For As He Thinketh In His Heart, So Is He

Temple Baptist Church 4-20-2008

Proverbs 23:7a

Introduction:

A. In Paul’s description of the last day professing believers, the Holy Spirit used the words “having a form of godliness.” I have found over the years that the church has some of the most wonderful people in the world sitting on its pews. These believers consistently love God and live for Him through the years. These believers, like all people, have problems but are not problematic! They sometimes need direction and pastoring but remain faithful to and useful in the Lord’s service.

B. There are also believers, and I believe them to be so, who drift from the Lord and get into sin in spite of all that we try to do for them. They are chastened of God in this world which is a sign of being born again. To remain in sin without chastisement shows a lack of the New Birth. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

C. There are some who sit on church pews lost and, eventually, will expose themselves because of the wicked condition of their hearts.

2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
The dog truly returns to its vomit and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he!” Sheep may fall into a mud hole but to the sow, it is a way of life. (Lost professors change for a while but eventually return to their old way of life.)

D. There are many who have never had a real heart change and their lives reflect their lost condition.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators (unlawful sex among singles), nor idolaters (worships the things of this world), nor adulterers (unlawful sexual relations of married people with others), nor effeminate (soft-sissies-men with characteristics of women), nor abusers of themselves with mankind (sodomites), 10 Nor thieves (to steal or take be fraud), nor covetous (insatiable, greedy of worldly gain, bent upon increasing their substance at any rate), nor drunkards (habitually giving themselves to strong drink), nor revilers (tale bearing, whispering, and backbiting, or by raising and spreading scandalous reports), nor extortioners (to plunder or extort for unlawful gain), shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

E. Then, there are those who do not control their thought life and their flesh acts out their fantasies. What is in the heart will eventually manifest itself in outward actions because what is in the heart is what we are.

1. Our Thoughts Are Known

a. Our Thoughts Are Known By God - 1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

Psalms 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

b. Our Thoughts Are Know By Self - Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.

c. Our Thoughts Well Soon Be Known By Others - Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

2. Our Thoughts Must Be Controlled

a. Our Thoughts Are Controlled By Girding - 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (Gird up is the opposite of loose. To bridle or to control.)

b. Our Thoughts Are Controlled By Renewing - Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (As we are constantly bombarded by the world we are to renovate our thinking with the Word of God.)

c. Our Thoughts Are Controlled By Meditating - Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

3. Our Imaginations Must Be Captured

a. We Either Destroy Them - 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations (framework or to build), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (MARTIN LUTHER was credited with saying, "You can't keep the birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” “Casting down” means to throw down with force.)

1) Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say: “Behind every human tragedy there is a slow process of evil, wicked thinking.”

2) Sinfulness is a process of evil thinking! No one ever falls into sin. They have been falling a long time. We only saw them when they landed. It began in their thoughts.

3) Sir Francis Bacon was asked what he thought the outlook was for the next generation. He declared, “Tell me what the young people are thinking and I’ll tell you.”

b. Or They Will Destroy Us - Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. (THOUGHTS produce ACTIONS; ACTIONS produce HABITS; and HABITS produce LIFE-STYLES!)

Conclusion: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he!”

Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

What To Do In The Midst Of The Storm

Temple Baptist Church 4-20-2008


Acts 27:1-44 (1-14)

Introduction:

A. Job declared that “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” Jacob said, “Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.”

B. Troubles are, unfortunately, a way of life! The Christian is not exempted from the trials and tribulations of this life. How many songs have been written about hardships of life? “Till The Storm Passes By,” “It Is Well,” “Master, The Tempest Is Raging,” “Stand By Me!”

C. Paul the prisoner, on his way to Rome and Caesar, encounters a storm in the Mediterranean Sea.

1) The storm is not one of his choosing,

2) nor is it one of his making. He just happens to be in the will of God in the middle of it. Some would argue the “will of God” part of it, but the Lord said to him, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

D. We see many storms in our own personal lives, go through them, and find that the Lord is faithful in the midst of them. In spite of this knowledge, we often get out of the will of God while in them if we are not careful. I want to look at some things that brought these men to the other side of the storm that will help us in our storms.

1. They Let Her Drive – vs. 15

a. The storm was too strong to resist. To steer across the storm would have been suicidal! The ship would either have been broken in two or swamped by the waves of the sea.
Nahum 1:3 The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.

b. We may “buck” small winds and rain storms, but when the hurricane comes, we have to “Let her drive.” Do the best you can but do not let the storm break you down.

2. They Used Helps – vs. 17

a. When most go through storms, their pride makes them have to look invincible! At one time of another, we all need help—even your pastor! Never let a storm isolate you from your helps.
b. Choose those helps wisely. The Lord has given to us His Word, the precious Holy Spirit, compassionate brethren, etc. Never be afraid to either ask for help or take honest help that is offered.

3. They Lightened The Ship – vs. 18-19

a. Lighten your load by staying right with the Lord or getting right with the Lord. Many choose to get out of God’s will and stay that way.

b. Lighten your load by taking it to the Lord and leaving it there. c. Lighten your load by allowing others to share it with you. A burden shared is half a burden!

4. Realize That You Are Not Forsaken – vs. 23

a. The Lord is with you! b. You belong to Him! c. And Keep On Serving Him

5. Anchor Deep And Keep Your Faith Encouraged – vs. 29

a. I have heard messages on those “Four Anchors” that will hold you in the storm. We certainly have anchors and I have mentioned some: The Bible, The Church, The Saints, The Holy Spirit, The Promises of God.

b. The main things is to anchor securely so that you will not move and be broken upon the rocks that are hidden under the waves of the storm. Many ships have perished on the rocks or reefs because they allowed the storm to blow them that way.

c. The song writer said, “My Anchor holds onto the Solid Rock! That Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One!

6. They Remained In The Ship – vs. 30-31

a. Don’t jump ship! So many of God’s people get out of Church when troubles come. They simply give up and say, “What’s the use!” They live to regret it.

b. No one in their right mind would bail out of a perfectly good airplane during a turbulent storm! No one in their right mind would jump over the rail of a perfectly good ship in a hurricane!

c. Stand still, be quiet, and expectantly wait upon the Lord.

7. Stay Fed Spiritually – vs. 33-36

a. You must keep your spiritual strength up through God’s Word. You will find that He will give you what you need when you need it and it will give you strength for the task ahead.

b. The Word of God will cheer you in your darkest hour by strengthening both your faith and resolve for the task ahead.

8. Commit Yourself To The Sea – vs. 40-44

a. Commitment will take you a long way when trouble comes. Commitment to do what is right and stay in the storm as long as it takes to bring about the right end.

b. Commit your soul and safekeeping to the Lord! He will not fail you!
Conclusion: You know, Paul never blamed God for the storm. He simply trusted God in the storm and, one day, made it safely to the other side of it.

Perfecting Holiness In The Fear Of God

Temple Baptist Church 4-16-2008

2 Corinthians 7:1

Introduction:

A. “Having therefore these promises” shows that Chapter 7 is a continuation of chapter 6, which deals with separation and the blessings of God that accompany our obedience. In the end of chapter 6, God made special promises to special people: His reward for our love and obedience.

B. Separation is obedience to God but it is more than just obedience. Separation is a love for Christ that causes the believer to go “without the camp, bearing his reproach.” Unfortunately, in our day, the separatist is not only reproached by the world but also by the modern day, carnal church member. Separation has always had its price.

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

C. Separation has its price but it also has it blessings and the blessings outweigh all else.

1. The Lord said, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them.”
2. The Lord said, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
3. The Lord said, “I will receive you.”
4. The Lord said, “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.”

D. In chapter 7:1, the Holy Spirit gives the formula for living a clean, separate life for Christ in this present evil world.

1. “Let us cleanse ourselves”

a. This Cleansing Is A Choice - 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.

b. This Cleansing Is Personal - Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. (Most believers are so busy judging others that they have no time to judge themselves. I have found that those who judge self have no time to judge others.)

2. “From all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”

a. This Cleansing Needs To Be First Inward – “all filthiness of spirit”

Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (To cleanse the outward without first cleansing the inward leads to Phariseeism to which God pronounces a “Woe.”)

b. This Inward Cleansing Becomes Outward – “all filthiness of flesh”

Matthew 23:25-26 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (Internal pollution brings about external defilement!)

3. Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (Perfecting - to be on a course of righteousness and holiness to the end)

a. Perfecting holiness is not in the fear of man (Most of the time, we draw our “convictions” from others and live in fear of their finding out that we do something that they would object to.)

b. Perfecting holiness is in the fear of God

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

c. Perfecting holiness is in obedience to God’s Word

John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Conclusion: Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.

Be Not Deceived, God Is Not Mocked

Temple Baptist Church - 4-13-2008

Galatians 6:7-10

Introduction:

1. The Deception of Sin

a. Deceived By Satan

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

b. Deceived By Sin

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

c. Deceived By Self (the worst of all deceptions)

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

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

2. The Workings of Sin

James 1:14-16 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

a. Sin’s Character – “own lust” b. Sin’s Conception – “lust hath conceived” c. Sin’s Culmination – “death”

3. The Reaping of Sin – Galatians 6:7-8 “Be Not Deceived; God Is Not Mocked”

5 Laws of Sowing and Reaping or “Laws Of The Harvest”

a. The Principle of Sowing - “lust hath conceived” - You always sow before you reap
b. The Product of Sowing - “bringeth forth sin” - You always reap what you sow
c. The Payoff of Sowing - “tempted - lust - sin - death” - You always reap more than you sow
d. The Period of Sowing - “when it is finished” - You always reap later than you sow
e. The Perplexity of Sowing - “Do not err” - You are always shocked at the harvest

Galatians 6:7-10

A. The Sorrow Of Sowing - 7-8

1. The Deception Of Sowing To Corruption – 7 “Be not deceived”

Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

2. The Discovery Of Sowing To Corruption – 7 “God is not mocked”

Romans 2:6-10 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

3. The Deciding Of Sowing To Corruption - 7-8 “Whatsoever a man soweth ... soweth to his flesh” - our decision

Romans 6:13 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.

4. The Destruction Of Sowing To Corruption – 8 “Shall of his flesh reap corruption”

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

Proverbs 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

B. The Satisfaction Of Sowing - 8-9

1. The Direction Of Sowing - 8 “To the Spirit”

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

2. The Desire Of Sowing – 8 “Shall of the Spirit reap”

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3. The Dividends Of Sowing - 8 “Life everlasting”

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

4. The Discipline Of Sowing - 9 “Let us not be weary ... faint not”

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

5. The Dereliction Of Sowing - 9 “Weary in well doing”

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

6. The Duty Of Sowing – 10 “Good unto all men ... especially ... household of faith”

1 John 3:13-19 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

The Doxology Of God’s Power

Temple Baptist Church 4-13-2008

Ephesians 3:20-21

Introduction:

A. Paul has just finished a four-fold prayer for the believers at the Church of Ephesus:

1. A Prayer For Inner Strength That Comes Only Through God –vs. 16
2. A Prayer For Inner Faith That Comes Only Through Confidence In God – vs. 17a
3. A Prayer For Inner Knowledge Of The Love Of God That Comes Only Through Scripture And Personal Walk With The Lord – vs. 17b

a) The comprehension of the incomprehensible
b) The knowledge of the unknowable
c) The finite mind understanding to a degree the infinite God

4. A Prayer For The Fullness Of God – vs. 19b

B. Paul ends his prayer with worship in what we call a Doxology. A Doxology is a fervent utterance of praise. It speaks of God’s great Power, Ability, and Willingness.

1. This Doxology Speaks Of God’s Power – “Now unto him that is able to do”

a. God has all power in Heaven and Earth

1) No situation dismays Him - Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

2) No situation is beyond His resources - Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

3) No situation is out of His control - Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

b. God’s Power is often underestimated

1) Satan underestimated His power – - Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (God could defeat a billion devils!)

2) The Unsaved underestimate His power – John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (God could withstand any and all men!)

c. God’s Power is unlimited

1) Creation did not tax His power - Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.

2) Satan could not withstand His power - Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

d. God’s Power is unleashable – We often fail to use His power because we are always working in our own! (Worketh in you)

2. This Doxology Speaks Of God’s Goodness – “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”

a. He can succor those that are tempted - Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

b. He can save those who come to Him - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

c. He can subdue all of our fears - Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

d. He can supply all or our needs - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

e. He can satisfy our every longing - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

g. He can secure our future - Isaiah 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Conclusion:

1. This Doxology of Power should Humble Us – It is all of Him!
2. This Doxology of Power should Encourage Us – All is within our reach
3. This Doxology of Power should Challenge Us – This power works through us
4. This Doxology of Power should Instruct Us – To give all glory and praise to God

God's Promise To The Separated Church

Temple Baptist Church

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Introduction:

A. The past two Wednesday nights, we have seen the command of ecclesiastical separation and the reason for it. If evil communications still corrupt good manners—and they do—then the influence of evil upon the believer or church will overcome the benefit of good the lost.

B. The modern day ecumenical movement teaches just the opposite. They teach: lay aside the differences and let everyone be alike. That pertains to both individuals and denominations.

C. The Holy Spirit has used several words to both describe and contrast the saved with the lost.

1. Children vs. Unbelievers – 13-14a
2. Righteousness vs. Unrighteousness – 14b
3. Light vs. Darkness – 14c
4. Christ vs. Belial – 15a
5. Believeth vs. Infidel – 15b
6. Temple of God vs. Idols – 16

D. We are different positionally and need to remain so practically. God has made some precious promises to the believer in these verses in light of bearing the reproach of Christ.

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

E. Why is separation so important? Look at verse 17-18.

1. “I will receive you” – A Walk Of Agreement

a. We Have Been Received In Salvation
b. We Have Been Received In The Beloved
c. We Will Be Received Into Heaven
d. We Can Be Received Into Fellowship

Genesis 5:22-24 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 6:9 These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2. “And will be a Father unto you” - Psalms 103:13 Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

a. “I will dwell in them” – vs. 16 - in His Spirit and grace
b. “I will walk in them” – vs. 16 - Communion and fellowship
c. “I will be their God” – vs. 16 - Not just Creator but Master and Lord, Abba Father
d. “They shall be my people” – vs. 16 - Loved with a peculiar love. God loves the world but we are a peculiar people.

3. “Ye shall be my sons and daughters”

a. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Direction - Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

b. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Heirship - Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

c. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Likeness - 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.

d. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Relationship - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

e. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Anticipation - 1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 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. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Things John Had That We Need

Temple Baptist Church - 4-6-2008

Matthew 3:1-12

Introduction:

A. Both Old and New Testaments are all about the sinfulness of man and the coming of the Christ to take away the sin of the world. Christ is the Word and the Word is all about Christ. As we come to Matthew, we see the fulfillment of the promised “Lamb of God” which was to take away the sin of the world.

1. The Promise Of Christ’s Coming – verse 1-3 - Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

2. The Prelude Of Christ’s First Coming – verse 7

a) There have been 400 Silent Years between Malachi and Matthew. No revelations, no preaching, and no prophesying.

b) Judaism in now firmly imbedded within the religion and culture of the nation of Israel. Here we find Pharisees and Sadducees instead of Prophets.

Judaism - the religious beliefs and practices and the way of life of the Jews The term itself was first used by Hellenized Jews to describe their religious practice, but it is of predominantly modern usage; it is not used in the Bible or in Rabbinic literature and only rarely in the literature of the medieval period. The word Torah is employed when referring to the divinely revealed teachings of Jewish law and belief. Judaism is used more broadly, including also the totality of human interpretation and practice. Thus, one may speak of "secular Judaism," referring to an adherence to values expressed by Judaism but removed from any religious context.

3. The Performance Of Christ’s First Coming – Matthew 1 and 2

a) The Annunciation by the angel Gabriel
b) The Virgin Conception and Birth of the Christ

4. The Predecessor Of Christ’s First Coming – John The Baptist – The Forerunner of the Messiah!

B. I have several Old and New Testament heroes that stand out to me personally. I want to look at one of them this morning, John the Baptist. Not only is he a hero of mine, but he was highly regarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:7-15 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

C. We live in a day of “plastics” but John was REAL! He was the “real deal” of that day and the Lord used him to prepare the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. John was not popular among the religious folks of that day, but the sinful and needy came to hear him.

1. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Charismatic - John 10:39-42 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. (John was a preacher, not a performer)

2. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Social - Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Wilderness – dry or desolate place) (He evidently was not an active member of the local Ministerial Association)

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

3. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Elegant - Luke 7:25a But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, (Rich and elegant)

Mark 1:6a And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; (They were shocked at the appearance of this plain man! No $500.00 suits, no Florsheim—wing tipped shoes, not expensive automobile, no diamond stick pin, no Rolex watch, no $650,000.00 home, no gold faucets, no air-conditioned dog houses, just a plain preacher)

4. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Did Not Have An Expensive Cuisine – Luke 7:25b Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. (Rarely ate at Ryan’s and, evidently, rarely was invited to dinner)

Mark 1:6b And he did eat locusts and wild honey

5. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Would Not Compromise - Mark 6:17-19 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not (turn your head to sin); and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things (stay off of certain subjects), prophesy deceits (handle the Word of God deceitfully): Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you (man of God!), when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their

6. John did no miracles. John was a preacher man! John was a righteous man! John was God’s man! John was a real man and what you saw was what you got.

E. We need those qualities in our lives in the light of the Second Coming. He has promised it! There have been 400 Silent Years since 1611! Phariseeism in the rule of the day with salvation being of works and not of grace! We have the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth! We are the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

1. John Was Distinct – vs. 1 - His Doctrine “John the Baptist”

a. John Was A Distinct Man – He was distinct in his doctrine - 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.

b. John Was A Marked Man – vs. 5-6 - Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (God give us distinction in light of His Second Coming!)

2. John Was Daring – vs. 2, 7-9

a. John Was Bold In His Preaching – vs. 2-3 - Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

1) John Was Dynamic In His Delivery – vs. 7-9 - Ephesians 6:19-20 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

2) John Was Dynamic In His Damning – vs. 10-11 – Jude 23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

b. John Was Bold In His Confronting – vs. 7 - Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1) His Preaching Was Powerful – “repent”
2) His Preaching Was Personal – “Ye” (God give us boldness in light of His Second Coming!)

3. John Was Dedicated – vs. vs. 1, 4

a. John Was Not In The “Camp” – vs. 1, 5 - Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

b. John Was Not In Style – vs. 4 - Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft [clothing] are in kings’ houses. (God give us dedication in light of His Second Coming!)

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?)

Ecclesiastical Separation - Part II

Temple Baptist Church - 4-2-2008

2 Corinthians 6:11-18

Introduction:

A. I began last week with ecclesiastical separation and want to finish the subject tonight. We saw that it a subject of great controversy. With the world rapidly moving into a one world worship that denies the clear doctrinal teaching of the bible, denominational lines—which were once clearly defined—are not either blurred or missing. The teaching of “Doctrine divides and love unifies” in an unbiblical sense has vilified the true Bible believer.

B. We also saw that ecclesiastical separation is a command of God. The Corinthian Church had a mixed multitude within its fellowship and, according to the Apostle Paul, it was even evident who they were. Paul did not have to name them, he just gave their characteristics.

C. We, many times, used these verses to teach the pitfalls of unequal yokes such as who you marry; who your friends are; who you are in business with; secret societies, etc.. The the context is who you worship with and who you do the work of the Lord with.

D. Let’s look again tonight at the subject in light of “Why Practice Biblical Separation?”

1. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Obedience To God.

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

2. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Spiritual.

Psalms 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. (In this verse we see the attitude of the godly Psalmist toward the Word of God and toward every false doctrine and practice. This is the attitude of all truly spiritual people.)

3. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Fidelity To Truth And Our Lord.

1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called. (1 Timothy 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2; 2 Peter. 3:1-2. Sound doctrine was a solemn trust from God and to betray a trust is to be a traitor.)

4. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Christ Honoring.

Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (This passage teaches that since the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified outside of the apostate religion of that day, and since He remains apart from such, we are to honor Him by doing the same.)

5. Ecclesiastical Separation Manifests A Love For Jesus Christ.

John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

6. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Pleasing To Jesus Christ

Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. (Here we see Christ's attitude toward those who practice discernment and separation and toward those who do not. He commended the church at Ephesus for practicing this ministry; He rebuked the church at Pergamos for not doing so.)

7. Ecclesiastical Separation Brings About Protection.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

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

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Essential For A Full Reward

2 John 8-11 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

9. Ecclesiastical Separation Is The Way Of Blessing And Happiness.

Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.