Weakness and Fear: The Strength of a Christian

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-30-2025

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The Apostle Paul. One of the greatest men found in the New Testament exposes his heart and mind to these carnal Corinthian babes in Christ.  Several times in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit reveals the weakness of the strongest.   Romans 7 exposes Paul’s personal failures, 2 Corinthians 12 exposes his thorn in the flesh to keep him humble in the face of pride, Acts 15 exposes his intolerance for the shortcomings of others with John Mark, and in this chapter, his determination not to use his power and oratory.

 

B.  I find these five verses of great interest and also a help to your pastor. In chapter 1, God prepared a young church for the reproof and rebukes of the remainder of the Book of 1 Corinthians.

 

1. In chapter 2:1-5, I find God preparing the man who will do the reproving and rebuking! A pastor or preacher needs to recognize his faults and failures before preaching to his people about theirs! 

 

2. Before the reproving and rebuking in the remainder of the chapters of 1 Corinthians, the Lord would not allow Paul to rebuke the Corinthians until he fully understood his personal weaknesses. 

 

C.  One of the greatest essentials of Christian service is knowing your limitations and that God has none!  It is so easy to see the sins of others and forget what manner of men we are.  We often place these great men of God on a spiritual pedestal above our ability to attain, instead of seeing that these were just men, such as we are.  These were men who loved the Lord, but were robed in sinful flesh just as you and I. 

 

D.  These five verses expose my heart just as they did Paul’s.  My greatest fear in the ministry is always the pulpit.  I know this sounds bad, but I prepare for preaching and teaching with fear and trembling. 

 

1. I never feel as prepared as I should be. Most of the time, I feel like a failure when I leave the church. I rarely listen to one of my sermons except for a quick check to ensure the sound is right in the live video.

 

2. I am not the great Apostle Paul; I am just a completely human man! I am sure, after reading the text, that the great Apostle Paul felt unworthy too.

 

E.  When we see our fears and limitations, we find our possibilities.  We have the same God and Holy Spirit as Paul had. Therefore, we have the same possibility of service as Paul had.

 

F.  Paul’s Resolve:

 

1.  What Paul Resolved Not To Do – Rely upon fleshly wisdom (which he certainly had).  He was possibly the most educated man of his time.  Tradition tells us that he spoke at least five languages fluently.  I am sure that he had a repertoire of “3-dollar words” to impress the listeners.

 

Acts 5:34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

 

Acts 22:1-3  Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.  (2)  (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)  (3)  I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

 

2.  What Paul Resolved To Do – Depend entirely upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

Ephesians 3:7-9  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.  (8)  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  (9)  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

 

G.  Paul’s Reasoning:

 

1.  That Their Faith Not Stand In The Wisdom Of Men – If it stands in the wisdom of man, which is foolishness to God, they will eventually fail.

 

2.  That Their Faith Should Stand In The Power Of God – If it stands in human power, they will eventually fall.

 

1.  Paul’s Weakness – The Christian’s Strength – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

a.  Paul Was Not Powerful In Body

 

1)  He Was Evidently Small - 2 Corinthians 10:10  For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.  (Little Man’s Syndrome Is Dangerous)

 

2)  He Was Evidently Sickly - Galatians 4:13  Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

 

b.  Paul Was Not Powerful In Oratory - 2 Corinthians 11:6  But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

 

1 Corinthians 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

 

1)  Fleshly Weakness Destroys Pride – “lest I should be exalted above measure”

 

2)  Fleshly Weakness Brings Realization – “My grace is sufficient”

 

3)  Fleshly Weakness Brings Reliance – “that the power of Christ may rest upon me”

         

2.  Paul’s Fear – The Christian’s Steadfastness

         

a.  He Was Afraid Of Personal Sin - Romans 7:14-23  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 

b.  He Was Afraid Of Robbing God Of His Glory - Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  (“Lest I should be exalted”)

 

c.  He Was Afraid Of Becoming A Castaway - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  (Unapproved)

 

d.  He Was Afraid Of Quitting - 1 Corinthians 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

 

2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.  (Earthly mindedness.)

 

John 21:3  Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.  (Went back to his old profession.)

 

e.  He Was Afraid Of Bloody Hands - Acts 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

 

Ezekiel 33:8-9  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

 

f.  He Was Afraid Of Seeing A Lost World Go To Hell – John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  (Sinners do perish!)

 

Romans 10:14, 17  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

Revelation 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  (Sinners do spend eternity in hell!)

How Long, LORD?

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-27-2025

Psalm 79

 

Introduction:

 

A. A Psalm of Asaph. Asaph was contemporary with King David and probably his assistant in matters of the Tabernacle and worship.

 

B. The Psalm is national, not individual, as Asaph references Israel, Jerusalem, and the future Temple instead of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

 

1. Most Psalms of this nature are the cry of the individual for divine involvement in an immediate crisis.

 

2. Many Psalms are contemporary and prophetic in nature, as they address the present while prophesying the future. Thus, Messianic Psalms imply the coming of and the work of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3. This Psalm is simply prophetic. It is a prophetic cry for divine intervention for the nation of Israel.

 

4. Three things are mentioned that have yet to occur in Asaphs’ lifetime.

 

a) “The heathen are come into thine inheritance.” The heathen entered the land and nation of Israel. Though this is well noted in Israel’s history up to this point, there had been many instances where the heathen overran and controlled Israel over the centuries due to disobedience to God.

 

Psalms 79:7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

 

b) “Thy holy temple have they defiled.” During King David’s lifetime, worship was still in the Tabernacle. At Asaph’s time, neither the Tabernacle nor the future Temple had ever been “defiled” by the enemies of Israel.

 

c) “They have laid Jerusalem on heaps.” The utter destruction of Jerusalem. The heathen had never destroyed Jerusalem.

 

C. This Psalm speaks of the anger of God against the nation of Israel, indicating His judgment due to the sins committed. Israel had many periods when it turned from God, and judgment fell.

 

Psalms 79:5 How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?

 

1. “How Long” indicates a future event. If this had been a historical event mentioned in the Psalm, Asaph would have known how long God’s anger lasted.

 

2. “How Long … for ever” indicates an extended event. The judgment of God will be over a prolonged period of time.

 

D. Three future events could be considered in the partial fulfillment of this prophecy, two of which I will eliminate because they do not fit all the requirements of the Psalm.

 

1. The Babylonian Captivity occurred nearly 600 years before the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this time, the walls of Jerusalem were torn down, its gates were burned, and the Temple was destroyed. Israel spent 70 years in captivity before God raised Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. I have examined the spoiling of Solomon’s Temple and the destruction of Israel by the Babylonians. However, I find no evidence of defilement related to sacrifices.

 

The Babylonian Captivity fulfilled two aspects of the prophecy but not the third. Israel was overrun, the Temple was torn down and spoiled, and Jerusalem was ravaged. The gates were burned, and many of the walls were torn down. However, the altar was spoiled but not defiled. I dismiss this theory for another reason. During the Babylonian Captivity, Daniel spoke of the most significant point: Daniel, Jesus Christ, and the Book of Revelation reference the "abomination that maketh desolate" as future events, rather than past occurrences.

 

2. Antiochus IV Epiphanes

 

Three hundred fifty-six years before the arrival of Israel's Messiah, the Greek World Empire was led by two notable kings. Alexander the Great reigned from 356 to 323 BC, conquering much of the known world before dying at 33 of possible Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Guillain-Barré syndrome), which paralyzes the peripheral parts of the body. His body did not begin to decompose for six days after they pronounced him dead, leading them to think he was a god, but probably was not dead yet. He had exhausted his ambitions for conquest.

 

After Alexander the Great, Antiochus IV Epiphanes ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175 BC until his death in 164 BC. His reign was marked by significant events, including an attempted conquest of Egypt, the persecution of Jews in Judea, and the subsequent Maccabean Revolt.

 

Between the Babylonian Captivity and Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, a crucial event occurred that is referenced in 1 Maccabees 1:54-64, a book from the Apocrypha (a Greek word meaning “hidden” or “outside the canon”). The Apocrypha consists of 14 historical books written during the time of the Maccabees, often called the "400 Silent Years." These texts were included in the first King James Bible between the Old and New Testaments for their historical value; however, they were never considered inspired or canonized. They were later removed due to the confusion they caused as readers of the Bible considered them inspired, like the Old and New Testaments.

 

The account in 1 Maccabees 1:54-64 details the conflict with Antiochus IV, who called himself Epiphanes, meaning "illustrious one" or "god manifest." He was a Greek king who defiled the Temple by setting up an altar to the Greek god Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings and sacrificing a pig on this altar. This event is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Abomination of Desolation mentioned during Jacob’s Trouble, or the Tribulation Period. Notably, this act is not recorded in the Bible, as it was neither mentioned by any inspired writers nor by the Lord Jesus.

 

Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian, mentioned the "abomination of desolation" in his work "The Wars of the Jews." According to Josephus, this prophecy was fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple in 167 BC.

 

3. The Third Event. Jacob’s Trouble also referred to the Tribulation Period. Two intertwining events make up a whole that is separated by 2,000 years. This third event began with the rejection of Israel's Messiah by the Jewish nation (John 1:11).

 

The rejection of Israel's Messiah initiated a curse upon Israel and its descendants, culminating in the devastation and scattering of the nation. After the crucifixion of Christ, Israel continued to experience significant spiritual decline as they persecuted the Apostles, putting some to death and imprisoning others in the Book of Acts.

 

The Gospel, though still available to the Jews, was carried to the Gentile nations. This involved breaking off the natural branch, Israel, and grafting in the unnatural branch, a Gentile Church.

 

About 35 years after the rejection of Christ, the destruction of the Temple and the scattering of the Jews occurred between 70 and 73 AD, carried out by Titus of Rome. Israel, as a nation, ceased to exist when its people were driven from their land and scattered across the globe.

 

In the mid-twentieth century, God began to gather His covenant people home again, and in 1948, Israel was re-established as a nation. Now, we wait! After the Rapture of God’s Church, the third event will culminate in Jacob’s Trouble, a time prophesied by both Daniel and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

E. The Book of Daniel goes hand-in-hand with the Book of Revelation.

 

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

 

Daniel 11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

 

Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

 

F. Our Lord Jesus Christ confirmed what Daniel prophesied during His walk on earth.

 

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

 

Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

 

G. Now for a quick look at the fulfillment of Verse 1.

 

1. First Prophecy.

 

Psalms 79:1-2 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. (2) The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.

 

Fulfillment. Revelation 11:7-8 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (8) And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

 

Revelation 11:7-8 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (8) And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

 

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

 

2. Second Prophecy. Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

 

Fulfillment. Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

 

3. Third Prophecy. Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

 

Fulfillment. Revelation 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

 

Conclusion: The time is near when we will be called home, and God will restore the natural branch while breaking off the unnatural branch.

 

Revelation 22:20-21 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (21) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Newness Of Life

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-27-2025

Romans 6:1-14

 

Introduction.

 

A. I missed being with you all at the services this past week. Barbara and I were out of sorts all day, though we watched and thoroughly enjoyed hearing Bro. Earl Green bring the messages.

 

B. Our text outlines the progressive aspects of salvation, which are a part of every believer's life.

 

1.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Penalty of Sin.  Verse 2 – “dead to sin.” 

 

1 John 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

 

2.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Practice of Sin.  Verse 4 – “newness of life.” 

 

Ephesians 2:2-3  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 

3.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Power of Sin.  Verse 9 – “no more dominion.” 

 

Romans 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

 

4.  In Salvation, we will one day be removed from the Presence of Sin.  Verse 6 – “that the body of sin might be destroyed.” 

 

Revelation 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

C.  But, from Good Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday, I thanked God that Christ Jesus came to pay our sin debt on an old rugged cross, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave.  Because He lives, we live also.  Because He lives, we shall one day forever live with Him.

 

In our text, Paul asks five questions concerning our resurrection from death to life: Verses 1, 2, 3, 15, 16.  This resurrection is not something that Christ did. It occurs after salvation, as we are all new creatures in Christ Jesus.

 

D.  This morning, I want to look at the intended results of the Resurrection. 

 

1.  The first result is the completion of the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth, both Jew and Gentile.  One Gospel, one salvation. 

 

John 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. Hallelujah! 

 

2.  The second result is made plain in Romans, chapter 6. This chapter defines the intended result that comes after our salvation. The resurrection of the believer from sin changes our relationship with sin. The sixth chapter of Romans is about our relationship with sin after being saved. 

 

3.  There is a significant difference between possession and profession regarding salvation, heaven, or hell. We need to be cautious at this point because only God can truly judge a person’s heart. Some believers behave like the world, and those who are unsaved act like believers. These situations should not exist; however, in the Laodicean Church age, they are realities we must consider. I use the word "consider" because this remains both a mystery and a disappointment.

 

4.  We live in religious times.  As we look across America, we find that God and Jesus Christ are mentioned from the pulpits, but few have a testimony of a changed life.  I know that I quote this verse often, but the Bible says, not this pastor says:

 

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

a)  This does not make you and me perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but if your life is not different, it would be smart to go back and examine what you have. Self-examination is demanded in the Bible.  I examine myself!

 

b)  In March 2024, Dr. Adrian Rogers, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1979–1980 and 1986–1988), said that 21% of Americans say they attend religious services every week, 9% almost every week, 11% report attending about once a month, 36% seldom attend church, 25% never attend.

 

2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

c)  What was Paul prophesying?  At the end of time, our day, people would profess to be saved while continuing to live unholy lives, while saying that they are saved.  Most people in the Bible Belt will tell you that they are saved if you ask, and what their denomination is.  Yet the churches are not full, and services are canceled.  Notice the phrase “denying the power thereof.”  Paul is speaking of the POWER OF A RESURRECTED LIFE!

 

Romans 1:4-5  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:  (5)  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

 

d)  Our resurrection is found in our text.  Christ’s resurrection was a declaration of power according to the spirit of holiness, so our resurrection is our declaration of a changed life lived for Christ.

 

Romans 6:4-5  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

 

Romans 6:8-11  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  (9)  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  (10)  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  (11)  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

E.  I am not trying to get a saved person to think that they are lost this morning. But I do want you to make sure that you know for sure this morning.

 

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

 

Acts 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

 

1.  The most important source of assurance is the Bible!  The Bible tells me that I am saved, and I believe that.

 

2.  The Holy Spirit assures me that I am saved because he bears witness.

 

3.  The Power of a Resurrected Life assures me that I am saved.  I have never been the same.  Failure, Yes.  Faults, Yes.  Falling at times, Yes.  But saved and forever I am.

 

James 2:17-18  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  (18)  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  

Who Of God Is Made Unto Us

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-23-2025

1 Corinthians 1:29-31

 

Introduction:

 

A. Last week, we focused on “Glorying in the Flesh.” We have nothing to boast about except the Lord Himself and what He has accomplished on our behalf. His work was done in such a way as to eliminate any possibility of self-glory for the redeemed. Those who are saved understand that everything is by Him, through Him, and for Him!

 

B. In verse 30, the Holy Spirit uses the word “MADE,” which signifies to make something that does not or would not naturally exist. For example, you made your bed this morning (I hope you made your bed this morning 😊). A woman bakes a cake, but the ingredients would never come together into a cake without her effort.

 

C. The word “MADE” is also in the past tense, speaking of a finished project, while “making” is present tense active because it has been started but not yet finished. This is important because what Christ did neither needs to be redone or changed.

 

D. The Lord had to be “made” so many things that we could be made so many things. The Lord made certain things available to all of humanity so that they could attain salvation. After salvation, the Lord made certain things that would not come about if we were left in our natural state.

 

E. What Christ made for the world is a finished work. What Christ was made for the believers is also a finished work!

 

Made for the world involves choice. The choice is still personal because Christ did everything needed for salvation!

 

1. What Christ Was Made For The World - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

a. He was made flesh - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)full of grace and truth.

 

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

b. He was made of a woman - Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

 

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 

c. He was made of seed of David - Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.

 

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

 

d. He was made of no reputation - Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

 

e. He was made in likeness of man - Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 

Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

 

f. He was made lower than angels - Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

 

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

 

g. He was made under the law - Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

 

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having orgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

 

h. He was made a curse for us - Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

 

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

 

i. He was made sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

 

Christ was made for the child of God, where there is no choice to be made.

 

2. What Christ Is Made To Us – vs. 30. (These are by His mercy and through His power and for His glory. “Of him are ye in Christ.”)

 

a. Christ Is Made Unto Us Wisdom.

 

1) By The Spirit of God - 1 Corinthians 2:11-15 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

 

2) By The Word of God - Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 

Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

 

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

 

b. Christ Is Made Unto Us Righteousness.

1) Our Guilt is Gone – We Are Deserve Retribution - Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

2) His Grace is Sufficient – We Are Declared Righteous - James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

 

Romans 4:9-13 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

 

c. Christ Is Made Unto Us Sanctification.

 

1) Set Apart From The World - John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

 

2) Set Apart For Heaven

 

1 Corinthians 15:47-48 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

 

1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

 

2 Corinthians 5:1-2 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

 

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

 

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

 

d. Christ Is Made Unto us Redemption - Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

1) From The Body Of Sin - Romans 6:9-18 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 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. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

2) From The Bondage Of Death - Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

Romans 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

 

What do we have to glory in when our glory comes from the Lord? “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord!”