Yielding

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04000640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Church of God, In Truth</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God, In Truth"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> back to<B>  </B>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div>                                                   </div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>YIELDING</B><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God,   as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”                                                                                                                              ( Rom 6:13).</div> <bR> <div>       Why do people misunderstand the Bible? Why do people feel there are apparent contradictions? And why are there  Bible difficulties? The general  answer to these questions is mainly carelessness in the reading of the Bible and the study of it.      </div> <div>      Words mean different things to different people. That’s why Bible verses have been misunderstood, because a wrong meaning was given to a word that was not intended by the writer. Plus, the usage of a word may change throughout  different periods of time. </div> <div>      Words are much like coins in that they can differ in meaning between different countries and there value even changes at different periods of time in the same country.  When studying the King James Bible we need to keep in mind that it was translated from the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts in 1611— over three hundred and ninety years ago. Many words and expressions used at that time have since changed in meaning or become totally obsolete.  So when you come across these words and expressions in the Bible, the correct meaning of the scripture will not always be clear.  An Example is 1Thessalonians 4:15.  We will see an English words that has not become obsolete, but have changed in meaning since the King James version was translated.  “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not <B><U>prevent</U></B> them which are asleep” (1 Thess 4:15).  The word   <B><U>“Prevent</U></B>” is a good example.  This word originally meant: <B>“to precede or go before,</B>” but now means “<B><U>to hinder.</U></B>”  These types of errors are  made by men who translated the Hebrew and Greek text into English.</div> <div>      In some cases the English translation gives a wrong meaning to the words or expressions of the original Hebrew or Greek. Let’s look at another word in the Bible that expresses a broader number of meanings!  We have all seen the intersection traffic signs that says,  <B>"Yield.”  </B>You may have noticed the same <B>yield</B> sign on the back of a  farm tractor going down the road.  It is shaped  like a triangle and  is painted white or yellow in the middle and outlined with a bright red or  black stripe. It’s meaning is basically– <B>“you don't have the right of way.”  “Give the other traffic around you priority."  </B>So when you see a <B>yield sign</B>, you know what to do.</div> <div>      When we see the word <B>“yield” </B>in the Bible, we also know what to do — right ?  <B>Not necessarily. </B>There is more to <B>yielding</B> than meets the eye.   Yield is not one of the more common words in the English Bible.</div> <div>      In Romans 6, the Apostle Paul uses it several times to explain our responsibility to God and His laws, once we are called and 'baptized. Vs. 13, “Neither <B>yield </B>you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but <B>yield</B> yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. <B>Vs. 16, </B>“Know you not, that to whom you <B>yield</B> yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  <B>Vs. 19, </B>I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as you have <B>yielded</B> your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now <B>yield</B> your members servants to righteousness unto Holiness.”</div> <div>      The meaning is fairly obvious to anyone who is used to pausing at <B>a yield-sign, </B>would get the  point once we are a baptized member of God's family, we <B>can not</B> just go hurtling ourselves through life, doing what we have always done, because we will collide with God's laws.</div> <div>      We must get into the habit of pausing, meditating to make sure we give God and His ways priority.  In other words, “we no longer have the right of way.”  That's what<B> yielding</B> is in plain English.</div> <div>      But Paul, as you know did not write in English.  He wrote his epistles [letters] in the Greek language.  What we have is a translation, sometimes good, often not so good.  But even the best translation are not an exact science. It is practically impossible to convey the exact meaning of a word in another language.  This is especially true with words that describe a  <B>behavior</B>.</div> <div>      We will use the word <B>yield</B> in the Bible as an example, <B>it does not always mean exactly the same thing.  </B>The Greek word used by Paul in Romans 6 dose not exactly mean <B>"yield."  </B>The word is derived from the verb <B>paristemi</B>, and <B>"yield" </B>is part of what it means.  But only part of paristemi is rich in meaning. Strong’s uses the numbers 3936 and 3196  for the word <B>“yield”</B> that Paul is using in Rom 6.</div> <div>      If an ancient Greek chariot driver had come to an intersection and seen a sign that read <B>paristemi,</B> he would have done more than just given priority to the oncoming traffic, he would have thought and meditated on all the other things, that it meant. He  would have been at that intersection for quite a long time.</div> <div>      We can see what Paul meant by<B> paristemi </B>by looking at the other places where the word is used in the Bible. This is called connecting the dots this is the same Isaiah 28 instructions.  “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine?   Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts [those who are no longer thinking like a child– like a  novice].  Paul applies verse 10 to help the newly young called who do not yet have the understanding of how the mysteries in God’s word are solved. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little,” how this is to be applied along with asking for God’s  Holy Spirit to help, both help us to truly  <B>"Yield </B> our-selves to God.  </div> <div>      In assisting in the understanding of God’s word and service to be done, Paul uses <B>paristemi  </B>again  in Romans 16, this is where he informs the church that Phebe, a trusted woman, a deaconess perhaps, would shortly be visiting Rome.  Paul wrote in advance to introduce her, and told the members in Rome to “Assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you. “I commend unto you phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church. Receive her in the Lord, as becomes  saints, and that <B>you assist her </B>in whatsoever business she has need of you: for she has been a  helper of many <B>[ assistance and supporter in times of hardship and distress] </B>of many, and of myself also” (Rom 16:1-2).  The word <B>assist</B> is, in the Greek, <B>paristemi.  </B>     The church was told to help Phebe in the areas where she needed help, not just where they  wanted to help or in areas where they thought she needed help.  There is a difference! Today,  we have all been called into God's service, to fulfill backing up God’s church in one capacity or another, in it’s working responsibilities.       Those responsibilities  in the church of God, consist of praying for those who are requesting prayer, helping in opening and closing prayers on all the Sabbath services, helping with sermon if qualified and writing articles for the Prove All Things magazine!  Asking to help with the Internet web page! It is especially appreciated helping with tithes and offering to keep this work going.  Asking to serve or help in any one of these areas is one way we can <B>"yield" to God’s calling and service.  </B>Just as  the church at Rome was asked to be willing to <B>assist</B> <B>and yield to Phebe</B> .  It sounds simple, but many members and ministers have gotten hurt feelings and left .the church of God, because they weren't willing to serve and do those things they were willing to assist in things that they thought were needed  or in things that they wanted personally to teach things that has nothing to do with a persons salvation.</div> <div>      We need to follow Christ's example that we read of in John 5, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the father  which has sent me” (John 5: 30).  Christ was willing to assist in whatsoever His Father had need of just as we must in His church.</div> <div>      Another place where Paul uses the word <B>paristemi </B>is found in I Corinthians 8:8,“But meat <B>commendeth</B> us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.”  The word  commendeth, is in Greek<B>, paristemi. </B>To serve God vigorously we need good health, and that means a good, balanced diet.  But many people take this to extremes they begin to equate “righteousness” with organic vegetables, natural cereals, various' herbs and brown sugar. But “righteous” [self-righteous?] food does not of itself make you more or less <B>yielded</B> to God.  God looks on the heart, not on the stomach or thyroid gland. We should do the best we can to eat a good, balanced diet!  But remember that food of and by itself does not commend, <B>yield</B> or <B>paristemi</B>  you to God.</div> <div>      Another example is one of the most; noble healing’s recorded in the Bible which took place in the temple, shortly after the day of Pentecost in Acts 4.  We read of a  poor crippled man laid huddled at the gate that was a familiar landmark in Jerusalem, you just couldn't miss seeing him as you walked in to pray.  So when Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ, it caused no small stir.  It also upset the bigoted religious authorities.  In due course, Peter and John were hauled before the court  to give account of themselves.   “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said unto them ,you rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man <B>stand</B> here before you whole” (Acts 4: 8 -10).The word <B>“stand” in verse 10 </B> is translated from <B>paristemi. </B>The ex-cripple was <B>"yielded"</B> to the  authorities, as a. witness of the power of the risen Christ. He had  not  asked to be healed, he had asked for money, but he got more than he bargained for.</div> <div>      Likewise today, some of God's people are healed miraculously in defiance of medical science, as a witness, but others are not healed.  God delays their healing and some even die in pain, but in faith! Most church groups have one or two members who are ill or handicapped in some way, but their example of patience, courage and faith  serves to inspire and motivate those who are well. We  are all  looking  forward to the time when these people will also “stand before us whole.”   But; in the meantime,  if God has left you with an affliction, be willing to serve as an example of faith under stress, it is part of <B>yielding</B>.</div> <div>      There is another use of the word <B>paristemi.  </B>This one involves Peter in the Book of Acts, chapter 9.  Tabitha, the admired deaconess of the church at Joppa, had died.  The church was distraught. The members had come to rely on her service of serving others, to them she seemed indispensable. The Bible records Tabitha had yielded her talent to God, and God had used her to help many others and then she died. The church brethren sent for the leading apostle, thinking he  could  perhaps, do something?  So Peter, once he had peace and quiet around him, kneeled down and prayed, and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit raised Tabitha from her death.  Acts  9 verse  41 tells us, “He gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, <B>presented</B> her alive” <B>[Paristemi--her alive].     </B></div> <div>      Tabitha, the yielded deaconesses servant of God was given back  to the brethren. Her acts of service was used as a powerful witness.  We all need to think about that!  Would the church brethren miss your serving, as they did Tabitha’s?  When thinking on that isn't it only reasonable for a person who has been called – baptized and have had hands laid on them, would want to be presented <B>[paristemi] </B> yielding to the Lord  would want to make himself or herself available for whatever service God wants of them?</div> <div>      With our calling comes responsibility.  God does not call us because He is lonely for company.  He has called us to present a service for Him.  We find in the book of Romans what Paul writes to us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you Present <B>[paristemi]</B> <B> yield</B> your bodies <B>a living sacrifice</B>” (Rom 12:1).  A living sacrifice presents himself or herself alive with all their energies and power dedicated to the service of God<B>, </B>holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service<B>, </B> which is your valid just <B> </B>service<B> </B>[paristemi] makes sense to a converted person, but it is not the way of the world.</div> <div>      The church of God has often explained that this world's way is the way of competition, vanity, and selfish get! Bragging  about one's abilities in an effort to get ahead of others in the race for success or notoriety, to make yourself look good and the other fellow look bad.  Be it power, be it in a “want to be” position, many convince themselves to just do it at any cost, is also the way of the world!</div> <div>      A  <B>yielded </B>Christian does not think of himself “more highly than he ought to think.”  Verse 3,  shares that thought  with  us.  “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom 12:3).A person should think soberly about the talents and abilities God has blessed him with. No inflated boasting,  nor false humility.  If you can do the job, and your attitude is right, volunteer to make yourself available.  But if God wants to use someone else, that's should be fine in your spiritual judgement, that is showing  <B>yielded-ness, </B>showing yourself approved unto God.</div> <bR> <div>  A trained - skilled workman knows the rules, and knows how to use the tools of his trade.  If, for instance, you want to be a builder, you should learn the building trade and codes and be able to handle the equipment to do the job. A  budding beginner cannot expect to be used, and be given the responsibility until he is trained for the job.  However willing he or she might be, if they can't be bothered to <B>yield and be taught </B>from the years of an experienced teacher, they might always find it hard to hold a job or a position in life.</div> <bR> <div>      Wanting to be used by God takes "study;"  said Paul, “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly <B>dividing</B> the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).  If we really want to be useful to God, now and in the future, we need to learn to <B>connect the dots– fill in the gaps </B>by looking here a little and there a little, line upon line- line upon line.  Never in history has God's people had so much training materials available to them. </div> <div>      In over 40 years that my wife and I have been called and blessed – as many of you have, we have had over 40 years of  weekly Sabbath' services and annual Holy Day Sabbath services. 30 some years attending Ministerial Conferences in Pasadena, California.  Weekly Bible studies– local ministers meetings, church training materials given us, spokesman clubs and ladies' clubs training. Reading tons of church  magazines and booklets, listened to sermon and Bible study tapes,  been through two Correspondence Course lessons and read full-length books like the Mystery of the Ages, ect!  All these offered by the WCG at Ambassador College.  But now we have the internet where there is no end to learning something on any subject you might be interested in. But none of these are of any use unless we take advantage of them.  </div> <div>      So part of <B>yielding </B>to God  is to  be useful by volunteering to serving His needs.  We have to continue daily to learn, to become more skilled as a spiritual servant.  Our time for training for the millennium is now!  Hesitating  may be to late!  Christ told us there would always be a shortage of spiritual laborers  — helpers in the church.  “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.  Then said He unto His disciples, [His learners] the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray you [disciples – learners] therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest” (Matt 9:36-38).  Is this speaking of labors preparing for the barley harvest or is He speaking of labors preparing for the wheat harvest?  Ask yourself – which harvest am I laboring to serve in?  </div> <div>      Being scattered as we are, there are many responsible jobs for men in the church’s of God, that  needs to be filled.But responsible laborers God is speaking about are few!  When that happens God calls on the women to fill their role,  like Phebe — like Ruth –  like Esther – Debra and others. These names are just a few who were given responsible positions – men hid from serving in.   Speaking of men, there were  two deacons who are well known to us, Stephen who became the first martyr of the church and Philip who later carried the gospel to Samaria.  Acts 6 centers on Stephen, who was used by God in performing miracles and in preaching the word.  “Wherefore, brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit  and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).  Today in choosing deacon and deaconesses, people who serve would be watched for about a year, and if they stayed on course, yielding and producing service as they had been taught, then if a deacon - deaconess or elder was needed the church would already have a person to fill that position.   Now looking at verse 8, that identifies what is needed, “Stephen, full of faith and power, who did great wonders and miracles among the people. Vs. 10, They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he [Stephen] spoke.”  He proved himself to be a volunteer “workman that needed not to be ashamed.”</div> <div>      Part of <B>yielding</B> – is to study and prepare yourself, so that you are available for God to use however He will. Paristemi– yield means just that!!</div> <div>      Another example is seen in Acts 23:24, where a Roman officer provided beasts  to transport Paul to the governor Felix.  “And <B>provide</B> them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.”  The word <B>“provide” in that verse </B>is another translation from paristemi.  The beasts had no  say in how they were used– they just found themselves  “Provided” [yielding].  That should be the attitude of a bond-slave of Jesus Christ. A willing attitude of wanting to do what is needed.  Sometimes– there doesn't seem there is much to do,  but a <B>yielded</B> person will always have the attitude of standing by, or being ready, just in case – asked to serve.  That is what paristemi is all about!  Patient,  – trusting– humility– serving, growing spiritually, and helping where needed. Filling in the empty gaps where labors are few.</div> <div>      There is so much  more to <B>yielding </B>than just waiting impatiently,  perhaps at an intersection, while someone else goes his way.  It is a relationship with God that begins when you <B>“yield,” once you are called and baptized</B>!  When you give yourself to God’s calling, He puts you to work, in one capacity or another, to enthusiastically pioneer support and back Him up – for His service and work.  We are called  now to serve and assist in God’s work, to announce His soon coming kingdom – and teach His truth and to yield to do what is needed! </div> <div>      All the time of our calling and baptism we have been encouraged to study and grow, not only for a short term reward, but for an all eternity reward! The Bible teaches that our entire lives should be devoted to serving the living and true God.1 Thess 1:9, tells us, “To turned to God from idols and  serve the living and true God.”  And Heb12:28 says, “We are to serve God acceptable with reverence and Godly fear.”  We are to serve Him day and night as it says in Rev. 7:15.</div> <div>      Even throughout the endless realms of eternity His servants shall serve Him.   “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him” (Rev 22:3).</div> <div>      Our accepted calling should never be lagging in diligence but fervent in spirit serving our creator God.  In Ephesians 5 verse  27,  we  read of Christ’s love for the church and His goal to “Present”<B>[paristemi].  </B>“There He might <B>“present”</B>, it to Himself, [there he might <B>paristemi] </B>a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”  When our Creator finds this done in His church He will know then that He has a team of loyal, trustworthy, humble, service – oriented people, who have shown they can indeed work together in harmony, when armed with the attitude, <B>of yielding!  </B>We can assist Christ in “whatsoever He has need of us to do forever. Forever!</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> James Russell</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>