The Dangers of Drifting

Temple Baptist Church - 8-30-2015

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Chapter 3 begins with the word “Wherefore” and ties this chapter back to chapter 2. 

 

1.  Paul told of his desire to come to Thessalonica but was hindered from doing so by Ole Slewfoot.  When he could no longer stand the suspense, he sent Timothy—one of his most trusted preachers—to Thessalonica to establish and comfort the church.  Paul was well aware of Satan’s devices and power to divide and conquer.  A church without a pastor is doomed to decline and possible destruction.

 

2.  In these verses, we find a perilous possibility of an established, well founded doctrinally, flourishing church drifting.  Remember, this was the church that Paul spoke about in the second Corinthian epistle.

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-2  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;  (2)  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

 

B.  In these verses, we find both the possibility of drifting and the protection against drifting.  I want to look at both of these things.  The possibility of drifting first.  What causes a good, sound, fundamental, bible believing church to drift. 

 

 

C.  We could look at numerous things that cause good churches to “go south” but I want to look at the context of these verses.

 

1.  Drifting requires no effort on the part of the believer.

 

2.  Drifting can be an unconscious movement.

 

3.  Drifting can cause a ship to wreck.

 

1.  A people who will not following the bible!  “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith”  Jude 24  “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”  If God is able to keep us from falling (and He is) then we do not have fall or drift.

 

a.  Drifting too often begins in the pulpit.  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:  (If the pastor does the work that God called him to do, then the church would be strengthened, protected, and properly guided.  Too many who fill the pulpits today are simply hirelings.  More afraid of what people think than of what God sent them to do.  More worried about losing their paycheck than losing God’s flock.  When there is no anchor, a boat will drift.)

 

b.  Drifting continues in the pews.  2 Timothy 3:13-14  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (When God’s people have God’s man, they are to follow him as he follows Christ.  Follow his leadership, personal example, and his teaching of biblical principles.  When the people will not use the anchor, a boat will drift.  Itching eared people and God called pastors do not get along too well!  J )

 

2.  An unwillingness to withstand and, having done all, to stand in the face of adversity.  “That no man should be moved by these afflictions … when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know”  Ephesians 6:11-13  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  (“That ye may be able” is an affirmative!  We can and should stand in the present evil world.  Persecution always follows godliness and adversity follows a soul conscious church!  This church had been born in the fire but it was still a possibility of their quitting under the constant pressure and persecution of the world.)

 

a.  Spiritual preparation: there must be a putting on of the whole armour of God.  Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

 

b.  Mental preparation: there must be a willingness to suffer persecution.  2 Corinthians 1:8-9  For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  (9)  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

 

3.  An ignorance of an active enemy.  “lest by some means the tempter have tempted you”  2 Corinthians 11:2-4  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  (3)  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  (4)  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

 

a.  There must be a recognition of who the enemy is and what he does.  Verse 12.  1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (Be sober, be vigilant are a strong warning!  We are not playing a game.  This war is for keeps!)

 

b.  A succumbing to the wiles and devices of Satan.  2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.  (We are not ignorant as to how Satan works but are often foolish in the ways that we allow him to work anyway.)

 

The Glory of God

Temple Baptist Church - 8-30-2015

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Over the last few weeks, we have seen several attributes of David’s God as he publicly worshipped in the sight of all of the people.  We looked at the greatness, sovereignty, and power of God.  This morning, I want to look at the glory of God.

 

B.  When we think of the glory of God, our minds go to the Old Testament where, on several occasion, God manifested His Shekinah glory to His people.  Throughout the Old Testament, we find theophanies, Christophanies, anthropomorphisms, etc.  God never revealed His Shekinah glory or His person without a reason!

 

1.  At the Burning Bush, God revealed His Purpose for Israel’s deliverance.  Exodus 3:2  And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

 

2.  On Mt. Sinai, God revealed His Holiness to Israel.  Exodus 19:18  And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

 

3.  On Mt. Sinai, God revealed His Person to Moses.  Exodus 33:18  And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

 

4.  In the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, God revealed His glory.  Exodus 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

 

5.  In Solomon’s Temple, God revealed His glory.  2 Chronicles 5:14  So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

 

6.  Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up in Isaiah chapter 6.  Isaiah 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

 

7 .  In the New Testament, Jesus Christ was transfigured and the apostles saw His glory.  Matthew 17:2  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

 

8.  In Revelations, Jesus Christ revealed Himself to John in the Revelation.  Revelation 1:16  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

 

C.  God no longer manifests His Shekinah glory.  You and I have never seen God or that glory that was manifested thousands of years ago.  Now, to answer the question: “Why?”  If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever—why do we not have the privilege of seeing His glory?  He is invisible to man today.

 

1 Timothy 1:17  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

D.  Because we have the complete revelation of God in our hands!  Whatsoever is not of faith is sin and God has chosen that we walk be faith and faith comes through God’s Word.

 

1 Peter 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

 

E.  I want to look at a verse and then make an analogy.  1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.  (We glorify God through the things that we do.  These outward things that we do are because of who we are inwardly.)

 

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

F.  The glory of God is no different.  Though we cannot physically seem Him, His glory is manifested in what He does.  But we see the glory of God through His wonderful creation and works.  Hebrews 2:9  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

 

1.  We see the Glory of God in His creation.  Psalms 19:1-5  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  (2)  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  (3)  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.  (4)  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,  (5)  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.  (When I think of handywork, I think of a skilled work or a work of art.  This world is certainly a work of art in its perfection; its architecture, its harmony, its balance, its breath taking beauty, its minute detail.  All of these point to the glory of the One who made it all.)

 

2.  We see the Glory of God in His incarnation.  John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 

3.  We see the Glory of God in His gospel.  2 Corinthians 4:3-4  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  (God so loved the world that He gave His Son!  Born in the flesh, born in poverty, born in obscurity, died on an old rugged cross for our sins, gloriously resurrected bodily from the grave, gloriously ascended back to heaven for sinners such as you and me!  Oh what glory!)

 

4.  We see the Glory of God in His Person.  Exodus 34:6-7  And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  (7)  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  (Oh, the love, grace, mercy, and longsuffering of our wonderful Lord.  He is so much better to us than we deserve.  He is so much better to sinners than they deserve.)

 

5.  We see the Glory of God in His communion.  Psalms 40:5  Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.  (This almighty—self-sufficient God, who needs nothing or anyone, would even recognize a poor lost sinner like you and me is beyond comprehension.)

Truth

Temple Baptist Church - 8-26-2015

2 John 1-4

 

 

Introduction:

 

A.  As John introduces this second epistle, he begins with the mention of truth. 

 

1.  In the later days of the apostles, apostasy very quickly spread and was found on every hand.  False prophets became false teachers. 

 

2 Peter 1:19-2:3  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  (20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  (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.  …  (1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  (2)  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  (3)  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  (Thus, in 2 Peter, we find truth and false truth.  It is the truth that exposes false truth.)

 

2.  What is the work of a teacher?  To instruct of to educate someone.  Their job is to give facts or truth.  With the rise of false teachers, there must also be a pseudo-truth or false truth.  Therefore, we find that truth is a relative term.  In false teaching, there are two types: 

 

a)  Ignorant teachers who simply teach the “facts” that they have learned from another.  These are false teachers but not necessarily apostate as the apostate once held the truth and moved away from their former position.  Such false facts are found in many of the text books being used in schools or churches.  In churches, there are many teachers who use incorrect, fallible modern bibles or use Sunday School material written by liberal or lost writers.  Many of these false teachers are ignorant of truth. 

 

b)  Apostate teachers are more dangerous.  Those who know the truth and continue to preach doctrine contrary to the truth.  These are not ignorant, they are willful!

 

Romans 1:18-22  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  (19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  (20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  (21)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  (22)  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 

c)  I said that truth has actually become a relative term in the day in which we live. 

 

1)  Relative means comparative: reasonable as compared to.  In other words, truth can change with the times.  Real truth is absolute:  complete and unconditional.  It does not change with the times.  If it was true 100 years ago, it was true 50 years ago, and it is true today. 

 

2)  A man once told me, “I am on the side of right!”  Sounds great does in not?  But with this man, right was perceived right.  In other words, it did not necessarily have to be right, it just had to seem right to him.  We live in days with no right or wrong.  It is right if you think it is right and wrong if you think that it is wrong.  RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG!

 

d)  Therefore, there must be a right standard; an unmovable truth; a final authority from which all things are measured and upon which all judgement is rendered.

 

B.  This will take a few weeks to preach because of the importance of the subject.  Therefore, we find:

 

1.  The importance of Truth or a Benchmark from which all things are measured.  It is imperative that we know that we have the Word of God.  Not an errant, fallible book that contains the Word of God but the very words of God!

 

a.  Our salvation depends upon it.  Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (If salvation comes through faith in the Word of God, then we must have it in order to be saved.  Satan hates the King James Bible!)

 

b.  Our sound doctrine depends upon it.  Titus 1:9  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.  (God expects us to be doctrinally correct and gives us the truth of God’s Word to anchor our doctrine in.)

 

c.    Our Christian growth requires it.  Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  (Christianity is based upon spiritual growth and those building blocks are founded in the truth of God’s Word.)

 

d.  Our daily guidance necessitates It. Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  (Wisdom comes from God.  If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.)

 

e.  Our exposing of false teachers relies upon it.  Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (In order to expose and refute error, you must have truth.)

 

Conclusion:  Over the next few months, we will be looking at the apostasy that faces the local church today, the false teachers who infiltrate the local church, and the Word of God that protects us from them.

The Joy of Souls Saved

Temple Baptist Church - 8-23-2015

1 Thessalonians 2:18-20

 

 

Introduction:

 

A. One of the most important works of both the local church and the individual believer is that of witnessing or soul winning.

 

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

1.  We have the power of witness, “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”

 

2.  We have the commandment of witness, “ye shall be.”  Matthew 28:18-20 is often called the Great Commission or Great Commandment.  The believer is an epistle written of God and read of men.

 

3.  We have the realm of witness, “both” or at the same time at home, our nation, and the rest of the world.  Every creature needs a preacher!

 

B.  In our text, we find the great desire that Paul had to lead the lost to Christ and to have fellowship with those who are saved.  One of the greatest of Christian joys is:

 

1.  To see people come to know the same Lord that we know; to be going to the same heaven that we are going to.

 

2.  To be able to see the changes that the Lord makes in their lives that reflect the change in our lives.

 

3.  To have the privilege of knowing them, serving the Lord with them, fellowshipping with them, and worshipping with them.

 

4.  And one day, just like today, spend an eternity worshipping our wonderful Lord together.

 

C.  What is the value of a soul.  It is of: 

 

1.  Infinite value to God - Genesis 2:7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

 

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

2.  Infinite value to heaven’s inhabitants - Luke 15:10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

 

3.  Infinite value to the owner - Matthew 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

4.  Should be of infinite value to us who are saved - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20  (19)  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  (20)  For ye are our glory and joy.

 

D.  I want to look at the soul winner for a few minutes tonight.

 

1.  Soul winning is bases upon a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Romans 1:16-17  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  (17)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  (You can never win souls until you have experienced forgiveness yourself!)

 

2.  Soul winners need to have:

 

a.  A right testimony

 

b.  The joy of the Lord

 

c.  A working knowledge of the Scriptures

 

d.  A compassion for the lost

 

e.  Availability and Readiness to witness

 

f.  Versatility

 

3.  Soul winners will be rewarded:

 

a.  In eternity - Daniel 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

 

b.  In this life - John 4:36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

 

4.  Soul winners are wise:  Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

 

5.  Sour winners are glad - 1Thessalonians 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

The Power of God

Temple Baptist Church - 8-23-2016

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

 

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Once again, the greatness of God’s house is not found in either its money or its beauty. 

 

1.  Though money can be greatly used to further the gospel, the Bible calls it the “unrighteous mammon.”  So many churches have put their wealth in everything except the furtherance of the gospel while the world remains unreached and lost.

 

2.  Though it is wonderful to be able to have a beautiful church that honors God, too often such churches have squandered God’s money by being overly ornate.  In most of those churches, the Lord is a Stranger because He is not welcome!

 

3.  The glory and praise of the house of the Lord is found in the recognition and worship of its God.  We looked at the greatness and sovereignty of God over the las couple of weeks.  This morning, I want to look at another attribute of God found in David’s praise. 

 

B.  After God’s greatness and sovereignty, we find mentioned first His power.  The reason should be clear: God cannot be great or sovereign if He is not omnipotent!  Ask the average person if God can do anything or all things and their answer would probably be “Yes.”  But this is not a heartfelt perception.

 

1.  The world has a warped view of our wonderful Lord.  The world sees Him as “god” but not as “God!”  If men see Jesus Christ through human eyes and mind, they get a worldly perception of Him.  To be properly seen, the Lord must be seen through the Bible by faith.

 

2.  Often, the believer has such a view of Jesus Christ.  We see Him as “God” when things go right and as “god” when circumstances change and doubts arise!  As faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so our perception of Jesus Christ must (and I re-emphasis MUST) come from God’s Word.  Our faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  Whom having not seen you love!  Whom having not seen you believe!  We must believe what the Bible says about Him in order to perceive Him right.

 

C.  I want to take a short look at God’s power for a few minutes this morning.  Nothing new but always profound and powerful when looked at through the eyes of the Bible.  I actually want to look at four things.

 

1.  God’s Power Kinetically – Let me explain in a simple manner.  Kinetic Energy is simply energy in motion or the amount of energy that is needed to do a certain amount of work such as the energy needed to propel a rocket at a certain speed.  Kinetic Energy is an exact measurement.  (KE = 0.5 x m x v²)  God does things exactly!     I do not want to get into physics but our God is the God of physics.  Let me illustrate biblically.

 

a.  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.

 

b.  Here we see power in action or Kinetic Energy.  God did several things in these verses: He created the heaven and the earth, He created light, and He divided the light from the darkness.  God used the exact power needed to do these things and no more.  Also, when speaking of God’s power, He does not labor physically but speaks or wills something to be done and it is done.

 

c.  God uses His power in our lives every day to get things done in us and for us.  It is God’s power in motion to benefit His children.  God uses all of the power He needs to use and no more than He needs to use.  He supplies all our need, not our want.  Thank the Lord He often gives to us the desires of our hearts because He is loving and gracious.

 

d.  God is active in our lives though we oft times forget it.  God uses His power to feed us, protect us, clothe us.  God is active in our lives for in Him we live, we move, and have our being. 

 

d.  This leads us to God’s Power Potentially.

 

2.  God’s Power Potentially – Potential Energy is energy at rest.  A car that is parked or a motor not started.  Once again, let us look at a biblical illustration.

 

a.  Genesis 2:1-2  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  (2)  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

 

b.  God created the heaven and the earth and all that in them is which was kinetic energy  or power but, on the seventh day rested.

 

c.  By “rested,” He “ended” His work.  He was done and there was no more to be done as far as creation was concerned.  God was not tired, God was not at the end of His power, He was simply done!

 

d.  By God’s Potential Power, He could have created a limitless amount of universes!  But He ended His work because He was finished, not limited!  God’s power was not expended nor was it diminished. 

 

3.  God’s Power Unlimited – One of God’s attributes is that of omnipotence.  It means unlimited power!

 

a.  Matthew 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

b.  All power in earth, all power in the universe, and all power in the heaven of heavens where God abides belongs to God.  Psalms 62:11  God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

 

c.  God can do anything, anywhere, at any time, forever.  Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

 

d.  God has power over things in heaven.  God has power over creation.  God has power over human government.  God has power over authorities.  God has all power and nothing is impossible with Him. 

 

e.  God is able to meet every need and take care of us in any difficulty.

 

4.  God’s Power Limited – How can limitless power be limited power?  God has no weaknesses; He has no limitations; He has no doubts or worries. There is nothing that He cannot do; nothing that He does not know; there is no place where He cannot be found; and He knows the end from the beginning so we have absolutely nothing to worry about!  Right?

 

a.  Psalms 78:41  Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

 

b.  God’s power can be limited in salvation when men reject Him.  God will not force men to be saved.

 

c.  God’s power can be limited in protection when men defy Him.  Too often, we step outside of God’s area of protection.

 

d.  God’s power can be limited in provision when men do contrary to His Word.  Men fail to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Then the Lord will add all these things unto us.

 

e.  God’s power can be limited in the predicaments of life when men fail to trust Him.  Men step outside of God’s will sometimes when problems come.  These are the times to stay in church, be faithful, and trust.  Never jump ship in the midst of the storm!

 

Conclusion:  God is omnipotent and is to be greatly praised!

The Sovereignty Of God

Temple Baptist Church - 8-16-2015

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  David told Solomon that he needed to get to know the God of David: Jehovah God.  Last Sunday, we took a short look at the eternality of God.  Infinite and perpetual in nature and being.

 

B.  This morning, I want to look at the sovereignty of God and it may take more than this morning to complete.  David beings with “Thine, O LORD.”  This is one of the most important doctrines in theology.  As one old preacher said, “He either is or He ain’t!”  You cannot have a true God without sovereignty!  The Bible declares God sovereign in all matters.

 

C.  By the sovereignty of God, it is to be understood that—as Creator of all things both visible and invisible—God is both owner of or and ruler over all things.

 

Colossians 1:16-17  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  (17)  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

D.  The Sovereignty of God!  You will not find either of the words “sovereign” or “sovereignty” in the Bible but the truth is set forth from Genesis 1:1—where the bible declares that “In the beginning God … God said”—to Revelation 22:21 where it says “Amen!”  As God has said, “Let it be so!”  As God has willed it, it shall be!  In God’s sovereignty, he causes things and also allows things.

 

E.  Since the word “sovereignty” is not a bible word, let us look at its definition for clarification:

 

Sovereignty – Free from all external control; reigning or royal authority; the dominion of a monarch, the complete authority to govern a state; exclusive in right to control one’s thoughts and actions; autonomous; greatest in status, authority, and power; supreme; exceptional in quality.

 

F.  The doctrine of the “Sovereignty of God” is one of both the least understood and the most misunderstood.

 

1.  Most believe that things happen per chance instead of providence.  I do not believe in luck.  I believe in the providence of an all-knowing, thrice holy God!

 

2.  Many believe that God’s sovereignty over rules mans ability to choose.  God made man a free moral agent and gave man the ability and obligation to choose.  This does not do away with God’s sovereignty.  It amplifies it.  God can do as He chooses and if He gives man the choice of salvation, then it is because He is a sovereign God.  The doctrine called Calvinism is both heretical and damnable! 

 

G.  Because He is sovereign:

 

1.  He Requires No Counsel - Romans 11:34  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

 

Isaiah 40:13-14  Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?  14  With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

 

2.  He Seeks No Advice - 1 Corinthians 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

3.  He Lacks No Wisdom - James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

4.  He Asks No Permission – Job 33:13  Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

 

5.  He Answers To No Man - Romans 9:20  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

 

H.  God’s sovereignty is a subject that cannot be completely explored in one message so I want to look at just a few things He is sovereign in:

 

1.  God Is Sovereign In His Creation – Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

 

John 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 

Hebrews 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

 

Psalms 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  (Everything in nature contains the “finger prints” of God.  You can believe it or deny it but you cannot stop it or change it!  You were not there when the foundations were laid:  God was there!)

 

2.  God Is Sovereign In His Counsel – John 12:48  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

 

Proverbs 1:23-30  Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.  24  Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;  25  But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:  26  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;  27  When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.  28  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:  29  For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:  30  They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.  (You can take it or leave it but you cannot alter it!  You may reject it and or change it here on earth but it is forever settled in Heaven.  You will hear it again!)

 

3.  God Is Sovereign In His Conversion – John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Salvation is God’s way or not at all.  It is His way or the highway!  The “Highway to Hell!”)

 

4.  God Is Sovereign In His Circumstances – Romans 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 

Job 23:10-14  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  11  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.  12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  13  But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  14  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. (He controls all that happens!  Although tough to accept at times, Romans 8:28 is still in the Book!  Proverbs 3:5-6 still apply!)

 

5.  God Is Sovereign In His Consequences – John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

Luke 16:22-23  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;  23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  (It is either Heaven or Hell!  In God’s sovereignty, He gave men a choice.  Then, man’s choice leaves God no choice!)