The Danger of Not Following

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-3-2021

Hebrews 13:9

 

Introduction:

 

A.  God’s plan in predestination is for ALL of us to turn out right spiritually: to be conformed to the image, an exact likeness, of Christ!  That speaks of our responsibility in this life.  After death or rapture, we WILL be like Him for we shall see Him as He is!

 

Romans 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 

1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

B.  We often read or quote Jude 24, so let us take a short look at the verse:

 

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,

 

1.  God is able to present you Faultless.  The is our Positional side of salvation in Christ.  Thank God that our salvation cannot be lost!

 

2.  God is able to keep you from Falling.  This is the Practical side of salvation in Christ.  God is able to keep us from falling but will not override our choices in life to either follow God’s will for our lives or to walk in the flesh and pay the consequences.

 

3.  God gave you a pastor who loves you, labors in the Word of God, preaches doctrinally correct, and will be there for you when you need him. I will do my work but you will have to do yours!

 

Ephesians 4:13-15  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. We have spent several weeks on verses 7-8.  God’s COMMANDMENT to:

 

1.  Remember God’s Man. God gave him to you. 

 

2.  Obey God’s Man. God gave him authority over you. 

 

3.  Hear God’s Man. God gave him the ability, knowledge, and wisdom to rightly divide the Word of Truth. 

 

4.  Follow God’s Man.  If he is right with the Lord, he will always point you to Christ.

 

D.  Now, let us observe our text: “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”

 

E.  Here, we find Possibility!  With all that God has given to us to keep us from falling, there will always unfortunately be some who will “do their own thing” and pay the price for it.  I heard a younger preacher make this statement: “Law without consequences is Advice!”  With God, there will always be consequences for disobedience.

 

1.  You can refuse to hear and dry up one the vine. 

 

Hebrews 5:11-12  Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.  (12)  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

 

Many of God’s children never grow because they do not want to grow!

 

2.  You can fall away because of a shaken mind or troubled.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

 

Many of God’s children are shaken because they pick and choose who or what to listen to.

 

3.  You can be led away by following the error of wicked men.

 

2 Peter 3:17-18  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  (18)  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

Many of God’s children follow the easy path instead of the hard path.  The broad way instead of the narrow way because it fits their lifestyle.

 

4.  You can be blown about by listening to those who are not doctrinally correct.

                                  

2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

 

Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

Many of God’s children listen to the voices of heresy.  False doctrine and Bible correctors. 

 

5.  You can fall away by walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

 

Romans 8:1-6  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (2)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  (3)  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  (4)  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (5)  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  (6)  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

 

Many of God’s children love this present evil world and conform to it instead of conforming to the Bible.

 

Conclusion:  Stay with your pastor; stay with your Bible; stay with your church!

Following Christ In 2019

Temple Baptist Church - 12-30-2018

Luke 9:57-62

Introduction:

A.  In our text, we find three men who had a desire to follow Christ.  I believe that every born-again believer has a desire to come to Christ and be where He is but, to be His follower, one must count the cost.

who said, 

B.  The first said, ““Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” 

1.  He was a man with a right desire.  I have no doubt that he was serious when he made that statement. 

2.  Many people, when asked if they are willing to follow Christ, will say the same thing but stop when it cost them something.  They intend to follow Christ as long as it costs them nothing.  Great intentions do not get the work done!

C.  But, when our Lord said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head,” we hear no more from this man. You see, it will cost you something to follow Christ.  That is why so many begin with a right intention but never really follow Christ.

D.  Then, our Lord said to another man, “Follow me.” 

1.  Then, this individual said, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”  He had something that he wanted to do first.  I do not think that his father had died yet because he was here listening to Jesus instead of at the “funeral home” with family. 

2.  I believe that what he was saying was this: allow me to stay at home until my father dies and I bury him, then I will follow you. (A.M.)

E.  Now, a third man says, “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” 

1.  This man makes sure that he gives his excuse for not following immediately before the Lord could say anything to him. 

2.  There are many people who want to follow Christ as long as they can do it on their time or stay at home to follow Him.

F.  Our Lord answered him with my text for this morning: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

G.  You see, following Christ requires cost, obedience, and continuance.  Many start well, but because of the cost, quit.  Their intentions were good, but somewhere along the way, their heart began to turn back to the place and people that they had to leave behind.

Hebrews 11:15  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

H.  God does not call everyone to leave home and family though, but I believe that every child of God should be willing to do so if the Lord called! 

1.  The servant is not greater than his Master so, as He left all for us, we should be willing to leave all for Him. 

2.  When God called me into the ministry, I and my family had to be willing to leave home, family, friends, job, and everything else to follow Christ.  Could we have done less?

I.  You see, all three of these men came to where Christ was but were not willing to follow Him where ever He wanted them to go. 

1.  Last year is almost gone.  It will be history in a couple of days and a New Year lies before us.  the new Year is “history that has not yet been written.”  A “tale that has not been told.”  We cannot change history but we can re-write it well.

a.  There is nothing wrong with remembering last year.  It was a good year.  Some things could have been better but we are here this morning and not sitting at home.

b.  There is value in reflecting upon last year and changing what needs to be changed.

c.  There is need for repentance.  Sorrow for our failures last year.

d.  There is need for resolve.  A determination to not make the save mistakes.

2.  This year, we need to keep our hand on the plough!  Luke 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  (We cannot follow Christ until we put our hand to the plough!  Following Christ is a life of self-denial and cross bearing.)

1 John 2:12-14  I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.  (13)  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  (14)  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

a.  You young families need to “step up to the plate.”  As the older generation goes on to be with the Lord, this is, for the younger generation, becoming more “your church.”  Get involved!  What you leave behind will be all that your children will have.

b.  You middle aged families need to bear the burden of the work of Christ in spiritual maturity. 

c.  Some of us are getting older but that is not a time for quitting.  We need to make some adjustments because of age but each of us are still needed to get the job done.  We cannot look back!  We cannot quit, we cannot retire.

3.  This year, we need to keep our eyes on the Point, Jesus Christ. 

a.  Keep our eyes on Christ and “plow to the Point!”  When you plow a field, looking to the side or looking back causes you to become distracted and plow a crooked furrow. 

b.  Keep our eyes on the Bible.  May it ever be our guide!  The Truth shall make you free and, if you be free, you will be free indeed.

c.  Keep our eyes on the Old Paths wherein is the good way.  If we ever let up, then the Old Paths will be gone.  Just look around at the direction and condition of churches in our day.  They are not even a shadow of what they used to be.

Conclusion:  I preach this often and I always will because following Christ is of the utmost importance.  We cannot follow Christ:

a.  If we lose sight of Him.

b.  If we forget the Word of God.

c.  If we leave the Old Paths.

The Test of Obedience

Temple Baptist Church - 4-2-2014

1 John 2:3-6

 

Introduction:

A. 1 John is a blessed little book that does several things:

1. It encourages and sets the parameters for fellowship with both the Lord and each other.

2. It shows the right way to recognize, confess, and find cleansing from our sin.

3. It gives certain tests that will bring either assurance of salvation or conviction and the need of salvation.

B. Along with salvation comes a change in nature that brings about a change in life. God gives life to those who belong to Him. No change equals no life in Christ! Too many people have prayed the prayer but never got the heart right. Salvation is a heart matter, not a mouth matter.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) 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: (3) 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.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

C. The Book of James describes salvation as accompanied by good works.

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (I am not talking about sinlessness for we will fail the Lord and do so intentionally at times but I am talking about a desire for holiness and obedience that is a part of our spiritual makeup.)

D. In the previous chapter, we found the possibility of not being in fellowship with the Lord and, therefore, not in fellowship with the brethren. I mention this because there is a battle with our sinful flesh that goes on for as long as we live in this flesh and the possibility of losing that battle at times. I want to look at that familiar passage again found in Romans 7:

Romans 7:12-25 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (13) Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. (14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. (17) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

E. Saved people may have failures and thank the Lord for 1 John 1:9 but they have a desire to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ! Obedience is not only the desire of the Christian but also brings about blessings from the Lord.

1. The commandments of God bring about the blessing of assurance of salvation. Vs. 3-5.

a. We need to ask God to examine us - Psalms 26:1-2 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. (2) Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

b. We need to practice self-examination - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2. The commandments of God are not grievous to the child of God.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

a. God’s commandments keep us from the defilement of sin.

b. God’s commandments keep us from the destruction of self.

3. Keeping the commandments of God show the love of the saint for Him.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

2 John 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

4. Obedience to the commandments of God show proper submission to Him.

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

5. Obedience to the commandments of God gets our prayers answered.

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

6. Obedience to the commandments of God brings about spiritual maturity.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (2) For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

Ye Have Well Done

Temple Baptist Church - 11-21-2012
Philippians 4:14-18

Introduction:

A. “Missions: The Heart Beat of God” 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. (We cannot over emphasize the importance of missions.)

1. Missions show the Love of God for the sinner! Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (The Holy for the unholy; the Just for the unjust; the Hope for the hopeless; the Help for the helpless; the lovely Son for the lifeless sinner. The love of God is truly beyond our comprehension. “That God should love a sinner such as I; how wonderful is love like this!”)

2. Missions show the Importance of the Sinner to 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.

3. Missions show the Price that God is willing to pay for the sinner! 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. (If Jesus Christ gave up heaven with all of its glory and riches for you and I, can we do less for others? Tithe because it is right and give an offering to missions because sinners are worth the sacrifice.)

B. David Livingstone once said, “God had an only Son, and He was a missionary and a physician.” If God so loved that He gave His only begotten Son, can we give less? When David Livingstone died, this epitaph was engraved on his headstone: “For thirty years his life was spent in an unwearied effort to evangelize.”

C. “Ye have done well”

1. When you lift up your eyes and see the multitudes dying without Christ! Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat. But narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Tonight is Prayer Meeting at church and we take prayer requests and read our prayer lists because it is important that we pray for one another as well as for others. We are commanded to pray and pray often. I often quote the Lord’s prayer request: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest!” Truly there are multitudes in the Valley of Decision who need to know the gospel in order to have opportunity to make a right one. The problem of the harvest is that the laborers are few!)

2. When your will is to do the will of your heavenly Father! John 4:34-35 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (35) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (1 Timothy 2:4 sets for God’s will for mankind: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Every creature needs a preacher because every person needs the Lord and deserves to hear the good news of the gospel. Jesus said, “Not my will, but thine, be done!” The pattern of the harvest is missions: at home and abroad at the same time.)

3. When your priorities become eternal at the expense of the temporal! Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the fashion of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death" even the death of the cross. (The priority of the harvest is now because sinners are perishing at the rate of 250, 000 to 300,000 a day! I pass the cemeterys almost every day and, as a norm, there is at least one tent up or one mortuary busy.)

D. Ye Have Well Done!

1. Done well by being a blessing to the missionary. Verses 10, 14-16. Supporting, loving, supplying, and praying for God’s special people: missionaries. What a blessing missionaries are to the local church and what a blessing the local church should be to the missionaries! Missionaries are a blessing not a burden. Always allow Temple to be a haven of rest and a harbor of safety for these precious families as they minister to our needs while we minister to theirs. Ye have well done!

2. Done well by being a blessing to the lost through missions. Verses 15-16. We may be struggling to win souls for Christ in the unbuckled Bible Belt, but we see many souls come to Christ through our missions outreach. We knock on doors in our JERUSALEM while we help missionaries knock on doors in SAMARIA and the UTTERMOST PART of the world. A mission song says, “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that is changed!” Daniel 12:3 says, “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.” Ye have well done!

3. Done well by being a blessing to the Lord through love and obedience. Verse 18. Our love for missionaries and sinners is shown by our sacrifice of both time and money. In missions, we emulate the Trinity as the Father sent, the Son went, and the Spirit draws. In missions, we please the One who loved us and loves the lost for which He died! Ye have well done!

Timothy

Temple Baptist Church - 7-25-2012
Philippians 2:19-24

Introduction:

A. In the latter half of this chapter, Paul mentions two men and their service to both him and the ministry. Paul is in prison and cannot do all that needs to be done for the churches that he has planted so he now has to rely heavily upon others to get the work done.

B. There comes a time in the life of every man of God when he is no longer able to do all that needs to be done. I am not nearly at that stage as this point but I do know that I am a lot older and less able to go than when I came here over 25 years ago. I am still mentally sharp and much better equipped to pastor than I was in those days but physically am slowing down rapidly.

C. As a young man, I had more zeal than knowledge but the Lord was merciful and gracious in my ignorance. He knew my heart and protected our church from some situations that I did not quickly respond to. I am not good at it now but, with the Apostle Paul, can say, “For I have learned.” I try not to repeat the same mistakes on a regular basis.

D. Paul realizes the needs of his church at Philippi needs leadership and, thank the Lord, has the means to provide for it even while in prison. He had two young men of different calibers who loved the Lord and were willing to “step up to the plate” when the old apostle had to to sit in the “dugout!”

E. Timothy is the first mentioned so I will deal with him first. Timothy would one day be the pastor of the church at Ephesus and some of the qualities of a man of God were already apparent in the early stages of his life. The name Timothy means “Dear to God.”

1. The importance of Timothy’s Home.
a. Timothy had a good family - 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (Nothing is said about Timothy’s father, who was a Greek, but we find here the importance of a godly mother and grandmother. Upbringing is vital to our children and grandchildren. Good examples are imperative!)

b. Timothy had a good home church - 2 Timothy 3:14-15 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. (No doubt from these verses that Timothy was brought up under good men of God and was possibly won to the Lord under Paul’s preaching and teaching as he is called “my own son in the faith” by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:2.)
2. The importance of his discernment. Vs. 19. “when I know of your state”

a. Paul was confident that Timothy would “see” right. Spiritual discernment is one of the attributes of a good pastor. He must be able to see below the surface and recognize the condition and needs of the church.

b. Paul was confident that Timothy would “report” right. Timothy would give him an accurate report of the condition of the church at Philippi. Timothy would not paint a bad “picture” of the church unless it was doing well nor would he paint a good “picture” if it were doing badly.

3. The importance of Timothy’s Heart. Vs. 20-21.

a. He had a Pastor’s Care for the People. The brethren in the church love and care for their church but the heart of a pastor is different. He lives and dies for the church. His thoughts are continually upon its spiritual, physical, and financial well-being. The church is a pastor’s life!

b. He had a Pastor’s care for the Work. The pastor’s calling and work involves the church. People get so involved sometimes with their lives that the work of the church goes on the “back burner” but the pastor is different. He must have two “front burners!” He cannot neglect either his family or his church and must keep them both as his first priority.

4. The importance of Timothy’s Help. Vs. 23.

a. He was Close to God’s Man. This young man loved Paul with all of his heart. I cannot imagine the danger to this young man as he stayed with the imprisoned apostle. In those days, guilt by association would land you in the same cell! He was not ashamed to be associated with the jailed apostle nor did he fear for his life.

b. He was Critical to God’s Man. Paul said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's” about Timothy. If this were so, then Timothy would be the likely choice to be sent to the church. I find in the next verse just how critical it was for Timothy to stay with Paul when I read, “Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.” The Apostle Paul needed Timothy more than the church needed him!

Conclusion:

A. We older men are passing quickly from the scene and I often wonder who will take our place? I asked another preacher, who had commented on his knowledge of several preachers getting ready to step aside because of age, “Who would pastor my church?” The “natural” desire of men is to one day retire. How many of you are retired? What a wonderful thing to be able to stay at home instead of going to work and doing what you would like to do for your remaining years.

B. I am no different when “naturally minded.” I know that I am not indispensable, as no man is; I also know that many churches in small communities are without pastors tonight. Fewer young men are surrendering to the will of God. Before God ever called me into the ministry, I surrendered my life to whatever will He had for me. My prayer is, “Dear Lord, please give us some young men with the heart to serve you in the place of us older men who are nearing home!”

The Duties Of Children

Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2011

Ephesians 6:1-3

Introduction:

A. As we finish chapter 5 and its relationship to the home, it is fitting that chapter 6 complete the family unit. We looked at the duties of both the wife and the husband and, in this chapter, the Word of God speaks of the responsibility of the children to the parents.

B. One of the signs of the last days, found in 2 Timothy 3, is that of “disobedient to parents.” We certainly live in that day! I have never seen so many children who throw “fits,” openly disobey their parents, etc.

1. It is a parental problem! I did not have the option of disobedying my parents while growing up. As a matter of fact, it did not occur to me because of my upbringing. Not that I was a perfect little angel, but I was raised “old school” by parents who loved me and wanted only the best for me. Spare the rod and spoil the child was the rule of the day and it helped me to grow into a responsible adult.

2. It is a prevalent problem! It is on every hand and overflows into society: public schools, work places, etc. If children will not obey their parents, they will not bow to authority in general.

3. It is a prophetic problem! God “called it” and it is so.

C. Disobedience in youth will cause dishonor in adulthood. When children to not respect and obey their parents while at home, they will dishonor their parents when they come “of age.” Mark it down, the disobedient child will be a dishonoring adult. The will bring shame and reproach to the family as well as the church.

D. Young people, if you have good parents and a stable home life, you need to thank the Lord for it. So many children in our day are raised by family other than parents; day care centers; complete strangers in the person of nannies, etc.; or raised on the streets. Many children do not have their parents living under the same roof and become expendable pawns in a game of Family Court Chess. Their parents could not get along and then took their hatred and frustration out on their mates through the children.

E. Young people, you are blessed if you have a mom and dad sitting together in church tonight. You are blessed if you have a safe, dry bed to sleep in tonight when you get home. You are blessed if you are loved, protected, trained, and provided for! Let me give you a verse tonight. “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

F. Here, we find the first commandment with promise! The promise is both a long life and a full life.

G. As the parents give their lives for their children, so should the children give their lives to their parents. One day you will leave the “nest” and take your place in the world as responsible adults but, until such a day, the closest relationship that you have is with your parents. Having said that, what is the duty of children in the home?

1. Children are to Love their parents. If you love your parents, you will do nothing to hurt them. Making your own decisions as you get older will not hurt your mom and dad if you make right decisions.

Genesis 26:34-35 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: (35) Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

2. Children are to Obey their parents. The verse says “This is right!” If it is not right then it is wrong. Obedience is to be a right response to commands. Obedience is to be done completely and quietly: without murmuring or complaining. Reluctant obedience dishonors parents; forced obedience dishonors parents; loving obedience honors parents.

Proverbs 6:20-22 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

3. Children are to Honor their parents. The word honour means to fix or place value upon something; to respect or to revere someone. To place in a place of high esteem. Let me ask you a question, young person: “What do your dad and mom mean to you?” Honor them with respect; honor them with gratitude.

Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

4. Children are to Listen to their parents. Young people, your parents have learned much over the years of their lives. They learned from their parents; they learned from life experiences; and they learned by listening to the advice of others. You would do well to listen to dad and mom. It will keep you from making the same mistakes that your parents may have made. God has given parents a special insight into what is best for their children. I often say, “When children are born, the instructions come with them.” Not only hearing the advice that they offer but also asking counsel in times of important decisions. They love you too much to steer you wrong.

Proverbs 1:7-9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Conclusion: Now comes the promise. Remember? This is the first command with promise.

a. That it may be well with thee! This means to have a happy life; to have a safe life; and to have a full life. To be blessed!

b. Thou mayest live long on the earth! Not only will God give you a happy life and a full life—He will also give you a long life.