The End of the Commandment

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-11-2026

1 Timothy 1:3-5

 

Introduction:

A. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus for several reasons! These are mentioned in our text.

 

1. To take charge. Taking the oversight thereof.  Vigilance. 

 

a) Before he could “charge some,” he had to identify them.  I was taught, as a young pastor, not to fundamentally change anything in the church that God sent me to pastor for the first two years. 

 

b) I think this was sound advice as I needed to preach and teach, gain the total confidence of the church, then gently began to “turn the ship” if needed.  There are some things that a pastor must change immediately as they are major sin or doctrinal issues involved.

 

2. To “charge some,” not all (I thank God tonight that church has a faithful, grounded, loyal bunch of God loving, God fearing people!  Love you all!), that they teach, not believe because, though some have been taught wrong (many of us had different doctrinal backgrounds before we were saved) and still be teachable (glad I was) no other doctrine and to warn the flock not to entertain fables and endless genealogies.  Watch out for false teachers and to keep the main thing, God’s Word, the main thing!

 

3. Get or keep everyone on the same page!  I know of Baptist churches that still have people on the pews in doctrinal disagreement. When writing to the church at Ephesus in the Ephesian Epistle, Paul described the work that Timothy would do and the desired end result.

 

Ephesians 4:11-16  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 (1) the unity of the faith, (2) and of the knowledge of the Son of God, (3) unto a perfect man, (4) unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That (5) 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 (6) speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and (7) compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto (8) the edifying of itself in love.

 

B.  “The end of the commandment” was a desired, threefold result: “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”

 

1. Charity out of a pure heart! Here, we find the importance of brotherly love within the church body! Without charity, brotherly love, we become nothing!

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-2  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  (2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

 

a. Charity edifies.  It builds up instead of tearing down. It is the fulfillment of: Hebrews 10:25  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.

 

Not only wanting the best for everyone but doing our best to make it happen!  Lifting one another up in prayer and praise; sharing one another’s burdens and heartaches, looking for ways to be of help, simply being there for each other in the best and worst of times.  Saying, “I love you” with both our lips and lives.

 

b. Charity covers.  Brotherly love looks beyond the faults of others and concentrates upon their needs.

 

1 Peter 4:7-8  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  (8)  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  (5)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  (6)  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  (7)  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 

c.  Charity is essential. 1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

 

When we have a right perspective of self, it us a right perspective of others.

 

2.  A good conscience.  Knowledge of God’s Word and Person brings about assurance of salvation and a conscience that is free, not doubt and guilt.  I have sinned but God has declared me “justified” and will present me “faultless” before the throne of His glory with exceeding joy! Exceeding anything we have ever known. I sleep well at night as I rest my head upon my pillow and my heart in His wonderful care.  I am His and He is mine!

 

a.  A good conscience is an assured one - 1 Thessalonians 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 

 

Sound doctrine shows the love of God for His children and brings about blessed assurance.  False doctrine brings about doubt.

 

b.  A good conscience is a peaceful one -   2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 

 

Sound doctrine not only gives assurance, but it also dissolves our fears.  There is no fear in love, and I can assure you that God loves you more than anyone else in the world could.

 

3.  Faith unfeigned.  One that causes the believer to place his life and eternity into the hands of the One who owns it and lives a life for Christ.

 

Colossians 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

 

a.  Faith unfeigned is an affective faith as it affects our lives. – Ephesians 2:8-15  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.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  (11)  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  (12)  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  (13)  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  (14)  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15)  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 

 

Faith unfeigned is real faith: one that affects the heart and transforms your life.  No transformation means no life.  Our faith affects our lives. 

 

b.  Faith unfeigned is an effective faith as by it, we obtain a good report.

 

Hebrews 11:1-2  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2)  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

 

It is a faith that causes the child of God to step out in the unknown with the One who knows where we are going.  “By faith” is used 15x in this 11^th chapter of the Book of Hebrews.  As we walk with God by faith, our faith is rewarded.  The reward comes after the “step” takes place and proves the Lord.  It is a faith that causes the believer to remain faithful to the house of the Lord and the doctrines of the faith.  Unfeigned faith brings forth spiritual stability. 

 

Conclusion: A life lived brings about charity, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned!

The End-Time Church

Temple Baptist Church - 10-11-2026

Revelation 3:14-22

 

Introduction:

A.  As I draw near to ending this short series on the local church, I feel that I must take a biblical look at the dangers that face it today.  Unfortunately, as goes the world, so goes most churches and denominations.

 

B.  People often ask, “What is a fundamental, independent Baptist church and what are the advantages of being so?”

 

1. Fundamental - basic, essential, and forming the foundation that everything else depends on. The foundation being the Bible, not a specific denomination.

 

2. Independent - Self-governing: Free from the rule or authority of another nation, state, or larger unit. Self-reliant: Not requiring financial, physical, or emotional help from others. Separate: Unconnected or separate from other things, events, or people.

 

3. These basic truths concerning who we are meant to protect the spiritual and biblical integrity of the church.

 

C.  As the spiritual condition of the world wanes, we who work and walk in it can be affected by it more than affected by the Bible and the local church believing that it is rich when it is spiritually poor!  Lukewarm and, therefore despicable to God!

 

D.  In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, we see the decline of the churches through the centuries from the Apostolic days to Laodicea.  From turning the world upside down to being turned upside down by the world!

 

E.  A creeping paralysis and nodding of the head in sleep that came on by degrees instead of leaps and bounds.  Getting used to the dark!

 

F.  Five descriptive warnings were given that I will mention though there are others found in Old Testament prophecies.  Three given by our Lord, two while He walked on this earth and one in Revelation chapters two and three combined; two by the Apostle Paul in the Church Epistles.

 

G. We will look at them in the order given in the Bible.

 

1. Our Lord warned of Noah’s Day. Genesis chapter six. 2353 BC

 

Luke 17:26-27  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat (still are), they drank (still are), they married wives (nothing changed), they were given in marriage (still the same), until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all (same result).

 

2. In the same context, our Lord warned of Lot’s Day. Genesis chapter 19. 1898 BC (455 years passed since Genesis chapter six)

 

Luke 17:28-30  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat (still eating like Noah’s day and our day now) , they drank (still drinking like Noah’s day and our day now), they bought (people in our day cry about prices while they have good homes, cars, eat out, and travel) , they sold (nothing satisfies so they sell what they have buy better), they planted (store shelves and home shelves are full), they builded (everywhere you look, expensive homes going up by the thousands);  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all (same result).  (30)  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

 

Ezekiel 16:49-50  Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.  (50)  And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

 

3. The Apostle Paul warned of Sleeping Days.

 

Romans 13:11-14  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

4. The Apostle Paul warned of Falling Away Days.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  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.  (3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 

5. Our Resurrected Lord warned of Lukewarm Days.

 

Revelation 3:15-18  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  (16)  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  (17)  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  (18)  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

6. The Admonition of our Lord.

 

Mark 13:35-37  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  (36)  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  (37)  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

 

1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

Conclusion: Here we are! Keep looking up, He is coming and we are leaving. 

 

Titus 2:11-13  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Tribulation

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-7-2026

2 Corinthians 1:1-4

 

Introduction: 

A.  The Book of 1 Corinthians was a wonderful study and a great help to us here at Temple in the light of these perilous times in which we live.  It was a book of correction tempered with mercy, grace, and the wonderful love of both the Lord and the Apostle Paul. 

 

B.  2 Corinthians was written one year after the first epistle.

 

1. Evidently, news had gotten back to Paul allowing him to know of the spiritual growth that took place after they read the first epistle. A great sign of salvation and willingness to obey the Lord was abundantly displayed.

 

2. Paul’s joy over these Corinthian believers reminds me of the third Epistle of John.

 

3 John 3-4  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  (4)  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 

C. The Corinthian Church’s great grace and growth are evidenced to us also, because of this book and in 2 Corinthians we find little rebuke.  I am glad that the Lord still uses His Word to get His work done!  This blessed old Bible that I hold in my hand will get the job done if we preach it, teach it, and heed it. 

 

D.  Paul begins this epistle dealing with tribulation and comfort.  On the heels of true repentance and spiritual growth comes a testing of your faith.  “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted!”  Why does God allow His children to have tribulation, trials, and sometimes persecution?  That is a familiar question because not one of us enjoys or wants it.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1. The key word in these verses is “worketh.” To fashion, to perform, or to accomplish. This tells us that these bad things that we are to glory in are not accidents. This tells us that, in God’s sovereign will, He allows bad things to bring out better things!

 

2. Tribulation – anguish that brings about pressure.  Burdens! These are necessary for us to learn patience: endurance, constancy, continuance (waiting).

 

3. Patience – experience: proof, tested.

 

4. Hope – confidence, expectation, to anticipate with pleasure.

 

5. Not Ashamed – not confounded, blush, or be ashamed.

E. The “godly” shall suffer persecution and Paul wanted these precious saints to be both aware of it and prepared for it. 

 

2 Timothy 3:12-14  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

 

1. God’s children, when doing all the right things, too often are not spiritually prepared for hardships that prove their faith and faithfulness.  So many fall off or quit when hardship comes.  Again, let me remind all of us that life is hard and often seems unfair.

 

2.  Paul, writing to Timothy in the first Pastoral Epistle, expressed this very same thing to him! Persecution is not only for certain people or churches.  Satan hates them all!

 

3. The child of God who lives a carnal life is exempt for the most part. Isn’t that wonderful? No! Then God will chastise and scourge!

 

a) First Mention - Deuteronomy 8:5-6  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.  (6)  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  (8)  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

 

b) Last Mention - Hebrews 12:6-7  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 

F.  As long as they blended with the world and gave no time to sanctification and service, their presence was virtually noticed and their influence minimal.  They got right and the fight was on! Don’t think for a moment that Satan will not attack those who live right! Paul told Timothy, you just do right!

 

2 Timothy 3:13-14  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

G. Tribulation is necessary for complete spiritual maturity!  It is the tough times that make the believer tough.  It is hard times that make the believer strong and steadfast.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1 Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

H.  Paul assured the Corinthian Church of:

 

1.  The Probability Of Tribulation – vs. 4 – “all our tribulation…them which are in any trouble” Troubles, trials, and tribulations are a way of life to the godly.

 

1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

1 Peter 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

 

Job 1:21  And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Paul is simply warning the saints at Corinth! 

 

When you know that life is hard, you can make it!

 

2.  The Partakers Of Tribulation – vs. 4 - “our” We who are saved are not exempt from the trials of life because they are a way of life.

 

a.  Bad things happen to bad people!  Yes! What they sow, they reap!

 

b.  Bad things happen to good people! Yes! You may be doing well today, but—more than likely—your day is coming!

 

Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

 

Job 2:3  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

 

Job 42:7-9  And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.  Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.  So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. 

 

3.  The Purpose Of Tribulation – vs. 8-9 - 1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

a.  Tribulation brings about Purification – It causes us to examine ourselves and draw close to the Lord.

 

b.  Tribulation brings about Prayer – A crying out for help in time of need.  God could certainly prevent it but, instead, He allows it for our good.  I personally like the “rut” that goes along with everything doing great, but it normally does not stay that way.

 

4.  The Prospering Of Tribulation – vs. 4  Personal Testimony and Divine Comfort!

 

a.  Tribulation’s Strengthening – Philippians 4:12-13  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.God’s grace is sufficient.

 

b.  Tribulation’s Sanctification - Luke 6:22  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

 

The world will separate from you as you separate to God! They will not hang around godly people!

 

c.  Tribulation’s Sharing - 2 Corinthians 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

Our personal trials strengthen us so that we can share the burdens of those we love and know.

 

5.  The Peace Of Tribulation – vs. 10 In Paul’s final words recorded in the Bible, he spoke of three tenses of deliverance:

 

2 Timothy 4:16-18  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  (17)  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18)  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

a.  Reflection Of The Past – He has delivered!  Praise Him.

 

b.  Resolve Of The Present – He is delivering!  Stay with Him.

 

c.  Rest In The Future – He will deliver!  Trust Him.

 

6.  The Praying Of Tribulation – vs. 11  We need to make supplication for each other as well as those in bonds around the world.

 

Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 

Hebrews 13:3  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

 

Conclusion:  1 Peter 1:6 says, “If need be.” 

 

1. Problems come and they become easier to handle when we realize that they are for our good and God’s glory! The Corinthian Church was doing better.  They were trying to correct problems and serve the Lord, but problems would probably come soon. 

 

2. Problems will both continue and increase as we approach the coming of the Lord and they both expose and build character!

Building A Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-27-2026

1 Kings 6:1-14

 

Introduction:

1 Kings 6:11-12  And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,  (12)  Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

 

A. Here in the Book of 1 Kings, we find the building of King Solomon’s Temple, possibly the greatest and most expensive structure ever built by man.  It was dedicated in app. 953 BC. 

 

1. The gold alone that went into the building was 108,000 Talents of gold or, at today’s prices, app. $509,000,000,000.00.  Not including the silver and other precious metals and materials that went into the building.  An astronomical figure! 

 

2. No building has ever come close to that value either before or since.  The most expensive building built in our times was the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong at an estimated 1.5- 2 billion dollars.  About 1/250^th of the cost of King Solomon’s Temple. 

 

B. I said that to say this, that expensive building was destroyed by army of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonish Army in 586 BC. 

 

1. Though God honored the building of this glorious Temple, He eventualy forsook it and it was brought down by human hands just as it was built by human hands. 

 

2. It is not the size, beauty, or worth of the church that matters to God as virtually every New Testament church met in the house of a poor family. It is what goes on inside the church that pleases Him!

 

3. The same with churches in our day.  Great, beautiful, edifices that once held the glory and approval of God are no longer filled with the glory of God.  They are a disappointment to me when I see them because they once stood for something and preached the Word, but today they are dead or dying. Built by men and torn down by the same.

 

C. I want to look at this passage this morning and draw some spiritual truths concerning building a church.  Not a church building, but a church.  The church is made up of people working together for the glorification of the Son of God and the advancement of the gospel. 

 

D. At the completion of Solomon’s Temple, the Lord was pleased and filled it with His glory.  That is the desired end-result of the church today. 

 

E. What kind of church should we desire? What kind of church will God bless with His presence?

 

1. A church where God is glorified instead of man.

 

2. A church where the Word of God is magnified.

 

3. A church where the preaching of the Word is loved and heeded.

 

4. A church where sinners are loved and evangelized.

 

5. A church where families are unified and strengthened.

 

6. A church where lives are built up in the faith and made useful in the lord’s Service.

 

7. A church where sin is hated and holiness is exalted.

 

8. A church where apostasy is detected and liberalism is rejected.

 

9. A church where unity is prevalent and encouragement is offered.

 

10. A church where the end result is that, above all things, God is both preeminent and pleased.

 

F. The story of the building of the greatest Temple, church in our day, has a tremendous message withing the process. I want to notice three things found in these verses about the building of the Temple that are necessary for the building of a church that still apply today.

 

1. The Purpose Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 1-2  “of the Lord … for the Lord”

 

1 Kings 6:1-2  And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. (God’s Possession) (2)  And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD (God’s Presence), the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.

 

a. The Purpose Of The Word Being Preached – Faithful Preaching.

 

b. The Purpose Of His Son Being Praised – Fervent Worship.

 

c. The Purpose Of His Salvation Being Propagated – Faithful Soul winning and Missions.

 

 

2. The Preparation Of The Church Must Be Right – “made ready before”  As we sit in church this morning, we are not building the church! 

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

a. We are building believers so as to come to a place of spiritual maturity, encouragement, and excitement about living for God outside the church! 

 

b. They will then go into the highway, hedges, streets, and lanes carrying both a visual and vocal gospel to a lost world, bring them in and the church will grow and flourish. 

 

c. The material for building the church is done out of the church! The Church are normally silent during the week.  People pass by but only see a structure, not see and hear the people. 

 

d. But God’s people are in their “Prayer Closets,” doing one-on-one soul winning, handing out tracts, being salt and light, family altars, raising their children for the Lord, and spending time in God’s Word.

 

e. Churches are also torn down by their members as they slowly are enticed by the things of the world, their love of and for God cools, holiness turns to worldliness, their homes began to come apart at the seams, and they sleepwalk through life.  Their joyful worship wanes and the churches begin to crumble.

 

f. What you were this last week, you brought to church this morning, good or bad, worldly or holy, thirsting or as dry as last year’s bird nest.

 

3. The Plan Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 7

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

a. It Is A Unified Work – “brought thither” Cooperation is a necessity in building a church.  Unity is a necessity in building a church.  It is “our elephant” instead of “my elephant!” Every saint is special to the building of the local church and essential to the body of Christ!

 

b.  It Is A Varied Work – “hammer…axe…tool” Churches are not built by one man but by everyone doing their part during the week.  The results are only manifest on church days. Everyone here has a part or works to do in the completion of the building of the church.

 

c. It Is A Silent Work – “nor any tool of iron heard”

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

1) During the week, I pass by or drop in at the church, and it is silent.  Nothing goes on unless one of the precious people who clean or a Sunday School teacher is here. 

 

2) Building a church is not the shouting, the praise of worship, or offerings, but rather the day-by-day labor that is not in vain in the Lord.  Churches are built while the building is silent and empty!

 

3) No one hears the noise of the work done somewhere else.  These people only saw the results of the work.

 

d. The Precision Of The Church Must Be Right – “made ready” Everything must be built to the Lord’s specifications!

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

1)  Bringing the Ark of the Covenant home on a new cart in King David’s day might have looked impressive, but it was not God’s way!

 

2) God is not interested in the “new carts” of religion and tradition. He is not interested in denominational rituals. God is only interested in “due order,” God’s way instead of man’s way.

 

4. The People Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 12

 

1 Kings 6:12  Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

 

a. A Purposed People - Adhering To God’s Walk  – “thou wilt walk in my statutes”  A purposeful people.  God’s Word hold for us the “Old Paths” wherein lies the good way. The Bible is right and obedience to it brings blessings. Living for the Lord is both right and good.

 

b. A Submissive People - Submissive To God’s Will – “execute my judgments” Salvation is not just talk; it is a walk.  It is salt and light that allows others to see that we do the Word of God as well as share it.

 

c. A Holy People – Obedient To God’s Word – “keep all my commandments” 

 

5. The Promise To The Church – “then will I perform my word with thee”

 

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

Conclusion: Vs 14 – Then it becomes a finished work.  God’s people doing God’s will in God’s way gets the job done.