Bible Questions and Answers is Pastor Huebscher's weekly column. It appears every Thursday in Stillwater's local newspaper
To the friend who wrote this question, I would direct him to the following Bible verses. The Apostle Paul when writing to young Timothy gave exhortation to his young convert, Timothy, wrote the following: "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to you trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (I Timothy 6;20). Note that the three areas contained here have both positive and negative charges. Timothy, Paul's son in the faith (Paul had brought him to faith in Jesus Christ), is instructed to keep certain things and avoid others. The word "keep" is a military word which might better be translated "guard." The word "avoid" implies more than merely refraining from contact. It has to do instead with actively and deliberately turning away from something. Timothy is to guard that which has been committed into his care--by inference, something quite valuable--the complete gospel of Jesus Christ. "Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto you keep by the Holy Ghost" (II Timothy 1:13-14). Paul knew, however, that in order to guard the truth, Timothy must actively avoid the false, and listed three specific potential pitfalls. The first is profane babblings, i.e., any of those conversations and arguments which are of a worldly, ungodly, unclean nature. Next, he is to avoid vain, empty, hollow arguments. Elsewhere, Paul teaches "shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" II Timothy 2:16). Lastly, he is to avoid the opposing arguments of false science, or knowledge. Human wisdom, found to be contrary to the wisdom of God, may be called knowledge by some, but if so, it is "falsely so called." Even "some (professing Chrisitans) have erred concerning the faith" I Timothy 6:21). Paul closes with the benediction, "grace be with you." The word "you" is in the plural form. May we all enjoy God's grace as we attempt to keep the true, avoid the false, and discern the difference. If you have a Bible Question write to Pastor Lenard Huebscher, Grace Baptist Church, 12721 - 75th Street North Stillwater MN. 55082 or call (651) 430-3132. www.stillwaterbaptist.net
The friend continues: "I hear people (sometimes those who would call themselves Christians) use this - oftentimes saying the words that the letters stand for, and also very often the expression 'geez.' I saw the first one used repeatedly in the 'comics'the other week. What does God think of this?" The word "geez" is a slang word, or substitute for the name of "Jesus." The Bible uses the name "Jesus to emphasize our Lord's humanity. He was God in human flesh, born of a virgin, lived among us for 33 years. As a human He was tempted in all points as we are, yet He was without sink. He suffered the Scorn of the world, the mocking of the religious order of the day, the physical pain of the cross. On the cross He cried out, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Certainly it would be sin to use the name of Jesus as a slang word. The name "God" (Elohim) is used some 2500 times in the Old Testament. He is not only Creator, but our very breath is dependent upon Him. He is holy. The Jewish scribes had such respect for His name that when writing it, they would always use a new quill. Exodus 20:7 says: "Thou shall not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." His name is taken in vain when it is used lightly, without respect, or damming. God will hold him guilty; he shall give an account in the day of judgment. Matthew 15:18-19 says: "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts. . ." So yes, that expression is the same is swearing. We need to remember that God IS listening. There are other substitute swear words that folks use without thinking about it. But God thinks about it, and we need to watch all expressions that we use, that they are pleasing to Him, and show Him reverence. If you have a Bible question write to Pastor Lenard Huebscher, Grace Baptist Church,12721 75th Street North, Stillwater MN 55082 or call (651)430-3132. www.stillwaterbaptist.net