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FEBC 29th
Graduation Exercises
May 9, 2004
Photos
of the FEBC 29th Graduation Exercises
 THE
BIBLE IN A POSTMODERN WORLD
Sermon by Dr Raymond Saxe
preached at FEBC's 29th Graduation Service
in convocation
at
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church
Pandan Gardens, Singapore
May 9, 2004
The Situation We Face
It is said
that we live in the postmodern era, but that term is inaccurate. The
era in which we now live is the modern era while every era, which comes
after us, can be considered postmodern. Notwithstanding, what is
referred to in our day as postmodernism is the condition in which we
now find ourselves.
There are
many ways to get a hold of the ideas incorporated in postmodernism.
Here are a few considerations:
(1)
Postmodernism is a desire to be free from a final absolute antinomy
which ends in anarchy. Man is equal with God. Pragmatism reigns with no
absolutes, man’s independence becomes primary.
(2)
Postmodernism is a desire to be free from responsibility. This leads
away from propositional truth. It is thinking outside the box of
Scripture and leads to rebellion.
(3)
Postmodernism is a desire to be free from accountability in the future.
Pluralism (the belief that everyone is right) and Relativism (the
belief that everything is right) prevail in a society where postmodern
thinking is the norm.
And that
is exactly the society in which we now find ourselves. The postmodern
world has blurred the traditional Judeo-Christian value system.
Objective knowledge has been supplanted with subjective experience. Our
youths, and adults as well, have been subjected to contemporary
Christian music which embraces a worldly culture.
The Church
has become secularised by a godless world to the point where she has
opened her arms to embrace the world’s agendas—all in the name of a
false soteriology and a futile evangelistic message.
Further
description of postmodernism is really beyond the intent of this
address. Suffice to say, the condition of our preaching field is quite
clear. The sad disarray in organisations like the Evangelical
Theological Society, with its struggles over Open Theism and the
inerrancy of Scripture, assaults the minds of those of us who still
hold firm the traditional fundamentals of the Faith.
The five
cogent affirmations are still worthy to confess. They are:
(1) The
total, inerrant inspiration of Scripture by the Holy Spirit.
(2) The virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
(3) The absolute deity of Jesus Christ.
(4) The salvation of the soul by the blood atonement of Jesus Christ.
(5) The second coming of Jesus Christ.
Having
knowledge of the present situation we face will serve as a backdrop for
the call to ministry with which each of you graduates will be
confronted.
The
Scriptures We Possess
In 2
Timothy, the Apostle Paul is, in essence, writing his last will and
testament. Here we find his final instructions to his dear son in the
Faith, Timothy (2 Tim 1:2). The young Timothy was the pastor of the
church at Ephesus (1 Tim 1:2-3). While Scripture is God’s single
revelation to every believer in every age and every culture, there are
certain portions of particular concern for specific groups. Without
serious contradiction or objection, this section of 2 Timothy is
addressed to men who have been commissioned as preachers. These men are
gifts to the church, presented by the resurrected Lord Himself (Eph
4:7, 12).
Now, these
selected men are to know the material on which their commission is
based. That is the function of the connective, “therefore,” (2 Tim 4:1)
in referring Timothy to the Scriptures by which he was saved through
faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3:15-17), and the fact that those
Scriptures are both inspired and profitable. The Scriptures are
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for
instruction. Moreover, the Scriptures are effective unto perfecting,
furnishing, and living. By using “therefore,” Paul points to all that
Timothy is to digest before he receives instruction about his
commission.
Make no
mistake, the Bible is God’s inspired, infallible, inerrant Word. What
the world of believers, and unbelievers need the most is the
precious—more precious than silver or gold—Word of the Living God (Ps
119:72).
The
Commission We Have
The
“charge” is searching. This is the significance of the verb,
“charge.” The prefixed preposition makes it intensive. As a present
tense verb, the searching charge is given relentlessly and
continuously. Timothy must never forget it. Moreover, the charge is
given “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The forceful preposition
is in the face of God, or in full view of God. The real issue is, “What
does God see in the matter regardless of what men may say or do (Gal
1:10)?”. Any ministry must be exercised “Before Him.” Consider that two
members of the Trinity are mentioned here: the Father (God) and the Son
(The Lord Jesus Christ—His full title).
The
“charge” is serious. The Lord Jesus Christ “shall” judge the
living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. “Shall” is a verb
which means He is “about to.” There is no doubt about the judgement but
the use of this verb makes the concept imminent. It is as if Paul is
instructing Timothy that he cannot afford to waste time.
The
“charge” is solemn. The judgement will involve both the living—a
possible reference to the true believers—and the dead—a possible
reference to unbelievers. If this is correct, the former refers to the
Bema or Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). The latter would refer
to the Great White Throne Judgement at the end of the Millennial
Kingdom (Rev 20:11-15). Although both judgements are mentioned in the
same verse, they do not occur simultaneously. The first takes place at
“His appearing,” and the second takes place in His Kingdom.
Let us
review the contents of the Preacher’s Charge: it is searching,
it is serious, it is solemn. This single verse, when
outlined, shows us the great seriousness that is before us who have
been charged to preach. Oh, may you take heed knowing that you will be
preaching before the Face of God and you will be judged by Him. Ponder
the words of 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are ambassadors for Christ.” We
are speaking in the Name of God Almighty.
We have
considered the situation we face, the Scriptures we possess,
and the Commission we have. Now let us look at the ministry
we practise.
The
Ministry We Practise
There are
nine challenging imperatives given from Paul to Timothy, which are key
to the responsibility that accompanies the ministry we practise. Today,
earnestly and with much concern, I lay them before you. Listen to them.
Contemplate them. Meditate upon them. Pack them into your soul. Bind
them for a sign upon your hand. Place them as frontlets between your
eyes. Write them upon the posts of your house and on your gate. More
importantly, perform them as long as God gives you breath.
The nine
are these: Preach the Word, Be Ready Always, Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort,
Be Watchful, Endure Afflictions, Do the Work of an Evangelist, Fully
Perform. Let’s take them one by one.
Preach the Word
The aorist
imperative use of the verb, “preach,” visualises the preacher as an
imperial spokesman for the emperor. The herald proclaimed the emperor’s
message with authority, sincerity, gravity, and dignity. The pattern
for the preacher is the same. He is God’s herald and like the emperor’s
herald, he must not withhold, revise or question the Lord’s command.
He is to
preach the Word. Whose Word? It is God’s Word. Nothing will ever take
the place of the Word. The man of God, the spokesman, the ambassador,
if you will, is not to preach about the Word—he is to preach the Word.
His preaching should be: “Thus saith the Lord.” He is to be the
uncommon crier, heralding his message to the world. Jehovah told his
prophet to “Cry aloud. Do not hold back! Lift your voice like a trumpet
and declare to My people their transgression.”
The
preacher’s message must be complete. In Acts 20:27 Paul said, “I did
not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” The message
covers all portions of Scripture without ignoring or omitting any part.
The
preacher must preach the Word as it is and not philosophise.
Acknowledging that the Scriptures are inspired by God and are “forever
settled in heaven” (Ps 119:89), we must never rely on psychology,
current topics, cherished programmes, but only on God’s living,
unerring, and ever-abiding Word. It is the Word which God has exalted
above His Very Name (Ps 138:2b). That is an unfathomable statement!
The power
of God’s Word is evident. It is the fire of Jeremiah 23:29. It is the
hammer that can shatter a boulder. Through the pages of church history
we can see that it was the Word that Luther preached. It was the Word
about which Calvin wrote. It was the Word for which Latimer, Ridley and
Cranmer went to the stake without fear. So be it, my beloved, preach
the Word with urgency now and until He comes!
Be
Instant
Again, the
verb is in the aorist tense and it is an imperative. It is simple in
its meaning, yet it encompasses so much. It means to be at hand, to
stand by, to be ever-ready. The preacher is urged, no, commanded, to be
on the spot with God’s Word, whether the time is opportune (in season)
or inopportune (out of season). God’s Word is always profitable and
knows no difference with the season. There is never an hour when God’s
Word is not needed. There is never a moment when God’s Word is not
appropriate. There is never an instance when God’s Word is not
convenient. A true servant of God does not have an unavailable hour. He
must learn and expect to be inconvenienced. Scripture exhorts us to
“buy out” every possible moment because “the days are evil” (Eph 5:16).
There was
an appointed time of sacrifice for the Old Testament priests but that
is not the case with the New Testament preacher (cf. 1 Chron. 23-27,
Luke 1:8-9). He knows no time that could be considered unseasonable or
private, early or late. He is to be a preacher of the Word and must do
so with fervency and earnestness, even with his tears (Ps 126:6).
Reprove
Here is
another aorist imperative, which means “to correct.” Paul has already
shown that the inspired Scripture is profitable to do this (2 Tim
3:16). In John 16:8, our Lord said it was one of the functions
belonging to the Holy Spirit. As the Word of God is preached, it is the
Spirit of God that convicts, convinces, and enlightens the world. Three
specific areas are affected by the reproof of the Holy Spirit: sin,
righteousness, and judgement. The word “reprove” has the idea of
“telling one his faults” (Matt 18:15). Obviously, this is not the
easiest task on this planet. It requires us to look also at ourselves
(Gal 6:1). Reproof must not lead to the mere denunciation of people
just for the sake of it. A bold preacher will trust the Holy Spirit to
use His Word in enlightening the hearers of their violations,
trespasses, and sins concerning God’s revealed will.
Rebuke
This
active imperative verb, which is also in the aorist tense, literally
means “to give honour.” To blame, to prove guilty and to censure are
all legitimate thoughts that are carried by the verb, “rebuke.” It is
used in Matthew 8:26 when Christ rebuked the sea. It is used in Matthew
12:16 when Christ warned those He had just healed not to tell who He
was.
Here is
where the crunch comes. Preachers are to fulfil their God-given
responsibility so that the unbeliever and the erring believer will be
confronted with their condition before a Holy God. Opposition is to be
expected, but men of God are not to fear the face of man, but to
declare the Truth. In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks rhetorically, “Do I
seek the favour of men, or of God?” Regretfully, the word of rebuke is
received as the Lord predicted to Ezekiel, “But you shall speak My
Words to them whether they listen or not” (Ezek 2:7, 3:11). But it must
be done.
Exhort
Here is
another aorist imperative which can mean “beseech,” “comfort” and
“admonish.” The verb has a prefixed preposition suggesting, “beside, by
the side of, and with.” The main root comes from the verb, “to call.”
Here is a verb calling upon the preacher to comfort and encourage the
weak, sluggish, and troubled. Surely, there is an unending ministry to
be experienced expressing forgiveness for the sinner and strengthening
those who yearn for a deeper spiritual life. Early in this country’s
history, those committed to the Lord’s work were called “exhorters.”
Having
been a missionary in Africa, it frequently happened that one preacher
gave the Word and another came along to exhort or encourage based on
the text preached. God gave us an example of this ministry in Barnabas
whose name means “the son of prophecy.” His manner of prophesying
showed itself in exhortation or consolation. May God give us men like
Barnabas.
Now
Where Have We Arrived?
We have
seen that Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1 is soundly grounded
in a God-inspired and peerlessly profitable Scripture. It is that upon
which the Apostle sets forth his Timothean ministry by the use of the
connective, “therefore.” He tells Timothy to “preach the Word.”
Obviously, this is the Word carefully and neatly indicated in 2 Timothy
3:16-17. Timothy is commanded to stand by it at all times. He is called
to reprove error, rebuke or censure, suggesting a penalty may come and
finally, he is to exhort, pointing to comfort and encouragement of the
weak, sluggish and troubled. But notice that all these commands are to
be exercised in the sphere of and with every possible demonstration of
two very important methods.
Longsuffering
The first
is longsuffering. Robert McCheyne, known to men of his day as,
“The Saintly McCheyne,” is reported to have said, “This is the heart of
God toward sinners.” 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is patient toward
sinners, not wishing for any to perish. Likewise, the preacher who is
faithful to preach the Word should possess the characteristics of a
Barnabas who was “the son of comfort.” This is a facet of God’s
immutable character. Vincent notes that men will not be won to the
Truth by scolding. This is in accordance with 2 Timothy 2:24 which
says, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to
all, able to teach, patient when wronged.”
Doctrine
In
addition to longsuffering, the preacher is one who must perform his
duties in keeping with the Doctrine. In many quarters, the
thought of doctrine is decried. But doctrine is really the meat of the
Word (Heb 5:14). Doctrine is the very foundation of spiritual life.
Without doctrine, the believer will be tossed about, not knowing what
to believe (Eph 4:12-16).
So, my
brethren, let us persevere to instruct in the great doctrines of the
Bible. Israel was told to do this in Deuteronomy 6. How much more
should we of the New Testament times engage in this pursuit? You check
it out. The individual or the local church having stability and
spirituality with vigour is inextricably linked with effective
instruction, doctrine if you will, in the Word of God. Paul practised
this and instructed the elders at Ephesus to do the same (Acts 20:20,
28). In Ezra’s day, they read from the Book, from the Law of God,
translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading (Neh
8:8). Careful reading of the Pastoral Epistles will reveal the
importance of Doctrine (consider 1 Tim 1:3, 10; 3:2).
Before
adding to this impressive list of expectations, there is a hiatus in
the text. The foolish hearers are described. They do not the
Truth. They are utterly insensitive to the blessed and precious Word of
the Lord (2 Tim 4:3-4). They do not endure sound doctrine. They
accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,
longing to have their ears tickled. They turn their ears away from the
truth and turn aside to myths.
At this
juncture, there is a major, abrupt and adversative change. Look at it:
“But thou” (an emphatic second personal pronoun). Timothy is
dramatically snapped to attention and is to expect something more than
what has unfolded in the two previous verses. Four impressionable
actions were added to the given commands above. Latch onto them and
build them into your system. This is the kind of preacher Paul intended
Timothy to be. Each of the verbs is imperative. Only one verb is in the
present tense. The other three are in the aorist tense.
Watch
Thou in All Things
“Watch” is
a present tense verb. The word is used of abstaining from wine and
warrants watchfulness and alertness. By ever being sober and not
stupefied, Timothy is commanded to maintain strict discipline and keep
himself from the invasion of sin. This one verb contrasts established
thoughts with those who aspire to novelty. The singular pronoun zeroes
in on every single “thing,” or item. This is a huge matter. It demands
that God’s Word be dwelling richly in the heart so as to be kept free
from spiritual drunkenness.
Endure Afflictions
Next is
the willingness to suffer hardships. Being in the aorist tense, the
thought is carried like a military command. It says, “Suffer hardship!”
Do not shrink from it. The compound verb connotes serving the Lord
against opposition, ridicule, prejudice, and unfortunate indifference.
Taking a stand against false doctrine or unbiblical witness may cause
excruciating suffering but you are to be solid as granite. Never sell
or barter the Truth to save yourselves from hurt. Be a dependable
witness, whatever the sacrifice. And in the midst of your suffering,
fear not. He holds you fast. Furthermore, you have not resisted unto
blood (Heb 12:4). Nor have you found yourself sunk and dying in a muddy
pit (Jer 38:6). The same verb is used earlier to encourage Timothy (2
Tim 2:3).
Do
the Work of an Evangelist
An
additional thought is “do the work of an evangelist.” The crispness of
the aorist imperative exclaims, “do it!” Be one who carries the Gospel.
The anarthrous construction of the phrase suggests the type of work
rather than the specific office. Believe Paul when he says that this is
work. All that ergonomics entails is in this phrase. This is a specific
purpose, which is to be done with urgency and with the warm objective
of reaching lost and condemned souls. A burning house, a drowning
friend, a perishing soul—all must be addressed with full-hearted
effort. Paul had a burden like this (Rom 9:1-2, 10:1). Do we have the
same burden? Oh, to keep our feet to the fire of evangelism.
Make
Full Proof of Thy Ministry
Wrapping
up the nine qualities of Paul’s commission to Timothy is another aorist
imperative: Perform the ministry fully, all the way to the end. It
means to bring in full measure. To accomplish completely. Paul commands
Timothy to never give up. The Holy Spirit must control the man who has
this as his objective (Gal 5:16): “Walk in the Spirit and you will not
fulfill the desires of the flesh.”
There can
be no idleness, laziness, procrastination, and in the end, no regrets.
Our Lord had this testimony when He said in John 17:4, “I have finished
the work which Thou gavest me to do.” Similarly, Paul said, “I have
fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the
faith” (2 Tim 4:7). Notice that all the verbs here are in the present
tense, meaning they are done and continued forever.
Conclusion
Oh, may
the charge of Timothy be experienced by every one of you dear brethren.
Follow diligently what Paul wrote to Timothy. It was searching. It was
serious. It was solemn. It was described by nine imperatives: preach
the Word, and when you preach, be instant. Reprove, rebuke, exhort. And
do not forget to do it with longsuffering and sound doctrine. Moreover,
watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist
and make full proof of your ministry. What a charge! Go for it, my
brother. Go after it. Strive for the mastery. Strive for the Master. He
is worthy of you all.
Photos
of the FEBC 29th Graduation Exercises
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