Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Study By: Richard L. Strauss

From the Series: Abraham

Being fully human, and possessing a thoroughly sinful nature which I inherited from Adam, I have found myself deciding on occasion that I would not communicate with my wife. It was a stupid decision, but I thought I had good reason. She had misunderstood what I was trying to say (on purpose, I felt), misrepresented my intentions, misjudged my motives or accused me unjustly, and I thought the safest thing for me to do was to clam up. Its a game many of us play. Subconsciously we think the silent treatment will punish those who have treated us unfairly, or it may cause them to react in some extreme way, further justifying our self-righteous insistence that they were wrong all along. I have since learned, however, that I was actually communicating by my silence. My actions were saying something to my wife, something like, I dont care about your feelings. My feelings are more important than yours. And furthermore, you cant treat me that way without paying for it. I didnt consciously desire to communicate that message. My conscious thought was to protect myself from further hurt. I really loved her and wanted to be close to her. But thats what came through to her, nevertheless. You see, what we do or fail to do says something. It is practically impossible not to communicate when we are in the presence of another person. Communication does not occur through words alone. Communication is any behavior which someone else interprets as bearing a message. We speak with our posture, our gestures, our face, our eyes, our eyebrows. We speak with a sigh, with a touch, with a tone, with a shoulder shrug, with the distance we put between us and another person, with almost any action we take. In fact, the experts tell us that 65 percent or more of all our communication is nonverbal. They also tell us that nonverbal messages are more powerful than verbal messages. If we send two messages which contradict each other, people will have a tendency to believe the nonverbal over the verbal. For instance, if I insist that I believe what you are telling me, but my mouth is tight, my head is tilted, and there is a deep frown on my brow, you will probably conclude that I dont believe you at all. Actions really do speak louder than words! And that is why it is so very important for us as Christians to be aware of our actions, and to make sure that what we do is consistent with what we say. The Bible makes this emphasis. For example, John wrote, But whoever has the worlds goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17,18). If we say we love another believer but let him go on suffering when we have the ability to relieve his suffering, we dont love him at all. Our actions contradict our words, and actions speak louder than words.

James made a similar observation. If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works is dead, being alone (James 2:15-17). We can say we know the Lord, but if we are indifferent to the needs of other Christians, our actions contradict our words, and actions speak louder than words. As we have seen, James moves from that exhortation on living faith into a major discourse on words which he concludes by asking, Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13). Although we cannot divorce words from that exhortation, it does refer primarily to nonverbal communication. Wise Christians let their manner of life back up what they say with their mouths. And they do it with the meekness or gentleness of wisdom, that is, without contentiousness, without arrogance, without self-centeredness and without retaliation against those who have wronged them. They do it with a gentle friendliness and unselfish consideration of others. When James described the true wisdom that comes from God (James 3:17), he said it is without hypocrisy. One way to characterize people whose actions contradict their words is hypocritical. They are inconsistent, professing something by their words which they do not possess in their hearts. It is important for the wise Christian to act in a manner consistent with his words, and it is important for at least three reasons.

For Harmonious Relationships

Harmony is uppermost in James mind. He talks about peacemakers who sow in peace (James 3:18), and then moves directly into a discussion of quarrels and conflicts (4:1). There seems to be in his mind a correlation between harmonious relationships and consistency between words and deeds. Some counselors feel that failure to heed this principle is one of the major causes for interpersonal strife and marital casualties. They are confident that many of the problems which develop in a relationship could be worked out simply by dealing with the inconsistencies between verbal and nonverbal messages. For example, a husband may assure his wife that he loves her, yet he is often late coming home from work and he seldom calls to inform her. When she questions him, he insists that he had to work late, or run an errand, or see a friend, or something. She explains to him that it is important for her to know when he will be late so she can plan dinner accordingly. But he fails to call again and again, and meal after meal is spoiled. While his words say, I love you, his actions say, I couldnt care less about your wishes or your feelings. And she believes the actions above the words. Her human tendency is to become indignant, then resentful, and eventually indifferent to his wishes and his feelings. Any hope of intimacy they might have cherished is dashed on the rocks of bickering and arguing. Or turn it around. A wife tells her husband that she wants to do everything she can to insure his happiness, but she never cooks him his favorite meal. He asks her to prepare it for him and she assures him she will do it someday when she has the proper ingredients and the time, but she never does. Whenever he mentions it, she says, Please dont bug me about it. Ill prepare it

when I can get around to it. But months pass by and she still hasnt done it. Her actions say, Your happiness is the least of my concerns, and soon he begins to believe the actions above the words. Again, resentment begins to poison the relationship and pour gasoline on their fiery arguments. It isnt normally the big things that bring a marriage to the brink of collapse. It is the accumulation of little acts that have convinced each of them that their spouses really do not care. No protests of love will be able to convince them otherwise, because actions speak louder than words, The principle does not only affect marital relationships. It affects every relationship of life. For example, believers are encouraged to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). That is a natural byproduct of our love for one another and our care for one another in the Body of Christ. So a new woman comes into a ladies group and she is bubbling over with joy. Im so excited. My husband trusted Christ as his Savior last night and now we are one in Him. And the ladies in the circle say, Oh, thats nice, as they sit motionless with arms folded, legs crossed and somber faces. I can guarantee you that the woman with the newly born-again husband is not going to feel a closeness or an intimacy with those ladies, nor any desire to share her heart with them. Their actions contradict their words. The same thing applies to the man who lost his job. When he told a friend at church his distressing news, his friend replied, Thats too bad, Tom. Im sorry to hear it. But immediately he turned away to ask another friend what time they were supposed to leave on their fishing trip the next morning. He never mentioned the job again to Tom, nor did he ever ask him what he could do to help. As you might suspect, Tom started attending another church where the actions of the people were consistent with their words. It is difficult to enjoy a satisfying and harmonious relationship with people who do not confirm their words with consistent actions.

For Successful Instruction

There is a second reason that our actions must match our words, and that is to be an example to those we endeavor to teach, and so to enhance their potential for learning. The Do As I Say But Not As I Do philosophy is a total educational disaster. The most successful learning takes place when the student sees a positive example of what is being taught. That was the method the Lord Jesus used with His disciples. They probably learned more by watching Him than by listening to Him. For example, the night He taught them to serve one another in humility and love, He assumed the role of a servant and washed their dirty feet. They learned more from that dramatic object lesson than they could possibly have learned from a sermon alone. On several occasions the Apostle Paul exhorted his converts to follow his example (see 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 4:9). He modeled through his actions the truth he taught with his lips. He likewise challenged Timothy to be an example to the believers to whom he ministered (1 Timothy 4:12), and encouraged Titus to do the same (Titus 2:7). It is foolish to try to teach someone else to do something when we do the very opposite ourselves.

We parents are probably most guilty of that brand of hypocrisy. We want our children to learn to talk to us in kind and quiet tones rather than scream at us. We explain that to them clearly and simply. But five minutes later they hear mom screaming at dad, How many times have I told you not to throw that dirty sweatshirt on the dining room table? Or worse yet, one of them is screaming at the kids, Ive told you kids a thousand times not to scream at me while Im talking on the telephone. The words are meaningless. We teach far more by our actions than by our words. Take another example. Both mom and dad have tried to teach the kids to carry out their responsibilities willingly and cheerfully rather than with a complaining spirit. But one evening mom says to dad, Dear, Id like you to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen tonight. Were wasting a lot of water. Dad has had an exceptionally trying day at work, and fixing a leaky faucet is the last thing in the world he wants to do. He should have said kindly and forthrightly, Not tonight, honey. Tomorrows Saturday and Ill get it first thing in the morning. But he suspects that he will get a hassle if he does that, so instead he answers rather grumpily, All right. All rightin a minute. An hour later he gets up and goes out to the garage, slamming the door so hard it shakes the whole house. He is heard grumbling about the mess the kids left on the workbench. Then he grumbles about the design of the faucet which makes the job twice as difficult to do. And he accidentally breaks one of moms favorite glasses which was left in the sink. The kids havent learned much about willingness and cheerfulness. How we do what we do may be more important than the very doing of it. Thats an important lesson to teach children. But they will learn it best by observing it in us. We can stow our words if we are not going to model them before our children, because they will copy what they see far more readily than they will follow the instruction they hear. Actions speak louder than words. There is another form of nonverbal communication we should mention, particularly when talking about teaching children, and that is touching. We want our children to know we love them, but words alone will not convince them. They need to be tenderly touched. Infants who have been deprived of physical contact have actually died as a result. Children who have had no tender caressing have become deeply disturbed. Every human being needs to be touched, apart from any sexual connotations, by those close to him. Husbands and wives need it. And children cannot progress normally without it. A tender touch says, I love you. You are precious to me. And we learn best from those whom we know care for us.

For an Effective Testimony

There is at least one more reason why wise Christians must back what they say with what they do, and that is for the sake of the lost who are watching. If they know we are Christians, they are probably observing everything we do. And everything we do communicates something. What are they reading in us? Paul called the Corinthians a letter known and read by all men (2 Corinthians 3:2). We are all living letters which the world reads daily. What is your mail saying?

To the Colossians, Paul says, Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity (Colossians 4:5). That refers to our manner of life, our behavior, our actions. But in the very next verse he talks about words: Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person (4:6). We cannot separate our words from our actions. They must be consistent with each other. If we tell an unbeliever that God loves him, we need to show him Gods love by the way we treat him. One family decided that they would adopt as their project the showing of Christs love to an unsaved neighbor family. They prayed together for the family. The kids shared their toys with their kids. Dad volunteered to help their dad put in a sprinkler system. Mom took food over when they lost a relative. Their consistent expression of love opened the door to a verbal witness, and the family came to know Christ. That was conducting themselves with wisdom toward outsiders. And it was their actions more than their words that brought the family to Christ. We can tell our non-Christian acquaintances that Christ makes a difference in our lives, but they will pay more attention to our actions. Do we talk to the store clerk with any more kindness than the unbeliever does? Do we flash a friendly smile any easier? Are we any more inclined to help a stranger in distress? Do we handle inconveniences with more calmness? Do we receive bad news with more peace and control? Do we treat our families with more unselfish consideration? The world is watching. Wise Christians will show by their good behavior their deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:17). The only way we can do that is by immersing ourselves in the person of Jesus Christ, occupying our thoughts with Him and His Word, letting Him capture our affection, control us completely and live through us. Then the hypocrisy will be gone and others will know that we are realour families, friends, fellow-workers, as well as the unbelievers around us. And they will begin to believe our words.

Bible Verses About Behavior

Bible Verses About Behavior from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance

- Sort By Book Order

Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 1 Corinthians 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Leviticus 18:22 - Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Read More...) Titus 2:12 - Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 1:26-27 - For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Read More...) Romans 1:1-32 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Read More...) Luke 16:13 - No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Leviticus 20:13 - If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 1 Timothy 1:10 - For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (Read More...) Ephesians 4:14-15 - That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Read More...) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...)

Romans 1:18-32 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Read More...) Leviticus 18:1-30 - And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (Read More...) Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 6:10 - Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Acts 16:1-40 - Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek: (Read More...) Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Mark 10:1-12 - And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. (Read More...) Genesis 19:1-38 - And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; (Read More...) Genesis 1:1-31 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Read More...) Revelation 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 13:1-18 - And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (Read More...) Revelation 11:1-19 - And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. (Read More...) Jude 1:7 - Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 - But we know that the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully; (Read More...)

1 Timothy 1:1-20 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope; (Read More...) Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Romans 13:1-7 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Read More...) Romans 1:27 - And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:26 - For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Romans 1:24-28 - Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (Read More...) Acts 10:28 - And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Mark 9:35 - And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 7:1-37 - Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. (Read More...) Matthew 19:1-12 - And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; (Read More...) Zechariah 14:1-21 - Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. (Read More...) Zechariah 11:17 - Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. Ezekiel 48:1-35 - Now these [are] the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east [and] west; a [portion for] Dan. (Read More...)

Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. (Read More...) Isaiah 1:10-17 - Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. (Read More...) Isaiah 1:1-31 - The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah. (Read More...) Proverbs 31:10-31 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. (Read More...) Proverbs 31:6-7 - Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. (Read More...) Proverbs 16:28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Psalms 127:1-6 - (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. (Read More...) 1 Chronicles 17:1-27 - Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains. (Read More...) 1 Kings 19:1-21 - And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. (Read More...) 1 Kings 14:24 - And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. Judges 19:1-30 - And it came to pass in those days, when [there was] no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. (Read More...) Leviticus 18:24 - Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: Exodus 20:15 - Thou shalt not steal. Genesis 18:20 - And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Genesis 6:1-22 - And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, (Read More...)

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:1-25 - Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (Read More...) Genesis 1:26-28 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Read More...) Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 - Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? (Read More...) Genesis 2:18 - And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Bible Verses About Behavior

Bible Verses About Behavior from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance

- Sort By Book Order

Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 1 Corinthians 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Leviticus 18:22 - Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination. Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Read More...)

Titus 2:12 - Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 1:26-27 - For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Read More...) Romans 1:1-32 - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Read More...) Luke 16:13 - No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Leviticus 20:13 - If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 1 Timothy 1:10 - For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (Read More...) Ephesians 4:14-15 - That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Read More...) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (Read More...) Romans 1:18-32 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Read More...)

Leviticus 18:1-30 - And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (Read More...) Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 6:10 - Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Acts 16:1-40 - Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek: (Read More...) Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Mark 10:1-12 - And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. (Read More...) Genesis 19:1-38 - And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; (Read More...) Genesis 1:1-31 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Read More...) Revelation 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 13:1-18 - And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (Read More...) Revelation 11:1-19 - And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. (Read More...) Jude 1:7 - Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 - But we know that the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully; (Read More...) 1 Timothy 1:1-20 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope; (Read More...) Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,

uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Romans 13:1-7 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Read More...) Romans 1:27 - And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:26 - For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Romans 1:24-28 - Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (Read More...) Acts 10:28 - And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Mark 9:35 - And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 7:1-37 - Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. (Read More...) Matthew 19:1-12 - And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; (Read More...) Zechariah 14:1-21 - Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. (Read More...) Zechariah 11:17 - Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. Ezekiel 48:1-35 - Now these [are] the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east [and] west; a [portion for] Dan. (Read More...) Ezekiel 16:49-50 - Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. (Read More...)

Isaiah 1:10-17 - Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. (Read More...) Isaiah 1:1-31 - The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah. (Read More...) Proverbs 31:10-31 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. (Read More...) Proverbs 31:6-7 - Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. (Read More...) Proverbs 16:28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Psalms 127:1-6 - (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. (Read More...) 1 Chronicles 17:1-27 - Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains. (Read More...) 1 Kings 19:1-21 - And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. (Read More...) 1 Kings 14:24 - And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. Judges 19:1-30 - And it came to pass in those days, when [there was] no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. (Read More...) Leviticus 18:24 - Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: Exodus 20:15 - Thou shalt not steal. Genesis 18:20 - And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Genesis 6:1-22 - And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, (Read More...) Genesis 2:24 - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:1-25 - Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (Read More...) Genesis 1:26-28 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Read More...) Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 - Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? (Read More...) Genesis 2:18 - And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

The Bible and Psychology

John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc.

Today, as never before, people are interested in psychology and what it has to say to mankind. The study of psychology deals with the mind, its senses and human behavior. Since our mind controls our behavior and our behavior influences and is influenced in many ways, it becomes a challenging study. Along with this are the ver-increasing problems of the mind, social relations in a complex world today, mental and moral break-downs, the increase of the occult (e.g. astrology, etc.), and the desire to know the future and the things of the non-physical world. Satanic influence is increasing as never before as I Timothy 4:1, and II Timothy 3:2 state: "Now the spirit speaketh plainly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" and "evil men and deceivers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." Since man is constantly trying to explore the mind in human behavior, it seems logical to the Christian that his source of knowledge can best come through an understanding of the One who created the mind of mankind, as well as looking at the textbook He has written on the mind and human behavior. The most authoritative textbook on the subject of human behavior is the Bible. Not only is it authoritative, it is objective, and is the final word on the subject. And whether people accept the principles of God's Word and agree with them or not, all are subject to the principles found in the Bible. Therefore, it behooves us to consider seriously what god has to say on this matter of Biblical psychology. The Bible is not a textbook on psychology, rather it is a text on God and His relationship to mankind, whom He has created. However, in the context

there is much stated in the Bible on human behavior, and where the Bible speaks on the subject of psychology it speaks with final authority.

Emotions
Mankind lives in a day and age which is fraught with many fears and problems, and to a certain degree, as Christians, we have become insulated from these fears and problems. Yes, it is true, we watch the news on television, we read the newspapers, we understand in a measure what is going on in the world, we hear much about the problems that the youth of today experience, the drugs, and all that goes with it. But by the large, as Christians, we are isolated from the realities of the world. Yet in a paradoxical way, because we are human beings, we are caught up many times with the very same problems that the world faces. To a degree the world may be different, and the problems to us may not be as great or dramatic, and not have as much of a traumatic effect upon us as they do on various people in the world---but basically, we all have the same common nature, and all have the same common problems. God, who is our Creator, has an answer for all these problems. There are four sets of emotions common to all---whether we accept by faith the principles in God's Word or reject them---that plague us, and unless we get relief from them they will ultimately destroy us. The first is the fear-anxiety-apprehension syndrome. The world is caught up in this to a great degree because it says, "There is no help for mankind---this is a meaningless universe." The world cares nothing for the individual who is only a number, and though each individual is a unique person there is really no help for that person. Each individual is just one of billions of other people. We live in an amoral world that is hostile to the individual. Therefore, because of this we have fears, anxieties, and apprehensions, as to what is coming. The second set of emotions that bothers us is the anger-hostility-hated syndrome, since basically we are afraid. This is a cover up, and thus we exhibit our fears which come out through anger, hostility, and hatred. And hostility is the direct action to powerlessness in one's life because of what he fears. This bothers the Christian as well as the non-Christian. The third set of emotions that we are plagued with is that of the depression-guilt-psychic pain syndrome. It is interesting to note that the majority of people that occupy hospital beds are there not because of physical illness, but because of emotional, mental and psychological problems. If as human beings we could be rid of these, there would be plenty of beds in all hospitals today. It is an abiding sorrow that bothers every individual. For the non-Christian, it is an unconsciousness sense of guilt, though that person may not acknowledge or recognize it. For the Christian it may be unconfessed sin which therefore leads to depression and guilt feelings. The fourth set of emotions that bothers us is what may be termed as destructive egotism. This is another form of fear; "I am myself, I have an ego, and I have desire to have it built up to a certain degree. And yet in my desires to have my ego built up, there is also a certain amount of fear, and so I am trying to balance my fears with my ego as an individual," and that gives everyone problems.

Over against these four sets of adverse emotions needs to be fulfilled, else these destructive tendencies will overcome us as human beings. This is where the principles of God's Word are highly focused in the book of Philippians. In brief, they can be pointed out as follows: The first emotional need that we have to be fulfilled is that of affection---to love and to be loved. Every baby born into the world desires this. Sometime ago, an experiment was made in Colorado, in which a doctor took a group of unwanted babies who had been abandoned. He found that within a year the majority of them died. Yes, they were well cared for and they were fed, and the nurses looked after them; but they died because they lacked affection and love, because every human being needs this. This is why God gave to us mothers, to breast-feed babies, not only for the benefit of the mother's milk that the baby receives, but for that sense of security that the baby gets as it is held in it's mother's arms. That is something that no bottle will ever accomplish, and every human being needs this affection not only as babies, but for the rest of one's life. The second emotion that needs to be fulfilled is that of acceptance---of who one is, and each individual's unique character. We need to feel accepted by other people. This is part of our community of being together. The third emotion is that of appreciation---to have a favorable critical estimate made of one's self: A certain kind of approbation, a slap on the back for a good job well done. We give medals, letters of commendation, watches, appreciation banquets---we pass out awards and rewards, and various sorts of things. Why? Because we all need it. We need to be appreciated. The fourth emotion that all need is that of achievement---not only a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment, but also that which is praiseworthy, so when we achieve a certain goal there comes a certain amount of appreciation for that achievement, and it makes us feel good, so we desire it. These four emotions are basic to every individual, and in order to overcome the emotions that constantly plague us, as well as to counter balance that, in having the emotions fulfilled that one needs, God has provided the answer in the book of Philippians.

The Christian and Psychology

For the Christian, problems arise in the area of faith and belief. When the supposed, "the fact of science" conflicts with a person's belief, trouble may develop. The conflict in a person stems from how much on believes heredity and environment shape his thinking. If behavior is completely determined by these factors, as some think, then freedom is an illusion. In today's existential and pragmatic world, man is conditioned to become absolutely "free" of all restraints or bonds, that heredity and/or environment may inhibit him. For the Christian who lives in the world today, his problem is heightened by the idea of some, that religious beliefs become unrealistic bondage to his "super-ego" (which is thought of as somewhat similar to one's "moral conscience"). To free himself of this control it is often suggested that he should go about and "live it up." To release himself from this so-called bondage, the idea is to suggest that his will loosen (or maybe harden) his conscience so that he will not be anxious in that which he does.

This assumes that the "super-ego" is determined by environment (parents, church, other Christians' super-imposed external standards, etc.) and that he must become "free" to act as he will. The ego then becomes more insensitive and the individual less anxious. What actually occurs more often than not, is that the individual becomes more guilt ridden and therefore these anxieties are heightened. What is really needed is a treatment of the real problem of freedom in Christ, through an understanding of the Word of God and a pattern of life consistent with the Bible. Much of the problem in today's Christian society is a super-imposition of do's and don't's on Christian individuals that may or may not have a foundation on the Word of God. It is not the "black" are of life that bothers us (i.e. the don't's of the Ten Commandments) or the "white" are of life (i.e. the do's of the Ten Commandments) that impose problems, but the great "gray" area wherein the Bible does not specifically state exactly what we are to do or not do. The reason the Bible is not specific in the "gray" are is twofold: 1) certain actions are not always right or wrong, but must be considered in a contextual light of times, manners, customs, culture, and; 2) God wishes His children to become spiritually mature and able to make mature judgments based on the principles of His Word, as the person allows the Holy Spirit to guide him into all the truth (John 16:13). This gives the Christian confidence, just as a growing child gains confidence in judgment as his parents increase his allowance to make the judgments. Today, we live in a world dominated by the philosophies of philosophical existentialism (i.e. man exists as an individual in a purposeless world, and that he must oppose the hostile environment by the exercise of his free will) and pragmatism (i.e. the system of philosophy which tests the validity of concepts and actions by their practical results; if it works, it is all right.) The resultant emphasis of these two philosophies shows up in the effects of the depersonalization of society, the break-down of the eternal and traditional elements of faith, and the loss of meaning to present life. Man is essentially free; he is conscious of himself as a being, and he can think and question his own existence. This encourages one to break away from tradition and old patterns in order to find a better and more fulfilling experience in life. Again, for the Christian this poses a real problem in that this philosophy accepts no authority other than experience. God is eliminated as well as are all moral laws. (In one sense, existentialism does have meaning for the Christian when on is faced with the experience of real meaning in life. By the principles of God's Word there is renewed vitality through emphasizing the meaning of a person's relationship with God which deepens that experience. A note of caution should be sounded at this point and that is, that experience and meaning are beneficial when based on Biblical truth and not experience alone. This differs materially from philosophical existentialism which is anti-God and posits a hopeless future.) One of the problems of human experience is what should be done with the unconscious element. Should it be sublimated or ignored hoping that it will go away and become a problem? "Shock" therapy, many times, drives the problems deeper into the unconscious and keeps them there. Evidence seems to point in the direction that unresolved conflicts of the conscience that are pushed into the unconscious do not remain dormant. They rather create greater tensions harder to cope with, because the origins are hidden and forgotten. The more this happens the greater the potential for increased tension and eventually a blow-up of some sort. For the Christian there should be a day-by-day problem dealing, in confession of sin, eliminating the conflict, and allowing the Holy spirit to resolve the problems by guiding the individual in the truth of God's

Word. Hence, the need for day-by-day Bible study and prayer, committal of that day into God's hand, and asking for God's grace for each day, that one may walk in the path of God's righteousness. This comes through submission to the direction of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Traits or characteristic patterns of behavior are basic in the development of every individual's unique personality. As our interrelations between these traits are formed, conflicts are created because of difference in interests and goals. This results because of an attempt to create an order in one's life. A Christian desires to avoid inconsistencies and disorder, to be creative and useful and hopefully reduce tension caused by inner conflicts. Thus, the attempt to organize one's life may take on of two forms: 1) by consciously or unconsciously isolating the traits that are causing his conflicts into logic-tight compartments that do not allow for any problem solving or communication. In this way one may lose control over part of his personality and the solution is worse than the problem itself; or, 2) another way to solve the problem is to make one trait an organizing principle and then subordinating all other traits to it. A good example of this is seen in Philippians 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This shows the simple trust of the Christian in Christ as an organizing principle in life. This answers the problem of identification with the resultant proper organization. This reduces tension, and if the trait chosen is not a selfish one, as seen in the illustration in Philippians, then the solution is a good one. Sometimes the trait of altruism (the unselfish concern for the welfare of othersbecomes the center and the results seem better. But the problem here is this tends to be an end in itself, and the individual's ultimate fulfillment is limited by human nature. Sometimes people will spend their lives pursuing a goal and then find in the end that it was not worth-while. This is somewhat like the man who climbed the ladder of success, only to find that when he got to the top that the had the ladder leaning against the wrong wall. When this happens disillusionment may set in at a time when the personality is least able to cope with it. This problem of organization resolves itself into finding a proper center for the personality into which all human traits may be channeled, and which are at the same time beyond the human element. In this thought, one would have a center for personality and expansion. This then is the message of Philippians, which gives to us what God considers the normal Christian life. This is also what Paul was talking about in Galatians 2:20, the "ego" or "I", ". . . is crucified in Christ, nevertheless I live, but it is not 'I', but Christ who lives in the through me, and the life 'I' now live in the flesh, is by the grace of God who loves me and gave His Son for me." To develop maturity in the normal Christian life is to form stronger bonds from each trait and relate it all to the center, Christ. The "old nature" interferes with this desire as seen in Ephesians 4:22-24. When this reorganization of the self life is begun, the power that formally had been expended in solving inner conflicts becomes available for constructive purposes. When every aspect of one's personality is truly centered in Christ, these inner conflicts can be eliminated and thus the Christian can become a mentally healthy individual. The most serious problem that plagues Christians is that of the "old" and "new" natures. The two are diametrically opposed to each other, and every Christian has the two within himself. Paul certainly set forth the conflict quite clearly in Romans 7:11-25 wherein he noted "the good which

I would I do not, but the evil which I would not, that I do." It then calls for a constant and consistent application to daily living of the integration of the traits of life to the center, which is Christ. Only when this takes place can the latent power of the personality be combined with the power of God to produce a productive usefulness in the Christian life.

The Bible and Psychology

There are three reasons for which the Bible was written. God gave it first to show the entrance and problem of Sin; second, to show mankind the need for and the provision of Salvation; and third to provide for the Christian the right way to Sanctification of life. The "Sanctify" in Greek is the same as the word translated "holy." And the words "holy" and "sanctify" are synonymous terms in Scripture, which mean "to set apart from evil and to be set apart unto God." When one looks at the Word of God, these three ideas: sin, salvation, sanctification, qualitatively are provided to the individual in this order; for first of all a person needs to know that one is a sinner and needs a Savior; secondly, that God had provided salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ for that person's sins and that once a person becomes a child of God, it is anticipated that thirdly one leads a sanctified life. These are of ultimate importance and are in this order in God's Word. But, when one looks at these three aspects quantitatively, in the Bible, the first two ways--that is of sin and salvation---take up very little of the Bible. It doesn't take God a great amount of space to show human beings the entrance of sin, and the problems that go along with it, and that all of mankind are sinners, nor does it take Him long to show to us what Christ had done for us. But when it comes to the matter of sanctification that becomes an entire lifetime of living. The biographical sketches that one sees in God's Word in the Old Testament, as well as in the New Testament, are given to show out of the lives of men, women, boys, and girls, who have had similar problems as ours, who have had their heights and depths, their "cloud-nine" and their "Monday mornings," how God's children ought to live today. This is why Christ stated in John 10:10, "I am come that ye might have life and that ye might have it more abundantly." The abundant life includes mature mental health, but it includes much more. Generally speaking, mental health is related to the norms of society, but the Christian may not always go along with the current norm, and in order to be faithful to Christ may at times go against it. If an individual's faith in Christ does not result in more in a more satisfying personal life, regardless of the problems or obstacles, there is either something wrong in one's life, or with the application of Biblical principles to that person's daily living. The Bible is given to mold or fashion us after Christ's likeness, and this is sanctification or holy living. God, who is our Creator, has created our psyche or our senses, and by and large we are conditioned by those senses. Whether we like it or whether we don't, we are sensitive people, and there are certain emotions and affections that we have that need to be satisfied in one direction or another. The world is constantly searching for this and constantly failing, and this is why the psychologists get rich, because people go to a psychologist to have a cathartic expression---that is to get off their mind what bothers them, and the psychologist does very little, but after one has "unloaded," he feels better. Then the psychologist tells him, "I'll see you nest week" and the person thinks the psychologist has done a lot for him. We have these burdens that one constantly needs to "unroll" or to "get off his chest." Since God created us with "psyche" or a "sense," He

certainly ought to know best how a person should operate in life. Because of this, God has given to mankind these understandings in His Word, and though throughout the Bible there are expressions that minister to one's senses, there is one book, that of Philippians, that has as its objective to combine spiritual health with mental health for the Christian. In concluding this section, it may be suggested there are five ways by which each Christian may live a more satisfying personal life, as well as be a better steward of the grace of God. A byproduct of this is mature mental health coupled with a joyful disposition.
1. Integration---In this, Christ becomes the center for all of one's diverse traits of personality. After the initial step of regeneration, the integrating of one's personality becomes a matter of listening to the Holy Spirit's leading. To develop an experiential knowledge of Christ's teaching from His Word provides the key (see Philippians 3:10). 2. Purpose---An important factor in helping a person live a useful life is the knowledge that there is purpose in life. Life is meaningless unless there is purpose to it. In Philippians 1:21, Paul states, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Here is the thought of personal identification with Christ. The ultimate for the Christian is one's seeking to achieve the will of God in and through his own life. With this in mind a person seeks to translate God's plan for his life into understandable terms for himself, as well as for others. A sense of values in the Christian experience is imperative, for if there are no standards or values, life loses its relevance. On the other hand, when one is clear as to standards and values, these serve to direct rather than repress a person. 3. Contemplation---A person who is mentally healthy and spiritually acute is one who is contemplative. Periodically he pauses to take stock of his spiritual life, and seeks to relate himself to the important concerns of faith and life. Paul clearly taught this in Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus." As the Christian reflects o himself, studies the Word of God, and speaks to Him in prayer, the result brings relaxation, positive Christian conduct, insight into life's problems and in making decisions, and indefinable strength in power resulting from the working of the Holy Spirit in his life. This cares for the problem of personal disposition of life. 4. Perspective---When on personally applies the principles of the Christian faith to everyday life and living and these are integrated, the result is an understanding of the ultimate future of life. Paul says in I Corinthians 6:20 that, "Ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's." This perspective, the realization that things happening today have relevance for the present as well as for eternity, can bring meaning and significance to every incident in life. The expectation of the Christian helps him in this life as I John 3:3 points out, "and every man that hath this hope in Him, purifieth himself even as He is pure." Then as Paul notes in Philippians 3:20, "For our manner of life is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." To the Christian, this gives hope and answers the problem of personal priority in life. 5. Outgoing---In Matthew 16:24-26, Christ said, "He that findeth his life shall lose it and he that loseth his life for My sake will find it." Because the Christian's ideal concern is not immediate and selfish goals, his life can become an outflowing of help for others. There is probably a tendency to a greater or lesser degree in all of us, to be inhibited from being outgoing. To be outgoing is something that each person, more or less, has to work on in his own life. A characteristic of a mentally healthy person is an outgoing personality. When we accept Christ's commission in Matthew 28:19, it helps us to become outgoing. When we rely on Paul's thought

in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," it shows the help we can and do have in Christ. This gives to the Christian a sense of personal security to trust the Lord for every aspect in one's life.

The study of psychology as a scientific field poses problems for the Christian, yet when integrated with the psychological principles as demonstrated in God's Word, it offers the opportunity of opining new insights regarding Christian experiences and understanding of the Biblical truths. An illustration may serve to help underscore this principle. The sulfa drug does not kill the germ. It dissolves the hard protective coating around the germ so that the white corpuscles are able to kill the germ. In a similar fashion, psychology can provide the tools used by God to penetrate more efficiently, and dissolve the defensive shell that people use to insulate themselves from Biblical truths, and from their fellowmen. When this hell is broken, the Spirit of God is able to perform His work in their lives. Each problem raised by life and psychology has its answer in the Word of God. These answers should be sought and found, and when they are, along with personal application, the normal spiritual life that God has for each of us will become evident.

Philippians and Psychology

In order to overcome the emotions that plague a person and fulfill the emotions that one needs, God has provided the answer in the book of Philippians. In chapter 1, the Apostle Paul answers the problem of Personal Identification. This has to do with Affection. The key to this problem of identification is in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ and to dies is gain." Paul was identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of his life. He was affected by what Christ had done for him; it affected his whole life. It changed him from being an employee of the Roman government, on the Damascus Turnpike committing people to prison under the name of Saul, and it transformed him so that now he was the Apostle Paul, preaching the claims of Christ. Just as he was at one time all out as an employee of the Roman government, now he was all out --his whole life was dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. What Paul was plainly saying in this verse was that for him to live was Christ, and he was identified in this fashion. This gives to the Christian the Principle for what one might term the normal Christian life. One may ask from a psychological point of view: what is normal? The answer is, no one knows what is normal. Not even the psychologists who are searching for normalcy know, because none of them are normal. Just because the majority of people do a certain in one way or the other does not constitute that which is normal. Only God knows what is normal, and there has been only one normal person that ever appeared on the face of the earth, and that was the Lord Jesus Christ. He was the incarnation of God Himself in human manifestation. This is why Paul said, "For to me to live is Christ." However, God has revealed that which is normal for His children, and the understanding of that normalcy is found in His Word. God created us and thereby He knows what is normal. This is the principle of life which constitutes that which is normal for the child of God. The Bible is to the Christian what the automobile manufacturer's handbook is to the car. Only as the Christian follows the truth of God in His Word is he able to live a normal Christian life.

Chapter 2 answers the second emotional need to be fulfilled and that is Acceptance. This answers the problem of Personal Disposition---how one's life is accepted. What does Paul say as to this?--the key is found in verse 5, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." In the disposition of life, the Christian is accepted in the beloved---a child and heir. We have been accepted by Almighty God. This answers the problem of the personal disposition of a person's life, which gives to the Christian the Pattern for the normal Christian life. The Apostle Paul never tells us what to do---which is found in chapter1---but he follows it very quickly with how to do it in chapter 2. When a lady desires to sew a dress, she goes to the store and purchases what is known as a pattern. A pattern is a series of tissue papers that are cut in certain ways to give dimensions. The pattern is placed on the cloth and then the cloth is cut according to the patter, then the cloth is sewn together which becomes the dress. In this analogy, Christ is our pattern, and as Christians we are to cut our life, as it were, after that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because we have been accepted by God into His family, and our lives are molded by His Word and the Holy Spirit who indwells us, it helps us with the problem of the disposition of life; how one disposes of the time and talent that he has in life. The third emotion that needs to be fulfilled is that of Appreciation. This is considered in chapter 3 and the key is found in verses 13, 14, and 20 which answers the problem of Personal Priorities in life. In the world in which we live today, every person is caught in a myriad of many things, with many avenues of opportunity to control us and spend our time. Because of the multiplicity of involvements, and the choices that constantly need to be made in relation to one's priorities is that which causes much frustration in the lives of people. For example, if a person chooses a certain place to go and is not appreciated by the group of people with whom he associates, or does not appreciate what he has anticipated he would, so that he does not receive a good feeling out of it, he may then become frustrated. Frustration is the game that is played today, for people seem to be out of sorts or frustrated with many things, places, and people. This causes depression, anxieties, and fears which may result in guilt feelings, and there are many negative reactions and reinforcers that constantly pick up speed, so that the person gets caught up in the frustrations of the world from which there seemingly is no escape. For this the Apostle Paul has a satisfying answer in chapter 3, as to how God appreciates His children, and how this helps answer the problem of personal priorities. In 3:13, he says, "Brethren I don't believe I've arrived--I'm not perfect---but there is this one thing I've learned to do, forgetting those which are behind and reaching for those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Then in verse 20 he notes, "For our manner of life is in heaven from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." This helps the Christian in his priorities, so that he does not become confused and frustrated in life, and is able to formulate proper priorities and thereby feels a sense of appreciation from God. Chapter 3 helps us in the Passions of the Christian life. Reflect upon what Paul said for a moment. He noted that he had been able to forget those things which were behind, and to keep his eye single before the Lord and to look to those things which were ahead. Think upon this for a moment; at one time the Apostle Paul was an employee of the Roman government hailing Christians to prison on the Damascus Turnpike. God turned him around and Saul became converted, and because of this became the Apostle Paul, now

ministering the Word of God in behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved and whom he served. One can easily visualize that as the Apostle Paul went to preach to the Christians at various places, that there were probably people in his congregation to whom he was ministering who may have been, many years before, in prison under his hand, when he was Saul, or had friends, relatives, or neighbors who had been in prison. Now the Apostle Paul was ministering the Word of God to them. It is easy to see how he could have had a great amount of guilt feelings, or a sense of depression or sadness at what he had done. Or, maybe those people had a certain sense of hostility, anger, or fear when it came to receiving the Apostle Paul himself, as well as his ministry. Yet he could say he was able to forget "those things which are behind." One of the greatest psychological hang-ups that Christians have today is that they allow Satan to conjure up the failures of the past in their lives, and hang those things over them like a "cement cloud." Thus it shifts the Christian into neutral and one is unable to "use today for doing good" (Hebrews 3:13), because of depression and guilt feelings along with all kinds of fears and frustrations due to past failure, and sometimes these go back for many years. God has a good catharsis for the Christian in this regard. For this, one doesn't need to go to the psychologist---it's found very simply in I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins He's faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In the world, people many times are able to forgive but so many times they are unable to forget. However, when God forgives He also forgets, and one doesn't have to worry about the failures of yesterday when he ahs confessed them before God. God wants us to keep a clean slate before Him day by day, and this is why He constantly impresses upon us the fact that every day we need to pray, to read His Word, and to fellowship with Him. We should start every day by saying, "Father, give me the grace to live for You today and lead me in the way of righteousness." It is no wonder that God says, "Dont worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself, and don't be concerned about yesterday, you can't recall it, it is past." Live for today; God will take care of your need for tomorrow, and if you have confessed your sins He's faithful and just to forgive you of your sins, and dont worry about what's past; live for today. We are to use today for doing good as Paul tells it in Hebrews 3:13. This is the way that God wants us to live. Why should we live like the people of the world? God appreciates His children when they respond to Him in this fashion. In chapter 4 Paul answers the fourth need that every individual has and that is the need of Achievement. It also answers the problem of Personal Security. Achievement gives to a person a certain sense of Security, and this feeling of well being is what every individual needs. How does Paul apply this? In verse 13 he states, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Paul did not mean by this that he could do anything. No, all people have limitations, but all have certain talents, gifts, and abilities. God does not measure these abilities. God does not measure these abilities on a vertical plain as the world does, like a person who achieves a certain plateau or status in life as he climbs the ladder of success. No, God does not evaluate His children in that fashion, for He evaluates us on the horizontal plain. Every individual has certain responsibilities before God, and God has given every individual the talents and abilities to carry out the responsibilities that he has entrusted to him. As far as God is concerned, it makes no difference whether one is the president of the corporation or the janitor in the factory. Wherever God has placed His child that is his responsibility. In Philippians 2:12 and 13, the Apostle Paul admonishes the child of God to work out the salvation that he has with awe and respect for God,

and then he notes, "For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." God both shows us His will through His Spirit, and at the same time gives to us the enablement to carry out His will through the talents that He has entrusted to us. In I Corinthians 4:1, 2, the same Apostle Paul tells us that as Christians we are stewards of the grace of God, and then he notes, "That is it required in stewards that one be found faithful." Faithfulness to that responsibility which God has entrusted to us, is that which will count in the day of reckoning. This is why the Apostle Paul was able to say "I can do all things"---that is, all responsibilities and the area of influences that I have and which God has given to me. I can do all to the glory of God as God gives me the strength to accomplish them. That's achievement. When we know that God looks at it this way, that gives to one a sense of security or assurance of well being, and this is the Power of the normal Christian life. Four things provide for God's children the standard for the normal Christian life: 1) that we live worthy of the gospel, 2) that we stand fast in the faith, 3) that we not be terrified by what is coming, and 4) that we might be willing to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ---"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Our forebearers of the truth stood fast in the midst of persecution so that we might have the gospel, and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Should it be any less that we stand fast in the faith, so that if God tarries, our progeny and the generations that shall come will have the same opportunity for salvation that has been provided for us, by those of our loved ones who have gone before, and who have stood fast in the faith? When we cast all our cares upon Him, He does care for us (I Peter 5:7).

55 Bible Verses about Church Leadership

1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV / 57 helpful votes
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

Acts 20:28 ESV / 47 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 41 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:8-13 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ...

Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ...

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 16 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Acts 14:23 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Titus 1:7 ESV / 14 helpful votes

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quicktempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Colossians 3:17 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

James 5:14 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV / 10 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV / 9 helpful votes

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Acts 6:1-15 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from

among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 8 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 ESV / 8 helpful votes

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:7-8 ESV / 8 helpful votes

I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.

1 Corinthians 3:1-23 ESV / 8 helpful votes

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. ...

James 1:3 ESV / 7 helpful votes

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Titus 1:5 ESV / 7 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

Titus 1:1-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you ...

Colossians 4:1 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

John 3:8-12 ESV / 7 helpful votes

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? Jesus answered him, Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

1 Peter 5:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

Philippians 1:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Ephesians 5:25 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

John 5:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes

In these lay a multitude of invalidsblind, lame, and paralyzed.

Matthew 20:25-27 ESV / 6 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

Matthew 16:15-19 ESV / 6 helpful votes

He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

1 Timothy 3:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Ephesians 5:28 ESV / 5 helpful votes

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Acts 15:22 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,

Acts 20:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.

Acts 15:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Acts 6:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.

John 20:19-23 ESV / 3 helpful votes

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.

John 3:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Luke 5:5-9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Simon answered, Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,

1 Peter 2:25 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

James 2:20-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousnessand he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Ephesians 5:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Acts 17:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Acts 16:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.

Acts 15:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

Acts 15:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.

Acts 11:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 8:26-39 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot. So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, Do you understand what you are reading? ...

James 2:25-26 ESV / 1 helpful vote

And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

1 Corinthians 11:25 ESV / 1 helpful vote

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.