthly lot of Christ.

 

 

1) Make this paragraph into a prayer in your own words.

2) Which of these 5 suggestions is most applicable to you right now? Will you covenant to go and undertake it today?

2) What is meant by “the grace of contentment”? How do we cultivate it according to Pink? 

Orthotomeo - Micah 6:8

 

Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 49

 

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

I took a break from this series in 2017 but now will try to finish it …

 

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT PART IV

 

"Thou shalt not steal." Lying advertisements are a breach of this commandment. Tradesmen are guilty when they adulterate or misrepresent their goods, and also when they deliberately give short weight or short change to their customers. Profiteering is another form of theft. The Apostle Paul admonishes "that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter" (1 Thess. 4:6). The contracting of debts to support luxury and vanity is theft, as also is the failure to pay debts incurred in procuring necessities. A man is a thief in the sight of God who transfers property to his wife just before he becomes bankrupt, and so also is any bankrupt who later on prospers financially and then fails to pay his creditors to the full. That man or woman is a thief who borrows and returns not. This commandment is broken by tenants who heedlessly damage the property and furniture of the owner. Evasion in paying taxes is another form of theft; Christ has set us a better example (Matt. 17:24). Gambling is still another form of theft, for by it men obtain money for which they have done no honest work.

This old saying is true. "Whatever is gotten over the Devil's back goes under the Devil's belly." Certain it is that God sends a curse upon what is obtained by force or fraud: it is put into a bag with holes and under Providence soon wastes away. God, by His righteous judgment, often makes one sin the punisher of another and what is gained by theft is lost by intemperance and a shortened life. Therefore it is written, "The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them" (Prov. 21:7); and again, "As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool" (Jer. 17:11). Many times God raises up those who deal with them as they have dealt with others. The fearful increase of this crime in modern society is due to failure to impose adequate punishment. If the reader is conscious of having wronged others in the past, it is not sufficient to confess this sin to God. At least a twofold restitution must be made (Luke 19:8 and 2 Sam. 12:6)--if the owner is dead, then to his descendants; if he has none, then to some public charity.

 

1) In this first paragraph Pink outlines several less obvious forms of theft that are theft none the less. Why can it be said that these forms of theft a) show a distinct mistrust in God’s provision b) reveal an ugly attitude of entitlement and pride c) show a lack of love for others?

 2) In your own words explain what is meant by “Whatever is gotten over the Devil's back goes under the Devil's belly.”

 3) Does God always punish thieves – in this life? Note Pinks choice of words: "often" and "many times”. Which scripture assures us that eventually and finally - all thieves will be punished?

 4) Examine your past and,  like Zacchaeus, determine to make restitution for your thefts if possible.

Othotomeo - Romans 6:23

 

Orthotomeo - Hebrews 11:1

 click on image to isolate and read it clearly - j

Orthotomeo - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

Orthotomeo - Matt 7:23

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