The Teachings of Jesus

The Church

Lesson #8 for August 23, 2014

Scriptures: [Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 28:1; John 15:1-5; 17; Matthew 5:23-24; 7:1-5; 18:15-18][i].

1.    Although God has tried to have a relationship with everyone, He has always had at least a small group of human beings here on this earth with whom He has especially related. In the beginning, it was Adam and Eve; then Enoch; and later, Noah; then Abraham, etc.; down to the present time when God relates especially to His church. God’s “church” is not any official organization but rather a group of believing, trusting, faithful Christians whose faith is firmly set both intellectually and spiritually in the Lord Jesus Christ so that they cannot be moved. (See 4SDABC 1161.6.)

2.    There have always been divisive pressures within the church. In times past, there have been doctrinal conflicts, cultural differences, and a host of smaller issues threatening to tear apart the unity of the church. At the present time, there are some very divisive differences among different groups over women’s ordination, the place of homosexuality in the church, and always the challenge of how to maintain unity in a worldwide church.

3.    But, we must understand that the church is not a human organization. Christ Himself is the One who established the church and is its rightful Head. He claims the church as His future bride. He said, “I will build my church”; (Matthew 16:18)ii and He is the giant, unmovable Rock and Cornerstone of the church’s existence upon which each of us has an opportunity to be built as a smaller stone into the church’s everlasting structure. So, in this lesson, we will discuss the foundation of the church and the unity of the church.

4.    Read Matthew 16:18-19iii. As the largest Christian body in the world, the Roman Catholic Church has claimed that the keys to the kingdom were given to Peter and have subsequently been handed from one pope to another down to the present day. They further claim that for this reason unless one is baptized-by sprinkling-as a Roman Catholic, s/he cannot be saved. This claim does not take into account Matthew 18:18iv and John 20:23[v] which clearly suggest that Jesus was handing the keys to the kingdom to all of His disciples.

5.    The name of Peter in the Greek original-petros-suggested a small stone while the petra on which the church is built suggests a large, solid, bedrock foundation. However, there are other reasons for suggesting that this large Stone, the Chief Cornerstone, refers to Christ Himself. The very context-Matthew 16:13-20vi-was discussing Christ’s identity and mission, not Peter’s. Matthew 7:24-25vii suggest that the Rock on which we must build is Christ Himself. Furthermore, in his speech recorded in Acts 4:11-12viii and later in his first epistle as recorded in 1 Peter 2:4-8ix, Peter himself clearly recognized that Christ was the Chief Cornerstone.

6.    These are not the first suggestions that the God of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ, was and is the Rock. See [Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 28:1; 31:2-3; 42:9; 62:2; and Isaiah 17:10][x]. Paul also referred to Christ as the Rock in Romans 9:33 and 1 Corinthians 10:4. He was even more decisive in his statement in 1 Corinthians 3:11xi (GNB) saying: “For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.” Notice Jesus’s words in Matthew 21:42-44xii.

7. Ephesians 2:20xiii makes it clear that the apostles and prophets are part of the foundation of the church but that the Chief Cornerstone has always been Christ Jesus Himself. Is it important for us to recognize that Christ is the Foundation and the Cornerstone of the church? Peter refused even to be crucified upright as Jesus was; and so, he was crucified upside down.

8.    There is much discussion in the New Testament about the challenges of unity within the church. Christ’s final intercessory prayer before entering the Garden of Gethsemane (John 17)xiv was a prayer for unity. He first prayed for unity between Himself and His Father; then He prayed for unity between Himself and His first disciples; and then finally, He prayed for unity between Himself, His disciples, the Father, and all those who believe because of the testimony of the first disciples. (John 17:21-23) Obviously, that includes us.

9.    But what does unity imply? And what is the difference between unity and uniformity? In a worldwide church, we will never all look the same, speak the same language, have the same cultural background, or be uniform in a host of other ways. Can we still have unity within the church? The only way that kind of unity is possible is to have everyone from all their different backgrounds draw closer and closer to Jesus Christ Himself, thus coming more and more into harmony with each other. As we study His life and character and seek to become more and more like Him, surrendering our selfish goals and motives, we will, in fact, become a more and more unified church.

10.    What are the major threats to unity within the church? Could the selfishness, the envy, and the pride of Christians be the worst enemy of Christian unity?

11.    What provision did Christ make to try to bring the church together in unity? He provided the divine Word or Scriptures and also lived as the divine Word here on this earth. He illustrated the guiding principle which is divine love. The Father and the Son cooperated in giving us “the truth.” (John 14:6,24; 17:8,14,17)xv

12.    In order to have unity, we must agree on a common body of biblical beliefs. Without that, all efforts at unity would end in failure. And as we study the life and death of Jesus and learn to practice His love, our selfish pride must die.

When those who claim to believe the truth are sanctified through the truth, when they learn of Christ, His meekness, and lowliness, there will be complete and perfect unity in the church. (ST, September 19, 1900 par. 4.)

13.    The church has always struggled with two somewhat competing principles: 1) A high view of truth, and 2) A deep love for one another among believers. There have been times in the history of the church when the only thing that seemed to matter was doctrine. At the present time, the pendulum in Christianity is swinging in the other direction; many Christians are talking only about love and unity. “Love without truth is blind and truth without love is fruitless. Mind and heart must work together.” (Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide for Tuesday, August 19)

14.    The new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is doing everything he can to appeal to the “separated brethren” from other Christian groups to rejoin the “mother church,” thus demonstrating their mutual love. As we have noted in previous lessons, he has said that the biggest obstacle to church unity is people who want to strictly adhere to their divisive beliefs. He calls such people “ideologues” and says that they are the biggest obstacles to church unity! In modern times, there has been a massive ecumenical movement among Christian churches. So, if Christians are supposed to be known for their love, what could be wrong with all of us reaching out with wide-open arms to embrace our Christian brethren?

15.    Read Matthew 7:1-5xvi. There is no question that one of the major problems to church unity is the fact that it is so easy for selfish human beings to be critical of their fellow believers. By criticizing others, we falsely believe that we are somehow superior to them. Even as recorded in the Old Testament, God warned us of the dangers of whispered gossip and talebearing. (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 16:28)xvii

16.    Are there times when we do need to speak out regarding the wrongs or bad behaviors of a fellow believer? What principles should guide our actions, our thoughts, and our speech on such occasions? (See Matthew 18:15-18xviii.) Consider the following three guiding principles when you think it is necessary to speak up against a fellow believer: 1) Are you certain that what you are going to say is the truth? Remember that the ninth commandment makes it clear that we are not to bear false testimony. (Exodus 20:16)xix We can bear false witness not only by openly perverting the truth but also by putting in our report assumptions, guesses, or even unconsciously erroneously judging the motives of other people. 2) Is what you are going to say really going to help the church? (Ephesians 4:29)xx If the criticism or the words we are about to speak are not designed to help build up the church, wouldn’t those words better be left unsaid? 3) Even if the words are critical of another, is it possible to say them in a loving way? We need to speak any critical words in the most caring, compassionate, loving way that we possibly can. If our manner of speech offends others, we are not helping to build up the church.

17.    The book of James speaks a great deal about the dangers of the tongue. (See James 3xxi; compare Proverbs 26:20xxii.) Wouldn’t it be best if we all practiced these guidelines: “Instead of gossiping, thus creating mischief, let us tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of His glory.”-Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, page 306.4; compare MH253,254 (1905); 2MCP 758.1. We need to remember that we have never been given the task of judging others or even of comparing ourselves with others. The only One to whom we should try to compare ourselves is Jesus Christ.

18.    Read Matthew 5:23-24xxiii. What is implied by these verses? Is God refusing to forgive us if we still have an issue with a fellow believer? Jesus went to considerable length to spell out exactly how differences within the church are to be handled.

1)    The offended party should go first to the erring person and try to resolve the issue between the two of them. (Matthew 18:15; Leviticus 19:17)xxiv Try to make it as easy as possible for the erring person to recognize their mistake and together resolve the issue.

2)    If that person is unwilling to admit wrongdoing and to try to rectify his course, one needs to take one or two witnesses with him; (Deuteronomy 19:15)xxv and in the hearing of these-hopefully objective observers-discuss the issue.

3)    If this second attempt does not accomplish the needed reconciliation, the issue should be taken to the entire church. Always, such matters should be handled in the best possible way to lead to repentance and reconciliation. The goal is to promote salvation. (Galatians 6:1)xxvi

What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. These are often the result of envy or misunderstanding, or they may proceed from exaggeration or a partial disclosure of facts. (5Testimonies 58.2) [Bold type is added.]

19.    Consider these two challenging situations: 1) How should we deal with a kind, accepting, and apparently loving fellow church member who is in error regarding doctrine? What is the best approach to such a person? 2) How should we deal with a person who appears to have the right theology but acts in harsh, judgmental, and unloving ways toward other members?

20.    We should always keep in mind the influence our actions are having upon nonmembers looking at the church. Jesus forgave even the men who were crucifying Him. (Luke 23:34)xxvii Could we possibly have any reason for withholding forgiveness from fellow church members?

21.    Could you define the difference between unity and uniformity? What are the dangers of uniformity?

22.    Careful research in a number of different settings has demonstrated that people who join a Christian church will remain as faithful members if they experience at least two of the following three points: 1) They really believe that the doctrines which the church holds represent the teachings of the Bible. 2) They experience the fellowship of a relatively small group of fellow members to whom they feel some commitment. And 3) They enter into the overall church program and participate in one way or another. If a person has at least two of the above three things present, s/he will almost always remain a committed church member. How well are we doing at fostering these three points?

23.    What is the relationship between on the one hand the emotional aspects of church life involving fellowship, Christian love, and feelings of belonging and on other hand, the ethical aspects of church membership involving church doctrines, biblical truth, and living according to Christian standards and principles?

24.    Christ’s mission to this earth was for the purpose of reestablishing the broken relationship between erring human beings and our loving heavenly Father. We need to become so committed to the truth as revealed in Scripture so that even the Devil, appearing in human form but saying he is God, cannot deceive us and lead us astray. (Matthew 24:4-5,11,23-25)xxviii Our faith must be based on the solid evidences of God’s word. Consider the following words regarding the final moments before Jesus died.

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice,

His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor. (Desire of Ages 756.3.) [Bold type is added.]

25.    If we had that kind of a faith relationship with God, couldn’t we overcome all obstacles to unity? Shouldn’t we try it?

© 2014, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged.    Info@theox.org

Last Modified: July 5, 2014

C:\WP\SSTG-Hart\Teachings of Jesus\SS-8-Teachings of Jesus-2014_08_23-Fin+.wpd

i-Deuteronomy 32:4 "The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.

Psalm 28:1 O Lord, my defender, I call to you. Listen to my cry! If you do not answer me, I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.

John 15:1 "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 3 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. 4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.

John 17:1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made. 6 "I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word, 7 and now they know that everything you gave me comes from you. 8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 9 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them. 11 And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost - so that the scripture might come true. 13 And now I am coming to you, and I say these things in the world so that they might have my joy in their hearts in all its fullness. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. 16 Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. 19 And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you. 20 "I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: 23 I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. 24 "Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them."

Matthew 5:23 So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, 2 for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. 3 Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? 4 How dare you say to your brother, "Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,' when you have a log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. 16 But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that "every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says. 17 And if he will not listen to them, then tell the whole thing to the church. Finally, if he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector. 18 "And so I tell all of you: what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

ii-Matthew 16:18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.

iii-Matthew 16:18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."

iv-Matthew 18:18 "And so I tell all of you: what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

v-John 20:23 If you forgive people's sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

vi-Matthew 16:13 Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 "Some say John the Baptist," they answered. "Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet." 15 "What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 "Good for you, Simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. 18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven." 20 Then Jesus ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

vii-Matthew 7:24 "So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock.

viii-Acts 4:11 Jesus is the one of whom the scripture says, "The stone that you the builders despised turned out to be the most important of all.' 12 Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us."

ix-1 Peter 2:4 Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. 5 Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For the scripture says, "I chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed." 7 This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe: "The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all." 8 And another scripture says, "This is the stone that will make people stumble, the rock that will make them fall." They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God's will for them.

x-Deuteronomy 32:4 "The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.

Psalm 28:1 O Lord, my defender, I call to you. Listen to my cry! If you do not answer me, I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead.

Psalm 31:2 Hear me! Save me now! Be my refuge to protect me; my defense to save me. 3 You are my refuge and defense; guide me and lead me as you have promised.

Psalm 42:9 To God, my defender, I say, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go on suffering from the cruelty of my enemies?"

Psalm 62:2 He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated.

Isaiah 17:10 Israel, you have forgotten the God who rescues you and protects you like a mighty rock. Instead, you plant sacred gardens in order to worship a foreign god.

xi-1 Corinthians 3:11 For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.

xii-Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say? "The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!' 43 "And so I tell you," added Jesus, "the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the proper fruits." 45 The chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables and knew that he was talking about them, 46 so they tried to arrest him. But they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.

xiii-Ephesians 2:20 You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself.

xiv-John 17:1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made. 6 "I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word, 7 and now they know that everything you gave me comes from you. 8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 9 "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them. 11 And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost - so that the scripture might come true. 13 And now I am coming to you, and I say these things in the world so that they might have my joy in their hearts in all its fullness. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. 16 Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. 19 And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you. 20 "I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: 23 I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. 24 "Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them."

xv-John 14:6 Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. 24 Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.

John 17:8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth.

xvi-Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, 2 for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. 3 Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? 4 How dare you say to your brother, "Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,' when you have a log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

xvii-Leviticus 19:16 Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the Lord.

Proverbs 16:28 Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

xviii-Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. 16 But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that "every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says. 17 And if he will not listen to them, then tell the whole thing to the church. Finally, if he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector. 18 "And so I tell all of you: what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

xix-Exodus 20:16 "Do not accuse anyone falsely.

xx-Ephesians 4:29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

xxi-James 3:1 My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others. 2 All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. 3 We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. 4 Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. 5 So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! 6 And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. 7 We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures - wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 8 But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. 9 We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 10 Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! 11 No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12 A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water. 13 Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. 14 But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. 16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. 18 And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

xxii-Proverbs 26:20 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarreling stops.

xxiii-Matthew 5:23 So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.

xxiv-Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.

Leviticus 19:17 "Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them.

xxv-Deuteronomy 19:15 "One witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; at least two witnesses are necessary to prove that someone is guilty.

xxvi-Galatians 6:1 My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

xxvii-Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing." They divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice.

xxviii-Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered, "Watch out, and do not let anyone fool you. 5 Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, "I am the Messiah!' and they will fool many people. 11 Then many false prophets will appear and fool many people. 23 "Then, if anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Messiah!' or "There he is!' - do not believe it. 24 For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear; they will perform great miracles and wonders in order to deceive even God's chosen people, if possible. 25 Listen! I have told you this ahead of time.

Table of Contents

i

ii

iii

iv

v

vi

vii

viii

ix

x

xi

xii

xiii

xiv

xv

xvi

xvii

xviii

xix

xx

xxi

xxii

xxiii

xxiv

xxv

xxvi

xxvii

xxviii

i-

ii-

iii-

iv-

v-

vi-

vii-

viii-

ix-

x-

xi-

xii-

xiii-

xiv-

xv-

xvi-

xvii-

xviii-

xix-

xx-

xxi-

xxii-