Thanksgiving 2025 - Part 2 - All Things That Pertain unto Life and Godliness

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-23-2025

2 Peter 1:1-4; Matthew 6:31-33

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This coming Thursday, we will celebrate the goodness of God on Thanksgiving Day.  I call the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas and the New Year the most wonderful time of the year.  A month and a half of worship in a very special way. 

Part 2

B.  Last week, I used two texts on the subject: 2 Peter 1:1-4; Matthew 6:31-33.  I want to review these two texts again this morning, as they demonstrate the goodness of God in both spiritual gifts and physical ones.  In both texts, the physical blessings of life precede the spiritual gifts of godliness.  But in both texts, we find that in life, the spiritual gifts precede the physical ones.  Until we get saved and live for Christ, we will miss out on many of the blessings that God has for us in this life.

 

1.  In 2 Peter, Peter looks back as he mentions physical gifts before spiritual ones.  “Hath given” is past tense as Peter reviews the goodness of God in hindsight.  “ALL things that pertain unto life” speaks of the goodness of God in His marvelous grace through salvation, sanctification, and service. 

 

2.  GOD HAS SUPPLIED!  Notice verse 3:  “according as his divine power” tells us where our blessings come from.  The world giveth and taketh away, but the Lord giveth and giveth and giveth!  Peter looks back to the past.  This is found in the words “hath given.”  Therefore, he sees the blessings of life came after the blessings of godliness.

 

2 Peter 1:1-4  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  (2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  (4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

3.  In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord gives three perspectives.

 

a)  The perspective of the worried saint.  Verse 31: “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”

 

b)  The perspective of the world.  Verse 32: “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:).

 

 

c)  The perspective of the Lord.  Verse 33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 

4.  Our Lord Jesus Christ also places the importance of spiritual gifts as being sought first, as they lay the groundwork for the blessings of God upon His children in general.  He mentions the physical blessings that men so often seek and live for, along with the worries that come with them.  He then concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual blessings and allowing God to meet physical needs.  GOD WILL SUPPLY!

 

Matthew 6:28-34  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  (29)  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  (30)  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  (31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  (34)  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

C.  Last week, we saw the spiritual gifts that God has given to us that we might be saved from sin and set apart in this present evil world for service. 

 

1.  This morning, I want to examine just a few of the physical blessings that come from being saved and living for God. The problem that exists is that men want the physical blessings of God without the godliness.

 

2.  Our Lord spoke of the world view in Matthew 6:28-32. The worldly seek all physical blessings without being saved or being saved and not living a godly life. They go over their heads in debt and eventually, at worst, go bankrupt, or at best, they burn out their lives trying to be successful in this world without God.

 

3.  The Lord said that if we seek the godly things, the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then He would add all these things to go along with it. Now, we can seek the worldly without the godly, or we can live a saved life of consecration to God and allow God to give us what we need and much of what we desire.

 

D.  Now, let us look at the results of godliness.  God HAS given to us all things that pertain unto life here on earth—the goodness of God in the land of the living.  A song says,

 

“There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.  There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.  You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me.”

 

E.  A little personal testimony.  I stand amazed this morning when I think of where God brought Barbara and me from to where we are today.  We would never have dreamed we would be where we are.  God has been so good to us!

 

1.  I thank God this morning that Barbara and I have a beautiful home in which to live. 

 

a.  By beautiful, I do not mean a high-dollar home that is just a house.  I am thankful that we have a home where there are peace, companionship, love, and spiritual unity. 

 

b.  It is a loving home, it is a safe home, it is a place of refuge from the storms of this life, it is our ultimate vacation spot. 

 

c.  It is a comfortable home.  It is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry when it rains, and it is ours! 

 

d.  It is a spiritual home.  It is a home where the Bible is read and prayer is made.  Both of us are saved and serving.

 

e.  In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord did not mention a place to live as a necessity of life. 

 

1)  Our Lord said, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

 

2)  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:16) 

 

3)  Paul said, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:8) 

 

2.  I thank God for the food on our table. 

 

a.  We have an abundance of food in our cabinets, freezers, fridge, and goodies to nibble on in between meals.  In a world of hunger, we are full and need nothing.

 

b.  Thursday, there will be turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cornbread, and desserts.  I said that to say this, not only food on our table, but PLENTY to eat. 

 

c.  Never forget to ask for the blessing of God before you eat as every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights!  In a world of starving people, God has given us more than we can eat or desire to eat!

 

d.  In this world of starvation, we fight obesity!

 

3.  I thank God that we have shoes on our feet. 

 

a.  In the Garden of Eden, the Lord made the clothing for Adam and Eve.  Fig leaves did not cover but the skin coats did!  In the First Mention of clothing, what man made was not what God gave.

 

b.  In our home, we can pick and choose from many different colors and designs as our closets are full, our dresser is full, and our chest of drawers is full.  God has been so good to us in the raiment department.

 

c.  We have many pairs of shoes for both dress and casual.

 

4.  I thank God for our families.

 

a. Kids and grandkids.  We are a close-knit family.  Today, we do not have all our grandkids with us, but we are thankful for those who are close and will see Thursday!

 

b.  Our Kentucky family.  We are a close-knit family.  We were raised in a close-knit home where family mattered, and love abounded and still abounds.

 

c.  Our Church family.  We are a close-knit family.  As far as I am concerned, Temple Baptist is the greatest church on earth.  I believe that every pastor should think that his church is the greatest.

 

Conclusion:  I want to end this sermon with three verses of Scripture that point us to the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day.

 

Psalms 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 

Psalms 103:1-2  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  (2)  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Thanksgiving 2025 - All Things That Pertain unto Life and Godliness - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 11-16-2025

2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Introduction:

 

2 Peter 1:1-4  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  (2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  (4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

A.  As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it is a day set apart for remembrance of the goodness, grace, mercy, and blessings of God. 

 

1.  But our thanksgiving should be so much more than that.  Thanksgiving is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment realization of all that God has done for us and given to us. 

 

2.  In our verse this morning, we see the scope of God’s blessings.  God blesses both physically and spiritually!  ALL things that pertain unto life and (ALL things that pertain unto) godliness.

 

3.  “Turkey Day” to the world, but a day of remembrance and thanksgiving to God for us.

 

B.  This morning, I want to take a short look at how good God has been to us in this life. I know that counting our blessings could take all day, so I’ve just highlighted a few ways God’s goodness shows up in our daily lives.

 

C.  How exceedingly great are the promises of God when we stop to consider the nature of the benefits offered and bestowed!  

 

1.  God’s power to provide is beyond our imagination. Our needs look very small in the light of our big God and His immense promises.  

 

2.  God’s promises are precious because they cover every conceivable human need, for time and for eternity. Whatever your need may be, God has a promise that exactly covers that need.

 

Philippians 4:18-19  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.

 

D.  We believe the Bible and yet, in these days of uncertainty, we often remain fearful!  During the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord spoke of our concerns and His ability.

 

Matthew 6:31-33  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

1.  When we seek “all these things “first, then God does not provide.

 

2.  When we seek God first, He adds these things unto us.

 

E.  Let’s look at “all things that pertain unto godliness” First thing this morning, remember that spiritual blessings are much more valuable than physical ones, which most people tend to prioritize first. What do you really need today? God has promised to give them to you if you seek Him first.

 

1.  God provided us with salvation.  How can we start without first mentioning our great salvation? 

 

a.  God has made provision for our redemption through a finished work called the gospel.  God provided the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, His burial, and His bodily resurrection.

 

b.  God has provided the precious blood of Christ for the remission of sin.

 

c.  God has provided the precious Word of God for the knowledge of God and salvation for sinners.

 

d.  God provided the mercy, grace, and faith, along with granting us repentance.  God has done and given everything necessary for the sinner to be eternally saved!

 

Hebrews 9:12,  “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” 

 

e.  Need salvation?  God has provided it freely to all who come to Him by faith!

 

2.  God provided us with the promise of not only life but abundant life. 

 

John 10:10,  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

 

a.  A full life.  The world is an empty place without hope in this life for the life to come.  We have an abundant life!

 

b.  A life that is blessed!  I often say that “I had rather be an old-time Christian than anything that I know!”

 

c.  A life that is satisfying!  I would have no other.

 

d.  A blessed hope in the life to come!  Even so come, Lord Jesus, is the blessed hope of eternity.

 

3.   God has provided us with a peace that passeth all understanding.  God has made a perfect peace available in this present evil world. 

 

Isaiah 26:3-4  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  (4)  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

 

a.  This peace is found in the knowledge of God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  It is not found in this world but in the world to come.

 

b.  As we learn to trust the Lord, we find that He who holds tomorrow holds us in His hand! 

 

c.  Beloved, safety is of the Lord, and everything will be alright!

 

4.  God has provided us with a joy that endures. 

 

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:” 

 

a.  God grants His children complete joy. Joy and happiness are two entirely different things. I may not always feel happy, but my joy remains full.

 

b.  A clear conscience still makes for a soft pillow!

 

5.   God has promised a sufficient grace for every trial that we will face.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

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.

 

a.  Living Grace.

 

b.  Serving Grace.

 

c.  Dying Grace.

 

d.  Sufficient Grace.

 

Conclusion:  Thanksgiving is a celebration of things past, present, and future promises. Let us take a moment each day to thank God for His spiritual blessings.

Ignorant - Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits

Temple Baptist Church - 6-23-2024

2 Peter 2:1-3

 

Introduction:

 

A.  I have been preaching on the word “Ignorant” for a while because Paul said, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren!”  God’s will is to have a biblically minded and hearted people. 

 

B.  For the past few weeks, I have been preaching on ignorant of “Satan’s Devices.” 

 

Devices: a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.  a plan, method, or trick with a particular aim.

 

C.  This morning, I want to preach on “Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits.”   Much is said in the Bible concerning false teachers, false prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing—but not one thing good is said about them.  Spiritual counterfeits!

 

1.  Satan’s Counterfeits or False teachers have always been.  The serpent in Genesis 3 was not used of Satan against its will.  The serpent lent his person to the deceptive teachings of Satan in the Garden of Eden.  Throughout both Old and New Testaments, we have seen their continual attack upon the truth of God’s Word. 

2.  We live in the days of 2 Thessalonians 2, which describes the spiritual deception of our day.  We are in the midst of the “falling away” prophesied in this chapter.  Good, fundamental churches are no longer “politically correct” in our society where sin is not only tolerated but also promoted.  To preach against sin is the “unpardonable sin” of our day.

D.  No one likes where we are spiritually in our nation, but we are here!  Instead of keeping the enemies of God on the outside of the church, churches have open their doors to numbers instead of purity and these enemies of God have been allowed in.  This ought not to be so as God’s men have the responsibility of looking out over and protecting the flock.

 

Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark (publicly identify) them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

E.  People around the world flock to them because without biblical conviction, they can become comfortable in sin.

 

1.  Today, with the aid of technology, the possibilities of spiritual deception are endless.  There are many “voices” in this world and, unfortunately, most are satanic.  As the “falling away” is in full swing, false teachers are growing in both number and popularity.  Many of God’s people listen to and watch these men and women who openly defy the Bible with their heresies.  Women preachers and teachers, perverted bibles, and blatantly unscriptural doctrines permeate the airways and churches.

3.  Now, AI, cell phones, and other devices that people cannot seem to do without!  “Ghost preachers” who show up only on the screens mounted in the pulpit area.  People know nothing about their lives and swallow whatever “wind of doctrine” that they preach.

F.  God said that they are identifiable.  Two thousand years ago, our Lord said that they were active but identifiable. 

 

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  (17)  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  (18)  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  (19)  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

G.  They are identifiable because of what they say and what they produce.  Both God’s men and God’s people have been given a spiritual “yardstick” with which to measure them: The Bible! 

 

H.  The False Prophets of old have become the False Teachers of the present.  Teachers are the major problem in our day as they turn out liberal preachers.  Liberals infiltrate while fundamentalists separate. 

 

Galatians 5:9  A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

 

1 Corinthians 5:7  Purge (to expiate or to cleanse thoroughly) out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

 

J.  Let us look at just a few verses this morning that describe or expose them:

 

1.  False Prophets are Soul Darkened Men.  Isaiah 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  (I believe that many of these men and women possible have a reprobate mind as they take pleasure in unrighteousness for profit.)

 

2.  These Are Ungodly Men - Jude 3-4  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Because they deceive the people and destroy the “faith once delivered!”  Do not feel sorry for them.  Do not protect them.  They are enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel!)

 

3.  These Are Satanic Men - 2 Corinthians 11:14-15  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

Acts 13:8-10  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9  Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  (They work for the wrong “god!”  They are not only lost but also belong to Satan!  Once again, they are enemies of both God and the Truth!)

 

4.  These Are Ordained Men - Jude 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Ordained – designated!  This has nothing to do with Calvinism.  As God chose Pharaoh because he was reprobate, He also has chosen these men who made their choices.)

 

5.  These Are Deceived Men - 2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

 

6.  These Are Charismatic Men - Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (They are articulate!  They have charisma!  They are good dressers!)

 

7.  These Are Powerful Men - Matthew 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  (Satan has great power and has given his power to these deceivers.)

 

8.  These Are Deceiving Men - 2 Peter 2:1-2  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.

 

9.  These Are Damned Men – “swift destruction” - 2 Peter 2:1  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 Peter 2:3  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.