Bless The Lord At All Times

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-10-2025

Psalms 34

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The Background for the Psalm.  David is fleeing from Saul, living in the desert, caves, and any other place that he thought might be secure.  As Saul pursues, David turns to Achish, King of Gath, but finds distrust and fear there, so he feigns insanity to escape back into the wilderness to the Cave of Adullam and then on to Moab.  David spent much time on the run after Samuel anointed him King over Israel.  Through it all, he learned to be thankful for the blessings given to him.

 

B.  Psalm 34 is a “teaching moment” for all of us.    In life, we often find ourselves in “tight” places where we quote Murphy’s Law (the great pessimist): “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".  In doing so, we leave God out of our equation!  David begins this Psalm with Praise, not complaint!

 

1.  A story goes like this: at the end of a church, the pastor stood at the door shaking hands and speaking to the people as they were leaving.  As an elderly lady came out, the pastor asked her if she was doing well, and her answer was, “I am alright under the circumstances.” To which the pastor asked, “What are you doing under there?”

 

2.  During the toil and tribulations of life, we often spend more time worrying than we do praising.  God is good all the time, even when the world mistreats us to some degree.  Brother Harold Smith would request this song: “Count Your Blessings.” 

 

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

 

• Refrain:
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  Count your blessings, see what God has done!
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
  [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
•  
1. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.

 

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high

.

4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 

C.  Verse 1 says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” and reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

 

D.  David reminded us in Ps 34:1-2 that it is possible to turn problems into praise if we remember that:

 

1.  Verses 2-3.  Be thankful that there is encouragement and strength in numbers.  If we allow it, circumstances often tend to isolate us instead of binding us together. 

 

Hebrews 10:19-25  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,  (20)  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  (21)  And having an high priest over the house of God;  (22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  (23)  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  (24)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  (25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

I thank God for our church!  For my family, it has been a place of refuge in troubles, safety in times of storms, encouragement in times of discouragement, and friends in times of enemies.  A place that we all can run to.  A place where friends and family gather.

 

Proverbs 18:24  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 

2.  Verses 4-5.  Be thankful that the Lord can and will lighten your load. 

 

1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

When I think of these verses, I find personal failure at times because I tried to carry my load instead of trusting God help. 

 

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

1 Peter 5:7-11  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  (8)  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (9)  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  (10)  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  (11)  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

3.  Verses 6-7.  Be thankful that God is a very present help in time of need, that we can go to in times of trouble.

 

Psalms 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  (15)  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

Thank God we still have angels watching over us, encamping around us, and delivering us.  This is not just an Old Testament truth, we entertain them unawares.  Satan has his fallen angels and we have the good ones.

 

4.  Verses 8-10.  Be thankful that God will continue to meet your every need.

 

Philippians 4:15-19  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.  (16)  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.  (17)  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  (18)  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.  (19)  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

a)  Paul suffered need, and God met it. 

 

b)  David suffered need, and God met it.

 

c)  We suffer need, and God meets ours also.  We all have suffered tough times as they are a way of life, but I personally have never been hungry without anywhere to get food. 

 

God’s Promise - Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Theology - The Doctrine of The Christ - Christology - Part 2

Temple Baptist Church - 8-10-2025

John 1:1-14; Philippians 2:5-8

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In the study of Theology, we find the incomprehensible.  Though we cannot comprehend who God is, He is knowable through both the Word of God and Nature.

 

1.  Knowing God in Nature.  Psalms 19:1-3  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 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.

 

Romans 1:19-21  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.

 

2.  Knowing God in the Word.  Psalms 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

 

John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

 

3.  Psalms 14:1  The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

 

B.  We have seen who God was last week.  This morning, we will see what God did for us.  In Philippians 2:5-8, we find the fullness of the condescension of Jehovah God.  It is here that we will see what God became FOR US.

 

C.  In our text, we see the distinct steps of the condescension of Christ.

 

1.  Verse 5.  The Mind of God in condescension.  In John 3:16, we find the mindset of both God the Father and God the Son.

 

John 3:16-17  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.

 

1.  These are unfathomable verses. 

 

a)  That a thrice-holy God would love this sinful world and the wicked people that dwell here enough to give His only Begotten Son to die for us is far beyond our comprehension.  This will be a mystery to you and me as long as we live on this earth. 

 

b)  I cannot imagine God loving this old, worthless sinner that much!  God told Moses that He could start all over with him, and He did start all over with Noah.  “Such love, such wonderous love; that God should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is love like this!”

 

2.  The Willingness of God the Father.  The Father spoke from heaven: “This is my beloved Son!”  Would you or I give our only son or daughter to die for one on death row for killing his family?  Think about such love of the Father who gave His best for earth’s worst.  He could have sent an angel, but He chose the best, His Son.

 

John 3:16  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.

 

1 John 4:9-10  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  (10)  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

3.  The Willingness of God the Son.  1 Peter 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

 

Revelation 13:8  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

 

Before the Creation of the world; before God made the first man; before the first sin, God’s Son was already slain in the mind of God!

 

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 

4.  In these things, we find God’s example to be followed.  He always did the will of His Father in heaven, kept the laws of man, and became subject to his oppressors. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus!” 

 

2.  Verse 6.  The Person of God in Condescension. 

 

a.  Who He was.  “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” 

 

1)  The Alpha and Omega – Creator and Lord of All – Sovereign of the Universe – Potentate and God Almighty – I AM THAT I AM. 

 

2)  An Eternal, self-existing, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent God.

 

3)  Jehovah God needed nothing or anyone.  But He chose to condescend to the human state of man.

 

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 

Psalms 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

 

b.  What He left.  Though all belonged to Christ as Jehovah God, He voluntarily gave it all up for you and me.  Jehovah God gave up everything and became poor that we, through His poverty, might be rich.

 

2 Corinthians 8:9  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

 

He left heaven's glory for me – He who never knew pain, hunger, physical weakness.  He left the realm and praise of angels.  He left the infinite riches of Heaven and Earth.  He left it all so that we might gain all.

 

3.  Verse 7-8.  The Word became flesh in Condescension.  What He became.

 

a.  God became flesh.  “made in the likeness of men”  “And being found in fashion as a man

 

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.

 

1)  Likeness in His physical body.  “Now, He would suffer all that we suffer.  Hunger, thirst, tiring, sorrow, suffering, etc. 

 

a)  Made flesh.  “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us”

 

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

 

c)  Made under the law.  Galatians 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

 

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

 

e)  Hypostatic Union of Christ (two individuals making up one)  100% Man on His mother’s side and 100% God on His Father’s side.

 

2)  Fashion is how He behaved.  “humbled himself”  John 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

 

1 Peter 5:5-6  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  (6)  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

3)  Christ could have been born to the most affluent families in Israel.  He chose to be born in a poor carpenter’s home, where He was raised in poverty. 

 

b.  God became a Servant.  “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant”  John 13:4-5  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  (5)  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

 

c.  God became a Sacrifice.  “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

He set His face toward Calvary like a flint – He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Galatians 4:4-5  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  (5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

4.  Verses 9-11.  His Exaltation. 

 

1.  God the Father exalted the Son.  Highly exalted Him: to raise up and elevate above all.  Psalms 2:6-7  Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.  (7)  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

 

Acts 10:36  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

 

“Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all!”  What more can be said?

2.  God the Father named the Son.  Matthew 1:20-21  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  (21)  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

3.  We are to Exalt Him.  Verses 10-11.  The choice is personal, the choice is ours, eternity hinges upon it.

 

John 1:14-18  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.  (15)  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.  (16)  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  (17)  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.  (18)  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

The Stewardship of the Pulpit

Temple Baptist Church - 8-6-2025

1 Corinthians 4:1

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The Apostle Paul begins this portion of the Corinthian Epistle with stewardship and personal responsibility.  It starts with the Pulpit in verse one and then extends to the pew in verse two.

 

Steward – 20x in the Bible.  A manager or one put in charge of the assets or work of another.  It speaks of responsibility and accountability. 

 

The First Mention is found in Genesis chapter 15.  Genesis 15:2  And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

 

The Last Mention is found in 1 Peter chapter 4.  1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

B.  In verse one, we find the personal responsibility of God’s men and the protection of the mysteries of God: the fullness of the Word of God.  As a young preacher and pastor, I did not fully understand the importance of protecting the integrity of the pulpit and the local church.    The older that I get, the more that I see the importance of God’s mandate.

 

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:

 

C.  God has purposed to preserve His infallible Word in its entirety from generation to generation through rightly dividing the Word of Truth and adherence to the Old Paths of our spiritual fathers. 

 

D.  Paul sets forth his responsibility to ground these new Corinthian believers in doctrinal truth.  Then, they can rightly divide the Word of Truth and faithfully teach the doctrines of the faith to the generations who will follow in their steps.

 

E.  Though men have the infallible Word of God, many have erred from the “Old Paths” by either ignoring certain parts of the Bible (not preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God) or by watering down the strict teachings of the Bible.

 

F.  The fact of pulpit stewardship – “as of the ministers of Christ.” Pulpit Stewardship is covered in two portions of Scripture:

 

Acts 20:26-28  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.  (28)  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

 

1 Timothy 6:20-21  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  (21)  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

1.  The Stewardship of the Scriptures.  Spiritual Authority – The King James Bible is the Final Authority for both faith and practice.  In today’s religious communities, they say the Bible is the Word of God, and then defame those who are Bible believers?  Here is the biblical mandate.

 

2 Timothy 3:14-17  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

2.  The Stewardship of Biblical Preaching. Feeding, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.

 

2 Timothy 4:1-2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

You cannot preach the Word of God unless you have the Word of God.

 

Matthew 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 

You cannot live by every word of God unless you have every word of God

 

3.  The Stewardship of Sound Biblical Doctrine.

 

2 Timothy 1:13-14  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  (14)  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

 

2 Timothy 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

 

3.  The Stewardship of the Old Paths of our Fathers.

 

2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

4.  The Stewardship of a Pure Gospel Salvation.

 

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.

 

Romans 1:14-17  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.  (15)  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.  (16)  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.

 

Galatians 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

5.  The Stewardship of Biblical Separation.

 

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

2 Corinthians 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

 

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.

 

6.  The Stewardship of the Local Church Pulpit in General. 

 

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;  (3)  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

 

7.  The faithfulness of stewardship – “it is required” - God has given every pastor a mandate to protect the biblical integrity of the pulpit.

The Blessings of Unity

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-3-2025

Psalms 133

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Psalm 133 is another of the Songs of Degrees or Upward Psalms that God’s people sang as they traveled to Jerusalem on the Feast Days when all males were required to be there.  As they traveled over the miles, some over 1000 miles (just to get to church, today they won’t drive across town or county), there was a clear message of the UNITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE, which was a REQUIREMENT for worship!

 

B.  So many local churches of all denominations are divided and splintered because wicked-hearted people sit in the pews. The question might be asked at this point, “Why did you say wicked-hearted?”  God's people are taught by both the Bible and the example of Christ to be tenderhearted, forgiving people.

 

C.  The greatest enemy of the local church sits in its pews. Throughout the Bible, we find that one of Satan's most effective tools is division!

 

James 3:16-18  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  (17)  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  (18)  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

 

D.  I know of no such division here tonight.  It is a pleasure to come to Temple because of the sweetness of the spirit here.  We are family: the family of God and also a church family.

 

E.  People come to stay.  I often leave before many of you when the service is over.  The parking lot filled with parents talking and children playing.  It is good to see the smile, hear the laughter, and experience the love found here.  One of the great strengths of the local church is unity. Unity is also one of the greatest strengths of marriage and the family.  Unity is the strength of our nation.  Without unity, no “glue” on earth can hold these institutions together and division destroys.

 

F.  In these verses, we see the results of unity: from the top of the head to the hem of the garment the precious oil of the Holy Ghost is equal.  From the pulpit to the last pew love and friendship is experienced.  If you did not get your hand shook many times tonight, it is your fault because you should have made the effort to encourage and welcome each and all.

 

1.  The Benefit - "good"  - 1 - Of great benefit, valuable, prosperity,

 

2.  The Bliss - "pleasant" – 1 - Sweet, agreeable, delightful, musical

 

3.  The Binding - "together in unity" - 1-2 - Alike, in one accord, harmony

 

4.  The Blessing - "life forever more" – 3

 

G.  How to keep Unity.

 

1.  Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

 

2.  Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

 

3.  Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27   Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

 

Philippians 3:16  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

 

4.  Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 

Philippians 2:1-4   If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

5.  Learn To Be Quiet When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19  These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

 

H.  I want to look at the last result for a few minutes: “The Blessing.”

 

1.  The Blessing of Fellowship with God’s People - Romans 15:32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

 

2.  The Blessing of Encouraging God’s People - 2 Corinthians 2:1-4  But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?  And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.  For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

 

3.  The Blessing of Bearing The Burdens of God’s People - 2 Corinthians 7:1-4  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

 

4.  The Blessing of Hearing That God’s People Are Steadfastly Serving  - 2 Corinthians 7:12-16  Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.  I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

 

a.  Colossians 2:5  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

 

b.  1 Thessalonians 3:6-10  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:  For now we live,if ye stand fast in the Lord.  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

 

5.  The Blessing of Sharing The Ministry With God’s People - Philippians 1:3-11  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

 

6.  The Blessing of Seeing God’s People Unified - Philippians 2:1-4  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

 

7.  The Blessing of A Godly Testimony of God’s People - Philippians 2:14-18   Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 

 

8.  The Blessing of an Inner Witness With God’s People - Philippians 4:1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

 

9.   The Blessing of Leading Others To Christ - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20  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?  For ye are our glory and joy. 

 

10.  The Blessing of Giving Account For God’s Faithful People - Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.