Evil Communications Corrupt Good Manners

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-24-2026

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

 

Introduction: 

A.  It is of no casual interest that the Holy Spirit placed these verses in the great resurrection chapter of 1 Corinthians.  Paul, in his first Corinthian Epistle, has worked tirelessly and lovingly to help this carnal church to GROW UP and, therefore, become more like Christ than the world from which they were delivered!

 

B. Reproving and rebuking are, unfortunately, a constant need for all of us as we are saved and sinners at the same time!

 

2 Timothy 4:1-5  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (if there is a sound doctrine, there must also be unsound doctrine); but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers (there are good teachers and false teachers), having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (if there is truth, there must also be untruths).  (5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

 

C.  As we near the end of 15 chapters of open reproof and rebuke, in this great chapter, we find two great resurrections. 

 

1.  I Corinthians speaks of their resurrection unto newness of life.  This truth is well established in both Romans chapter 6 and 2 Corinthians chapter 5.

 

Romans 6:1-16  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7  For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

2 Corinthians 5:16-17  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  (17)  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

2.  The resurrection of our sinful body to a state of incorruption and eternality. I will just lightly reference this resurrection as we will look at it in detail later.

 

1 Corinthians 15:50-55  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

D.  The crux of this message is “evil communications corrupt good manners!”  Why is such carnality found in the Corinthian believers?   I want to use two biblical illustrations to show both the cause and the effect of “evil communications corrupt good manners.”  Both found in Genesis, the Seedbed of the Bible.

 

1.  Lot.  2 Peter 2:6-8  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;  (7)  And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:  (8)  (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

 

a)  Lot was a saved man.  “just … righteous”

 

b)  Lot chose to dwell among them.  “For that righteous man dwelling among them.”  “Dwelling” is to settle in, and “among” means to be positioned.  We are in this world, but must position ourselves out of this world!

 

c)  Lot vexed!  This is something that Lot did to himself, not what the world did to him!

 

d)  How did Lot vex his righteous soul?  By seeing and hearing!  “Evil communications” are perceived in these two ways, seeing their ungodly “conversations.”  Seeing, observing the world’s lifestyles intently.  Hearing, listening to the world’s philosophy! 

 

e.  Lot failed to turn away.  “from day to day”  One day at a time led up to the corruption of his righteous soul!  He got used to the dark!

 

2.  Eve. The First Mention found in Genesis chapter 3.

 

a)  Eve heard.  Genesis 3:1-4  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  (2)  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  (4)  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

 

a)  Eve saw!  Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

3. Satan’s devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

E.  Therefore, the reason for much preaching and teaching on the most unpopular subject in the Bible: Separation!  We are to be salt (which gives savour) and light (which shows Christ).

 

Matthew 5:13-16  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  (14)  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  (15)  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  (16)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

F.  As a general rule, sinners have a greater influence upon the saved than the saved have upon the sinners.  Throughout biblical history, God’s children have been constantly drawn away from God through the influence of the world around them. 

 

G.  KISS:  Keep it simple, Stupid!  What I am preaching is the “milk” of the Word tonight.  Something that every believer is faced with from day one in salvation!  Satan tries his best to keep the sinner from salvation, but he cannot touch that; therefore, he begins his war against the believer in separation because that is one of the greatest “tools” that God uses to convert the lost!

 

1. A lack of Communication - 1 Corinthians 15:33-34  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  (34)  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

 

We spend more time communicating with the world than we do with God! We need to learn the lesson: we are in the world but not of the world.

 

2.  A lack of Concentration - 1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

We are seeing so much while in the world that it takes on more importance than living and serving God.

 

3.  A lack of Continuance - Luke 9:57-62  And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  (58)  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  (59)  And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  (60)  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  (61)  And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  (62)  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

 

At this point, our eyes are off of Christ, the straight and narrow way, and on the world that we once trod, the wide gate and broad way!  That which once turned us to Christ becomes our point of focus, and we begin to slack off.

 

4.  A lack of Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:8-11  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

Enough is no longer enough!  Satisfaction breeds contentment while dissatisfaction breeds discontentment!  The difference between men and boys is the price they pay for their toys!

 

5.  The end result of all the above is a lack of Commitment - 2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

 

Another one of these days, one of us will be a part of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2!  Just another statistic!

The Millennial Psalm

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

Psalm 47

 

Introduction:

A.  The reason for my naming this psalm “The Millennial Psalm” is that it continually references a future event, not something that has already been or now is. 

 

1.  In the beginning, God established the truth of six literal days of creation.  Found in two texts: Genesis chapters 2-3 with the terminology “the evening and the morning” in each of the six consecutive days of creation and His rest from His work on the seventh. 

 

Exodus 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

2.  These seven days were an analogy to the seven millenniums of time before the end of times as we know it. 

 

2 Peter 3:7-8  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  (8)  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

3.  It was a period of four days or four thousand years (four days in God’s economy) from the creation to Christ, two thousand years from Christ to the end time the Church Age ended by the Rapture of the Church (two days in God’s economy),  and one thousand years (one day in God’s economy) consisting of Jacob’s Trouble, also known as The Tribulation Period and Millennium.

 

4.  Eschatology is the study of last things.  J. Dwight Pentecost wrote a book on eschatology titled “Things To Come.”

 

B.  There are two distinct possibilities, both times of peace and prosperity, with the former being the 1,000-year reign of Christ and the latter being eternal, mentioned in the Book of Isaiah.  I will give you both, but the Millennial Reign of Christ is probably the one mentioned in this psalm.

 

1.  God’s Millennial Reign - Isaiah 11:1-10  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  (3)  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  (4)  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  (5)  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.  (6)  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (7)  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  (8)  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.  (9)  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  (10)  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

 

2.  God’s Eternal Reign - Isaiah 65:17-25  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  (18)  But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  (19)  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  (20)  There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.  (21)  And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  (22)  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  (23)  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.  (24)  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  (25)  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

 

C.  Both occur after the Second Coming of Christ, which takes place in Revelation chapter 19.

 

D.  In this psalm, we see the joy and anticipation of the people of Israel as they have been the most hated people on earth over the millennia.   Today, many of the Orthodox Jews go to the Wailing Wall and pray for the coming of the Messiah.  

 

E.  Psalm 47 emphasizes a timeless truth, "For God is the King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7), that will be glorious for both the Nation of Israel and all the kingdoms of the earth.

 

F. The time of this writing took place approximately 3,000 to 3,500 years ago, when Israel was in the beginning stages of spiritual and physical decline after the rule of David and Solomon. 

 

G.  Now, let us break down the Psalm verse by verse.

 

1.  The introduction of the psalm: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.”

 

a.  "To the chief Musician" indicates that the psalm was given to the leader of music in Israel's worship, likely the director of the temple choir and orchestra. It was intended to be sung publicly in worship, not merely read privately.  Much like our congregational singing out of our hymnal with musical accompaniment, songs with a message.

 

1)  The psalm was part of Israel's corporate worship.

 

2)  The Psalm was meant to be performed with musical accompaniment.

 

3)  The Psalm carried an important message for the congregation.

 

b.  "A Psalm" - The Hebrew word mizmor refers to a song sung with instrumental accompaniment, especially stringed instruments. Psalm 47 is therefore a song of praise and celebration.

 

c. "For the sons of Korah" - The "sons of Korah" were a family of Levites who served as temple singers and gatekeepers.  Korah was the man who led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16) and was judged by God. However, his descendants were spared (Numbers 26:11) and later became devoted servants in temple worship.  The Sons of Korah were known for composing several psalms, including Psalms 42–49, 84, 85, 87, and 88.

 

2.  Verse 1.  God’s Praise.  “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”  Here we find enthusiasm!  “Clap … shout!”  Not because of our personal situations of sorrow and defeat, but with joy and excitement!

 

3.  Verse 2.  God’s Position.  “For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.”  He is great in His power, lofty in His dominion, eminent in His wisdom, and elevated in His glory.  There is none like Him!

 

4.  Verse 3.  God’s Power.  “He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.”  Power to protect and elevate the Nation of Israel, as no weapon formed against them shall prosper! 

 

5.  Verse 4.  God’s Prerogative.  “He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.”  Israel, God’s glory!  Israel, the apple of God’s eye!  Israel, God’s chosen!

 

6.  Verse 5.  God’s Promise.  “God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.”  One day He is coming, and we will be leaving with Him.  Oh, glorious day!

 

7.  Verse 6.  God’s People.  “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.”  He is Israel’s King but also ours!  On white horses, we shall be like Him and come back with Him. 

 

8.  Verse 7.  God’s Performance.  “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”  Praise Him for His creation!  He created it; He owns it; and He sustains it!  God is in perfect control of all things.

 

9.  Verse 8.  God’s Perfection.  “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.”  On that day, the unruly nations of earth will submit to God’s rule, which will be a rule of righteousness and equity!

 

10.  Verse 9.  God’s Purpose.  “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.”  God’s redemptive purpose is to return His once perfect creation to its former glory for all eternity.  What a day that will be!

Father’s Day – 2026 - Give Me a Man to Fight

Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

1 Samuel 17:1-11

 

A.  First, let me say “Happy Father’s Day” to all the fathers both here and watching on live video.  God bless each of you!

 

B.  I chose the story of David and Goliath this morning because it conveys a truth for all of us fathers and men in general.  I chose this story because Goliath walked that valley for 40 days (morning and evening, 80 times) looking for one man )not a multitude, just one) to fight and, in the entire army of Saul, who were shouting for the battle, found none!  A whole lot of shouting but no battling going on.  Anybody can shout, but not many will fight!

 

1 Samuel 17:20  And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

 

1 Samuel 17:24  And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

 

1.  Young David, in his mid to late teens (he was too young to go to war, and Goliath despised his youth), asked a very important question.  1 Samuel 17:29  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

 

Not fighting for nothing, but for something worth dying for.  That was the reason for the entire story, as the Philistines had invaded Israel and threatened their destruction.  Their land, families, and the welfare of their nation.

 

2.  David then chose 5 smooth stones and did what no other warrior would do: he killed a giant named Goliath. 

 

3.  Goliath got what he asked for: a man!  Goliath got more than he bargained for!  This shows us that God can use young men as well as older ones.  A man is not an age; it is a heart that will fight and die for a right cause.

 

C.  We live in a day prophesied in Isaiah chapter 4.  Today, there are fewer and fewer good men or women (the ladies will get a pass this morning).  Because of this, the family unit has failed our children.

 

Isaiah 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

 

D.  Notice that Isaiah did not say 7 men would be looking for one good woman!  I cannot overstate the importance of the father in the home or local church.  Men, these women cannot take our place in either!

 

E.  Gentlemen, look around you at all the young people here this morning.  We have a cause!

 

F.  God is still looking for good men!  I want to be that man in our family!  Now for the question:  “What kind of man was God looking for?”  A young man not afraid to die for a cause!  In chapter 16, God chose the youngest of all the brothers because He saw something neither Samuel nor Jesse saw: He used a 16-year-old boy who was the only man available and willing.  Age doesn’t disqualify a man on either side of the spectrum, young or old!

 

G.  This morning, God is looking for:

 

1.  God is looking for Godly Men.  Men who match a godly life with a profession of faith.

 

2.  God is looking for Praying Men.  Men who are neither afraid nor ashamed to pray.

 

3.  God is looking for Faithful Men.  Men who are steadfast in both family and church.

 

4.  God is looking for Following Men.  Men who are only followers of men as they follow Christ.

 

5.  God is looking for Serving Men.  Men who are not only available but active in the work of the Lord.

 

6.  God is looking for Surrendered Men.  Men who are looking for ways to serve rather than being asked.

 

7.  God is looking for Watching Men. Men who protect their homes from the world.

 

8.  God is looking for Guiding Men.  Men who mentor the next generation.

 

9.  God is looking for Mighty Men.   Men who are not afraid of spiritual conflict.

 

10.  God is looking for Fearless Men.  Men who are not afraid to face a giant.

Baptized for the Dead

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-17-2026

1 Corinthians 15:29-32

 

Introduction:

A.  My reason for explaining “baptized for the dead.”  

 

1.  Because of the heresy taught here by the Mormon Church.

 

a)  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) is considered by many Bible-believing Christians to be a cult because it departs from the fundamental doctrines of historic Christianity.

 

1)  While it uses the King James Bible, it also accepts the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as inspired scripture.

 

2)  Furthermore, the teachings of Joseph Smith and subsequent LDS prophets are regarded as authoritative, resulting in doctrines that often differ from and, in practice, take precedence over the plain teaching of Scripture.

 

b)  There is much heresy concerning the verse that I have just read. 

 

1)  The Mormons teach that a “believer” (I certainly use that term loosely in this instance) can go to Salt Lake City, Utah, and be baptized in the place of a non-Mormon who has died. 

 

2)  The view that deceased human beings can hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world and, through proxy baptism performed for them on earth, have another opportunity to accept Mormon baptism and obtain eternal life with God.

 

2.  Because of its relevance to biblical Christianity in our day.  Paul is writing to a local church in the New Testament!  As one of the Church Epistles, Paul's letter also addresses us.

 

3.  Because of the ignorance of pulpits that deem this one of the hardest verses to explain, they dodge it.  I believe that this verse has GREAT importance.

 

B.  Now, for a short explanation of what “baptized for the dead” does not mean.  It cannot mean that living people can be baptized on behalf of dead people for their salvation because:

 

1.  Salvation is by personal faith in Christ, not by someone else's baptism.

 

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

 

Romans 10:9-13  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

2.  Baptism follows personal belief, not precedes it.

 

Acts 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

 

Acts 8:36-38  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  (37)  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  (38)  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

 

3.  Scripture teaches that one's eternal state is fixed at death.

 

Luke 16:19-23  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  (20)  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,  (21)  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  (22)  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;  (23)  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

 

2 Corinthians 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

 

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

4.  There is no command or example elsewhere in Scripture of Christians being baptized for deceased people.

 

C.  Paul was speaking of replacements! 

 

1.  A prime example:  when I was out of college in the ’60s, I suddenly became 1-A, or prime for the draft, as Vietnam was hot and replacement troops were being called up in record numbers.  This is called replacement recruitment!

 

2.  As these men of God historically died, He was replacing them through biblical recruitment.  Men were being saved and then baptized, making them eligible for enlistment rather than the required draft. 

 

3.  Paul did not take time to give further explanation because the believers at Corinth fully understood what he said.

 

a)  They understood because they were Greeks.  Corinth was a Greek city-state!  They were familiar with the Macedonian phalanx, the famous infantry formation used by Alexander the Great and developed by his father, Philip II of Macedon.

 

b)  Were soldiers marched forward in closed ranks with the first rank holding shields in front of the formation, with the soldier behind the first rank thrusting his spear between the shields.  When one of the men of these first two ranks fell in battle, the next soldier in line stepped forward to hold the shield or thrust with the spear.

 

4.  The Bible speaks of men stepping forward to fill the gaps and make up the hedges in the Old Testament.  Thus, the meaning of being “Baptized for the dead.”  To fill the gaps or make up for the holes in the hedges made by the nature of physical death to those preceding them.

 

5.  God has always had His voice heard by each generation.  These men are volunteers.

 

Isaiah 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

 

D.  Thus, we find the only prayer request our Lord made before His death. 

 

Matthew 9:37-38  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;  (38)  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

 

E. Possibly the best example of being “baptized for the dead” is young Timothy.

 

1.  Timothy’s father was Greek, and nothing else was mentioned about him.  His mother was a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek who evidently did not.

 

Acts 16:1  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

 

2.  Timothy was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. 

 

2 Timothy 1:3-6  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;  (4)  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;  (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.  (6)  Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

 

3.  Timothy’s mentor and spiritual hero was the Apostle Paul. 

 

2 Timothy 3:10-17  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  (11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  (12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  (13)  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;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

4.  Timothy followed in the footsteps of Paul. 

 

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

 

F.  Why did Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, not give further explanation?  Because the Corinthian believers knew exactly what he was saying, and no further explanation was necessary!

 

G.  There are three distinct factors in verse 29 that lend to its biblical interpretation.

 

1.  Factor One:  Baptism is IDENTIFICATION, not SALVATION!  Many teach the false doctrine of baptismal regeneration, thus making baptism a work of grace and essential to the believer's salvation.  I do not think that this requires a biblical study on the Doctrines of Baptism at this time.  Grace through faith alone saves, while baptism is identification with the Gospel: buried in the likeness of His death and raised to walk in newness of life.

 

 

2.  Factor Two:  The Word For Used In This Verse.  The word “for” here means “on behalf of” or “in the place of.”  These believers were baptized in identification with Christ and in the place of those who had died.  This translation made good sense to the Greeks because of its cultural meaning.

 

As God’s people are dying, God is saving and raising up others to take their place in the forefront of the battle.

 

3.  Factor Three:  The Contextual Interpretation Of The Verse.  (I want to use a verse from Hebrews 11 to illustrate this point.)

 

Hebrews 11:35  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

 

There Is The Context Of Death – “receiving their dead” - God’s people have died for the faith once delivered!  It’s a battlefield, Brother, not a recreation room!  Not that these women saw their loved ones come Alive again, but that those who would follow them would suffer as they had. 

 

Conclusion:  Why would people suffer and die for Christ if there is no resurrection? Having seen others die for Christ, do you think that I would suffer according to their example if I didn't believe in the resurrection?  Paul was convinced of the reality of our future life. This is what made it possible for him to give his present life for Christ.  Without his confidence in Christ's promise of resurrection, Paul would not have allowed himself to suffer. We must ask ourselves, "Are we convinced of the resurrection, and our future life in heaven with Christ?" If the answer is yes, we ought to be willing to suffer for Christ during this life, following the examples of the saints who went before us. Paul exhorts us to be willing to take up the shield of those who have been persecuted for Christ's sake, remembering the rewards that await those who love him.

Praise Ye The LORD - Praising the LORD for His Faithfulness

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-14-2026

Psalm 146

A.  Tonight, we will look at the first of a set of the last five Psalms, often referred to as the “Hallelujah Psalms.”  Hallelujah, though not found in the Old Testament, is the underlying word for the phrase “Praise ye the LORD,” which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament.  The word “Alleluia,” found in the New Testament four times, all in the Book of Revelation.  Alleluia is the Greek form meaning "to celebrate" or "to praise" Jah or Jehovah.

 

B.  The final five psalms (146–150) each begin and end with “Praise ye the LORD.”  The psalms call the believer to praise the Lord because He alone is worthy of our praise.

 

C.  These psalms serve as the grand doxology of the entire Book of Psalms. After the cries of lament, prayers for deliverance, wisdom teachings, and songs of thanksgiving found throughout the Psalter, the book concludes with an escalating call to praise God.

 

D.  With this short introduction, we will explore these psalms individually because, though alike, they are all different.

 

1.  Verse 1-2.  The People to Praise the LORD. 

Psalms 146:1-2  Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.  (2)  While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

a.  “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.” Every child of God should be prayerfully thankful in their hearts!  This admonition to praise is not meant for you.  It is meant for me.  The gratefulness of my heart for the things that God has done for me, to me, and through me.  The same goes for each of you.  Grateful is thankful, and thankful is thinkful!  Learn to count your many blessings and remember what God has done.

 

b.  While I live I will praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”  Praise should be continual.  While I live speaks of every instance, every circumstance, all the time, as long as we live!  A lifelong commitment for as long as we have our “being.”  Physically and mentally here!

c.  Singing along our way in life.  Making melody in our hearts. 

Ephesians 5:19-20  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2.  Verses 3-6.  The Person of our Praise. 

Psalms 146:3-7  Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.  (4)  His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.  (5)  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:  (6)  Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:  (7)  Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

a.  Verses 3-4.  Putting no Trust in Men.  Human leaders may possess authority (which is to be respected and biblically obeyed), influence, and power, but they cannot solve all your problems nor earn your spiritual praise.  They can do and produce good as they are ordained of God, but kings die, governments pass away, and leaders fail!

 

b.  Verses 5-6)  “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”  Only God remains unchanged!  God is our Help!  God is our Hope!

 

c.  God in our Confidence!  God is all-powerful.  “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is.”

 

3.  Verses 7-9.  The Performance of our Praise.

Psalms 146:7-9  Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:  (8)  The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:  (9)  The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

a. He defends the oppressed.  “Which executeth judgment for the oppressed.” God sees injustice and will ultimately make all things right.

 

b.  He provides for the needy.  “Which giveth food to the hungry.”  Every meal should be preceded with a prayer of thankfulness as they remind us of God’s provision.

 

c.  He delivers the captives.  “The LORD looseth the prisoners.”  God is able to free men physically and spiritually.

 

d.  He gives sight to the blinded.  “The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind.”  Often men get blinded by the things of the world for a while, but God, through His holy Word and the Holy Spirit, opens our spiritual eyes.

 

e.  He lifts up the fallen.  “The LORD raiseth them that are bowed down.”  God specializes in restoring broken people.

 

f.  He loves the righteous.  “The LORD loveth the righteous.”  What encouragement for God’s people!

 

g.  He protects the weak.  “The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow.”  The very people society often overlooks receive God’s special care.

 

4.  Verse 10.  The Permanence of our Paise.  “The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.”  God’s reign is eternal!  Earthly kingdoms rise and fall; empires have come and gone (Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome), but God’s praise should have no end!

 

5.  The psalm closes where it began:  “Praise ye the LORD.”