No Flesh Should Glory In His Presence

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-16-2025

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Introduction: 

 

A.  When writing to the most carnal of the churches in Asia Minor, the Holy Ghost twice admonished the people about glorying in the flesh instead of glorying in the Lord.  As they grew in the Lord, self-pride became problematic and could lead to Pharisaism, the “look at me” syndrome.  I do not like for people to constantly tell me their convictions.

 

B.  It is essential to note that anything that man adds to the gospel (including his education and oratory) takes away from the effectiveness of his preaching and hinders the sinners and the saints. 

 

1 Corinthians 1:17  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

 

C.  Salvation belongs to the Lord, and no one should ever receive credit. 

 

1 Corinthians 3:5-8  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?  (6)  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  (8)  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

 

D.  Probably the greatest of all believers’ sins is pride.  The Book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject.

 

1.  Pride shows a lack of fear of the Lord.  Proverbs 8:13  The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

 

2.  Pride ends in shame.  Proverbs 11:2  When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

 

3.  Pride causes contention.  Proverbs 13:10  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

 

4.  Pride causes the believer to fall.  Proverbs 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

 

5.  Pride is sin.  Proverbs 21:4  An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

 

6.  Pride will bring the strongest down.  Proverbs 29:23  A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

E.  In our humanity, we are prone to think more highly of ourselves than we should.

 

Romans 12:1-3   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.  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.  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  (The context found here is separation from the world!)

 

F.  We should never forget some things:

 

1.  We Should Never Forget Where We Came From – vs. 26  (That will take the wind out of your spiritual sails!)

 

1 Timothy 1:12-17  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  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.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

1 Corinthians 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

 

2.  We Should Never Forget What We Are – vs. 27  (We are still nothing apart from the grace of God!)

 

1 Corinthians 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

 

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.

 

1 Corinthians 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

 

1 Corinthians 4:7   For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

 

Ephesians 3:8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

 

Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

 

John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 

Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as

 

3.  We Should Never Forget Who He Is – vs. 27 – “but God” – (He is God!  He is sovereign!  It is He who hath made us). 

 

Psalms 100:3  Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 

 

Exodus 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.  (“I am what I am” vs. “I AM THAT I AM”)

 

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.  (Said by the greatest man born of woman.)

 

Matthew 11:11  Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

 

Psalms 72:19  And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

 

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

 

Jude 25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

4.  We Should Never Forget What He has done – vs. 30 - (Were it not for the love of God, we would all be eternally lost without hope!)

 

Ephesians 2:1-6  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

 

Romans 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 

Psalms 72:18  Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

 

Philippians 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Humility

Temple Baptist Church - 9-20-2017

1 Peter 5:5-7

Introduction: 

A.  The interpretation of these verses is to the young pastor or preacher.  His is to submit to the elder and, also, to be humble enough to submit to all others. 

1.  He cannot expect others to submit unto him if he is not submissive. 

2.  He cannot reprove until he can be reproved. 

3.  He will never be honored until he learns to honor. 

4.  He will never be exalted until he learns to be abased. 

5.  He will never lead until he learns to follow. 

6.  One of the qualifications of a bishop is that he I not to be a novice.

B.  The application of these verses is to all of God’s flock.

C.  Under The Mighty Hand Of God.  Why?

1.  It is omnipotence that cannot be stayed.

2.  It is madness to oppose His will.

3.  It is both safe and profitable.

a) Hid as in the hollow of his hand.

2) Safe in his pavilion.

3) Comfortable under the shadow of his wings.

D.  The Definition Of Humility

1.  Humility In Relationship To Others – vs 5

a.  Realizing That Others Are Just As Important As We Are - 1 Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

b.  Realizing Just Hope Important Our Love One For Another Is - Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

c.  Realizing That What We Want Really Does Not Matter In Light Of Eternity - 2 Corinthians 4:17-5:1 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Peter 5:5b Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility

Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

2.  Humility In Relationship To God – vs 6

a.  Realizing That Without Him We Would Be Eternally Lost - 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

b.  Realizing That Without Him We Would Be Nothing - 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

c.  Realizing That Without Him We Would Have Nothing - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

d.  Realizing That Without Him We Would Be Hopeless - Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

e. Realizing That He Knows Best - Luke 22:42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

3.  Humility In Relationship To Circumstances – vs 7

a.  Realizing That God Is In Control Of Our Future, Not We Ourselves - Job 23:13-14 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

b.  Realizing That It Is God’s Purpose That Is Important, Not Our Comfort -             Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Numbers 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp

c.  Realizing That This Life Is Short At Best And Eternity Is Really All That Matters - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

How To Accomplish Unity In The Church

Temple Baptist Church - 6-13-2012

Philippians 2:5-8

Introduction:

A. In the first 4 verses of this chapter, Paul deals with the strength of the church through unity. Unity is indeed the “strong man” that Christ spoke of when speaking of a house divided.

1. The cause of division is carnality - 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

2. The result of division is confusion - James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

B. Paul’s fear concerning division in the church was two-fold: 2 Corinthians 12:20 “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” 

1. He feared finding the people living in carnality and sinfulness. A true pastor or man of God desires only the best for the church and its members.

2. He feared the people finding him in a chastening mode instead of purely loving one. A true pastor or man of God wants to be loving and kind at all times but has the love and boldness to deal with sinfulness when it becomes necessary.

C. The devastation of division is beyond the temporal as it has eternal ramifications:

1. Division destroys the family relationship of the church.

2. Division destroys the mission of the church.

3. Division destroys the testimony of the church.

4. Division destroys the posterity of the church.

5. Division destroys the prayers of the church.

D. In these verses read tonight, we find the mindset that brings about the love and friendship that should prevail in the church. That mindset is having the mind of Christ.

 

1. The mindset of Christ takes a work in the heart and a mental preparedness. 

2. If our hearts are not right with the Lord then we will not be right with each other. 

3. If our minds are not biblically renewed, we will not think right spiritually and our relationship with one another will not be right either. 

E. Here we find that mindset:

1. The mindset of absolute humility!

a. Royalty became common. In the case of Jehovah God becoming a stable born commoner, we find the greatest act of humility in the universe. “He made himself” shows the voluntary element of the incarnation. God sent His Son but His Son went willingly. We in America, we do not have such royalty as many nations but we too are guilty of having a recognized cast system. Many are born with a “SILVER SPOON” in their mouths while others are born to blue collar workers, share croppers, or just the wrong side of the tracks. It takes a certain amount of humility for all of us in one way or another. I do not care who you are or where you were born. I love you equally and always try to place your welfare above mine.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

b. Rich became poor. Jesus Christ was rich beyond human comprehension as He has prepared for us a city where the street is paved with gold. He owns the universe and, with the same ease, can create another just like it. Too often in our churches, (though we do not like to admit it) those who are financially affluent do get the “red carpet” treatment. Our Lord commended the widow for giving all of her living over those who cast into the treasury out of their abundance. The rich should become as poor in the church as the poorest member. I try to love an treat all the same because it is the Lord that meets our needs here.

c. Master became servant. He who made the feet chose to wash them. He who was prayed to spent sleepless nights praying for His sleeping disciples. He who provided for their food fasted and hungered. On occasion, we have both a boss and one of his workers in the same church. Both master and servant become one. That means that, for the first time, you men are equal to your wives I guess! May the Lord help us to humble ourselves in the sight of God that we man, without show, humble ourselves in the sight of men. The ground is truly level at the foot of the cross.

2. The mindset of obedience! 

a. Life became obedient to death! He willingly gave His life that we might live. I believe that one of the greatest acts of humility is when we give up our wants, desires, feelings, and hurts that the life of others will be enhanced. “And exhorting one another” is the key. We have people here with family problems, financial problems, health problems, etc. that need all of the support that we can give to them. The Bible speaks of seeing a brother’s need and doing what we can to alleviate it.

b. The Christ obedient to the cross! Christ not only became obedient to death but also became obedient to problems, persecutions, and various other needs. Life is hard at best and often times cruel. Bad things truly happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. I have watch as God’s people have suffered over the years and my heart breaks for them. My family has suffered over the years and it is often hard and seems that the wicked are rewarded for their sinfulness. But I still know that there is a God in heaven that will make all things right one day and, if we trust Him and help one another, we will all come through our trials together.