Using Enticing Words

The word “enticing” under which this article is being written, comes from a Greek word (pithanologia) that means: “persuasive speech” which “signifies the employment of plausible arguments in contrast to demonstration” (Vine, p. 376).  In order words, it sounds nice, it appears plausible, but one cannot demonstrate that is it true.  The old beloved preacher is heard to say: “As goes the proposition, so must be the demonstration.”

So, what are some “enticing words?”  Some try to make the argument that “heart religion is better, is surer, than mind religion.”  First, they are mistaken about the two words used.  A study of the New Testament will reveal that these two words are interchangeable.  Hebrews chapters eight and ten will demonstrate this truth.  The writer quotes the prophet Jeremiah 31:31-34 in both chapters.  However, he changes the words in two phrases: 1) “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts” (Heb. 8:10); and 2) “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Heb. 10:16).  Please notice the first phrase in both quotations: 1) “laws into their mind” and “laws into their hearts;” and 2) “write them in their hearts” and “in their minds will I write them.”  It is most clear the words are used interchangeably, meaning that “heart” religion is “mind” religion and “mind” religion is “heart” religion!  The person trying to make a difference is appealing to so-called “feelings of the heart” against the intellect of the mind.  Yet, the apostle commanded: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).  Appealing to the feelings is “persuasive speech” – enticing words – but it does not demonstrate truth. One may win the emotions of those who hear the “enticing words,” but he has not led the hearer to truth which may be “demonstrated” with the word of God.

Second, some may use “enticing words” as they turn to “fables.”  The Greek word (muthos) refers to things which are “fiction.”  However, with the use of “enticing words” these “fables” turn the heads of many.  The apostle writing of the church wrote: “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:4).  Fables also appeal to the feelings of the hearer.  Peter wrote of himself and the other apostles: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitness of his majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16).  Notice his use of the words, “cunningly devised fables.”  The Greek word (sophizo) means: “to devise cleverly” (Vine, p. 309).  This means that it is done deliberately, while using one’s worldly wisdom with the aim to deceive the hearer.  It is not an appeal to the truth, which may be demonstrated, which may be proved through the use of the inspired word.

This brings us to the Greek word “katasophizomai,” which means: “to circumvent by fraud, conquer by subtle devices” (Vine, p. 277).  Stephen used this word when referring to the king “which knew not Joseph:” “The same dealt subtilly (katasophizomai) with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end that they might not live” (Acts 7:18-19).  It is easy to see the king which knew not Joseph “circumvented by fraud” the children in Egypt, and took them into bondage; thus, he conquered them by subtle devices as he went back on the promises of the king who did know Joseph. The result was slavery for those who had been grated freedom in the land of Egypt.

Enticing words are used to take away our salvation which is in Christ, and they are most powerful when we “have itching ears” for things other than the pure gospel of Christ.  Friends, the gospel of Christ is God’s only power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).

Frank R. Williams

SUNDAY SERMONS

Morning

“Difficult Questions About Elder Qualifications”

Evening

“Studies in Philippians”

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

(1 Timothy 3:1-7)

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”