Measure of a Man: An Attractive Truth

Getz takes on appearances in Chapter 6. I find this somewhat challenging. Ask any Christian if their dress matters, and most of them will tell you it doesn't matter as long as you are dressed! Yet, Getz devotes a whole chapter to our own self-awareness--what is my external appearance, do I look respectable, is my language doctrinally sound. The term used here is kosmios, an adverb from kosmos, which is in the term for Cosmos, or "world, created universe." The term means "orderly, moderate" reflecting the Greek idea that the world is essentially an orderly place.

There is a very fine line that everyone needs to be aware of here. The Church has been overly concerned about appearances before, and many in American culture rightly refused to be judged by the religious based on clothing, cultural bias, and outward appearance. After all, God judges the heart right?

So what is the big deal? Well, Getz hits it hard on p. 71. "Once [men] enter their business environment, they become different personalities. Somehow they justify their language [or any other compromise] as being necessary to win respect. Sadly, they lose it."

Do you agree with this statement? By compromising moral convictions for the sake of the sale or getting along at work, we gain in the short term and lose in the long term. Tell me, is it worth it?

Ultimately, the man of God needs to have his world in order, as much as possible. No one is perfect, but the man of God order his world in Jesus Christ. As mentioned in Chapter 4, the life ordered in Christ will also be in balance. How do we know our life is in order? When we are the same Christian before the throne, at church, with our family, with our friends, and at work.

Measure of a Man: Wisdom (Self-Control)

Getz has me a little confused in this chapter, and I admit I am primarily to blame for my own confusion. Getz takes term sofrona and interprets it as prudence, which becomes the central concept for this chapter--through his English term "wisdom."

The Greek term sofrona (which has a long 'o' sound as its first verb) can refer to sound-mind, which is incredibly close to the previous term for "temperance." Interestingly, Paul groups two very similar terms together, one with an emphasis on clear-mindedness (Chapter 4) and now one with an emphasis on wisdom. It appears that one term calls the man of God to focus on Christ, the other to use the knowledge gained in a wise way.

Getz says "Some biblical truths can be taught with words alone, such as who Jesus is, how to be saved and many other Bible doctrines. But some things must be taught by both instruction and example. In fact, without modeling, some words are meaningless." (p59)

AMEN.

sophrona is one of these concepts that must be lived, not just known.

I wish Getz would have used the term "self-control" here. Getz emphasizes, rightly so, the need for humility, gratitude, and prayer--all of which are signs of wisdom. But ultimately, it appears that Paul is reminding Timothy to put the reigns on the young servants in his churches. It seems that these servants need to place their enthusiasm and energy into the proper channels of ministry and priority. Thus, the servants need to be wise by showing lives that are not given over to excess. Again, this is very similar to our previous chapter.

So, are you keeping your energy and passion in check? Again, a life balanced on Christ will keep knowledge and emotion centered in the divine will. As servants of Christ, we must model the power of a racing horse with the control of a bridle and reins that are firmly placed in the hands of God. In this way, let your light shine before all--servants empowered by the resurrection of Christ, engaged in the will of God.

The Measure of a Man: being sober-minded 2

One more random note from Getz, p. 46.

In responding to a questioner who was concerned about the well-being of America--to the point of saying, "Oh, God wouldn't allow (really bad things) to happen to America, would he?"--Getz responded, "Our hope should not be based on how well things are going in our society. According to Scriptures, we are just strangers passing through (1 Pet. 2:11). . . . this world is not our true home."

AMEN and AMEN!

The Measure of a Man: being sober-minded

The third characteristic listed by Paul in 1 Tim 3 is that of temperance, or sobriety. Literally the Greek term nafalion means "without wine," thus meaning sober or right thinking. Reminds me of Paul's statement to avoid being full of wine and be full of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

Getz focuses on "balance." I love what he says on p. 47. "A temperate man doesn't go to extremes. He doesn't get bogged down trying to solve all of the world's problems. . . . . A temperate man doesn't go on emotional entanglements. He relies on God for a sense of inner peace and security, no matter what is happening in life. . . . He has a sense of stability."

In this way, Getz capitalizes on the meaning of nafalion. If wine is an example of being out of control and imbalanced, then the man of God chooses to depend only on that which can bring stability. Stability is not balancing the world and the Word. That is like having one foot on land and the other in a boat moving away from shore.

True Stability is standing on Christ alone, with both feet firmly planted in him. Anything else is sinking sand. The sober-minded will center on the things of Christ above all.

"On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

Measure of a Man: Moral Purity 4

Great Advice from Getz on Moral Purity and avoiding sexual sin and addiction.


1. Communicate with your spouse and/or accountability partner. All of us need someone to keep us honest. It is almost imperative to have an accountability partner of the same sex to help ask the tough questions and keep us honest. Most sexual sin thrives in secret. There must be openness if we are to defeat sexual temptation and addiction.
2. Know yourself and avoid sexually stimulating circumstances.
3. Read Scripture and keep your eyes and mind on godly things.
4. Get professional help if necessary.

The Measure of a Man: Moral Purity 3

Gets (41) writes, "Men should fortify themselves through regular study of the Word of God and prayer. Nothing dulls a desire for communication with God and the study of His Word as much as indiscriminate exposure to illegitimate sexual stimuli."

Are you finding it difficult to read the Bible or hear God's voice? Getz suggests that each of us check our desires. Desiring God can be sidetracked by a desire for self-pleasure.

"And nothing is so effective in combating temptation and lust as an effective prayer life and Bible study program. Thus Paul wrote, 'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things' (Phil 4:8)." (Getz, 41)

Get out of the ditch and into the Scripture!

The Measure of Man: Moral Purity 2

How do you know when you have gone to far sexually? How many looks is too many? What movies are OK, and which ones are not? What Internet images are OK with God, and which ones are no-nos?

If you have the answers to these, then you are smarter than I. Part of me wants to say that it is up to the individual to determine what he or she can tolerate.

Then I ask myself, "Why am I tolerating anything?" What is the benefit of pushing the envelope on issues that can only lead to sin and the breaking of vows to God, my family, and my church? Do I have to be such an adrenaline junky that I cannot think clearly and safely about sexual temptation and sin?

Getz says, "A man who deliberately enjoys and pursues an illegitimate sexual relationship with a woman in his mind has, in God's sight, already committed an immoral act. This kind of fantasy world is off limits for a man who desires to follow God fully." (p. 36)

Explicit pornography is easy to define, and the enjoyment of it is illegitimate and immoral. However, the road to pornography is paved with suggestive materials that are not explicit. Skimpy bikinis, underwear ads, Victoria's Secrets modeling shows, acceptably rated movies, "artistic" pictures--all of these are culturally accepted presentations of sexuality that allow for the kind of fantasy that is off limits for the man of God and destructive to himself, his spouse, and his church.

How far are you down that slippery road? Turn around now before there is no return.

Measure of a Man: Moral Purity

Chapter 3 is based on the phrase, "the husband of one wife," which has been interpreted several ways, most prominently as 1) faithful in marriage, or 2) as never having been divorced. Probably in its simplest form, literally translated "one woman man," it was against polygamy.

Getz focuses on the first definition and defines the Christian attribute that godly men must exhibit as moral purity.

There are several points worth discussing in Getz approach to moral purity. For me, one point deals with the high calling of the Christian faith. Those of us who claim faith in Christ must realize that he has called us to more than just religion. "Christian morality extends its boundaries beyond the physical act of illegitimate sexual relationships, according to Jesus: . . . 'I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart' (Matthew 5:27-28)." (p.35-36)

Getz goes on to highlight the difference between temptation and lust, but I wish he would have pursued it a little further. In our sexually charged culture, everyone, men and women, are forced to deal with their own limitations and also invited to envy those who have better physical gifts and tools. We thus seek to master our own inadequacies by finding fulfillment, often secretly, by using our eyes and minds.

I do not think this means that every glance is sin. God has still made nature very good, even in its sinful state. Thus, there are many wonderful things, including the opposite sex, that are pleasing to look at. So, I think of it in these terms: The first look is on God--the second look is on me. In truth, it is the second, third, fourth look that get us into trouble. What if Eve (and Adam) would have taken one look at the fruit and kept going. In fact, they did it everyday in the garden. Until one day Satan talked them into a longer, deeper look that turned into longing, desire, and lust. They went from happy in life to wanting something they could not have. And you know the rest of the story. . . .

Thus, our weaknesses provide temptation, but it is not willful sin if we are tempted, just a sign of our weakness. Sin occurs when we give temptation the opportunity to grow into a desire, which leads to actions that go toward spiritual death.

James 1:14-15: "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

I John 2:16 "For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world."

The desires of the mind, the lust of the eyes, the boasting of the tongue--anyone guilty of these things?

And the Man of God keeps his mind, eyes, and tongue in check.

Amos 5:18-27: So you really want the end to come?

Amos 5:18 Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord?

The coming of the day of the Lord was scary for Israel, and I wonder if most Christians today realize how terrifying God can be. We know that we have been saved from his wrath by the blood of Christ, so that takes some of the edge off. However, the message of Amos speaks loud and clear: "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your gatherings. Even though you bring burnt offerings to me, I will not accept them. " (Amos 5:21-22)

If we think that God is near, and perhaps that the day of the Lord is near, then we should react with fear and trembling with much repentance. Yes, we are forgiven. But how sure are you that your current lifestyle and actions totally please the Lord? He took his people to task with Amos because they were prideful in their religious accomplishments. Will he view today's church in America in the same manner?

It scares me to think about it.

Amos 1-2: What God wants from his people

As I read through Amos 1-2, I am struck by an odd choice of words by the prophet. He uses a similar refrain to introduce judgment on the nations surrounding Israel: For three sins . . . even for four (NIV). Yet, every time he mentions a nation, he only lists one sin they are guilty for.

Here is a list of the nations: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Edom, Moab, and Judah.

Their sins? The Gentile nations are guilty of acts of war--and are punished for those acts against God's chosen people. They are not, however, annihilated.

The sins of Judah--disobedience of the law through idol worship.

It strikes me that God's expectations of his chosen people are different from those who are Gentiles.

Then God speaks to Israel. For three sins, even four. And then he lists the sins: 1. selling the righteous into slavery, denying justice, sexual immorality in the places of worship, and inappropriate handling of God's resources. (Amos 2:6-8)

So, all of the surrounding nations are guilty of one (or two, in Judah's case) sins. Israel, however was guilty of the four. And they are the ones who will receive the most punishment.

Note also, they are guilty of mistreating the poor and improper worship. And God will punish them more severely than he will those guilty of war.

I wonder if his expectations of his chosen are different, and greater, than those of the Gentiles. If this is so, then his people should be more worried about how they treat the poor than how they treat the terrorist.

More info from Arnold

A further response from Arnold Kirubi describing the struggles that all Kenyans face, and his attitude in the face of these trials. If you ever get a chance to fellowship with Kenyan Christians, you will be blessed by their endurance and their faith. They are amazing. Dr. R

Thank you Dr. Randy. May the God of Heaven, our God hear your prayers and ours as well and give us a miracle. We really need one desperately.

The water and power shortage affects the whole nation. Most of our power is hydro generated and one of dams has been closed down due to decrease of water. The water has affected the rural areas more drastically as rivers have dried up, and for pastoralists have lost their livestock which is their source of livelihood. More than half the population live on 3 to 5meals in a week, and the meals are relief food. Our politicians and other leaders live exorbitant lives at the expense of the general population. They live with their heads buried in the sand and they don't seem to see or appreciate the suffering of the people. God forgive us for what we have become. Anyway, keep us in your prayers and God will come through for us. This is an opportunity for the body of Christ to minister and touch lives with God's compassion and His love. Its amazing but bad and tough times are opportunities for us believers to touch the needy with God's love and compassion. We will our best to do that. God richly bless you and keep you in his grace and peace as you serve him. Hope to hear you soon and pass our love to the brethen there.

A letter from Arnold in Kenya

This is a letter form Arnold Kirubi--a student from Kenya and fellow worker for the Gospel. We are attempting to start a discipleship blog for Kenyan ministers. As you read his letter, you can see the challenges they face. Pray for Arnold and his fellow workers in the Gospel as they deal with the everyday challenges of life.

Hello Dr. Randy!

Hope that you and your family are well and blessed. How have you been and how are things with you? We are well and blessed and God has continued to be gracious and merciful to us. We are of course going through the usual challenges of drought, starvation, power and water rationing and the many other problems that define us, and that results from bad, corrupt, selfish and miserable leadership.

I got a job in our church that has about 4000 members to lead the house group/cell group ministry. That includes getting everyone in house groups or small groups; training, discipling and mentoring leaders; pastoral visitations; writing Bible study materials and training materials among many other responsibilities. Its a great and
challenging docket and I'm honored and blessed to be given such an opportunity. That's why I was telling you that I will asking you to mail me training materials and some leadership materials. My desire though is to continue with my studies in the area of leadership so that I can work, train and mentor the next generation of African leaders who will bring change to my people-the people of Kenya and Africa. It is painful to see their pain, anguish and suffering that
they endure every day. We have suffered for far too long and we have had to endure too much pain.

We are a strong and hopeful people though and we will keep looking to that day when we will have our dawn. I have not had access to internet and immediately I do, I will forward those email addresses which are in my yahoo contact list. Network has been greatly affected due to power rationing. We get water 6hours in a week and power 3days in a
week until a miracle of rain happens. So long and hope to hear from you soon. Pass our love and regards to your family. You are in our hearts and in our prayers.

In His Service

Arnold Kirubi.

above reproach

What does this mean? A Christian leader is to be above reproach. Getz says "reputation." Thus, "above reproach" means "cannot be accused of any wrong doing," which means "having a good reputation." Does this make sense to you?

For you Greek scholars out these, the term is anepileepton (the double "ee" stands for an eta). This term is used in classical Greek literature to describe something secure, not open to attack. It describes one's character as blameless. (Liddle, Scott Lexicon) Literally, it means "not failing or falling short."

OK. This is quite a high standard, and I am already wondering if it is possible to attain such a standard. Be blameless? Sound like something only Jesus can do.

Getz tries to lessen the blow by stating that this is "a summary quality, the result of living out the other qualities mentioned in these two lists." (25)

Getz goes further to suggest that Acts 6:3 also points to this "good reputation." However, the phrase in Acts 6:3 is "men full of the Holy Spirit." So, Getz, I think rightfully, associates being blameless with being filled with the Holy Spirit. However, his interpretation of the passage is lacking (using KJV I think).

He does make a great point about the selection process. The Hellenistic Jews were told to select men from among you--some of your own men--people that you know--and have proven themselves in your midst. The Jerusalem leaders shows great wisdom by not forcing their opinion into the matter. Instead, they allow this unique expression of Christianity to form their own leadership with men who have already proven themselves as leaders before they were asked to become official leaders.

I think we get it wrong in our churches when we ask those without giftedness or discipline or actions to lead. Sometimes smaller churches really struggle with this because we have some many needs for leadership and so few people who have the time, energy, desire, or calling to fill the leadership positions.

I have always wondered--do you keep plugging in people into positions, or do you cut back positions until God raises up leaders?

My experience has shown me that plugging people into positions is a great risk--some are not ready or mature enough to handle the people they will be working with. Some burn out to soon. Some want titles of leadership, but don't have the discipline or spiritual maturity to lead in a Christian setting. In addition, we keep supporting ministries that have no leaders and that the church at large is unwilling to take charge of.

However, just try cutting back ancient programs of the church and see what happens to your base of support in the church.

But I digress . . . .

If you are one of those who has a desire to lead in the church, then developing a good reputation--without holes or weakness--is scriptural and important. We cannot say, "I will do whatever I want. If others don't like it, it is their problem." If we submit to God, then we also submit for the sake of his people--many of whom are weaker. Thus, we limit our freedom for the sake of the body.

Let your name and your reputation be well-known. It would help if part of reputation was that we are "full of the Spirit."

Becoming and Overcoming

This last month has been a whirlwind with vacation and staff changes. It is time to focus on some spiritual growth. Anyone want to join me?

There is a great word from Getz on p. 21. "As you evaluate your life, be on guard against discouragement." Getz goes on to remind the reader that Satan will remind all of us that it is impossible to become what God wants for us. We can become what God wants, but not without his power.

Thus, we all need to remember James 4:7-8: Submit therefore to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee form you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

We can pretend to stand up to evil and Satan. However, we only have the strength to resist when we are submitting to God. If you resist God and Satan, you will fall. We must submit to God first. The rest will fall into place.