Good to see you all :) This week's study is called "Above all things," and as I've been reading... I found that this particular expression occurs only four times in Scripture. Two of the times, the writers are referring to the same thing, so we find that the Bible desires that believers would have three things above all others.

Interestingly enough, four _different_ writers use the expression, once each, and the reference are all found in the New Testament. We find that the Bible desires for the followers of Christ to have many attributes: faith, hope, longsuffering, a forgiving heart... but of all these, what does it seem that the writers have been inspired to consider the most important things of all? This is what we'll be looking at tonight.

The first of our four writers is James, and he writes: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (James 5:12)

Now what is this speaking of, and why is it so important? Well, we know that our words are important, and more than one of the studies I've done have touched on this issue. The words a Christian speaks are key to his/her testimony. We do, after all, communicate with our words.

"The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things." (Psa 12:3) "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Mat 12:36)

That's the downside, in a way... although it's important. There are also many benefits to having a purity in our speech: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Pro 15:1) "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone." (Pro 25:15) "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." (Pro 21:23)

Believers should be known by their language. Look at the way James puts it... he says, "swear not." That can be used in two ways, and both are applicable. Firstly, don't make promises you're not prepared to keep. There's a story in the book of Judges that reflects this principle: "And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, 'If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.'" (Judges 11:30-31)

That, it turns out, was a very bad idea. The Lord did indeed give Jephthah an amazing victory... but look at what happened when he returned home. "And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, 'Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back.'" (Judges 11:34-35)

Now, she was one of those rare individuals in Scripture, like Isaac, who willingly yielded up their lives for such a situation. Her response, it is written, was: "And she said unto her father, 'Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.'" (Judges 11:37)

All she asked for was some time to mourn, that she was not married, and so would have no descendants... and then she would return to him: "And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel, that the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year." (Judges 11:39-40)

There's quite a pattern set in place here, a symbol, actually, of the Church - one who has "died [to self]" and given as a virgin unto God. "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord; For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (Rom 6:11, 2 Cor 11:2)

Those two verses go together rather well :) Of course, false religions based on paganism and satanism, inspired by Yahweh's enemies, have taken this symbol as a literal "virgin sacrifice" in many cases - yet another perversion of the truth.

We could do quite a study on just this symbol alone, actually... but perhaps another night :) For now, it should just be noted how much the "vow" of one who serves the Almighty is taken seriously. "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth." (Num 30:2)

This is the idea that is repeated in the New Testament, and is apparently just as important, for again, as James considers it: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (James 5:12)

Now, as I said, this is just one way this verse can be taken. The other is just as important, and just as valid. It concerns not only what we say, but the way we say it. Coarse language, indecent joking... these things tend to weaken one's ability to be taken seriously when you're trying to spread the Gospel. "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Eph 5:3-4)

Here's an example from Scripture where someone rather important to the spreading of the Gospel managed to violate BOTH these meanings in one fell swoop. During the trial of the Messiah before the high priest, we find this scene unfolding in the shadows nearby: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, 'I know not what thou sayest.'" (Mat 26:69-70)

Peter, already in a difficult situation, is overcome by his feelings of fear; and not wanting to get into trouble with the authorities, he denies his association with the Man on trial. But it gets worse; hoping to avoid questions, he moves to another place to watch the interrogation: "And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, 'This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.' And again he denied with an oath, 'I do not know the man.'" (Mat 26:71-72)

Now, Peter "swears" that he does not know Christ. However, the new audience is not convinced: "And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, 'Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee." (Mat 26:73)

Now, what does it mean when they said to him, "By your speech we know who you are?" If you read Mark's account in some of the more recent versions, it seems to give something of an explanation: "And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto." (Mark 14:70)

However, not all Galilean's were followers of the Messiah, and more importantly... not all of His followers were from Galilee. "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; and great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there." (Mat 19:1-2)

And while it may be that many of the people at the trial in Jerusalem would equate a Galilean watching the proceedings with one of those that were with Him, it seems that this wasn't the main criteria for them thinking that Peter was "one of them," for look at the way he responds: "Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, 'I know not the man.' And immediately the cock crew." (Mat 26:74)

Well, if you ask me... that's a great way to convice people you're not a follower of Christ :) It seems they left him alone after that. But Peter didn't stay where he was very long either: "And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, 'Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.' And he went out, and wept bitterly." (Mat 26:75)

Above all things, the Scripture teaches, let your "yes" mean "yes," and your "no" truly mean "no." By your integrity, and simple, direct language... this is how they will know you, for: "Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech." (2 Cor 3:12)

Now, it doesn't mean "plain" in the sense of simple, or just with small words :) "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Col 4:6) Rather it means boldness, openness, honesty.

Here's the second time our phrase appears. This time, John is the writer. He says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3John 1:2)

Throughout the ages, there have been various sects of Christianity that have ignored the advice given in the Bible about something very important. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Col 2:8)

In ages past, philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle... they had a view of mankind that differed from the Bible's. They taught that the spirit was the "true self," and that it was imprisoned in this earthly body. At death, they taught, the soul was released from it's "prison." In a sense, some of Paul's writings seem sympathetic to this idea, but this is the way these people viewed life - that the body wasn't important, wasn't vital to one's spiritual well-being. Unfortunately, some of this has seeped into Christianity, and this has led to a variety of false doctrines in certain churches - purgatory, indulgences (that is, paying your way out of hell through your works - specifically giving money to the church) to name a couple. Many Christians have thus allowed themselves to be "spoiled through philosophy."

The Christian view of life, as taught BY Christ, is a little different. Yes, this life is sometimes full of troubles, as Paul wrote, "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." (2 Cor 5:4)

Yet at the same time, Paul was content in the things given to him while he was on earth: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil 4:11)

It is a mistake to think that God saves us "in the Spirit" only, and that we must die and be resurrected before we can partake of the blessings He has in store for us. Not at all. The Bible says, "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." (Isa 58:8) "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Th 5:23)

The body is mentioned right there along with the spirit and soul as being that which would be "preserved" until Chirst returns. The Almighty is absolutely concerned with our physical lives here on earth - with our happiness, and our health. This is the second thing the Scriptures wish us to have "above all things." Health.

Even from the earliest days, we find Yahweh giving lots of advice as to how to preserve health. Concerning the treatment of leprosy, for example: "But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean." (Lev 14:9)

In Leviticus we find laws for cleanliness in body, diet, injuries, diseases, how to treat mold in a house... even how to dispose of waste after the travellers went to the bathroom. He was very concerned for their well being: "And said, 'If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.'" (Exo 15:26)

He is no less concerned for His people in New Testament times: "'Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.' And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Mat 10, Luke 9:2)

I'm not really talking here about the falling backwards and the fainting... simply the expression of Christ's will, that those who believe in Him should be in good health.

"Is any sick among you? 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: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James 5:14-15)

Our Father wants us to take care of ourselves... to be healthy and happy - because remember that an effective testimony isn't really about doctrines, and debates... but about the testimonies themselves. We are "witnesses," telling what we have seen and experienced, we're not exactly trying to push people through the pearly gates kicking and screaming. By use of our graceful words, and our example of a clean and healthy life, we can show people a picture of the lives that God wants for them. These are the first two things used together :)

But there's one thing remaining. The most important thing... so important that the Bible says we should have it "above all things" twice; by two different writers. Here is the first: "But above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." (Col 3:14 nkjv)

That was Paul, and Peter is the next one: "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover the multitude of sins. " (1 Pet 4:8 nkjv)

Is it really any surprise that love is at the top of the list? The Authorized version uses the word "charity," because the word can mean either thing in this context, and it's fitting. Charity is something you give away to someone who hasn't done anything to deserve it. The poor, the sick the helpless - if you give them anything, that is "charity," for you are not expecting anything in return.

True love is the same way; the kind of love, "agape," that the Lord has for us, and that He says we are to have for each other, if we wish to be like Him: "Let all your things be done with charity." (1Cor 16:14)

From the very connotations the word holds in Greek, "charity," we understand that there is no selfishness in this love. There is no, "What can I get him/her to do for me?" in this love. There isn't even an, "I feel good around him/her and that's why I love this person." If that last one was God's criteria, everyone would be in trouble. Even the most faithful person will make mistakes through carelessness, through ignorance. And these things cause himself, or other people, pain. No, we don't always make God feel "good" about us, yet He has recreated our hearts, and this is our testimony by faith: "And He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29)

True love is a decision. One person wills to do good for another, and accomplishes it. That is how our Father in Heaven treats us - for we are justified by grace; and this has nothing to do with what we've done to deserve it. And neither does it have anything to do with what we do afterwards. In fact, even the people that will not accept the Sacrifice of Christ, and ultimately be lost... the Almighty loves them also: "When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: 'Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not her King in her?' Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? 'The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.' For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black [qadar - in mourning]; astonishment hath taken hold on me." (Jer 8:18-21)

This is our heritage, as sons of God, that we have this love in us, and the commandment is that we are to share it, to testify to it, with all that we say, and all that we do. "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (1 Tim 1:5)

We know that if we do these things, we truly walk in the Spirit, and deny the works of the flesh - for who has time to brood on temptations when he or she is busy serving others? Who has time to complain, when they are putting the needs of others first?

Love is the first and most important of all spiritual gifts, as Paul makes very plain in his letters: "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1Cor 13:2)

A loving spirit is also more important than any acts we may accomplish in our lives, any works: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (1 Cor 13:3)

As I pointed out before, the kind of love a Christian has is not selfish - it does not seek it's own fulfillment or pleasure: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." (1 Cor 13:4-5)

The result of a life lost in love, a life lost in Christ IS, a life of success, regardless of how the world measures success, be it by wealth, or possessions. True victory is found in the heart of the believer, because when everything else on this planet burns... the only thing left will be love: "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." (1 Cor 13:8)

See there, how it never fails.

And so it is that we are to have three things above all else. The apostles taught that three things are most important for living a successful life in Christ: the first of these is purity of speech. Let your yes mean yes, and let your no be no. Guard your promises carefully, and may your words be seasoned with grace, never coarse, always gentle - always seeking to build up, and never to tear down.

Second: we are to have health. Now truly, some conditions we have no control over: "Jesus answered, 'Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.'" (John 9:3)

However, we are responsible to a large degree for what happens to our bodies. We are to do whatever we know to do in order to have a long and healthy life - eating well, getting excercise and just taking care of ourselves... For if God wants the best for us, and considers us precious, how then should we view our own bodies? "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Cor 6:20)

And finally, most importantly... we are to have love. Pure, unselfish love... this is the mark of a Christian: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)

This is our testimony; as two different Biblical writers tell us, and in the same words - that we are to have this attribute above all others. Love is the key of the Gospels, it is the center of all the Scriptures. It is the motivation for the first two keys - if one loves ones's self, he will do what he can to be healthy. If he loves God, and others... he will speak as if he were treating both his Father and every human being with respect. As Christ said: "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Mat 22:40)

Love is therefore not only the summing up of the Law; it is also the central key to the three we have discussed tonight. Remember only to love completely, and all else will come naturally to you. As Paul concludes his teachings on true love, from which I have quoted numerous times tonight: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor 13:13 nkjv)

David.