Temple Baptist Church - 2-12-2010
Acts 16:22-23; I Samuel 16:1-13
Introduction:
A. This morning, I want to look at one of the greatest of all Bible characters: David.
1. David’s name is mentioned 1139 times in the Bible. We read many verses this morning looking from the end of King David’s life back to the day of his anointing as King of Israel. There are many good way to look at the bible and this is one of the best. The Old Testament is prophetic in types and shadows while the New Testament brings those types and shadows to light.
2. I enjoy reading and have often taken a “sneak peek” at the ending then returned to the beginning and saw just how the author developed his story while knowing the outcome. It is a great way to study your bible. Look at the last mention of a particular subject and then, with that in mind, go to the first mention of the subject and watch as God reveals His will.
B. In our text verses, we find a “change in command” made by God Himself.
1. God’s Rejection of King Saul - 1 Samuel 15:22-23 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (Saul rejected the Word of the Lord. He understood fully what God had commanded. Saul was strong willed man and placed his desires above God’s will. He disobeyed the Word of the Lord.)
2. God’s Selection of King David - 1 Samuel 16:12-13 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. (13) Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
C. David was God’s choice of a king to lead His people. Acts 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
1. vs. 6 - God did not choose David according to birthright. The first born was given tremendous privileges. He can and will use anyone!
2. vs. 7 – God did not choose David according to outward appearance. It makes no difference what race, gender, or social status. God is no respecter of appearance. He can and will use anyone!
3. vs. 11 – God did not choose David according to age. He will use young, middle aged, or old. God is no respecter of age. He can and will use anyone!
D. Man has a tendency to look upon the outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:6-7) Samuel said “SURELY” this is the Lord’s anointed! The outward can certainly tell us certain things, but the outward can be a façade while the inward man is full of sin.
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
E. David was God’s choice because he was godly in character. Verse 7 says, “The Lord looketh on the heart!” There was something special about David that his older brothers did not have, but God saw it.
Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Life and living for Christ is a heart issue and as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Salvation begins with the heart and ends with the heart. It is with the heart that man believeth unto righteousness (Salvation) and the battle for supremacy in the heart rages for the rest of his life (Sanctification and Service).
F. I want to look at the character of David that helped to make him a man after God’s own heart. Vs. 6-12 – notice the outward man verses the inward man. The key word here is the word heart. Character is a heart matter, not an inherent matter. You are not born with character. Character must be developed in an individual. I once read a sign that went like this: “You either have character or you are one.” (Character is developed, not born in you.)
CHARACTER The peculiar qualities, impressed by nature or habit on a person, which distinguish him from others; these constitute real character, and the qualities, which he is supposed to possess, constitute his estimated character, or reputation.
1. David Was A Content Man – vs. 11 - “he keepeth the sheep” vs. 19 – “which is with the sheep” (Verse 19 was after David had been anointed King! You will never be greatly used until you learn contentment!)
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
2. David Was A Controlled Man – vs. 13 – “the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” - Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (If Jesus needed to be filled with the Holy Ghost, how much more do we need Him?)
3. David Was A Committed Man – vs. 16 – It takes commitment to be a “cunning player on an harp.” A harp is a difficult instrument to master with all of its strings and sounds. CUNNING, a. [G. See Can.] Knowing; skillful; experienced; well instructed. It is applied to all kinds of knowledge, but generally and appropriately, to the skill and dexterity of artificers, or the knowledge acquired by experience.
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (You only gain experience by doing. Sitters never gain experience.)
4. David Was A Courageous Man – vs. 18 – “a mighty valiant man, and a man of war” - Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
1 Chronicles 28:3 But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.
Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. (You will never be a man after God’s own heart until you are willing to fight for the right causes and pay the price of war.)
5. David Was A Confident Man – vs. 18 – “and the Lord is with him” - Psalms 27:4-6 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (A man after God’s own heart is one who walks with the Lord and that walk brings about a confidence.)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
This Is The Word
Temple Baptist Church - 2-5-2012
1 Peter 1:23-25
Introduction:
A. As bible believers, we make much of God’s Word and such should be the case. Psalm 138:2 describes how the Lord sees His word. He has magnified it above all His name.
1. The foundation for all faith is found within its pages.
2. The basis of our salvation is found in its truths.
3. The hope of our eternity is found in its promises.
4. The peace in our heart is found in its comfort.
5. The encouragement of our souls is found its guidance.
B. The King James Bible stands alone as one of a kind. There is none like it.
1. I love to read it; I love to study it; I love to preach it; and I love to share it.
2. I stand upon it and stand for it. I champion the King James Bible, God’s holy Word!
3. It saved me; it keeps me; and it changed me; it encourages me; it guides me; it convicts me; it admonishes me; it chastens me; it feeds me; and it illuminates me!
4. The bible is complete in its revelation; miraculous in its unity; powerful in its ability; wonderful in its knowledge; and blessed in its reading!
5. It is unique and the Jewel of the Ages! To deny it is foolish and to reject it is damning!
C. 1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. In verse 23-25, we find:
1. Its purpose (being born again)
2. Its purity (incorruptible)
3. Its Person (God)
4. Its permanence (abideth for ever)
5. Its promise (endureth for ever)
6. Its power (gospel)
7. Its preaching (preached)
8. Its partaking (unto you)
D. We as an independent Bible-believing Baptist church base everything that we believe and preach upon the fact that the Bible is a miracle book! It is the foundation on which all faith and practice is based. Written by men who were supernaturally inspired, it is the only complete and final revelation of God to man. From Genesis to Revelation it stands unified without error or contradiction. I want to take another look at this miraculous book this morning.
1. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Inspiration - 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
a. God breathed! Every word pure; every doctrine pure; every historical fact pure; every scientific fact pure; every prophecy perfect!
b. Inspiration is the determining influence that acted upon the sacred authors, moving them to put into writing the revelation which they had received from God.
c. We believe the Bible to be verbally inspired; that is every word is literally "God-breathed" so that we can look to the Scriptures and declare; "Thus saith the Lord!"
d. Everything we know about God, and all of our doctrine that is taught and preached is because God, through inspiration, has recorded His Word in the Bible!
2. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its revelation - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (This refers to the controlling influence which God exerted over the human authors by whom the Old and New Testaments were written. Revelation involved the communication of truth from God to man, and inspiration involved the recording of that truth.)
3. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Compilation - 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (It is a book of marvelous unity and agreement.)
a. Its Authors – 40 different writers spanning over 1500 years without one contradiction or error.
b. Its Books - Books in the Bible: 66; Books in the Old Testament: 39; Books in the New Testament: 27
c. Its Chapters: Chapters in the Bible: 1189; Chapters in the Old Testament: 929; Chapters in the New Testament: 260.
d. Its Verses - Verses in the Bible: 31,173; Verses in the Old Testament: 23,214; Verses in the New Testament: 7,959
e. Its Words - Words in the Bible: 773,692; Words in the Old Testament: 592,439; Words in the New Testament: 181,253 (I said that to say this: no contradictions and no errors! More than amazing; it is divine.)
4. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Illumination - Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Illumination is the supernatural help granted by the Spirit of God to the reader of Holy Scripture to enable him to lay hold on the divine message.)
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 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. (13) 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. (14) 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.
5. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Preservation - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
a. The Bible is a unique book: only a small percentage of books survive for more than a quarter of a century and even less survive for a hundred years with only a very small number survive for a 1000 years.
b. However, the Word of God has survived for thousands of years. No other book has survived the perils of the centuries as has the Bible.
c. Times have drastically changed; rulers have risen to power and fallen; the Word of God has been banned and burned; men have been commanded not to preach from its pages, yet it has always been preserved!
Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Luke 16:17 says, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."
6. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
a. It has the power to convict of sin - Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said, Men and brethren what shall we do?
b. It has the power to convert the sinner - 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever. (The human heart is the soil, the Word of God is the seed, God quickens it by the Holy Spirit, and the result is the salvation of man's soul! Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." Romans 1:16.)
c. It has the power to change the saved - Ephesians 4:25b-26 Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word. (Sanctify and cleanse means that the Word has the power to purify our lives inside and out. Not only will the Word of God take the impurity out of the heart, but it will cleanse the outward life and make us usable in His service.)
Conclusion: We believe that we have a supernatural Bible! It is a miracle book! It is miraculous in its Inspiration, in its Preservation, and in its Power. Our position on the Bible separates us from many other churches and groups of believers. We are BIBLE BELIEVING BAPTISTS! We believe that the King James Bible is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. God inspired it, preserved it, and empowered it...we are privileged to proclaim it here and around the world! THIS IS THE WORD!
1 Peter 1:23-25
Introduction:
A. As bible believers, we make much of God’s Word and such should be the case. Psalm 138:2 describes how the Lord sees His word. He has magnified it above all His name.
1. The foundation for all faith is found within its pages.
2. The basis of our salvation is found in its truths.
3. The hope of our eternity is found in its promises.
4. The peace in our heart is found in its comfort.
5. The encouragement of our souls is found its guidance.
B. The King James Bible stands alone as one of a kind. There is none like it.
1. I love to read it; I love to study it; I love to preach it; and I love to share it.
2. I stand upon it and stand for it. I champion the King James Bible, God’s holy Word!
3. It saved me; it keeps me; and it changed me; it encourages me; it guides me; it convicts me; it admonishes me; it chastens me; it feeds me; and it illuminates me!
4. The bible is complete in its revelation; miraculous in its unity; powerful in its ability; wonderful in its knowledge; and blessed in its reading!
5. It is unique and the Jewel of the Ages! To deny it is foolish and to reject it is damning!
C. 1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. In verse 23-25, we find:
1. Its purpose (being born again)
2. Its purity (incorruptible)
3. Its Person (God)
4. Its permanence (abideth for ever)
5. Its promise (endureth for ever)
6. Its power (gospel)
7. Its preaching (preached)
8. Its partaking (unto you)
D. We as an independent Bible-believing Baptist church base everything that we believe and preach upon the fact that the Bible is a miracle book! It is the foundation on which all faith and practice is based. Written by men who were supernaturally inspired, it is the only complete and final revelation of God to man. From Genesis to Revelation it stands unified without error or contradiction. I want to take another look at this miraculous book this morning.
1. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Inspiration - 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
a. God breathed! Every word pure; every doctrine pure; every historical fact pure; every scientific fact pure; every prophecy perfect!
b. Inspiration is the determining influence that acted upon the sacred authors, moving them to put into writing the revelation which they had received from God.
c. We believe the Bible to be verbally inspired; that is every word is literally "God-breathed" so that we can look to the Scriptures and declare; "Thus saith the Lord!"
d. Everything we know about God, and all of our doctrine that is taught and preached is because God, through inspiration, has recorded His Word in the Bible!
2. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its revelation - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (This refers to the controlling influence which God exerted over the human authors by whom the Old and New Testaments were written. Revelation involved the communication of truth from God to man, and inspiration involved the recording of that truth.)
3. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Compilation - 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (It is a book of marvelous unity and agreement.)
a. Its Authors – 40 different writers spanning over 1500 years without one contradiction or error.
b. Its Books - Books in the Bible: 66; Books in the Old Testament: 39; Books in the New Testament: 27
c. Its Chapters: Chapters in the Bible: 1189; Chapters in the Old Testament: 929; Chapters in the New Testament: 260.
d. Its Verses - Verses in the Bible: 31,173; Verses in the Old Testament: 23,214; Verses in the New Testament: 7,959
e. Its Words - Words in the Bible: 773,692; Words in the Old Testament: 592,439; Words in the New Testament: 181,253 (I said that to say this: no contradictions and no errors! More than amazing; it is divine.)
4. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Illumination - Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Illumination is the supernatural help granted by the Spirit of God to the reader of Holy Scripture to enable him to lay hold on the divine message.)
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 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. (13) 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. (14) 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.
5. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Preservation - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
a. The Bible is a unique book: only a small percentage of books survive for more than a quarter of a century and even less survive for a hundred years with only a very small number survive for a 1000 years.
b. However, the Word of God has survived for thousands of years. No other book has survived the perils of the centuries as has the Bible.
c. Times have drastically changed; rulers have risen to power and fallen; the Word of God has been banned and burned; men have been commanded not to preach from its pages, yet it has always been preserved!
Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Luke 16:17 says, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."
6. The Bible Is Miraculous In Its Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
a. It has the power to convict of sin - Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said, Men and brethren what shall we do?
b. It has the power to convert the sinner - 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever. (The human heart is the soil, the Word of God is the seed, God quickens it by the Holy Spirit, and the result is the salvation of man's soul! Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." Romans 1:16.)
c. It has the power to change the saved - Ephesians 4:25b-26 Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word. (Sanctify and cleanse means that the Word has the power to purify our lives inside and out. Not only will the Word of God take the impurity out of the heart, but it will cleanse the outward life and make us usable in His service.)
Conclusion: We believe that we have a supernatural Bible! It is a miracle book! It is miraculous in its Inspiration, in its Preservation, and in its Power. Our position on the Bible separates us from many other churches and groups of believers. We are BIBLE BELIEVING BAPTISTS! We believe that the King James Bible is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. God inspired it, preserved it, and empowered it...we are privileged to proclaim it here and around the world! THIS IS THE WORD!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Local Church
Temple Baptist Church - 2-1-2012
Philippians 1:1
Introduction:
A. Paul is writing with a two-fold purpose:
1. To encourage the saints in light of his imprisonment by letting them know that he is in bonds in the will of God. God often uses dire circumstances to work His will and to accomplish spiritual ends. Trials and tribulations make us more dependent upon the Lord and strengthen us spiritually.
2. To commend the Philippian believers for the work and labor of love in the area of missions and promises them that, as their power to give ebbs and flows, God meets the needs of Him men through others.
B. As we begin the Book of Philippians, I want us to turn our attention to the first verse because it is one of a kind in the Pauline Epistles. In all other of his epistles, the Apostle Paul wrote to the saints in general or to individuals. This salutation is different as he mentions not only the saints but also the offices of that local church.
C. Over the past few decades, there has been a movement across America to minimize the importance of the local church. I do not know what there is about “not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together” that the modern day “Christian” does not get but, to me, the command is plain and simple to understand. I love to use the phrase “Not means no and no means never.” The Bible strongly emphasizes the local church.
D. The local church has organization that curtails confusion and division. Today’s churches are “laid back” in both organization and worship to make the carnal believer and the lost religionist feel right at home in the presence of a thrice holy God. God is neither the Author of confusion nor does He condone carnality in worship.
E. I may take these first couple of weeks preaching on the local church. I will not preach a series but will take my time dealing with this particular subject matter. I preach along these lines occasionally because of the “drifting” that has and is occurring in the Bible Belt. I am a strong local church preacher. I believe that its Founder is the Lord, its organization is Divine, its worship is pure, and its purpose is pointed.
F. Tonight, let’s look at what Paul pointed out in his salutation concerning the Philippian Church. There are three distinct classes of believers in the local church. By classes, I am not speaking of importance or worth, because all three are important and have definite purpose. Each is nothing without the other two.
G. I will deal with them in the order of mention.
1. The Saints - Act 2:41-43, 46-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles … (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
a. The Were Added – “gladly received” These individuals got the “real thing” and it showed in the immediate change of life. They were, for the most part, orthodox Jews who love the Temple and rejected Christianity. Now, they became identified with Jesus Christ, the rejected One, and the people of like precious faith. So many people get “saved” and never leave the false doctrine and deadness of their former religions.
b. They Assembled – “added unto them” Those who were truly saved had no problem with either baptism or attendance! There is a distinct difference between religion and salvation and that difference is evidenced here. When people get “saved” and have to be dragged to church and pushed into the baptismal waters, they are possibly missing something.
c. They Adhered – “continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine” They became “sheep” instead of “goats!” Goats “butt” and are often unruly. These believers recognized and accepted the truth being taught through the power of the preached Word and the inward dwelling of the Holy Ghost.
d. They Adored – “Praising God” Their assembly was punctuated by worship and glorification of the One who saved them. They worshipped unashamed and loved unreserved. Their hearts forever changed and filled with the love of Christ and His church.
e. They Became Active – “fellowship…breaking of bread…prayers” They followed God’s men, adhered to the doctrine taught, were faithful in fellowship, and became prayer warriors. They were not “pew sitters!” The work of the church must be done corporately!
f. They Added – “such as should be saved” God uses “sheep” to begat “sheep.” As their friends and loved ones saw the change that came through real salvation, they desired the same. From faith to faith is God’s way of propagating the gospel. We are saved and then tell others. Church visitation is an everyday event as God’s people mix and mingle with the unsaved both in public and within their families.
2. The Bishops - Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (There are denominations and churches that have women pastors and preachers. These churches are willfully ignorant of the scripture. A bishop must be the husband of one wife. This qualification also applies to missionaries and evangelists or preachers of any kind. If these verses in 1 Timothy only apply to the office of a bishop—then then the evangelists, missionary, or other preachers do not have to meet any qualifications!)
a. The Design of the Pastor – 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (It is an office! “Superintendence” To be placed in charge or to be director over. As the Godhead is triune, so is the body of the church. Chain of command is by divine design and is essential for the welfare and work of the local church. Without it, there would be much confusion because of a lack of spiritual leadership.)
b. The Description of the Pastor – Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (He is God’s man for you! Without apology, he is special because of his office, not because of his person. If he is God’s man, he will lead you right, he will love you right, he will advise you right, and will never intentionally hurt any of you.)
c. The Duties of the Pastor – 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (17) For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (God’s man is divinely obligated! God’s call is not optional; God’s call is a stewardship. He is not to be lazy or lax in his obligation. The pastorate is not an easy way to make a living, it is a ministry.)
1) The Pastor Is A Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (This speaks of both authority and obligation.)
2) The Pastor Is A Watchman
a) Warns Against Sin - Ezekiel 3:17-21 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. (Wicked Lost and Wicked Saved)
b) Warn Against False Teachers - Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
3) The Pastor Is A Preacher
a) Always Instant - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
b) All Inclusive - Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
1a. Preaches Salvation to the Lost
2a. Preaches Sanctification to the Saved
4) The Pastor Is A Teacher - 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
5) The Pastor Is A Friend - 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
3. The Deacons - 1 Timothy 3:8-12 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10) And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (Many churches have both men and women deacons but do err concerning the Scriptures. The qualifications for a deacon are the same as those of the bishop. He must be the “husband of one wife.” Those that err try to go to the Greek text underlying our English Bible to prove their appointment of women deacons. In Romans 16:1, Paul calls Phebe a “servant” of the church. The word “servant” used in this verse is the same word used in 1 Timothy 3 when giving the appointment and qualifications of deacons. Therefore, they concur that Phebe was a deacon in the local church. The Scofield Reference Bible adds to this confusion with its center column reference concerning the word “servant.” If you have a Scofield Bible, you will notice a little “s” if front of the word “servant” in verse 1. The center column explains the notation by calling Phebe a deaconess! There are two problems with Phebe being a deacon: 1) According to 1 Timothy 3, she is disqualified by not being able to be the husband of one wife 2) 1 Timothy 3 speaks of the “office” of a deacon and Romans 16 makes no such claim. Phebe was a precious lady who did what she could to serve the church but did not hold the office of a deacon. Though the scriptures say little concerning this particular office, good deacons are invaluable to the work of the local church.)
a. Deacons are invaluable to the local church - Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (Many times, people do not receive the visits that they both need and deserve when sick, in nursing homes, or in the hospitals. The pastor is expected to do all of the visiting and good pastors do make visits but, if he is the only one who visits the sick, those in nursing homes, or in the hospitals—those needing the visits will not get many visits! Churches do not realize how busy a pastor is during the week. My week gets planned out very quickly and, if not careful, I will let all of those plans interfere with the most important aspects of the pastorate. Our people who are sick and in need should have visits from someone besides the pastor or they will think that no one else cares.)
b. Deacons are invaluable to the pastor - Acts 6:2-4 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Good deacons “serve tables” to keep the pastor from having to do so. The main work of the pastor is two-fold: prayer and the Word of God. Study and prayer time are ever so important to the pastor: 1) For his personal wellbeing 2) For the wellbeing of the pulpit! These men of God are not only table waiters but are also sources of encouragement and counsel to the pastor. Their faithfulness to the Lord, the church, and their pastor is a blessing that only heaven will reveal completely. Good deacons are blessed: 1 Timothy 3:13 “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”)
Philippians 1:1
Introduction:
A. Paul is writing with a two-fold purpose:
1. To encourage the saints in light of his imprisonment by letting them know that he is in bonds in the will of God. God often uses dire circumstances to work His will and to accomplish spiritual ends. Trials and tribulations make us more dependent upon the Lord and strengthen us spiritually.
2. To commend the Philippian believers for the work and labor of love in the area of missions and promises them that, as their power to give ebbs and flows, God meets the needs of Him men through others.
B. As we begin the Book of Philippians, I want us to turn our attention to the first verse because it is one of a kind in the Pauline Epistles. In all other of his epistles, the Apostle Paul wrote to the saints in general or to individuals. This salutation is different as he mentions not only the saints but also the offices of that local church.
C. Over the past few decades, there has been a movement across America to minimize the importance of the local church. I do not know what there is about “not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together” that the modern day “Christian” does not get but, to me, the command is plain and simple to understand. I love to use the phrase “Not means no and no means never.” The Bible strongly emphasizes the local church.
D. The local church has organization that curtails confusion and division. Today’s churches are “laid back” in both organization and worship to make the carnal believer and the lost religionist feel right at home in the presence of a thrice holy God. God is neither the Author of confusion nor does He condone carnality in worship.
E. I may take these first couple of weeks preaching on the local church. I will not preach a series but will take my time dealing with this particular subject matter. I preach along these lines occasionally because of the “drifting” that has and is occurring in the Bible Belt. I am a strong local church preacher. I believe that its Founder is the Lord, its organization is Divine, its worship is pure, and its purpose is pointed.
F. Tonight, let’s look at what Paul pointed out in his salutation concerning the Philippian Church. There are three distinct classes of believers in the local church. By classes, I am not speaking of importance or worth, because all three are important and have definite purpose. Each is nothing without the other two.
G. I will deal with them in the order of mention.
1. The Saints - Act 2:41-43, 46-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles … (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
a. The Were Added – “gladly received” These individuals got the “real thing” and it showed in the immediate change of life. They were, for the most part, orthodox Jews who love the Temple and rejected Christianity. Now, they became identified with Jesus Christ, the rejected One, and the people of like precious faith. So many people get “saved” and never leave the false doctrine and deadness of their former religions.
b. They Assembled – “added unto them” Those who were truly saved had no problem with either baptism or attendance! There is a distinct difference between religion and salvation and that difference is evidenced here. When people get “saved” and have to be dragged to church and pushed into the baptismal waters, they are possibly missing something.
c. They Adhered – “continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine” They became “sheep” instead of “goats!” Goats “butt” and are often unruly. These believers recognized and accepted the truth being taught through the power of the preached Word and the inward dwelling of the Holy Ghost.
d. They Adored – “Praising God” Their assembly was punctuated by worship and glorification of the One who saved them. They worshipped unashamed and loved unreserved. Their hearts forever changed and filled with the love of Christ and His church.
e. They Became Active – “fellowship…breaking of bread…prayers” They followed God’s men, adhered to the doctrine taught, were faithful in fellowship, and became prayer warriors. They were not “pew sitters!” The work of the church must be done corporately!
f. They Added – “such as should be saved” God uses “sheep” to begat “sheep.” As their friends and loved ones saw the change that came through real salvation, they desired the same. From faith to faith is God’s way of propagating the gospel. We are saved and then tell others. Church visitation is an everyday event as God’s people mix and mingle with the unsaved both in public and within their families.
2. The Bishops - Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (There are denominations and churches that have women pastors and preachers. These churches are willfully ignorant of the scripture. A bishop must be the husband of one wife. This qualification also applies to missionaries and evangelists or preachers of any kind. If these verses in 1 Timothy only apply to the office of a bishop—then then the evangelists, missionary, or other preachers do not have to meet any qualifications!)
a. The Design of the Pastor – 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (It is an office! “Superintendence” To be placed in charge or to be director over. As the Godhead is triune, so is the body of the church. Chain of command is by divine design and is essential for the welfare and work of the local church. Without it, there would be much confusion because of a lack of spiritual leadership.)
b. The Description of the Pastor – Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (He is God’s man for you! Without apology, he is special because of his office, not because of his person. If he is God’s man, he will lead you right, he will love you right, he will advise you right, and will never intentionally hurt any of you.)
c. The Duties of the Pastor – 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (17) For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (God’s man is divinely obligated! God’s call is not optional; God’s call is a stewardship. He is not to be lazy or lax in his obligation. The pastorate is not an easy way to make a living, it is a ministry.)
1) The Pastor Is A Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (This speaks of both authority and obligation.)
2) The Pastor Is A Watchman
a) Warns Against Sin - Ezekiel 3:17-21 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. (Wicked Lost and Wicked Saved)
b) Warn Against False Teachers - Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
3) The Pastor Is A Preacher
a) Always Instant - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
b) All Inclusive - Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
1a. Preaches Salvation to the Lost
2a. Preaches Sanctification to the Saved
4) The Pastor Is A Teacher - 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
5) The Pastor Is A Friend - 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
3. The Deacons - 1 Timothy 3:8-12 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10) And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (11) Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (Many churches have both men and women deacons but do err concerning the Scriptures. The qualifications for a deacon are the same as those of the bishop. He must be the “husband of one wife.” Those that err try to go to the Greek text underlying our English Bible to prove their appointment of women deacons. In Romans 16:1, Paul calls Phebe a “servant” of the church. The word “servant” used in this verse is the same word used in 1 Timothy 3 when giving the appointment and qualifications of deacons. Therefore, they concur that Phebe was a deacon in the local church. The Scofield Reference Bible adds to this confusion with its center column reference concerning the word “servant.” If you have a Scofield Bible, you will notice a little “s” if front of the word “servant” in verse 1. The center column explains the notation by calling Phebe a deaconess! There are two problems with Phebe being a deacon: 1) According to 1 Timothy 3, she is disqualified by not being able to be the husband of one wife 2) 1 Timothy 3 speaks of the “office” of a deacon and Romans 16 makes no such claim. Phebe was a precious lady who did what she could to serve the church but did not hold the office of a deacon. Though the scriptures say little concerning this particular office, good deacons are invaluable to the work of the local church.)
a. Deacons are invaluable to the local church - Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (Many times, people do not receive the visits that they both need and deserve when sick, in nursing homes, or in the hospitals. The pastor is expected to do all of the visiting and good pastors do make visits but, if he is the only one who visits the sick, those in nursing homes, or in the hospitals—those needing the visits will not get many visits! Churches do not realize how busy a pastor is during the week. My week gets planned out very quickly and, if not careful, I will let all of those plans interfere with the most important aspects of the pastorate. Our people who are sick and in need should have visits from someone besides the pastor or they will think that no one else cares.)
b. Deacons are invaluable to the pastor - Acts 6:2-4 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Good deacons “serve tables” to keep the pastor from having to do so. The main work of the pastor is two-fold: prayer and the Word of God. Study and prayer time are ever so important to the pastor: 1) For his personal wellbeing 2) For the wellbeing of the pulpit! These men of God are not only table waiters but are also sources of encouragement and counsel to the pastor. Their faithfulness to the Lord, the church, and their pastor is a blessing that only heaven will reveal completely. Good deacons are blessed: 1 Timothy 3:13 “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Imperative of Sound Doctrine
Temple Baptist Church - 1-29-2012
1 Timothy 1:1-4; 3:15
Introduction:
A. I feel the need to go back to preaching through the books of the Bible on Sunday nights because of my age: knowing that I do not have many years left as I am now in my mid 60’s (no, don’t get excited for I am not quite ready to go yet!). There is so much scripture, so many books of the Bible that need to be expounded to God’s people in light of our times and it has taken me 2 years just to preach through Ephesians.
B. 1 Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul is writing to younger men of God to set in order the oversight, structure, and operation of the local church. Timothy was a convert of the Apostle Paul and Paul felt the need to disciple this young preacher. The key verse of 1 Timothy is found in chapter 3 and verse 15: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” Most churches are out of God’s order; therefore, learning how to behave in the house of the Lord—which is the pillar and ground of the truth—is of the utmost importance.
C. God’s house is a house of doctrine. The devil has certain “devices” that destroy the knowledge of sound doctrine which ultimately destroys God’s children.
1. De-emphasizing Of Sound Doctrine - A tactic of the devil to bring about the ecumenical movement which teaches that where you go to church is not important as long as you profess to be saved. This form of doctrinal ignorance is leading to the rise of a one world church.
2. Demonizing Of Sound Doctrine – A tactic of the devil that portrays God’s men in a pharisaical light and the Bible believing local church as cultic. This form of doctrinal ignorance drives away those who listen to such tactics and opens wide the door for false teachers and preachers.
3. Dividing Of Sound Doctrine – A tactic of the devil to bring about division within the fundamental churches with the main cause of division coming through higher education.
D. In the beginnings of the early church, all of the believers followed the doctrine of the Apostles but Satan soon began to infiltrate and divide. We have come:
FROM:
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
TO:
Ephesians 4:3-6 Endeavouring (to exert oneself or to strive) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
E. There is a decline in the teaching of Bible doctrine in the churches today as many churches, pastors, and teachers shy away from it and go from “heart pricking” to “ear tickling.” To these, doctrine is neither important nor is it relevant to our day. I want to reiterate that sound doctrine is imperative! Sound doctrine is imperative to:
1. The stability of the local church - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (If the church is not doctrinally correct, then it cannot be trusted. The Head of the church is Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ is the Word of God; therefore, if the Head and the Word are right, the local church can be trusted to be right also.)
2. The detection and rejection of the infiltration of false teachers - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (God gives to the local church pastors who rightly divide the word of truth, feed the flock of God, and equip the saints to be able to discern false teaching. Theological “food poisoning” is a good term describing false doctrinal teaching. It brings joy to the pastor’s heart when his people can detect false statements.)
3. The spiritual well being of the believer - Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (One of the greatest accolades that can be given to the local church is that of a people who know what and why they believe. A knowledgeable people are both productive and protected. Too many churches are characterized by biblical ignorance. Paul often addressed the believers with the statement, “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren.”)
4. The biblical training of our children - Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (The Bible and doctrinal truth are essential to the spiritual upbringing of our children. Our children need to be taught the Word of God, not just entertained and the Bible taught must be right and the doctrine correct. I have seen people purposely confuse their children in order to show rebellion toward the preaching and teaching from the pulpit.)
1 Timothy 1:1-4; 3:15
Introduction:
A. I feel the need to go back to preaching through the books of the Bible on Sunday nights because of my age: knowing that I do not have many years left as I am now in my mid 60’s (no, don’t get excited for I am not quite ready to go yet!). There is so much scripture, so many books of the Bible that need to be expounded to God’s people in light of our times and it has taken me 2 years just to preach through Ephesians.
B. 1 Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul is writing to younger men of God to set in order the oversight, structure, and operation of the local church. Timothy was a convert of the Apostle Paul and Paul felt the need to disciple this young preacher. The key verse of 1 Timothy is found in chapter 3 and verse 15: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” Most churches are out of God’s order; therefore, learning how to behave in the house of the Lord—which is the pillar and ground of the truth—is of the utmost importance.
C. God’s house is a house of doctrine. The devil has certain “devices” that destroy the knowledge of sound doctrine which ultimately destroys God’s children.
1. De-emphasizing Of Sound Doctrine - A tactic of the devil to bring about the ecumenical movement which teaches that where you go to church is not important as long as you profess to be saved. This form of doctrinal ignorance is leading to the rise of a one world church.
2. Demonizing Of Sound Doctrine – A tactic of the devil that portrays God’s men in a pharisaical light and the Bible believing local church as cultic. This form of doctrinal ignorance drives away those who listen to such tactics and opens wide the door for false teachers and preachers.
3. Dividing Of Sound Doctrine – A tactic of the devil to bring about division within the fundamental churches with the main cause of division coming through higher education.
D. In the beginnings of the early church, all of the believers followed the doctrine of the Apostles but Satan soon began to infiltrate and divide. We have come:
FROM:
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
TO:
Ephesians 4:3-6 Endeavouring (to exert oneself or to strive) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
E. There is a decline in the teaching of Bible doctrine in the churches today as many churches, pastors, and teachers shy away from it and go from “heart pricking” to “ear tickling.” To these, doctrine is neither important nor is it relevant to our day. I want to reiterate that sound doctrine is imperative! Sound doctrine is imperative to:
1. The stability of the local church - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (If the church is not doctrinally correct, then it cannot be trusted. The Head of the church is Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ is the Word of God; therefore, if the Head and the Word are right, the local church can be trusted to be right also.)
2. The detection and rejection of the infiltration of false teachers - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (God gives to the local church pastors who rightly divide the word of truth, feed the flock of God, and equip the saints to be able to discern false teaching. Theological “food poisoning” is a good term describing false doctrinal teaching. It brings joy to the pastor’s heart when his people can detect false statements.)
3. The spiritual well being of the believer - Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (One of the greatest accolades that can be given to the local church is that of a people who know what and why they believe. A knowledgeable people are both productive and protected. Too many churches are characterized by biblical ignorance. Paul often addressed the believers with the statement, “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren.”)
4. The biblical training of our children - Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (The Bible and doctrinal truth are essential to the spiritual upbringing of our children. Our children need to be taught the Word of God, not just entertained and the Bible taught must be right and the doctrine correct. I have seen people purposely confuse their children in order to show rebellion toward the preaching and teaching from the pulpit.)
Walking In Lust
Temple Baptist Church - 1-29-2012
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. The past few weeks, I have been preaching on the importance and enemies of fellowship within the local church. One last time, I cannot over emphasis the importance of having a right relationship with each other. The one thing that our Lord said would bring the house down is division from within. I gave us three “L’s” to remember. We must walk in love, light, and without lust.
B. These three are equally essential to unity. If we do not walk in love, we will have schisms within the church; if we do not walk in light, we will allow our sinfulness to divide the purity of the church,; this morning, if we walk in lust, our priorities will be wrong and wrong priorities deter the church’s purposes.
C. I want us to look at several portions of scripture to explain what the Bible means when it uses the term “lust.” In our day, it normally gives a sexual connotation and that can be one of the various uses but “lust” can deal with a number of areas in the life of the believer.
D. James 4:1-3 says it all concerning lust and division:
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (Wars and fightings among us come from lusts that war in our members. I find two wars in these verses: 1) Lust warring in our members and 2) Wars and fighting’s among each other.)
E. If my interpretation is right and I believe that it is, the first war is from within and, if this war is lost, then wars break out in the church. Thus, if we want to have peace and unity within the church body, we must have personal victory within ourselves.
F. There are three general areas of lust which can be broken down into a myriad of areas of lust in particular.
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (To define these three areas of lust would be somewhat like this: 1) The lust of the flesh would be our natural fleshly desires: our flesh is not saved and is sensual in nature: it too often desires that which is unlawful; 2) the lust of the eye would be a consuming desire for things that God has not given to us or are not God’s will for us: these things may or may not be sinful but can become weights that hinder our lives for Christ; 3) the pride of life could be called ambition for recognition of honor: a desire to “be someone.”)
G. How do we win the war within so that we do not have to fight the wars in the church? I believe that the answer is biblically simple though spiritually difficult. I am going to give us verses that we are familiar with and yet these verses are areas of frequent failure in all of us.
1. We must keep our Priority right. Luke 9:59-62 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. (60) Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. (61) And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. (62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (First is to be Christ! Allow me to put something before you, Lord? Not just putting something first but asking God’s permission.)
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (The Lord asked Peter, “Lovest thou me more than these?”
2. We must keep our Purpose right. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (Our main purpose in life is to bring honor and glory to the One who saved us: being careful to maintain good works so as to never bring shame to Christ.)
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
3. We must keep our Prize in sight. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. ("He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." [Jim Elliot] We are here for a short span of time and then our eternity begins so we should keep the eternal before our eyes instead of the temporal.)
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. The past few weeks, I have been preaching on the importance and enemies of fellowship within the local church. One last time, I cannot over emphasis the importance of having a right relationship with each other. The one thing that our Lord said would bring the house down is division from within. I gave us three “L’s” to remember. We must walk in love, light, and without lust.
B. These three are equally essential to unity. If we do not walk in love, we will have schisms within the church; if we do not walk in light, we will allow our sinfulness to divide the purity of the church,; this morning, if we walk in lust, our priorities will be wrong and wrong priorities deter the church’s purposes.
C. I want us to look at several portions of scripture to explain what the Bible means when it uses the term “lust.” In our day, it normally gives a sexual connotation and that can be one of the various uses but “lust” can deal with a number of areas in the life of the believer.
D. James 4:1-3 says it all concerning lust and division:
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (Wars and fightings among us come from lusts that war in our members. I find two wars in these verses: 1) Lust warring in our members and 2) Wars and fighting’s among each other.)
E. If my interpretation is right and I believe that it is, the first war is from within and, if this war is lost, then wars break out in the church. Thus, if we want to have peace and unity within the church body, we must have personal victory within ourselves.
F. There are three general areas of lust which can be broken down into a myriad of areas of lust in particular.
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (To define these three areas of lust would be somewhat like this: 1) The lust of the flesh would be our natural fleshly desires: our flesh is not saved and is sensual in nature: it too often desires that which is unlawful; 2) the lust of the eye would be a consuming desire for things that God has not given to us or are not God’s will for us: these things may or may not be sinful but can become weights that hinder our lives for Christ; 3) the pride of life could be called ambition for recognition of honor: a desire to “be someone.”)
G. How do we win the war within so that we do not have to fight the wars in the church? I believe that the answer is biblically simple though spiritually difficult. I am going to give us verses that we are familiar with and yet these verses are areas of frequent failure in all of us.
1. We must keep our Priority right. Luke 9:59-62 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. (60) Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. (61) And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. (62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (First is to be Christ! Allow me to put something before you, Lord? Not just putting something first but asking God’s permission.)
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (The Lord asked Peter, “Lovest thou me more than these?”
2. We must keep our Purpose right. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (Our main purpose in life is to bring honor and glory to the One who saved us: being careful to maintain good works so as to never bring shame to Christ.)
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
3. We must keep our Prize in sight. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. ("He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." [Jim Elliot] We are here for a short span of time and then our eternity begins so we should keep the eternal before our eyes instead of the temporal.)
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Walking In The Light
Temple Baptist Church - 1-22-2012
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. Two weeks ago, I preached on the subject of “Fellowship.” Fellowship or getting along within the local church is essential to the well-being and work of the church. A house divided “against itself” cannot stand. Not divided by the world or Satan or doctrine, but by personality conflicts. I used three “L’s” that are the basis for fellowship or division: light, love, and lust.
B. Last Sunday morning, I preached on the “Seven Aspects of Divine Love.” Love is essential to peace among the brethren as we all have different personalities, likes and dislikes, opinions, and preferences.
C. This morning, I want to look at the “L” of Light. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light.” The bible declares that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Therefore, walking in the light is essential to fellowship with God and each other.
D. I want to look at the first mention of light and darkness found in Genesis 1.
Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (4) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (5) And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
1. Darkness – to hide or obscurity
2. Light – luminous, clear or glorious, complete visibility
3. Divided – to sever or distinguish
4. We often use the axiom “as different as day and night.” These are opposites.
5. God saw the light and said that it was “good” and divided it from the darkness about which nothing was said. Thus giving the immediate impression that, if the two are opposites, then the day or “light” was good and the darkness or “night” was not.
E. I understand that the night, as far as the twenty four period is concerned, is not in itself evil but the spiritual application is different. Night in the bible is a time of sin and sorrow. The night comes in which man does not work (at least in years gone by) so man sleeps it away in order to rest for the following day.
F. In our text found in 1 John 1, we find that light is good and holy while darkness is bad and sinful. This is the proper interpretation of these verses; therefore, it is both good and holy to walk in the light while it is bad and sinful to walk in darkness. Darkness breaks fellowship with God and, therefore, with man.
G. Four things walking in the light does:
1. Light Discloses Our Sin - 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2. Light Defines Our Security – Psalms 4:6-8 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (7) Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. (8) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
3. Light Directs Our Steps - Psalms 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Proverbs 3:21-24 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: (22) So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. (23) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. (24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
4. Light Displays Our Saviour - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (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.
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. Two weeks ago, I preached on the subject of “Fellowship.” Fellowship or getting along within the local church is essential to the well-being and work of the church. A house divided “against itself” cannot stand. Not divided by the world or Satan or doctrine, but by personality conflicts. I used three “L’s” that are the basis for fellowship or division: light, love, and lust.
B. Last Sunday morning, I preached on the “Seven Aspects of Divine Love.” Love is essential to peace among the brethren as we all have different personalities, likes and dislikes, opinions, and preferences.
C. This morning, I want to look at the “L” of Light. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light.” The bible declares that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Therefore, walking in the light is essential to fellowship with God and each other.
D. I want to look at the first mention of light and darkness found in Genesis 1.
Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (4) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (5) And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
1. Darkness – to hide or obscurity
2. Light – luminous, clear or glorious, complete visibility
3. Divided – to sever or distinguish
4. We often use the axiom “as different as day and night.” These are opposites.
5. God saw the light and said that it was “good” and divided it from the darkness about which nothing was said. Thus giving the immediate impression that, if the two are opposites, then the day or “light” was good and the darkness or “night” was not.
E. I understand that the night, as far as the twenty four period is concerned, is not in itself evil but the spiritual application is different. Night in the bible is a time of sin and sorrow. The night comes in which man does not work (at least in years gone by) so man sleeps it away in order to rest for the following day.
F. In our text found in 1 John 1, we find that light is good and holy while darkness is bad and sinful. This is the proper interpretation of these verses; therefore, it is both good and holy to walk in the light while it is bad and sinful to walk in darkness. Darkness breaks fellowship with God and, therefore, with man.
G. Four things walking in the light does:
1. Light Discloses Our Sin - 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2. Light Defines Our Security – Psalms 4:6-8 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (7) Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. (8) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
3. Light Directs Our Steps - Psalms 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Proverbs 3:21-24 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: (22) So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. (23) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. (24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
4. Light Displays Our Saviour - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (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.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Sincere Love
Temple Baptist Church - 1-18-2012
Ephesians 6:23-24
Introduction:
A. Paul ends the Ephesian Epistle in a very familiar way. He pronounces his desire for the Ephesians believers: peace, love, and grace! Peace to live together; love to fellowship with each other; and grace to endure steadfastly. We need all three of these things in our churches!
1. A blessed peacefulness when we enter these doors to worship.
2. A pure, fervent love for one another as we worship the Lord together.
3. An abundant, multi-faceted, all-sufficient grace that will see us through the valleys of life.
B. As we end this great epistle, called by many “The Highlands of Faith,” I want to home in on a phrase in verse 24: “love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” If there is a sincere love, then there has to be the reality of an insincere love. To so many in our day, love for the Lord is “lip service.” An empty, hollow, shallow word uttered from a heart fully set upon the things of the world.
C. The world’s love is normally based upon physical attraction instead of inner beauty. The Laodicean believer loves the same way. They love the Lord for what He does for them instead of for who He is. As the outer beauty of a person soon fades into old age, the Laodicean believer’s appreciation for the goodness of God soon wanes. If not careful, appreciation always turns into expectancy!
D. In John 21, as our Lord restored Peter, he asked Peter three times if he loved Him.
John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (The question to be answered is not “lovest thou me” for each of us would answer that in the affirmative. The question to be asked is “lovest thou me MORE THAN THESE!” Our Lord did not rebuke Peter for going fishing as there is nothing wrong with doing so. I love fish as much as anyone. Peter gave up his ministry for the Lord to go back to fishing for a living. “Peter, do you love me more than the old life?”)
E. A sincere love is so much more than a casual love. In today’s economy, young and old couples have pre-nuptial agreements or simply live together because the trust and commitment are not there. Their love is not a sincere love because its foundation is flawed from its inception. A sincere love is a love that changes our lives and desires. A sincere love should be:
1. A Sincere Love Is A Full Love - Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (A full love is from the heart.)
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (A full love is with all the heart. A full love is without reservation. A full love is without hypocrisy. A full love is in deed and truth.)
2. A Sincere Love Is A Fervent Love - John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (Peter was grieved with the questions of the Lord because it was a rebuke that brought about conviction. Peter no doubt loved the Lord. I do not think that there was a man in the Bible who loved Jesus more. But, because of failure and disappointment, Peter took his hand off the plow and looked back to the old life. Ephesus left their first love and so did Peter.)
3. A Sincere Love Is A Faithful Love - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (How can I stop loving Christ? I cannot but I can let my love cool off to the point of unfaithfulness. All of God’s children love Him but it another thing all together to love him with “all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength”
Ephesians 6:23-24
Introduction:
A. Paul ends the Ephesian Epistle in a very familiar way. He pronounces his desire for the Ephesians believers: peace, love, and grace! Peace to live together; love to fellowship with each other; and grace to endure steadfastly. We need all three of these things in our churches!
1. A blessed peacefulness when we enter these doors to worship.
2. A pure, fervent love for one another as we worship the Lord together.
3. An abundant, multi-faceted, all-sufficient grace that will see us through the valleys of life.
B. As we end this great epistle, called by many “The Highlands of Faith,” I want to home in on a phrase in verse 24: “love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” If there is a sincere love, then there has to be the reality of an insincere love. To so many in our day, love for the Lord is “lip service.” An empty, hollow, shallow word uttered from a heart fully set upon the things of the world.
C. The world’s love is normally based upon physical attraction instead of inner beauty. The Laodicean believer loves the same way. They love the Lord for what He does for them instead of for who He is. As the outer beauty of a person soon fades into old age, the Laodicean believer’s appreciation for the goodness of God soon wanes. If not careful, appreciation always turns into expectancy!
D. In John 21, as our Lord restored Peter, he asked Peter three times if he loved Him.
John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (The question to be answered is not “lovest thou me” for each of us would answer that in the affirmative. The question to be asked is “lovest thou me MORE THAN THESE!” Our Lord did not rebuke Peter for going fishing as there is nothing wrong with doing so. I love fish as much as anyone. Peter gave up his ministry for the Lord to go back to fishing for a living. “Peter, do you love me more than the old life?”)
E. A sincere love is so much more than a casual love. In today’s economy, young and old couples have pre-nuptial agreements or simply live together because the trust and commitment are not there. Their love is not a sincere love because its foundation is flawed from its inception. A sincere love is a love that changes our lives and desires. A sincere love should be:
1. A Sincere Love Is A Full Love - Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (A full love is from the heart.)
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (A full love is with all the heart. A full love is without reservation. A full love is without hypocrisy. A full love is in deed and truth.)
2. A Sincere Love Is A Fervent Love - John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (Peter was grieved with the questions of the Lord because it was a rebuke that brought about conviction. Peter no doubt loved the Lord. I do not think that there was a man in the Bible who loved Jesus more. But, because of failure and disappointment, Peter took his hand off the plow and looked back to the old life. Ephesus left their first love and so did Peter.)
3. A Sincere Love Is A Faithful Love - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (How can I stop loving Christ? I cannot but I can let my love cool off to the point of unfaithfulness. All of God’s children love Him but it another thing all together to love him with “all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength”
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