Temple Baptist Church - 1-28-2009
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Introduction:
A. Paul’s last words to his beloved Corinthian believers are penned here for us to glean from with wonder and admiration! How Paul scolded these people because of their carnality! How Paul loved these people in spite of their carnality! (1 Corinthians 16:24)
B. Here in these verses, we find the heart of a man of God for the people that He has given to him. A pastor’s heart is one little understood by most because it is a gift of grace given to the God anointed pastor. God gives him a love for the people that transcends their shortcomings. God gives him a desire to see them right with the Lord and prospering. The Apostle John said this in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
1. So many of God’s men lose their hearts for their people.
2. So many of God’s men leave churches in a wrong manner.
a) Discouragement (Their eyes are on their numbers.)
b) Larger congregations (Their numbers do not satisfy their egos.)
c) Full time pastorates when they have been part-time. (Sometimes God’s men have to “make tents.”)
d) Because of hurt or persecution. (God’s men or their families are sometimes mistreated.)
e) Because of a burden instead of a call. (The “grass is always greener” someplace else. Trading churches is like trading cars: you will more than likely inherit someone else’s problems.)
f) Because their sermons run out. (Topical preaching will ruin a pastor. Topical preaching needs to be done but preaching verse by verse through books will keep you busy for more than one lifetime.)
g) Because they are “voted out.” (I do not like church votes! They are not scriptural and normally do not carry out God’s will. God calls men to pulpits and it is God who needs to take them away.)
3. Paul left in God’s will and God blessed both him and them.
C. God’s men want the believers to prosper financially and physically, but—most of all—spiritually. Let us look at these few verses which paint a picture of a pastor’s heart for his people.
D. Paul Bid Them Farewell – Farewell comes from two words “to fare” and “well.” Though “Farewell” is often used as a “Goodbye,” it is more than just that. It means to “be well and to thrive.” Paul wanted only the very best for the Corinthian Church. Here is his “Best Wishes List.”
1. Paul Desired Them To Be Perfect (to complete, to equip, to repair) Their Edification
a. Through the Shepherd - 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 the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
b. Through the Scriptures - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 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.
2. Paul Desired Them To Be Comforted –Their Encouragement
a. Resting In The Person Of Christ - Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
b. Resting In Their Position In Christ - Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
c. Resting In The Promises Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
3. Paul Desired Them To Be Unified – Their Exhortation
a. Unified In Body - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
b. Unified In Doctrine - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
c. Unified In Purpose - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
4. Paul Desired Them To Live In Peace – Their Establishment
a. Peace In Communion - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
b. Peace In Circumstances - 1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 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: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.
c. Peace In Confidence - Acts 1:11b This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Christian Walk
Temple Baptist Church - 1-25-2009
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. Over the past few months, I have been preaching on different conversions found in the bible. My emphasis has been this: though the people were different with different circumstances, each conversion was the same. All were saved the same way!
1. Salvation is in Christ alone!
2. Salvation is all of Grace!
3. Salvation is always life changing!
B. Now that we are saved and “all things are become new,” it behooves us to realizes that the life we now live is to lived for the glory of God. It is a walk of Obligation!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
C. Turn to Ephesians 2 with me. In this much quoted chapter, we find:
1. Our Past Walk - Ephesians 2:1-3
a) A walk of bondage - 1
b) A walk of disobedience - 2
c) A walk of wrath - 3
2. Our Present Walk - Ephesians 2:4-10
a) A walk of liberty - 5
b) Walk of godliness - 6
c) A walk of choice - 10
D. Turn to Galatians 5 with me. Here we find a biblical look at the Christian walk.
1. There is a Walk – vs. 16 To walk in the Spirit, not with the Spirit! Obedience to the Inner Voice that God has given to us. He is our blessed Comforter and Companion. It is a walk of sensitivity, obedience, and self denial.
2. There is a War – vs. 17 There is a constant striving between our flesh and the Spirit. Our sinful flesh loves to have its way while the Holy Spirit is trying to help us gain victory over it.
3. There is a Witness – vs. 18-23 Our walk has changed!
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1. The Characteristics Of Our Walk – vs. 7-23
a. The Fruit Of The Flesh – Adultery, fornication, uncleanness (moral impurity), lasciviousness (unbridled lust or filth), idolatry, witchcraft (drugs [pharmacy] and magic, hatred, variance (strife, contention,or debate), emulations (to emulate, jealousy, or envy), wrath (boiling or anger out or control), seditions (divisions or dissention), heresies (the act of capturing by false doctrine), envying (to desire or corrupt through lust), murders (both in thought and deed), drunkenness (intoxication), revellings (nocturnal frolic or partying).
VS.
b. The Fruit Of The Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and temperance.
The Carnal Christian is afraid that he will “go too far.”
The Spiritual Christian is afraid he will not “go far enough”
The Carnal Christian is afraid of what “man will think”
The Spiritual Christian is afraid of what “God will think”
The Carnal Christian is “too earthly minded” to be of any heavenly use
The Spiritual Christian is “heavenly minded” enough to be of earthly use
The Carnal Christian worries about his earthly future and lays up for it
The Spiritual Christian worries about his heavenly future and lays up for it
2. The Conclusion Of Our Walk
a. The Fleshly Walk – “shall not inherit the kingdom of God!” (A Cursed Walk!)
b. The Spiritual Walk – “against such there is no law.!” (A Blessed Walk!)
1). A Rewarding Walk - Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2) A Peaceful Walk - Romans 8:1-9 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
3) A Joyful Walk - Romans 8:14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
1 John 1:5-7
Introduction:
A. Over the past few months, I have been preaching on different conversions found in the bible. My emphasis has been this: though the people were different with different circumstances, each conversion was the same. All were saved the same way!
1. Salvation is in Christ alone!
2. Salvation is all of Grace!
3. Salvation is always life changing!
B. Now that we are saved and “all things are become new,” it behooves us to realizes that the life we now live is to lived for the glory of God. It is a walk of Obligation!
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
C. Turn to Ephesians 2 with me. In this much quoted chapter, we find:
1. Our Past Walk - Ephesians 2:1-3
a) A walk of bondage - 1
b) A walk of disobedience - 2
c) A walk of wrath - 3
2. Our Present Walk - Ephesians 2:4-10
a) A walk of liberty - 5
b) Walk of godliness - 6
c) A walk of choice - 10
D. Turn to Galatians 5 with me. Here we find a biblical look at the Christian walk.
1. There is a Walk – vs. 16 To walk in the Spirit, not with the Spirit! Obedience to the Inner Voice that God has given to us. He is our blessed Comforter and Companion. It is a walk of sensitivity, obedience, and self denial.
2. There is a War – vs. 17 There is a constant striving between our flesh and the Spirit. Our sinful flesh loves to have its way while the Holy Spirit is trying to help us gain victory over it.
3. There is a Witness – vs. 18-23 Our walk has changed!
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1. The Characteristics Of Our Walk – vs. 7-23
a. The Fruit Of The Flesh – Adultery, fornication, uncleanness (moral impurity), lasciviousness (unbridled lust or filth), idolatry, witchcraft (drugs [pharmacy] and magic, hatred, variance (strife, contention,or debate), emulations (to emulate, jealousy, or envy), wrath (boiling or anger out or control), seditions (divisions or dissention), heresies (the act of capturing by false doctrine), envying (to desire or corrupt through lust), murders (both in thought and deed), drunkenness (intoxication), revellings (nocturnal frolic or partying).
VS.
b. The Fruit Of The Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and temperance.
The Carnal Christian is afraid that he will “go too far.”
The Spiritual Christian is afraid he will not “go far enough”
The Carnal Christian is afraid of what “man will think”
The Spiritual Christian is afraid of what “God will think”
The Carnal Christian is “too earthly minded” to be of any heavenly use
The Spiritual Christian is “heavenly minded” enough to be of earthly use
The Carnal Christian worries about his earthly future and lays up for it
The Spiritual Christian worries about his heavenly future and lays up for it
2. The Conclusion Of Our Walk
a. The Fleshly Walk – “shall not inherit the kingdom of God!” (A Cursed Walk!)
b. The Spiritual Walk – “against such there is no law.!” (A Blessed Walk!)
1). A Rewarding Walk - Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
2) A Peaceful Walk - Romans 8:1-9 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
3) A Joyful Walk - Romans 8:14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Young Man
Temple Baptist Church - 1-25-2009
Exodus 33:1-11
Introduction:
A. In chapter 32, we find the sin of Israel as they turned from the true and living God who delivered them from the “Iron Furnace” of Israel to a golden calf made by their own hands saying, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” How utterly ignorant!
1. These gods were made of the gold of Egypt! They could not hear, see, or speak. They were the works of the evil hearts of the people.
2. God had gloriously delivered Israel and now He has righteously chastened them to the toll of 3,000 who perished.
3. Here in Exodus 33, we find that Moses took the Tabernacle and pitched it without the camp. Instead of their being able to worship within the camp, they must now go out of the camp.
B. Moses went to the Tabernacle to commune with God in vs. 8-9 and God spake to him as “a man speaketh unto his friend.” As a general rule, we concentrate upon the chastisement of the people and the communing of Moses but:
C. I want to key in upon a phrase in verse 11 for a while this morning. We find here that as Moses returned to the camp, young Joshua remained in the Tabernacle with the Lord. Nothing more is said concerning Joshua in the remainder of the chapter but all was said that needed to be said in verse 11.
D. This morning, for a little while, I want to speak to our young people. By “young,” I do not mean to the twenties and younger alone but to all of those of you who are now in the prime of your lives. Young people, young couples who are raising children while working long hours on the jobs. We “Old Folks” are quickly moving off of the scene and who will be “baptized for the dead?”
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (“My son, give me thine heart!” Not your body, young people! Not your money, young people! Not your minds, young people! Not your time, young people! “Give me thine heart!” If He has your heart, He has your body! !” If He has your heart, He has your money! !” If He has your heart, He has your mind! !” If He has your heart, He has your time! !” If He has your heart, He has your everything!)
1. We need a young Moses who will esteem the reproach of Christ as greater riches than all that the world can give!
2. We need young Joshua who will remain in the tabernacle while all of Christendom watches from their tent’s door!
3. We need a young Samuel who will be sensitive to the voice of God in the spiritual dimness of our times!
4. We need a young David who will mind the sheep while finding the heart and mind of God.
5. We need a young Timothy who will not be ashamed of his youth in the face of peer pressure.
6. May God give us some young people who have a hearts “pant” after God!
E. You see, youth is both a treasure and a temptation.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. 1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
1. A treasure because of its strength and vitality. A treasure because of its innocence and purity. A treasure because its future is long and its past is short.
2. A temptation because its flesh is not yet disciplined through testing. A temptation because Satan is seeking and devouring. A temptation because the broad way is the path of less resistance. A temptation because on the narrow way the travelers are few and the days often lonely.
F. We find here a young man who had a heart for God! It’s expression is found in verse 11 but this verse is the culmination of much that went on before in the life of this young man, Joshua.
1. Serving God takes character.
2. Serving God takes commitment.
3. Serving God takes courage.
4. Serving God takes communion.
5. Serving God takes continuation.
G. I want to look at Joshua’s life (what little is said about it) that led up to Exodus 33:11 because it is these events that caused him to have a heart after God.
Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
1. Joshua Had A Heart To War - Exodus 17:9-14 (First mention of Joshua!) And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not afraid to stand and fight for that which is right!)
2. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon God’s Man - Exodus 24:13 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will love, respect, obey, and follow their man of God!)
3. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon The Lord - Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
Numbers 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Numbers 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].
Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will learn the patience to wait their turn!”)
4. Joshua Had A Heart To Worship - Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not ashamed to openly worship Thee!)
5. Joshua Had A Heart To Wholly Follow The Lord - Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will wholly follow Thee!)
6. Joshua Had A Willingness To Take Up The Work – Joshua 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will take the place of those who have gone on before and are now leaving the scene!”)
Exodus 33:1-11
Introduction:
A. In chapter 32, we find the sin of Israel as they turned from the true and living God who delivered them from the “Iron Furnace” of Israel to a golden calf made by their own hands saying, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” How utterly ignorant!
1. These gods were made of the gold of Egypt! They could not hear, see, or speak. They were the works of the evil hearts of the people.
2. God had gloriously delivered Israel and now He has righteously chastened them to the toll of 3,000 who perished.
3. Here in Exodus 33, we find that Moses took the Tabernacle and pitched it without the camp. Instead of their being able to worship within the camp, they must now go out of the camp.
B. Moses went to the Tabernacle to commune with God in vs. 8-9 and God spake to him as “a man speaketh unto his friend.” As a general rule, we concentrate upon the chastisement of the people and the communing of Moses but:
C. I want to key in upon a phrase in verse 11 for a while this morning. We find here that as Moses returned to the camp, young Joshua remained in the Tabernacle with the Lord. Nothing more is said concerning Joshua in the remainder of the chapter but all was said that needed to be said in verse 11.
D. This morning, for a little while, I want to speak to our young people. By “young,” I do not mean to the twenties and younger alone but to all of those of you who are now in the prime of your lives. Young people, young couples who are raising children while working long hours on the jobs. We “Old Folks” are quickly moving off of the scene and who will be “baptized for the dead?”
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (“My son, give me thine heart!” Not your body, young people! Not your money, young people! Not your minds, young people! Not your time, young people! “Give me thine heart!” If He has your heart, He has your body! !” If He has your heart, He has your money! !” If He has your heart, He has your mind! !” If He has your heart, He has your time! !” If He has your heart, He has your everything!)
1. We need a young Moses who will esteem the reproach of Christ as greater riches than all that the world can give!
2. We need young Joshua who will remain in the tabernacle while all of Christendom watches from their tent’s door!
3. We need a young Samuel who will be sensitive to the voice of God in the spiritual dimness of our times!
4. We need a young David who will mind the sheep while finding the heart and mind of God.
5. We need a young Timothy who will not be ashamed of his youth in the face of peer pressure.
6. May God give us some young people who have a hearts “pant” after God!
E. You see, youth is both a treasure and a temptation.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. 1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
1. A treasure because of its strength and vitality. A treasure because of its innocence and purity. A treasure because its future is long and its past is short.
2. A temptation because its flesh is not yet disciplined through testing. A temptation because Satan is seeking and devouring. A temptation because the broad way is the path of less resistance. A temptation because on the narrow way the travelers are few and the days often lonely.
F. We find here a young man who had a heart for God! It’s expression is found in verse 11 but this verse is the culmination of much that went on before in the life of this young man, Joshua.
1. Serving God takes character.
2. Serving God takes commitment.
3. Serving God takes courage.
4. Serving God takes communion.
5. Serving God takes continuation.
G. I want to look at Joshua’s life (what little is said about it) that led up to Exodus 33:11 because it is these events that caused him to have a heart after God.
Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
1. Joshua Had A Heart To War - Exodus 17:9-14 (First mention of Joshua!) And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not afraid to stand and fight for that which is right!)
2. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon God’s Man - Exodus 24:13 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will love, respect, obey, and follow their man of God!)
3. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon The Lord - Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
Numbers 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Numbers 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].
Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will learn the patience to wait their turn!”)
4. Joshua Had A Heart To Worship - Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not ashamed to openly worship Thee!)
5. Joshua Had A Heart To Wholly Follow The Lord - Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will wholly follow Thee!)
6. Joshua Had A Willingness To Take Up The Work – Joshua 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will take the place of those who have gone on before and are now leaving the scene!”)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Stirred But Not Changed
Temple Baptist Church - 1-18-2008
Acts 8:5-25
Introduction:
A. We live in America and the Bible Belt where most people have had the privilege of being brought up with somewhat of a Christian heritage. Understand with me that the word “Christian” is a broad term today encompassing anything and anyone who believes the “right things” about salvation, Jesus Christ, the Bible, etc.
B. When asked, the majority of these people can take you to a time and place where they had some sort of religious experience. Some have been healed of a terrible disease; some have “died” and, after seeing some sort of “light in a tunnel,” have resurrected to tell the world of their experience; some have seen visions or dreamed dreams of one sort or another; some have actually been “stirred” in a right way through either the witness of a believer or the preaching of God’s Word.
C. Sometimes, people are stirred:
1. By the gospel as they sit in a good church where the death, burial, and resurrection are still being preached instead of a “Social Gospel” or a “Prosperity Gospel.”
2. By the Holy Spirit of God as He brings conviction of sin and knowledge of one’s self.
3. By the conscience as they do something, say something, or think something that they know is morally wrong. They see the need of a change in thinking and life without a change of heart.
D. It is good to be stirred BUT STIRRED IS NOT NECESSARILY CHANGED!!
E. Here we find the story of Simon. Simon saw a great revival with people getting saved and dramatically changed. He no doubt desired what others were getting but “missed the boat” when it came down to his personal salvation.
Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
F. I believe with all of my heart that churches across America are full of this type of “Christianity.” People who have had an experience or stirring which they hang on to with all of their might. Stirred is not changed and an experience is not salvation!
G. Born-again believers are changed forever. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord
1. All are changed!
2. All are changed in same way , from glory to glory!
3. All are changed into same image!
H. We are not “clones” but are products of a new birth by a holy seed into the same family!
1. There is a change of Affections
a. Concerning Sin - Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
b. Concerning The World - Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
c. Concerning One Another - Romans 12:10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
d. Concerning Money - 1 Chronicles 29:3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
2. There Is A Change in Thinking - 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
a. About God’s Word - Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
b. About God’s Service - Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God;
c. About God’s Approval - 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.
d. About Sin - Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
e. About God’s House - Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
3. There Is A Change of Actions
a. Not Reformation - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
b. It Is Regeneration - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 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. 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.
4. There Is A Change In Relationship
a. From Satan’s Family - John 8:44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
b. To God’s Family - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Acts 8:5-25
Introduction:
A. We live in America and the Bible Belt where most people have had the privilege of being brought up with somewhat of a Christian heritage. Understand with me that the word “Christian” is a broad term today encompassing anything and anyone who believes the “right things” about salvation, Jesus Christ, the Bible, etc.
B. When asked, the majority of these people can take you to a time and place where they had some sort of religious experience. Some have been healed of a terrible disease; some have “died” and, after seeing some sort of “light in a tunnel,” have resurrected to tell the world of their experience; some have seen visions or dreamed dreams of one sort or another; some have actually been “stirred” in a right way through either the witness of a believer or the preaching of God’s Word.
C. Sometimes, people are stirred:
1. By the gospel as they sit in a good church where the death, burial, and resurrection are still being preached instead of a “Social Gospel” or a “Prosperity Gospel.”
2. By the Holy Spirit of God as He brings conviction of sin and knowledge of one’s self.
3. By the conscience as they do something, say something, or think something that they know is morally wrong. They see the need of a change in thinking and life without a change of heart.
D. It is good to be stirred BUT STIRRED IS NOT NECESSARILY CHANGED!!
E. Here we find the story of Simon. Simon saw a great revival with people getting saved and dramatically changed. He no doubt desired what others were getting but “missed the boat” when it came down to his personal salvation.
Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
F. I believe with all of my heart that churches across America are full of this type of “Christianity.” People who have had an experience or stirring which they hang on to with all of their might. Stirred is not changed and an experience is not salvation!
G. Born-again believers are changed forever. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord
1. All are changed!
2. All are changed in same way , from glory to glory!
3. All are changed into same image!
H. We are not “clones” but are products of a new birth by a holy seed into the same family!
1. There is a change of Affections
a. Concerning Sin - Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
b. Concerning The World - Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
c. Concerning One Another - Romans 12:10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
d. Concerning Money - 1 Chronicles 29:3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
2. There Is A Change in Thinking - 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
a. About God’s Word - Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
b. About God’s Service - Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God;
c. About God’s Approval - 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.
d. About Sin - Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
e. About God’s House - Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
3. There Is A Change of Actions
a. Not Reformation - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
b. It Is Regeneration - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 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. 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.
4. There Is A Change In Relationship
a. From Satan’s Family - John 8:44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
b. To God’s Family - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What Meanest Thou, O Sleeper? Arise!
Temple Baptist Church - 1-11-2009
Jonah 1:6
Introduction:
1. Jonah Is Called Of God - 1
2. Jonah Failed To Obey The Lord’s Command - 2
3. Jonah Fled From The Presence Of The Lord - 3
4. Jonah Fell Downward Continually - 3
5. Jonah Found Fast Asleep In A Time Of Storm - 4-5
A. There has been much preaching from the little Book of Jonah and much can be said tonight about his disobedience to God and injustice to the people of Nineveh.
B. Though Jonah eventually got right with the Lord and went to Nineveh, I wonder how many people perished during his time of disobedience. It was an exceedingly great city of three days’ journey. It took three days to get across it and Jonah went a days’ journey into it before he began to preach. I believe that New York City is over 200 miles across. Several days’ journey if you went on foot.
C. The Bible says that there were over 60,000 children not old enough to discern between their right and left hands. This tells us that there were a lot of people there. I know that in the city we live in, which has under 20,000, there are funeral home tents up at the cemeteries almost every day.
D. Jonah was disobedient for many days before his preaching turned Nineveh to God. Let’s look at Jonah for a few minutes and get some help from his life.
E. The Key word here - Fast - to be asleep, be unconscious, be in heavy sleep, fall into heavy sleep, be fast asleep
F. In light of the times and the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we find both the world and the Church spiritually sleeping.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Romans 13:11 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.
Matthew 13:24-26 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
1. Sleepers are out of touch with reality
2. Sleepers spend most of their time dreaming
3. Sleepers are very comfortable
4. Sleepers do not like to be disturbed
5. Sleepers do not hear and respond well
6. Sleepers are not aware of the needs of others
7. Sleepers get nothing done
Effects of Spiritual Sleep
1. Spiritual Sleep Causes Us To Fall Into Satan’s Snare - Proverbs 6:4-5 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
2. Spiritual Sleep Brings Poverty - Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (progression)
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
3. Spiritual Sleep Causes The Harvest To Perish - Proverbs 10:5 He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
4. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Give Into Temptation - Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
5. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Fall Out Of Church - Acts 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
a. Become unfaithful
b. Become undependable
6. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Stumble - Ephesians 5:14-15 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Jonah 1:6
Introduction:
1. Jonah Is Called Of God - 1
2. Jonah Failed To Obey The Lord’s Command - 2
3. Jonah Fled From The Presence Of The Lord - 3
4. Jonah Fell Downward Continually - 3
5. Jonah Found Fast Asleep In A Time Of Storm - 4-5
A. There has been much preaching from the little Book of Jonah and much can be said tonight about his disobedience to God and injustice to the people of Nineveh.
B. Though Jonah eventually got right with the Lord and went to Nineveh, I wonder how many people perished during his time of disobedience. It was an exceedingly great city of three days’ journey. It took three days to get across it and Jonah went a days’ journey into it before he began to preach. I believe that New York City is over 200 miles across. Several days’ journey if you went on foot.
C. The Bible says that there were over 60,000 children not old enough to discern between their right and left hands. This tells us that there were a lot of people there. I know that in the city we live in, which has under 20,000, there are funeral home tents up at the cemeteries almost every day.
D. Jonah was disobedient for many days before his preaching turned Nineveh to God. Let’s look at Jonah for a few minutes and get some help from his life.
E. The Key word here - Fast - to be asleep, be unconscious, be in heavy sleep, fall into heavy sleep, be fast asleep
F. In light of the times and the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we find both the world and the Church spiritually sleeping.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
Romans 13:11 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.
Matthew 13:24-26 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
1. Sleepers are out of touch with reality
2. Sleepers spend most of their time dreaming
3. Sleepers are very comfortable
4. Sleepers do not like to be disturbed
5. Sleepers do not hear and respond well
6. Sleepers are not aware of the needs of others
7. Sleepers get nothing done
Effects of Spiritual Sleep
1. Spiritual Sleep Causes Us To Fall Into Satan’s Snare - Proverbs 6:4-5 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
2. Spiritual Sleep Brings Poverty - Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (progression)
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
3. Spiritual Sleep Causes The Harvest To Perish - Proverbs 10:5 He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
4. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Give Into Temptation - Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
5. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Fall Out Of Church - Acts 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
a. Become unfaithful
b. Become undependable
6. Spiritual Sleep Causes You To Stumble - Ephesians 5:14-15 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
I Shall Now Perish One Day By The Hand Of Saul
Temple Baptist Church - 1-11-2008
1 Samuel 26:6-27:1
Introduction:
A. Saul has and would continue to attempt to take David’s life though David has been good to Saul.
1. David was true to Saul.
2. David never laid his hand or his mouth on Saul.
3. Here, David has spared the life of Saul once more but Saul will not give up.
4. In verse 1 of chapter 27, we find David’s despair over the situation.
B. David was chosen by God in 1 Samuel 16 as successor of Saul to the throne of Israel. Samuel anointed David king in the place of Saul. God destined David to rule and David was aware of it. It was God’s promise to David and, yet, we find in 1 Samuel 27:1 that David felt that Saul would kill him and he would never reign!
C. David was “worried” over a future that God had already promised him! How often do we have the same feelings of worry when there is so much in the Bible telling us not to do so?
1. I find this very interesting in light of David’s Promise. (God said that He would preserve David.)
2. I find this very human in light of David’s Predicament. (He was hunted and tired. This pursuit by King Saul was tenacious and unending.
D. I want to look at that little word “worry” for a few minutes this morning and try to give all of us a little help. You might ask, “Preacher, do you ever worry?” My answer would probably be this spiritual one, “I never worry. I only get ‘greatly concerned.’”
E. I believe that we all get “antsy” over the uncertainty of the future as we see the instability of our times. What will 2009 hold for me and my family? I do not know. What will 2009 hold for my church? I do not know. What will 2009 hold for my country? I do not know.
F. Worry defined:
1. To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled. See Synonyms at brood.
2. To pull or tear at something with or as if with the teeth.
3. To proceed doggedly in the face of difficulty or hardship; struggle: worried along at the problem.
v.tr. 1. To cause to feel anxious, distressed, or troubled. See Synonyms at trouble.
2. To bother or annoy, as with petty complaints.
G. A lot has been said about worry:
Blessed is the man who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy …at night
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday
The only place perpetual worry will get you ahead of time is the cemetery.
Worry brings tomorrow’s supposed difficulties into today.
When you reach into tomorrow’s troubles, you overload today’s circuit.
Worry does not take the sorrow out of tomorrow; it only takes the strength out of today.
When you meet tomorrow, you are out of breath because you are already overloaded from today.
Worry does not make you ready for the future; it makes you unready.
Yesterday is a canceled check; today has all the cash you can handle. Spend it wisely!
1. Worry Is Sin - Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. (I will not be too hard on any of us at this point but we do need to realize that God still controls both our lives and our circumstances. We learn to trust Him!)
Matthew 14:29-33 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
a. Peter’s Fear – “when he saw”
b. Christ’s Gentle Rebuke – “O thou”
c. Disciple’s Worship – “came and worshipped him”
2. Worry Controls Our Thinking And Therefore Our Lives - Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof. (We become ineffective for Christ because our minds are fearful because of our circumstances. Fear is a fearful thing as it possesses our souls!)
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
3. Worry Dishonors God - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
4. Worry Doubts Both God’s Love And Care For His Own - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (I do not believe that we will ever know just how much God loves and cares for us! We spend our days “doing our thing” while giving little thought to our wonderful Lord while He spends our day constantly thinking about and caring for us.)
Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Psalms 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
5. Worry Affects The Faith Of Others - Psalms 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalms 34:2-6 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. (Imagine, Paul encouraged by the faithfulness of these brethren. You never know who your life will affect through your faithfulness to the Lord.)
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. (Our prayer should be, “Dear Lord, never let my faithlessness be a discouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ.”)
Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
6. Worry Encourages The Devil - 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:
2 Timothy 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Satan loves to take down one of God’s children through circumstances. He lies, connives, and constantly works to destroy the faith of God’s children.)
7. Worry Hurts Us Mentally And Physically - Luke 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God. (The greatest killer in America today is stress. Stress is caused by worry and fear. Stress takes a toll on our physical bodies because it never allows us to get the peaceful rest that we require. Our minds cannot rest, therefore, our bodies cannot rest.)
Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Peace is up to us for the Lord has already promised it in John 14:27!)
8. Worry Is Absolute Foolishness For We Gain Nothing By Doing So – (Turn here because no matter how many times we read these verses, we still do not believe them!) Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, (No means “NO”) saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Is this passage of Scripture clear or what? What a promise Jesus Christ our Lord gave to His disciples and yet they spent their days in unwarranted fear.)
James 4:13-17 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
a. Worry Is Foolish Because We Gain Absolutely Nothing By Doing It!
b. Worry Is Foolish Because It Makes Us Less Ready To Meet Our Circumstances When They Do Come!
c. Worry Is Foolish Because Nothing Can Happen To Us Without God’s Permission!
d. Worry Is Foolish Because, Regardless Of What Comes, God Is Still In Control!
e. Worry Is Foolish Because All Of The Worry In The World Will Not Change One Thing!
f. Worry Is Foolish Because All Things Are For Our Sakes!
g. Worry Is Foolish Because God’s Promises Never Fail!
h. Worry Is Foolish Because God’s Grace Is Still Sufficient!
i. Worry Is Foolish Because God Will Always Be There For Us! He Loves Us And Will Take Care Of Us!
1 Samuel 26:6-27:1
Introduction:
A. Saul has and would continue to attempt to take David’s life though David has been good to Saul.
1. David was true to Saul.
2. David never laid his hand or his mouth on Saul.
3. Here, David has spared the life of Saul once more but Saul will not give up.
4. In verse 1 of chapter 27, we find David’s despair over the situation.
B. David was chosen by God in 1 Samuel 16 as successor of Saul to the throne of Israel. Samuel anointed David king in the place of Saul. God destined David to rule and David was aware of it. It was God’s promise to David and, yet, we find in 1 Samuel 27:1 that David felt that Saul would kill him and he would never reign!
C. David was “worried” over a future that God had already promised him! How often do we have the same feelings of worry when there is so much in the Bible telling us not to do so?
1. I find this very interesting in light of David’s Promise. (God said that He would preserve David.)
2. I find this very human in light of David’s Predicament. (He was hunted and tired. This pursuit by King Saul was tenacious and unending.
D. I want to look at that little word “worry” for a few minutes this morning and try to give all of us a little help. You might ask, “Preacher, do you ever worry?” My answer would probably be this spiritual one, “I never worry. I only get ‘greatly concerned.’”
E. I believe that we all get “antsy” over the uncertainty of the future as we see the instability of our times. What will 2009 hold for me and my family? I do not know. What will 2009 hold for my church? I do not know. What will 2009 hold for my country? I do not know.
F. Worry defined:
1. To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled. See Synonyms at brood.
2. To pull or tear at something with or as if with the teeth.
3. To proceed doggedly in the face of difficulty or hardship; struggle: worried along at the problem.
v.tr. 1. To cause to feel anxious, distressed, or troubled. See Synonyms at trouble.
2. To bother or annoy, as with petty complaints.
G. A lot has been said about worry:
Blessed is the man who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy …at night
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday
The only place perpetual worry will get you ahead of time is the cemetery.
Worry brings tomorrow’s supposed difficulties into today.
When you reach into tomorrow’s troubles, you overload today’s circuit.
Worry does not take the sorrow out of tomorrow; it only takes the strength out of today.
When you meet tomorrow, you are out of breath because you are already overloaded from today.
Worry does not make you ready for the future; it makes you unready.
Yesterday is a canceled check; today has all the cash you can handle. Spend it wisely!
1. Worry Is Sin - Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. (I will not be too hard on any of us at this point but we do need to realize that God still controls both our lives and our circumstances. We learn to trust Him!)
Matthew 14:29-33 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
a. Peter’s Fear – “when he saw”
b. Christ’s Gentle Rebuke – “O thou”
c. Disciple’s Worship – “came and worshipped him”
2. Worry Controls Our Thinking And Therefore Our Lives - Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof. (We become ineffective for Christ because our minds are fearful because of our circumstances. Fear is a fearful thing as it possesses our souls!)
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
3. Worry Dishonors God - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
4. Worry Doubts Both God’s Love And Care For His Own - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (I do not believe that we will ever know just how much God loves and cares for us! We spend our days “doing our thing” while giving little thought to our wonderful Lord while He spends our day constantly thinking about and caring for us.)
Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.
Psalms 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
5. Worry Affects The Faith Of Others - Psalms 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalms 34:2-6 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. (Imagine, Paul encouraged by the faithfulness of these brethren. You never know who your life will affect through your faithfulness to the Lord.)
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. (Our prayer should be, “Dear Lord, never let my faithlessness be a discouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ.”)
Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
6. Worry Encourages The Devil - 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:
2 Timothy 2:26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Satan loves to take down one of God’s children through circumstances. He lies, connives, and constantly works to destroy the faith of God’s children.)
7. Worry Hurts Us Mentally And Physically - Luke 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God. (The greatest killer in America today is stress. Stress is caused by worry and fear. Stress takes a toll on our physical bodies because it never allows us to get the peaceful rest that we require. Our minds cannot rest, therefore, our bodies cannot rest.)
Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Peace is up to us for the Lord has already promised it in John 14:27!)
8. Worry Is Absolute Foolishness For We Gain Nothing By Doing So – (Turn here because no matter how many times we read these verses, we still do not believe them!) Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, (No means “NO”) saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Is this passage of Scripture clear or what? What a promise Jesus Christ our Lord gave to His disciples and yet they spent their days in unwarranted fear.)
James 4:13-17 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
a. Worry Is Foolish Because We Gain Absolutely Nothing By Doing It!
b. Worry Is Foolish Because It Makes Us Less Ready To Meet Our Circumstances When They Do Come!
c. Worry Is Foolish Because Nothing Can Happen To Us Without God’s Permission!
d. Worry Is Foolish Because, Regardless Of What Comes, God Is Still In Control!
e. Worry Is Foolish Because All Of The Worry In The World Will Not Change One Thing!
f. Worry Is Foolish Because All Things Are For Our Sakes!
g. Worry Is Foolish Because God’s Promises Never Fail!
h. Worry Is Foolish Because God’s Grace Is Still Sufficient!
i. Worry Is Foolish Because God Will Always Be There For Us! He Loves Us And Will Take Care Of Us!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
When A ‘Mad Preacher’ Gets Into The Pulpit
Temple Baptist Church - 1-7-2009
2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Introduction:
A. We find in these verses that God’s men sometimes act and react in the flesh. They do so because, though they are God called men, they are still just men. Paul reiterated that it was good for the people at Corinth that he did not come to them this third time in person because, in verse 2, he would not spare the people who had sinned, and then in verse 10, he may have been sharp with them.
B. I am sure that the Corinthian believers were glad that the Holy Ghost prevented Paul from coming and simply rebuked them with an epistle. Though physically weak, Paul was a man of great passion. He was as bold as a lion and “not afraid of anything walking or riding a horse,” as we used to put it. Paul was normally meek and gentle but could be a “bear” when he wanted to be.
C. Many times, preachers (and I include myself) begin to take personally things that happen in the church. Sometimes, they are personal. The preacher or his family often comes under attack. There is an old saying that goes something like this: “If the Satan can’t get to the preacher, he will get to him through his family.” We have seen this over the past couple of years here at Temple. God’s men take that personally!
D. There are times when some believers are willfully rebellious to the preached Word of God. God’s men preach with compassion the truth of this Bible in order to help God’s people to grow, be blessed, and live a happy life. They willfully choose to ignore the Scripture and God’s men take it personally. I try to allow your sin to be between you and the Lord, not between you and I! Don’t get mad at me, get mad at God! He said it.
E. There are times when some believers act like children playing in a sandbox. They fail to get along and, therefore, argue and fight amongst themselves. They argue their “convictions.” They fight over things that do not matter. If you have faith, the Bible says to have it to yourself. Your “convictions” (which are normally preferences) may not be someone else’s “conviction.” Every man will give an account of himself to the Lord.
F. One excellent Old Testament example of what I am preaching about tonight is found in the meekest man in all the earth, Moses.
Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
Psalms 106:33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
G. If my anger ever “waxes hot” for a short while, forgive me because I am a man of like passions such as you are. I love my family and will fight for them! I love my church and will fight for it! I love you and will fight for you! If I get out of line, let God straighten me out!
1 Samuel 26:8-11 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless? 10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
H. The Lord will help me, as a pastor, to be what I need to be but you can also help your pastor. You quit acting up, misbehaving, get along, do right, live godly, be faithful, soul win, tithe, give to missions, be good to your wife or husband, love me and my family, and I will be a happy pastor! J Just kidding. You are a great people and the best church on earth, but you can help your pastor. You can pray for me and stand with me and you have! I appreciate it too.
1. The Man Of God Is Not To Be A Brawler - 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
2. The Man Of God Is Not To Strive - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
3. The Man of God Is Not To Use The Pulpit As A Dictator - 1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over [God’s] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4. The Man Of God Is To Be Gentle - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
5. The Man Of God Is To Be Patient - 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
6. The Man of God Is To Be Compassionate - 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
7. The Man Of God Is To Be Bold - 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
8. The Man Of God Is To Be Straight - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
2 Corinthians 13:7-10
Introduction:
A. We find in these verses that God’s men sometimes act and react in the flesh. They do so because, though they are God called men, they are still just men. Paul reiterated that it was good for the people at Corinth that he did not come to them this third time in person because, in verse 2, he would not spare the people who had sinned, and then in verse 10, he may have been sharp with them.
B. I am sure that the Corinthian believers were glad that the Holy Ghost prevented Paul from coming and simply rebuked them with an epistle. Though physically weak, Paul was a man of great passion. He was as bold as a lion and “not afraid of anything walking or riding a horse,” as we used to put it. Paul was normally meek and gentle but could be a “bear” when he wanted to be.
C. Many times, preachers (and I include myself) begin to take personally things that happen in the church. Sometimes, they are personal. The preacher or his family often comes under attack. There is an old saying that goes something like this: “If the Satan can’t get to the preacher, he will get to him through his family.” We have seen this over the past couple of years here at Temple. God’s men take that personally!
D. There are times when some believers are willfully rebellious to the preached Word of God. God’s men preach with compassion the truth of this Bible in order to help God’s people to grow, be blessed, and live a happy life. They willfully choose to ignore the Scripture and God’s men take it personally. I try to allow your sin to be between you and the Lord, not between you and I! Don’t get mad at me, get mad at God! He said it.
E. There are times when some believers act like children playing in a sandbox. They fail to get along and, therefore, argue and fight amongst themselves. They argue their “convictions.” They fight over things that do not matter. If you have faith, the Bible says to have it to yourself. Your “convictions” (which are normally preferences) may not be someone else’s “conviction.” Every man will give an account of himself to the Lord.
F. One excellent Old Testament example of what I am preaching about tonight is found in the meekest man in all the earth, Moses.
Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
Psalms 106:33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
G. If my anger ever “waxes hot” for a short while, forgive me because I am a man of like passions such as you are. I love my family and will fight for them! I love my church and will fight for it! I love you and will fight for you! If I get out of line, let God straighten me out!
1 Samuel 26:8-11 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless? 10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
H. The Lord will help me, as a pastor, to be what I need to be but you can also help your pastor. You quit acting up, misbehaving, get along, do right, live godly, be faithful, soul win, tithe, give to missions, be good to your wife or husband, love me and my family, and I will be a happy pastor! J Just kidding. You are a great people and the best church on earth, but you can help your pastor. You can pray for me and stand with me and you have! I appreciate it too.
1. The Man Of God Is Not To Be A Brawler - 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
2. The Man Of God Is Not To Strive - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
3. The Man of God Is Not To Use The Pulpit As A Dictator - 1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over [God’s] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4. The Man Of God Is To Be Gentle - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
5. The Man Of God Is To Be Patient - 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
6. The Man of God Is To Be Compassionate - 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
7. The Man Of God Is To Be Bold - 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
8. The Man Of God Is To Be Straight - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
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