Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: October 12, 2008
ASSOCIATIONS DO MATTER!
Ben Justice
There was a time when who you hung around with was considered a reflection upon your character and
judgment. Many of us are familiar with many old but true secular proverbs that expressed this: “Birds of
a feather flock together,” and “If you lie down on the porch with a dog, don’t be surprised if you get up
with fleas.” We all understood that associations do matter. It is a dangerous practice to ignore and
overlook a person’s comrades. But yet, we are being asked to do that very thing. There was a time when
people were judged by the company you keep. But now, “guilt by association” is something that is now
rejected by so many people. This is completely illogical and is really insanity, for if we overlook a person’s
associations, we can’t get a full picture of their character and judgment. A person’s associations speak
volumes about their world-view of things.
The Bible teaches from Genesis to Revelation that associations do matter, and that God held people
accountable for the people with whom they associated. Let’s note some examples:
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in the first book of the Bible. This account clearly
reveals that associations do matter with God. Lot was commanded to take himself, his wife, and his two
daughters with him out of Sodom. Why? The Bible says, “let thou be destroyed in the iniquity of the city”
(Gen. 19:15). God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and though Lot was a righteous man, he would have
died if he continued his association with the inhabitants of Sodom. If associations don’t matter, then
why did God command Lot and his family to get out? What if Lot and his family continued to stay and
work alongside those wicked people? It would have most certainly marked his character. When you look
at people today and consider their associations and who they work alongside in common causes, what
does it reveal? Is it fair that we point to these things in determining what kind of person they really are?
It’s not only fair, but necessary!
In Numbers 16, we read about Korah and his company who rose up in rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
However, they were really rebelling against God (v. 11). God destroyed these men. But, before he did, he
told Moses to speak to the congregation. Here is what Moses said to them: “Depart, I pray you, from the
tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins” (v. 26). This
reveals that if they hadn’t separated themselves completely from Korah and his company they would have
been consumed along with them. What do you see? You see “guilt by association” and that associations
do matter!
David set forth a principle of truth that we all would do well to take heed to. He said in Psalm 26:4-5, “I
have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. (5) I have hated the congregation of
evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.”
Over and over, God has warned his people about having fellowship with the wicked and ungodly. The word
“fellowship” means a “partnership, sharing, standing together, joint-participation and association.”
If associations don’t matter, then why did Paul say, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, . . .” (Eph. 5:11)?
If associations don’t matter, then why did Paul say, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Cor. 6:16).
Yes friends, a person is known by the company he keeps. The company he keeps does mark his
character, his judgment, and his world-view of things.
The Proverbs is literally saturated with admonitions teaching that associations do matter.
Shall we believe those who give lip service to character, honor, integrity, and judgment when their past
associations tell another story? Shall we blindly follow those who tell us one thing but their record says
another? It is the height of stupidity and gullibility to deny that associations don’t matter. This used to
be a common axiom of truth. Sadly, it is being rejected by many. Too reject fundamental truths will
eventually result in reaping the unfortunate consequences.
JESUS AND THE TEMPLE TAX
Ben Justice
The temple tax was instituted by God in Exodus 30:11-16. This tax was collected on an annual basis
during the census. Every person 20 years old and upward was required to pay this tax. It is described as
an “offering” (Ex. 30:14), and it was “for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation” (Ex. 30:16). The
amount to pay by everyone — rich or poor — was half a shekel (Ex. 30:13, 15).
Jesus was asked about the temple tax in Matt. 17:24. Jesus and the disciples arrived in Capernaum.
Those who received tribute money came to Peter and asked, “Doth not your master pay tribute?” (Matt. 17:
24). There are three Greek words translated “tribute” in the NT. There is phoros, which is translated
“tribute” in Rom. 13:6-7 and refers to taxes paid to the Roman government. There is kensos, which refers
to the poll tax. The word used in this context is didrachmon. It is literally “the half-shekel.” Vine states
that this “was the amount of the tribute in the 1st century A.D., due from every adult Jew for the
maintenance of the Temple services” (Pg. 569). The ASV brings this out: “Doth not your teacher pay the
half-shekel?” Peter responded in verse 25 by saying, “Yes.” When Peter saw Jesus, Jesus spoke before
Peter could say a word. Jesus asked Peter, “What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth
take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?” (v. 25). Peter answered Jesus by saying, “Of
strangers” (v. 26). Jesus then replied by saying to Peter, “Then are the children free.” In other words, the
children do not pay taxes. The point is that the kings of the earth take taxes from strangers — not
members of their own family. Jesus helped Peter see that Kings of the earth received taxes to pay for
their homes, and their children were exempt. The point Jesus was impressing upon Peter was that since
God (The King) was the owner of the temple and since he was the Son of The King, he, therefore, was
exempt from paying taxes. Jesus had this right. This doesn’t mean that Jesus hadn’t paid this temple
tax in the past, for Peter plainly said, “Yes.” However, it was for expedient sake that Jesus paid this tax
for the service of the temple.
Under the Christian dispensation, the church doesn’t run itself. Bills must be paid and evangelism,
edification, and benevolence are not entirely free. Those who have devoted their lives to preaching the
gospel are to be supported (I Cor. 9:7ff). Each Christian must give freely and cheerfully to the work of the
church (I Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:12; 9:6-8).