Temple Baptist Church - 6-28-2009
Psalms 33
Introduction:
A. I know that I say this often but I am proud to be an American. Not a Dutch-English-Swedish American—for I never lived in any of those places—but an American! This is still my country and I am proud of it! With all of its faults and failures, it is still the greatest nation on the face of the earth and living here is both a privilege and right.
B. My introduction will be short because this verse is short and concise. It is self-explanatory!
1. In This Verse I Find A Realization – “Blessed” - We Are Blessed!
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
a. We are blessed with Liberty
1) Freedom of Movement - Go where you want; Go when you want; Go with who you want; WE ARE BLESSED!
2) Freedom of Speech - Say what you like; Say when you like; Say to whom you like; WE ARE BLESSED!
3) Freedom of Religion - Worship Who you like; Worship when you like; Worship where you like; Worship how you like; WE ARE BLESSED!
b. We are blessed with Wealth
1) We have Great Provision - Our cabinets are full of food; Our cities are full of grocery and convenient stores; our land is full of restaurants and Wal*Marts; Our homes are warm, cool, and dry; WE ARE BLESSED!
2) We have Great Possessions - Nice Homes; Nice Cars; Nice Toys; WE ARE BLESSED!
3) We have Great Potential (Pursuit of Happiness)
You can be what you want to be! You want to go to college? Scholarships and loans are available. You are limited by your ambition and dreams! WE ARE BLESSED!
c. We are blessed With Peace
1) National Protection (Global positioning and military posturing)
Our enemies have a hard time reaching us (We take war to them); Our enemies fear our might (Attack and you pay); Our enemies fear our resolve (War and we will not give up); WE ARE BLESSED!
2) Personal Protection (Law enforcement)
We live in safety; We move in safety; We sleep in safety; WE ARE BLESSED!
2. In This Verse I Find A Remembrance – “Whose God is the Lord” - Why We Are Blessed!
a. Remembrance Of God Should Bring Rejoicing
Psalms 144:9-15 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. 15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
1) Rejoicing in Satisfaction
2) Rejoicing in Worship
b. Remembrance Of God Should Bring Return
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Revelation 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (The greatest national resource that America has is not her oil, coal, or mineral wealth. The greatest national resource that America has is the people of God!
1) A return to the Church House
2) A return to the Old Paths
3) A return to the Prayer Closet
4) A return to the Family Altar
5) A return to the Harvest Fields
c. Remembrance Of God Should Bring Resolve
Deuteronomy 4:5-9 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
1) A resolve to never forget Who our God is.
2) A resolve to never wander from His fount of Blessings!
Conclusion: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and cursed is the Nation that forgets God! Happy is THAT people!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Men With Holy Hands
Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2009
1 Timothy 2:8
Introduction:
A. First of all, I want to thank each of you good men for your faithfulness and example. In these last days, Good men are hard to find!
Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
B. Today’s world is full of the wrong kind of men.
1. Men who are sissies. They dress in “gay” apparel; they walk with a “twitch;” they speak with a “lisp;” they grow their hair like women; and I would hate to be in a foxhole with one of them!
2. Men who are self-centered. They do not care about their family, home, church, or nation! Being a man is accepting the God given responsibility given to him.
3. Men who are sinful. They do what they want and care nothing for those who have to pay the price. Drink, drugs, and perversion. They care not what God or man says.
C. The need for godly fathers and strong homes achieved through husbands with Biblical standards is great. I preached last Sunday on the fall of our nation, churches, and homes. Much of this is because of a lack of good men.
D. The word “Father” is not only the identity of biological kinship, it is a title of honor given to those who establish anything important in human affairs.
1. George Washington is called the “Father of Our Nation.”
2. Herodotus is called t The “Father of History.”
3. Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine.”
4. Adam is called the “Father of the Human Race.”
E. So, when I use the word “Fathers” this morning, I am speaking to all of you dear men!
F. I do not want to preach a negative message this morning but I do feel obligated to say these things. Our text verse for this Father’s Day says, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
G. These words were written by Paul but through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. What kind of men does the Holy Ghost speak of?
1. God give us some Strong Men. “men” God said men, not women. Thank God for you women but you cannot replace the man. God never intended for the woman to compete with your man. God intended for you to complete your man. God give us men!
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
a. Men who are strong but do not fear to be compassionate.
b. Men who are strong but do not fear to be gentle.
c. Men who are strong but do not fear meekness.
d. Men who are strong but are giving instead of demanding.
2. God give us Praying Men. “pray” Prayer Warriors! Prayer in their closets; prayer their homes; prayer in their churches. The greatest power in Heaven and Earth is available through prayer. Through prayer we can cast down our strongholds, overcome our temptations, outlast our enemies, uphold our families, hedge about our pastor, help deliver our nation, and remove our obstacles and mountains.
Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
3. God give us Many Men. “every where” The marines may be looking for a few good men but the work of the LORD needs countless men! Most missionary churches are characterized by a lot of women and children but an absence of men. We find that true here also as good men are harder to find and, therefore, fewer in number. The laborers are few today and the harvest is overwhelming! Multitudes are in the Valley of Decision with no one to lead them to Christ. There are few to show them the true way of salvation through both witness and Christian walk.
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
4. God give us some Worshipping Men. “lifting up holy hands” Men who are not ashamed to publically worship! Throughout the Bible, it is the men who set the example in worship. Thank God for worshipping women who praise their wonderful Lord. We need men who will stand and declare what great things the Lord has done for them. We need men who sing with all of their hearts and give a hearty “Praise the Lord” or “Amen” once in a while.
2 Samuel 6:13-15 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
5. God give us some Spiritual Men. “holy hands” Men who live lives of purity and godliness. Clean hearts, clean lives, and clean lips. Men who, if followed, will lead others in right paths. Paths of righteousness for the Lord’s sake.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
6. God give us Gentle Men. “without wrath” Men who do not take offense to everything said and read. Men not easily offended or angered by the actions of others. Men who are not offended or angry at the Word preached from the pulpits. Men who recognize the Word of God as it is and bow to its precepts. Men who can forgive their enemies in a Christ like manner. Men who are not brawlers and strikers. We need men, not machismo!
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
7. God give us Faithful Men. “without…doubting” Faithful to their nation; faithful to their families; and faithful to their churches. When the Lord returns, will He find faithful men?
1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion: Again, I want to wish each of you Fathers and all men a wonderful day. I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know. God bless!
1 Timothy 2:8
Introduction:
A. First of all, I want to thank each of you good men for your faithfulness and example. In these last days, Good men are hard to find!
Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
B. Today’s world is full of the wrong kind of men.
1. Men who are sissies. They dress in “gay” apparel; they walk with a “twitch;” they speak with a “lisp;” they grow their hair like women; and I would hate to be in a foxhole with one of them!
2. Men who are self-centered. They do not care about their family, home, church, or nation! Being a man is accepting the God given responsibility given to him.
3. Men who are sinful. They do what they want and care nothing for those who have to pay the price. Drink, drugs, and perversion. They care not what God or man says.
C. The need for godly fathers and strong homes achieved through husbands with Biblical standards is great. I preached last Sunday on the fall of our nation, churches, and homes. Much of this is because of a lack of good men.
D. The word “Father” is not only the identity of biological kinship, it is a title of honor given to those who establish anything important in human affairs.
1. George Washington is called the “Father of Our Nation.”
2. Herodotus is called t The “Father of History.”
3. Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine.”
4. Adam is called the “Father of the Human Race.”
E. So, when I use the word “Fathers” this morning, I am speaking to all of you dear men!
F. I do not want to preach a negative message this morning but I do feel obligated to say these things. Our text verse for this Father’s Day says, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
G. These words were written by Paul but through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. What kind of men does the Holy Ghost speak of?
1. God give us some Strong Men. “men” God said men, not women. Thank God for you women but you cannot replace the man. God never intended for the woman to compete with your man. God intended for you to complete your man. God give us men!
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
a. Men who are strong but do not fear to be compassionate.
b. Men who are strong but do not fear to be gentle.
c. Men who are strong but do not fear meekness.
d. Men who are strong but are giving instead of demanding.
2. God give us Praying Men. “pray” Prayer Warriors! Prayer in their closets; prayer their homes; prayer in their churches. The greatest power in Heaven and Earth is available through prayer. Through prayer we can cast down our strongholds, overcome our temptations, outlast our enemies, uphold our families, hedge about our pastor, help deliver our nation, and remove our obstacles and mountains.
Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
3. God give us Many Men. “every where” The marines may be looking for a few good men but the work of the LORD needs countless men! Most missionary churches are characterized by a lot of women and children but an absence of men. We find that true here also as good men are harder to find and, therefore, fewer in number. The laborers are few today and the harvest is overwhelming! Multitudes are in the Valley of Decision with no one to lead them to Christ. There are few to show them the true way of salvation through both witness and Christian walk.
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
4. God give us some Worshipping Men. “lifting up holy hands” Men who are not ashamed to publically worship! Throughout the Bible, it is the men who set the example in worship. Thank God for worshipping women who praise their wonderful Lord. We need men who will stand and declare what great things the Lord has done for them. We need men who sing with all of their hearts and give a hearty “Praise the Lord” or “Amen” once in a while.
2 Samuel 6:13-15 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
5. God give us some Spiritual Men. “holy hands” Men who live lives of purity and godliness. Clean hearts, clean lives, and clean lips. Men who, if followed, will lead others in right paths. Paths of righteousness for the Lord’s sake.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
6. God give us Gentle Men. “without wrath” Men who do not take offense to everything said and read. Men not easily offended or angered by the actions of others. Men who are not offended or angry at the Word preached from the pulpits. Men who recognize the Word of God as it is and bow to its precepts. Men who can forgive their enemies in a Christ like manner. Men who are not brawlers and strikers. We need men, not machismo!
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
7. God give us Faithful Men. “without…doubting” Faithful to their nation; faithful to their families; and faithful to their churches. When the Lord returns, will He find faithful men?
1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion: Again, I want to wish each of you Fathers and all men a wonderful day. I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know. God bless!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Mine Eye Affecteth Mine Heart
Temple Baptist Church - 6-7-2009
Lamentations 3:37-51
Introduction:
A. Jeremiah is often called the “Weeping Prophet.” He wept over the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel. There are many of God’s men who stand for right and speak out against what is wrong but do so with a wrong spirit. May God help us to weep over the spiritual condition of America as we see the judgment of God upon the nation.
B. If “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” is right, then “Unhappy is the people, whose God is not the Lord” is also right. America is searching for happiness and fulfillment outside of God and the result is unfulfilled lives and deepening sinfulness.
1. America is in a Sad Shape (She is both Immoral and Insensitive)
a) We Can See America’s Sin! Her morals gone! Sex, sodomy, drugs, drink, and lawlessness permeate the land.
1) Sodomites are uncovered – As a boy, I did not know what sodomy was. What a shame! It was not spoken of and was well hid within the “closets” of America. Now the closet doors are open wide and they are in our living rooms!
2) Sodomites are unashamed – They walk through public places hand-in-hand and stare you down. They are proud and they are arrogant.
3) Sodomites are unrebuked – Both our nation and pulpits are “politically correct.” They flaunt their wickedness while the people are silent.
4) Sodomites are unchecked – they do what they want, where they want, and how they want.
b) America’s Sorrow! Our nation is filled with the killing of the innocents, greed, corrupt politicians, ungodly judges, and general apathy to all that is listed above. The “silent majority” is the “apathetic majority!
c) America’s Sinking! Judgment is not only pending, it is here! God will and is judging America. America will come down! It will not get better. It man superficially improve but the core problem both exists and increases.
2. Families are in a Sad Shape (They are permeated with division and divorce!)
a) Homes are out of Order! It’s the Children, Mom, Dad, and God last! God’s order is just the reverse!
1) Women run the homes.
2) Men are now submissive to their own wives.
3) Children get what they want and do as they desire.
4) God is left on the outside knocking on their doors.
b) Homes are broken! 70% will end prematurely in divorce. There are pre-nuptial agreements instead of deep commitments! Both young and old are shacking-up instead of getting married. There is no commitment and, therefore, they have no stability or endurance?
c) The People have all of the wrong answers!
1) They no longer listen to God’s Word.
2) They no longer listen to God’s men.
3) They no longer listen to God’s people.
4) They no longer listen to God himself! Put God first and self-gratification last and God will bless your home. Put God and His Word last and your home will not last!
3. Churches are in a Sad Shape (Apostasy-Apathy)
a) Our Pulpits Are Compromised in their Preaching! Preachers are afraid to speak up against sin. Lift up your voices like trumpets! Most had rather have numbers that holiness. The preachers prophesy falsely and the people love to have it so. Ear-tickling is the rule of the day and sin killing preaching is no longer politically correct. The churches look and act like the world. Silence and sinfulness will kill the church.
b) Our Pews are Cold in their Worship! The people are sinful and ungrateful! Worship Services are formal, dead, and unfulfilling. When purity is gone, praise will follow. Jesus Christ himself would not be welcome in the average local church of the Bible Belt. Worship, like marriage, will be lost in this generation if things do not change. Old time religion is just that: old time!
c) Our People are Calloused to their Condition! Nothing ever stirs and nothing changes! Revivals are just meetings and life goes on as usual. As one preacher said, “I will be glad when the evangelist is gone so that things can get back to normal.”
1) Churches have nothing.
2) Churches want nothing.
3) Churches expect nothing.
4) Churches will receive nothing.
d) Our churches have become:
1) Rest homes for the apathetic.
2) Sanctuaries for the sinful.
3) Recliners for the slothful.
C. Don’t get mad at me this morning!
1. I am preaching to me this morning!
2. I am preaching to you this morning!
3. I am preaching to everyone who receives this sermon outline this morning!
4. God help our families!
5. God help our children and grandchildren!
6. God help our churches!
7. We need to get right with a holy God! Then and only then can God help our nation!
8. Yes, I know what “time” it is but that becomes a copout when we defer to do right just because we live in the last days.
9. We need to make a difference!
10. We need to be light so that the lost can see and seek!
11. We need to be salt so that the lost can savor and taste that which is good!
12. Right is still right, no matter what situation ethics teaches!
13. Holy is still holy and unholy is still unholy. Sin is still and sin and unacceptable to God!
D. Jeremiah’s eye affected his heart (vs. 51). So should our eyes affect our hearts. Have we become so indifferent and calloused to sin that it no longer causes our hearts to break for our children will have to live in this sinful land after we are dead and gone?
E. So pardon me this morning and allow me to preach to our hearts for a little while. I love my family! I love my church! I love America! We need to wake up and redeem the time.
1. We need to get right! We is all inclusive. “It’s a me, it’s a me, it’s a me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer!”
2. Then our churches will get right! God give us churches where the Word is preached, the Word is received, wickedness and worldliness is shunned, and God is welcome in every heart and serice.
3. Then our nation will have a chance to get right!
1. When we look upon sin, our hearts should fear! Looking upon sin will defile our hearts!
a. In 2 Samuel 11:1-4, David cast his eyes upon Bathsheba as she washed herself. It caused a man after God’s own heart to defile himself, her, his family, and his nation!
1) David Saw - 2
2) David Sent - 3
3) David Sinned - 4
b. In 2 Peter 2:8, we find that righteous Lot—dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing—vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. (We are in the world but are not to be of the world.)
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Psalms 101:2-3 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little hands what you do. Be careful little feet where you go.)
2. When we look upon our nation, our hearts should break! America is failing fast and you had better believe it! (Lam 3:37-51)
a. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring soul searching – vs. 41
b. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring repentance – vs. 42
c. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring weeping – vs. 48-49
d. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring intercession – vs. 49-50
3. When we look upon the perishing harvest, our hearts should weep! Perishing sinners should burden our hearts! - Jeremiah 8:19-22 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? 20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
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.
a. We need to weep for souls - Lamentations 1:16 For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.
b. We need to witness to souls - Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
c. We need to sacrifice for souls - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
4. When we look upon the times, our hearts should be thrilled! - Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (I know that the interpretation is to Israel but the application is to us.)
a. Thrilled because our suffering is short – 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (Thank the Lord it is almost over. No tears to dim the eye, not sickness to rack the body, no worries to annoy, no devil to attack us, and not wicked flesh to put up with.)
b. Thrilled because our bridegroom cometh - Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Even so come, Lord Jesus!)
Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
c. Thrilled because our eternal home is near - Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (That sounds like home to me! Like where I want to be!)
5. Looking Upon The Saviour Should Turn The Sinner’s Heart - Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Once again, I know that this speaks of Israel but what an application to the sinner.)
a. They should see the Spirit of grace - 10
b. They should see the Saviour they pierced - 10
c. They should mourn for the sin they committed - 10
Conclusion: May God open our eyes so that our hearts will be affected.
Lamentations 3:37-51
Introduction:
A. Jeremiah is often called the “Weeping Prophet.” He wept over the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel. There are many of God’s men who stand for right and speak out against what is wrong but do so with a wrong spirit. May God help us to weep over the spiritual condition of America as we see the judgment of God upon the nation.
B. If “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” is right, then “Unhappy is the people, whose God is not the Lord” is also right. America is searching for happiness and fulfillment outside of God and the result is unfulfilled lives and deepening sinfulness.
1. America is in a Sad Shape (She is both Immoral and Insensitive)
a) We Can See America’s Sin! Her morals gone! Sex, sodomy, drugs, drink, and lawlessness permeate the land.
1) Sodomites are uncovered – As a boy, I did not know what sodomy was. What a shame! It was not spoken of and was well hid within the “closets” of America. Now the closet doors are open wide and they are in our living rooms!
2) Sodomites are unashamed – They walk through public places hand-in-hand and stare you down. They are proud and they are arrogant.
3) Sodomites are unrebuked – Both our nation and pulpits are “politically correct.” They flaunt their wickedness while the people are silent.
4) Sodomites are unchecked – they do what they want, where they want, and how they want.
b) America’s Sorrow! Our nation is filled with the killing of the innocents, greed, corrupt politicians, ungodly judges, and general apathy to all that is listed above. The “silent majority” is the “apathetic majority!
c) America’s Sinking! Judgment is not only pending, it is here! God will and is judging America. America will come down! It will not get better. It man superficially improve but the core problem both exists and increases.
2. Families are in a Sad Shape (They are permeated with division and divorce!)
a) Homes are out of Order! It’s the Children, Mom, Dad, and God last! God’s order is just the reverse!
1) Women run the homes.
2) Men are now submissive to their own wives.
3) Children get what they want and do as they desire.
4) God is left on the outside knocking on their doors.
b) Homes are broken! 70% will end prematurely in divorce. There are pre-nuptial agreements instead of deep commitments! Both young and old are shacking-up instead of getting married. There is no commitment and, therefore, they have no stability or endurance?
c) The People have all of the wrong answers!
1) They no longer listen to God’s Word.
2) They no longer listen to God’s men.
3) They no longer listen to God’s people.
4) They no longer listen to God himself! Put God first and self-gratification last and God will bless your home. Put God and His Word last and your home will not last!
3. Churches are in a Sad Shape (Apostasy-Apathy)
a) Our Pulpits Are Compromised in their Preaching! Preachers are afraid to speak up against sin. Lift up your voices like trumpets! Most had rather have numbers that holiness. The preachers prophesy falsely and the people love to have it so. Ear-tickling is the rule of the day and sin killing preaching is no longer politically correct. The churches look and act like the world. Silence and sinfulness will kill the church.
b) Our Pews are Cold in their Worship! The people are sinful and ungrateful! Worship Services are formal, dead, and unfulfilling. When purity is gone, praise will follow. Jesus Christ himself would not be welcome in the average local church of the Bible Belt. Worship, like marriage, will be lost in this generation if things do not change. Old time religion is just that: old time!
c) Our People are Calloused to their Condition! Nothing ever stirs and nothing changes! Revivals are just meetings and life goes on as usual. As one preacher said, “I will be glad when the evangelist is gone so that things can get back to normal.”
1) Churches have nothing.
2) Churches want nothing.
3) Churches expect nothing.
4) Churches will receive nothing.
d) Our churches have become:
1) Rest homes for the apathetic.
2) Sanctuaries for the sinful.
3) Recliners for the slothful.
C. Don’t get mad at me this morning!
1. I am preaching to me this morning!
2. I am preaching to you this morning!
3. I am preaching to everyone who receives this sermon outline this morning!
4. God help our families!
5. God help our children and grandchildren!
6. God help our churches!
7. We need to get right with a holy God! Then and only then can God help our nation!
8. Yes, I know what “time” it is but that becomes a copout when we defer to do right just because we live in the last days.
9. We need to make a difference!
10. We need to be light so that the lost can see and seek!
11. We need to be salt so that the lost can savor and taste that which is good!
12. Right is still right, no matter what situation ethics teaches!
13. Holy is still holy and unholy is still unholy. Sin is still and sin and unacceptable to God!
D. Jeremiah’s eye affected his heart (vs. 51). So should our eyes affect our hearts. Have we become so indifferent and calloused to sin that it no longer causes our hearts to break for our children will have to live in this sinful land after we are dead and gone?
E. So pardon me this morning and allow me to preach to our hearts for a little while. I love my family! I love my church! I love America! We need to wake up and redeem the time.
1. We need to get right! We is all inclusive. “It’s a me, it’s a me, it’s a me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer!”
2. Then our churches will get right! God give us churches where the Word is preached, the Word is received, wickedness and worldliness is shunned, and God is welcome in every heart and serice.
3. Then our nation will have a chance to get right!
1. When we look upon sin, our hearts should fear! Looking upon sin will defile our hearts!
a. In 2 Samuel 11:1-4, David cast his eyes upon Bathsheba as she washed herself. It caused a man after God’s own heart to defile himself, her, his family, and his nation!
1) David Saw - 2
2) David Sent - 3
3) David Sinned - 4
b. In 2 Peter 2:8, we find that righteous Lot—dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing—vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. (We are in the world but are not to be of the world.)
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Psalms 101:2-3 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little hands what you do. Be careful little feet where you go.)
2. When we look upon our nation, our hearts should break! America is failing fast and you had better believe it! (Lam 3:37-51)
a. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring soul searching – vs. 41
b. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring repentance – vs. 42
c. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring weeping – vs. 48-49
d. Looking upon our nation’s condition should bring intercession – vs. 49-50
3. When we look upon the perishing harvest, our hearts should weep! Perishing sinners should burden our hearts! - Jeremiah 8:19-22 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? 20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
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.
a. We need to weep for souls - Lamentations 1:16 For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.
b. We need to witness to souls - Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
c. We need to sacrifice for souls - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
4. When we look upon the times, our hearts should be thrilled! - Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (I know that the interpretation is to Israel but the application is to us.)
a. Thrilled because our suffering is short – 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (Thank the Lord it is almost over. No tears to dim the eye, not sickness to rack the body, no worries to annoy, no devil to attack us, and not wicked flesh to put up with.)
b. Thrilled because our bridegroom cometh - Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Even so come, Lord Jesus!)
Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
c. Thrilled because our eternal home is near - Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (That sounds like home to me! Like where I want to be!)
5. Looking Upon The Saviour Should Turn The Sinner’s Heart - Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Once again, I know that this speaks of Israel but what an application to the sinner.)
a. They should see the Spirit of grace - 10
b. They should see the Saviour they pierced - 10
c. They should mourn for the sin they committed - 10
Conclusion: May God open our eyes so that our hearts will be affected.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Baptized Into Christ
Temple Baptist Church - 6-10-2009
Galatians 3:26-29
Introduction:
A. Tonight, I will be teaching on an area of great controversy—both in the world of religion and also in the ranks of fundamental Bible believers. It does not take long to “rile up” the Charismatics or some independent Baptists when you teach what the Bible says on the subject. Much of this division is caused by biblical ignorance. I will not take the time to deal with the entire doctrine of the church as I go through Galatians but will try to clarify what “baptized into Christ” is and is not.
B. There are many misconceptions concerning “baptized into Christ” or the “baptism of the Holy Ghost.” I am not here tonight to convince those who disagree with me because they are not here. I want to look at the Bible and see what it says on the subject. I believe that this doctrine is as simple as it is profound. I want to look at several things that will help to clear up what Paul is saying in these verses.
1. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of “church?” The word “church” means to “be called out” or a “called out assembly.” Israel was certainly “called out of Egypt” to assemble, the local church is “called out” of this world to assemble, and the believers, as a body, will be “called out” to assemble one day with Him. Some teach erroneously that every instance of the word “church” found in the Bible is in reference to a local church.
a. Israel is called “the church.” Acts 7:37-38 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (This is the same word used for Israel that is used to reference a local church. Israel was “called out” of Egypt and assembled in the wilderness.)
b. The Body of Christ is called “the church.” Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Christ will present to himself the church—the Body of Christ—not the local church.)
c. The local church is called “the church.” 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (Most references to the “church” do speak of the local assembly. I am a local church man! Everything concerning the work of Christ should go through and under the authority of a local, Bible believing church. But, not every reference to the “church” speaks of the local church.)
2. What the churches above mentioned are not:
a. Old Testament Israel is not the same as the New Testament local church. We that are saved are not of the nation of Israel! Doctrines such as British Israelism, taught by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of God, are erroneous. In the Body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. All are the same in Christ Jesus.
b. The local New Testament church is not the Body of Christ. I love the local church and have given my life for it but it is a mixture of saved and lost. The local church is flawed because of our human natures. There is fighting and arguing, mixtures of truth and error, and so on.
C. The Body of Christ is neither the local church nor some “universal” or “mystical” entity.
1) The Body of Christ is not a “Universal Church.” The word “universal” simply means all or a whole number. Though the Body of Christ is the summation of every born again believer, this is not the proper term to be used when speaking of the Body of Christ. The word universal is a generic term which could refer to almost anything and, in our day, does. Many who deny the Body of Christ are afraid of the TV churches, radio churches, and house churches (By “house church,” I do not mean churches started in homes by missionaries and church planters).
2) The Body of Christ is not “Mystical.” Some use the phrase “Mystical Church” because that term is derogatory in its meaning. It is meant to demean the Body of Christ. “Mystical” normally refers to the occult and its practices. What a shame that it has been applied by some who profess to know the Bible to the Body of Christ! The Body of Christ is neither “universal” nor is it “mystical.”
3) The Body of Christ is not an organization. Though the Body of Christ is real and alive, it has neither organization nor function. It does not have pastors and deacons. It does not evangelize at home or abroad. It does not teach and admonish believers. It is Christ’s Body. God has ordained that those saved are to assemble with, be faithful to, work through, and with the local church.
3. The baptism mentioned in Galatians 3 is not water baptism! There are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament of which I will quickly deal with two.
a. Israel’s Baptism - 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (God’s deliverance and protection is taught in these verses. They went in and through the sea. NOT ONE PERISHED! They were led and protected by the cloud.)
b. Believer’s Baptism - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (Water baptism is an act of good conscience. Christ died, was buried, and rose again—ever living for us. We are telling the world that we have died with Christ, have been buried [speaks of permanent death of the old man], and have risen again to live for Him.)
1) The word “baptize” means to immerse or to place completely into something. This is the reason that we immerse new converts instead of sprinkling or pouring. Immersion is the correct means and the only means of water baptism. Believer’s baptism is an act that takes place after salvation, not at the moment of salvation.
2) Believers are baptized as public confession of Christ. Today’s act of “joining a church” is not taught in Scripture. Joining a church is church tradition, which I have no problem with as long as it is not taught as a commandment of God. We have many in our church that have never “joined” by letter, baptism, or statement of faith. They are members of Temple Baptist Church and are both loved and appreciated. Again, these methods are traditional and I have no problem with them but none can be found in the Bible! In the New Testament, people were saved and baptized. Those who were saved and obedient in the act of water baptism had no problem assembling with the local church.
3) Believers are baptized in obedience to God’s command. It is the answer of a good conscience towards God.
c. Spirit Baptism - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This one I will deal with in a little more detail in order to explain our text verses.)
Baptized Into Christ
1. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not:
a. It is not a second blessing or second work of grace. Many believe that it is a “second blessing” which is evidenced by speaking in an unknown tongue. This is about as far from the truth as you can get! These “fire baptized” individuals have no interest in truth. They thrive on emotion, and self-exaltation. They are neither soul winners nor are they missions hearted. They are proselyters!
1) Tongues were a sign to the unbelieving Jew. We are not going to discuss tongues in this study but I will say that the modern day tongues movement is not of God. Their tongues are neither scriptural nor do they obey the Scriptures.
2) Boldness of preaching was the sign of being Spirit filled.
b. Some Baptists teach that it is an experience whereby they become “filled with the Holy Ghost” and are empowered for service. I have heard of some well known men who gave this impression. This also is also a far stretch from the truth.
1) We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost! Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Spirit filled is an obligation!)
2) Filling is a way of life, not an “experience!” Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Spirit filled is a life choice!)
2. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is:
a. It is Spirit Baptism - This is not water baptism but another baptism—the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It does not say that they were baptized with water upon their profession of faith in Christ. Paul told the Galatian believers that they were “baptized into Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (These verses deal with our salvation, not the local church. If it were the local church, then there would only be “one body.” This is the baptism of the Holy Ghost that is referenced here. Water baptism has nothing to do with salvation.)
b. It is a onetime event - 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. (Notice that “baptisms” here is plural while “baptism” in Ephesians 4:5 is singular. This is for a reason. Ephesians 4:5 speaks of the salvation of the believer while Hebrews 6:1-3 speaks both salvation and the Christian experience in general. Hebrews recognizes both Spirit baptism and water baptism. It also says “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” Both baptisms are a onetime event not to be repeated.)
c. Spirit Baptism happens to every believer - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This baptism involves all of the redeemed. Paul was not “baptized” into the Corinthian Church. His home church was at Jerusalem. Yet, he was baptized into the same body as the Corinthians.)
d. Spirit Baptism places us into “Christ.” Into His Body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
e. Spirit Baptism is done by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (Notice that the word “Spirit” is capitalized. It is a direct reference to the Holy Spirit. This is not being baptized by a man but by God Himself. There is nothing charismatic about it.)
f. Spirit Baptism or Baptized into Christ takes place at the moment of salvation. Colossians 3:1-3 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. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (There are many expressions in the Bible such as “in Christ,” “in him,” and “in Christ Jesus” that refer to our position in salvation.)
Conclusion: There are those who will argue about the Body of Christ and the Baptism into Christ but I believe that this statement is clear when it says, “Baptized into Christ.” They were immersed into Christ himself! This is the work of God, not the work of man.
Galatians 3:26-29
Introduction:
A. Tonight, I will be teaching on an area of great controversy—both in the world of religion and also in the ranks of fundamental Bible believers. It does not take long to “rile up” the Charismatics or some independent Baptists when you teach what the Bible says on the subject. Much of this division is caused by biblical ignorance. I will not take the time to deal with the entire doctrine of the church as I go through Galatians but will try to clarify what “baptized into Christ” is and is not.
B. There are many misconceptions concerning “baptized into Christ” or the “baptism of the Holy Ghost.” I am not here tonight to convince those who disagree with me because they are not here. I want to look at the Bible and see what it says on the subject. I believe that this doctrine is as simple as it is profound. I want to look at several things that will help to clear up what Paul is saying in these verses.
1. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of “church?” The word “church” means to “be called out” or a “called out assembly.” Israel was certainly “called out of Egypt” to assemble, the local church is “called out” of this world to assemble, and the believers, as a body, will be “called out” to assemble one day with Him. Some teach erroneously that every instance of the word “church” found in the Bible is in reference to a local church.
a. Israel is called “the church.” Acts 7:37-38 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (This is the same word used for Israel that is used to reference a local church. Israel was “called out” of Egypt and assembled in the wilderness.)
b. The Body of Christ is called “the church.” Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Christ will present to himself the church—the Body of Christ—not the local church.)
c. The local church is called “the church.” 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: (Most references to the “church” do speak of the local assembly. I am a local church man! Everything concerning the work of Christ should go through and under the authority of a local, Bible believing church. But, not every reference to the “church” speaks of the local church.)
2. What the churches above mentioned are not:
a. Old Testament Israel is not the same as the New Testament local church. We that are saved are not of the nation of Israel! Doctrines such as British Israelism, taught by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of God, are erroneous. In the Body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. All are the same in Christ Jesus.
b. The local New Testament church is not the Body of Christ. I love the local church and have given my life for it but it is a mixture of saved and lost. The local church is flawed because of our human natures. There is fighting and arguing, mixtures of truth and error, and so on.
C. The Body of Christ is neither the local church nor some “universal” or “mystical” entity.
1) The Body of Christ is not a “Universal Church.” The word “universal” simply means all or a whole number. Though the Body of Christ is the summation of every born again believer, this is not the proper term to be used when speaking of the Body of Christ. The word universal is a generic term which could refer to almost anything and, in our day, does. Many who deny the Body of Christ are afraid of the TV churches, radio churches, and house churches (By “house church,” I do not mean churches started in homes by missionaries and church planters).
2) The Body of Christ is not “Mystical.” Some use the phrase “Mystical Church” because that term is derogatory in its meaning. It is meant to demean the Body of Christ. “Mystical” normally refers to the occult and its practices. What a shame that it has been applied by some who profess to know the Bible to the Body of Christ! The Body of Christ is neither “universal” nor is it “mystical.”
3) The Body of Christ is not an organization. Though the Body of Christ is real and alive, it has neither organization nor function. It does not have pastors and deacons. It does not evangelize at home or abroad. It does not teach and admonish believers. It is Christ’s Body. God has ordained that those saved are to assemble with, be faithful to, work through, and with the local church.
3. The baptism mentioned in Galatians 3 is not water baptism! There are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament of which I will quickly deal with two.
a. Israel’s Baptism - 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (God’s deliverance and protection is taught in these verses. They went in and through the sea. NOT ONE PERISHED! They were led and protected by the cloud.)
b. Believer’s Baptism - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (Water baptism is an act of good conscience. Christ died, was buried, and rose again—ever living for us. We are telling the world that we have died with Christ, have been buried [speaks of permanent death of the old man], and have risen again to live for Him.)
1) The word “baptize” means to immerse or to place completely into something. This is the reason that we immerse new converts instead of sprinkling or pouring. Immersion is the correct means and the only means of water baptism. Believer’s baptism is an act that takes place after salvation, not at the moment of salvation.
2) Believers are baptized as public confession of Christ. Today’s act of “joining a church” is not taught in Scripture. Joining a church is church tradition, which I have no problem with as long as it is not taught as a commandment of God. We have many in our church that have never “joined” by letter, baptism, or statement of faith. They are members of Temple Baptist Church and are both loved and appreciated. Again, these methods are traditional and I have no problem with them but none can be found in the Bible! In the New Testament, people were saved and baptized. Those who were saved and obedient in the act of water baptism had no problem assembling with the local church.
3) Believers are baptized in obedience to God’s command. It is the answer of a good conscience towards God.
c. Spirit Baptism - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This one I will deal with in a little more detail in order to explain our text verses.)
Baptized Into Christ
1. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not:
a. It is not a second blessing or second work of grace. Many believe that it is a “second blessing” which is evidenced by speaking in an unknown tongue. This is about as far from the truth as you can get! These “fire baptized” individuals have no interest in truth. They thrive on emotion, and self-exaltation. They are neither soul winners nor are they missions hearted. They are proselyters!
1) Tongues were a sign to the unbelieving Jew. We are not going to discuss tongues in this study but I will say that the modern day tongues movement is not of God. Their tongues are neither scriptural nor do they obey the Scriptures.
2) Boldness of preaching was the sign of being Spirit filled.
b. Some Baptists teach that it is an experience whereby they become “filled with the Holy Ghost” and are empowered for service. I have heard of some well known men who gave this impression. This also is also a far stretch from the truth.
1) We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost! Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Spirit filled is an obligation!)
2) Filling is a way of life, not an “experience!” Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Spirit filled is a life choice!)
2. What the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is:
a. It is Spirit Baptism - This is not water baptism but another baptism—the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It does not say that they were baptized with water upon their profession of faith in Christ. Paul told the Galatian believers that they were “baptized into Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (These verses deal with our salvation, not the local church. If it were the local church, then there would only be “one body.” This is the baptism of the Holy Ghost that is referenced here. Water baptism has nothing to do with salvation.)
b. It is a onetime event - 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. (Notice that “baptisms” here is plural while “baptism” in Ephesians 4:5 is singular. This is for a reason. Ephesians 4:5 speaks of the salvation of the believer while Hebrews 6:1-3 speaks both salvation and the Christian experience in general. Hebrews recognizes both Spirit baptism and water baptism. It also says “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ.” Both baptisms are a onetime event not to be repeated.)
c. Spirit Baptism happens to every believer - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (This baptism involves all of the redeemed. Paul was not “baptized” into the Corinthian Church. His home church was at Jerusalem. Yet, he was baptized into the same body as the Corinthians.)
d. Spirit Baptism places us into “Christ.” Into His Body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
e. Spirit Baptism is done by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (Notice that the word “Spirit” is capitalized. It is a direct reference to the Holy Spirit. This is not being baptized by a man but by God Himself. There is nothing charismatic about it.)
f. Spirit Baptism or Baptized into Christ takes place at the moment of salvation. Colossians 3:1-3 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. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (There are many expressions in the Bible such as “in Christ,” “in him,” and “in Christ Jesus” that refer to our position in salvation.)
Conclusion: There are those who will argue about the Body of Christ and the Baptism into Christ but I believe that this statement is clear when it says, “Baptized into Christ.” They were immersed into Christ himself! This is the work of God, not the work of man.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Worthy Of Our Praise - The Sovereignty Of God
Temple Baptist Church - 6-7-2009
2 Samuel 22:4; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
Introduction:
A. We have seen that the Lord is worthy of or praise because of His excellent name, His wondrous works, His exceeding power, His matchless grace, infinite wisdom, His wonderful Word, and Majesty. His name is truly wonderful, His works marvelous, His power beyond our imagination, His grace is truly matchless, His wisdom past finding out, His Word both perfect and eternal, and His majesty matchless.
B. Tonight I want to look at another aspect of the worthiness of our praise for the Lord. The Sovereignty of God! You will not find either of the words “sovereign” or “sovereignty” in the Bible but the truth is set forth from Genesis 1:1—where the bible declares that “In the beginning God”—to Revelation 22:21 where it says “Amen!” As God has said, “Let it be so!”
C. Since the word “sovereignty” is not a bible word, let us look at it’s definition for clarification:
Sovereignty – Free from all external control; reigning or royal authority; the dominion of a monarch, the complete authority to govern a state; exclusive in right to control one’s thoughts and actions; autonomous; greatest in status, authority, and power; supreme; exceptional in quality.
D. The doctrine of the “Sovereignty of God” is one of both the least understood and the most misunderstood.
1. Most believe that things happen per chance instead of providence. I do not believe in luck. I believe in the providence of an all-knowing, thrice holy God!
2. Many believe that God’s sovereignty over rules mans ability to choose.
a) The doctrine called Calvinism is both heretical and damnable!
b) How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility? By realizing that, in God’s sovereignty, God gave man the ability to choose. This does not do away with God’s sovereignty. It amplifies it. God can do as He chooses and if He gives man the choice of salvation, then it is because He is a sovereign God.
c) I find it amazing that we all know that God has given everyman the right to choose the path for his life and, yet, they cannot either choose or refuse Christ! The unsaved as well as the saved make decisions all of the time and that does not seem to interfere with the sovereignty of God one bit.
d) It is a shame that when preaching on the Sovereignty of God, I have to explain that I am not nor could ever be a Calvinist. My God is loving, kind, gentle, good, and touchable! Let me give you some verses that show man’s ability to choose:
Genesis 4:6-7 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (First Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation – God gave Cain both a choice and a second chance.)
Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (God called? Man refused? He does have a choice!)
John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (Jesus indicted the Pharisees because they would not choose to come to Christ and have eternal life. The list could go one but that is not my subject tonight.)
E. By the sovereignty of God, it is to be understood that—as Creator of all things both visible and invisible—God is both owner or and ruler over all things.
Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
1 Timothy 6:15-16 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
F. Because He is sovereign:
1. He Requires No Counsel - Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Isaiah 40:13-14 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
2. He Seeks No Advice - 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.
3. He Lacks No Wisdom - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
4. He Asks No Permission – Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
5. He Answers To No Man - Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
1. God Is Sovereign In His Creation – Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Everything in nature contains the “finger prints” of God. You can believe it or deny it but you cannot stop it or change it! You were not there when the foundations were laid: God was there!)
2. God Is Sovereign In His Counsel – John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Proverbs 1:23-30 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (You can take it or leave it but you cannot alter it! You may reject it and or change it here on earth but it is forever settled in Heaven. You will hear it again!)
3. God Is Sovereign In His Conversion – John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Salvation is God’s way or not at all. It is His way or the highway! The “Highway to Hell!”)
4. God Is Sovereign In His Circumstances – Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Job 23:10-14 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. 14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (He controls all that happens! Although tough to accept at times, Romans 8:28 is still in the Book! Proverbs 3:5-6 still apply!)
5. God Is Sovereign In His Consequences – John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (It is either Heaven or Hell! In God’s sovereignty, He gave men a choice. Then, man’s choice leaves God no choice!)
2 Samuel 22:4; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
Introduction:
A. We have seen that the Lord is worthy of or praise because of His excellent name, His wondrous works, His exceeding power, His matchless grace, infinite wisdom, His wonderful Word, and Majesty. His name is truly wonderful, His works marvelous, His power beyond our imagination, His grace is truly matchless, His wisdom past finding out, His Word both perfect and eternal, and His majesty matchless.
B. Tonight I want to look at another aspect of the worthiness of our praise for the Lord. The Sovereignty of God! You will not find either of the words “sovereign” or “sovereignty” in the Bible but the truth is set forth from Genesis 1:1—where the bible declares that “In the beginning God”—to Revelation 22:21 where it says “Amen!” As God has said, “Let it be so!”
C. Since the word “sovereignty” is not a bible word, let us look at it’s definition for clarification:
Sovereignty – Free from all external control; reigning or royal authority; the dominion of a monarch, the complete authority to govern a state; exclusive in right to control one’s thoughts and actions; autonomous; greatest in status, authority, and power; supreme; exceptional in quality.
D. The doctrine of the “Sovereignty of God” is one of both the least understood and the most misunderstood.
1. Most believe that things happen per chance instead of providence. I do not believe in luck. I believe in the providence of an all-knowing, thrice holy God!
2. Many believe that God’s sovereignty over rules mans ability to choose.
a) The doctrine called Calvinism is both heretical and damnable!
b) How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility? By realizing that, in God’s sovereignty, God gave man the ability to choose. This does not do away with God’s sovereignty. It amplifies it. God can do as He chooses and if He gives man the choice of salvation, then it is because He is a sovereign God.
c) I find it amazing that we all know that God has given everyman the right to choose the path for his life and, yet, they cannot either choose or refuse Christ! The unsaved as well as the saved make decisions all of the time and that does not seem to interfere with the sovereignty of God one bit.
d) It is a shame that when preaching on the Sovereignty of God, I have to explain that I am not nor could ever be a Calvinist. My God is loving, kind, gentle, good, and touchable! Let me give you some verses that show man’s ability to choose:
Genesis 4:6-7 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (First Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation – God gave Cain both a choice and a second chance.)
Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (God called? Man refused? He does have a choice!)
John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (Jesus indicted the Pharisees because they would not choose to come to Christ and have eternal life. The list could go one but that is not my subject tonight.)
E. By the sovereignty of God, it is to be understood that—as Creator of all things both visible and invisible—God is both owner or and ruler over all things.
Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
1 Timothy 6:15-16 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
F. Because He is sovereign:
1. He Requires No Counsel - Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Isaiah 40:13-14 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
2. He Seeks No Advice - 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.
3. He Lacks No Wisdom - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
4. He Asks No Permission – Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
5. He Answers To No Man - Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
1. God Is Sovereign In His Creation – Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Everything in nature contains the “finger prints” of God. You can believe it or deny it but you cannot stop it or change it! You were not there when the foundations were laid: God was there!)
2. God Is Sovereign In His Counsel – John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Proverbs 1:23-30 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (You can take it or leave it but you cannot alter it! You may reject it and or change it here on earth but it is forever settled in Heaven. You will hear it again!)
3. God Is Sovereign In His Conversion – John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Salvation is God’s way or not at all. It is His way or the highway! The “Highway to Hell!”)
4. God Is Sovereign In His Circumstances – Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Job 23:10-14 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. 14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (He controls all that happens! Although tough to accept at times, Romans 8:28 is still in the Book! Proverbs 3:5-6 still apply!)
5. God Is Sovereign In His Consequences – John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (It is either Heaven or Hell! In God’s sovereignty, He gave men a choice. Then, man’s choice leaves God no choice!)
The Temptation To Sin
Temple Baptist Church - 6-7-2009
James 1:12-16
Introduction:
A. Before we start, we need to realize that there is more than one use of the word “tempted” found in the Bible. The Bible scoffers scream “contradiction” because of their failure to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
1. Tempt means to “try” or to “prove.” Such was the case when Abraham was “tempted” by God concerning his sacrifice of Isaac. In 1 Peter 1:7, the Bible speaks of the preciousness of the “trial of your faith.”
2. Tempt can also mean “temptation to sin.” Such is the case in James chapter one. It is clarified by both the context in which “tempted” is used and the reference to God not being the Author of it in verse 13. God will never tempt you to sin! Satan may tempt you; the world may tempt you; your acquaintances may tempt you; your flesh will certainly tempt you; but God will not!
B. Temptation to sin is almost as old as humanity. We find both the tempter and temptation in the Garden of Eden where the first human sin was committed. Sin found it’s beginning in the heart of Lucifer and, before long, made its way into the heart of man. Satan tempted Eve and Adam sinned, so here we are!
C. Don’t be too hard on old Adam and Eve though. They lasted a lot longer in innocence than you or I would have lasted. Because of our old sinful flesh, adamic nature, and the mounting number of areas in which we are tempted today, the battle against the lust of the flesh rages.
D. If and when we do sin, we need to take full responsibility for it:
1. God didn’t make you do it!
2. The Devil didn’t make you do it!
3. People didn’t make you do it!
4. Don’t blame your circumstances for it!
5. YOU WILFULLY DID IT YOURSELF!
E. We can choose how we want to live. God has made us “free moral agents” and has given to us the privilege to choose right. He has not given to us the right to choose wrong.
1. We can control our ACTIONS but not the RESULTS.
2. We can make our own CHOICES but we cannot avoid their CONSEQUENCES.
F. It is human nature to blame either God or others for our personal choices.
1. When Adam was confronted, he blamed God for giving him Eve.
2. When Eve was confronted, she blamed the serpent.
3. When the serpent was confronted, he at least made no excuses!
G. When we learn to recognize both the COURSE and the SOURCE of sin, it will help us when temptation does come.
H. Temptation to sin can be minimized through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the Bible.
1. We can minimize sinfulness through abstaining from all appearance of evil. Abstain from all appearance of evil means that at the first inkling that something is going to turn “south,” LEAVE!
2. We can minimize sinfulness through guarding our eyes and ears. “Seeing and hearing” got Lot into a “lot” of trouble. We normally know what we will see or hear before we go to certain places.
3. We can minimize sinfulness through watching who we associate with. Walking together brings about agreement either vocally or through compromise to remain silent on certain issues.
4. We can minimize sinfulness through a close relationship with the Lord through prayer and Scripture. Prayer and Bible study will help to keep us from areas of sin. Hide God’s Word in your heart that you might not “sin against God.”
5. We can minimize sinfulness through realization of personal weakness and deceitfulness of heart. No, I cannot handle sin and neither can you. When sin begins, we feel that we are in control but subtly things begin to change. Without our recognition, sin soon becomes the MASTER while we become the SLAVE.
I. The Bible sets forth several things in these verses pertaining to temptation and sin:
1. ENTICEMENT - The Promise of Temptation To Sin – vs. 12-13 “when he is tempted”
a. Tempted can mean to be "Offered a bait" or "lured by a bait". “Every man is tempted!”
b. Tempted by evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
c. You will be tempted by self, someone, or something!
1) Tempted By Satan - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
2) Tempted By Sin - Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
3) Tempted By Self - James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
d. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”
2. ENTRAPMENT - The Probability of Surrender To Sin – vs. 15 “lust hath conceived”
a. Surrender can mean "drawn away" or "snared in a trap."
b. “Lust” is desire! An “inside job.”
c. God has given to us certain normal desires while the world creates abnormal ones.
d. The word is used 22x - never in a good sense!
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
3. ENDORSEMENT – The Progression of Sin– vs. 15 “bringeth forth sin”
a. We are drawn away and enticed which is not sin to “Lust hath conceived” which means that we now are willingly committed to that particular sin. Conception is a conscious act carried out.
Romans 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
b. Someone once asked, “Are you pro-choice or pro-life?” The man answered, “Both! Pro-choice is before sex and pro-life is after conception!”
Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
4. ENSLAVEMENT – The Power Of Sin – vs. 15 “and sin, when it is finished”
a. Now the MASTER is the SLAVE!
2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
b. “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow!”
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.
c. There will be a “finishing” when sin takes over. It will bring you down and destroy you.
5. EXPENSE - The Consequence and Warning Concerning Sin – vs. 15-16 “death…do not err!”
a. The wages of sin has never changed. It is untouched by inflation or devaluation. The wages of sin is still death!
b. The deception of sin has never changed. We feel that we can sow and sow to iniquity without paying the price.
Galatians 6:7-8 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.
6. EXHORTATION – The Warning Concerning Sin – vs. 16 – “do not err, my beloved brethren!”
a. We err when we fail to realize the sinful potential of our flesh.
b. We err when we fail to abstain from all appearance of sin.
c. We err when we think that we can handle our sin.
d. We err when we think that we can escape the consequences of our sin.
James 1:12-16
Introduction:
A. Before we start, we need to realize that there is more than one use of the word “tempted” found in the Bible. The Bible scoffers scream “contradiction” because of their failure to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
1. Tempt means to “try” or to “prove.” Such was the case when Abraham was “tempted” by God concerning his sacrifice of Isaac. In 1 Peter 1:7, the Bible speaks of the preciousness of the “trial of your faith.”
2. Tempt can also mean “temptation to sin.” Such is the case in James chapter one. It is clarified by both the context in which “tempted” is used and the reference to God not being the Author of it in verse 13. God will never tempt you to sin! Satan may tempt you; the world may tempt you; your acquaintances may tempt you; your flesh will certainly tempt you; but God will not!
B. Temptation to sin is almost as old as humanity. We find both the tempter and temptation in the Garden of Eden where the first human sin was committed. Sin found it’s beginning in the heart of Lucifer and, before long, made its way into the heart of man. Satan tempted Eve and Adam sinned, so here we are!
C. Don’t be too hard on old Adam and Eve though. They lasted a lot longer in innocence than you or I would have lasted. Because of our old sinful flesh, adamic nature, and the mounting number of areas in which we are tempted today, the battle against the lust of the flesh rages.
D. If and when we do sin, we need to take full responsibility for it:
1. God didn’t make you do it!
2. The Devil didn’t make you do it!
3. People didn’t make you do it!
4. Don’t blame your circumstances for it!
5. YOU WILFULLY DID IT YOURSELF!
E. We can choose how we want to live. God has made us “free moral agents” and has given to us the privilege to choose right. He has not given to us the right to choose wrong.
1. We can control our ACTIONS but not the RESULTS.
2. We can make our own CHOICES but we cannot avoid their CONSEQUENCES.
F. It is human nature to blame either God or others for our personal choices.
1. When Adam was confronted, he blamed God for giving him Eve.
2. When Eve was confronted, she blamed the serpent.
3. When the serpent was confronted, he at least made no excuses!
G. When we learn to recognize both the COURSE and the SOURCE of sin, it will help us when temptation does come.
H. Temptation to sin can be minimized through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the Bible.
1. We can minimize sinfulness through abstaining from all appearance of evil. Abstain from all appearance of evil means that at the first inkling that something is going to turn “south,” LEAVE!
2. We can minimize sinfulness through guarding our eyes and ears. “Seeing and hearing” got Lot into a “lot” of trouble. We normally know what we will see or hear before we go to certain places.
3. We can minimize sinfulness through watching who we associate with. Walking together brings about agreement either vocally or through compromise to remain silent on certain issues.
4. We can minimize sinfulness through a close relationship with the Lord through prayer and Scripture. Prayer and Bible study will help to keep us from areas of sin. Hide God’s Word in your heart that you might not “sin against God.”
5. We can minimize sinfulness through realization of personal weakness and deceitfulness of heart. No, I cannot handle sin and neither can you. When sin begins, we feel that we are in control but subtly things begin to change. Without our recognition, sin soon becomes the MASTER while we become the SLAVE.
I. The Bible sets forth several things in these verses pertaining to temptation and sin:
1. ENTICEMENT - The Promise of Temptation To Sin – vs. 12-13 “when he is tempted”
a. Tempted can mean to be "Offered a bait" or "lured by a bait". “Every man is tempted!”
b. Tempted by evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
c. You will be tempted by self, someone, or something!
1) Tempted By Satan - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
2) Tempted By Sin - Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
3) Tempted By Self - James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
d. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”
2. ENTRAPMENT - The Probability of Surrender To Sin – vs. 15 “lust hath conceived”
a. Surrender can mean "drawn away" or "snared in a trap."
b. “Lust” is desire! An “inside job.”
c. God has given to us certain normal desires while the world creates abnormal ones.
d. The word is used 22x - never in a good sense!
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
3. ENDORSEMENT – The Progression of Sin– vs. 15 “bringeth forth sin”
a. We are drawn away and enticed which is not sin to “Lust hath conceived” which means that we now are willingly committed to that particular sin. Conception is a conscious act carried out.
Romans 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
b. Someone once asked, “Are you pro-choice or pro-life?” The man answered, “Both! Pro-choice is before sex and pro-life is after conception!”
Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
4. ENSLAVEMENT – The Power Of Sin – vs. 15 “and sin, when it is finished”
a. Now the MASTER is the SLAVE!
2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
b. “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow!”
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.
c. There will be a “finishing” when sin takes over. It will bring you down and destroy you.
5. EXPENSE - The Consequence and Warning Concerning Sin – vs. 15-16 “death…do not err!”
a. The wages of sin has never changed. It is untouched by inflation or devaluation. The wages of sin is still death!
b. The deception of sin has never changed. We feel that we can sow and sow to iniquity without paying the price.
Galatians 6:7-8 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.
6. EXHORTATION – The Warning Concerning Sin – vs. 16 – “do not err, my beloved brethren!”
a. We err when we fail to realize the sinful potential of our flesh.
b. We err when we fail to abstain from all appearance of sin.
c. We err when we think that we can handle our sin.
d. We err when we think that we can escape the consequences of our sin.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Law And Grace
Temple Baptist Church - 6-3-2009
Galatians 3:10-29
Introduction:
A. We have studied the faith of Abraham and found that his faith is our faith!
1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died for my sins, was buried, and rose again for my justification. My faith is in the Messiah!
2. That is what Abraham believed! He may not have know the name Jesus Christ but he did understand the “Seed” that was to come (vs. 16). He understood the reason for sacrifice and the reality of resurrection through the “gospel” that was preached unto him in Genesis 22.
B. In our text tonight, I want to contrast law and grace. That was the problem being confronted here in the Book of Galatians.
1. Is salvation law? Is salvation grace? Is salvation a mixture of law and grace(in any dispensation)?
2. Many today teach a works salvation. Many are even in the independent Baptist movement. They may teach grace for salvation today but they also teach faith mixed with works before the cross and after the rapture. This teaching is heretical!
3. Martin Luther said, "He is a good theologian who rightly distinguishes between the law and grace."
C. These verses contrast law and grace:
1. The Law brings a curse while faith brings blessing. Vs. 10-11
2. The Law brings condemnation while faith brings conversion. Vs. 13-14, 22-24
3. The Law brings bondage while faith brings liberty. Vs. 12
d. Tonight, I want to look at four reasons that salvation is not by the works of the Law.
1. The Law And Curse – vs. 10
a. Israel Cursed Upon Their Transgression - Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
b. Christ Cursed Upon The Tree - Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (The Law was never meant to be a means of salvation because it brought about a curse, not a conversion. When God curses something or someone, then on God can remove that curse.)
2. The Law And Justification – vs. 11
a. The Law Could Not Save Because Of The Defilement Of Man - Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
b. The Law Could Not Save Because Of The Demand Of God – Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Hebrews 9:12-22 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (It was the blood in the Old Testament and it was the blood in the New Testament. It’s still the blood!)
3. The Law And Promise – vs. 15-18
a. Justification Was Promised To Abraham’s Seed Through Faith - James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
b. Justification Was Purchased For Abraham’s Seed Through Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (God’s Promises are always kept! The Law would have made Abraham’s Promise null and void.)
4. The Law And Purpose – vs. 19-25
a. The Law Was Intended To Stop The Boaster - Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
b. The Law Was Intended To Save The Believer - Galatians 3:22-26 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (The Law was never meant to replace faith. It was meant to produce sinfulness which is to produce repentance which is to open the door to faith.)
Conclusion: Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:10-29
Introduction:
A. We have studied the faith of Abraham and found that his faith is our faith!
1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died for my sins, was buried, and rose again for my justification. My faith is in the Messiah!
2. That is what Abraham believed! He may not have know the name Jesus Christ but he did understand the “Seed” that was to come (vs. 16). He understood the reason for sacrifice and the reality of resurrection through the “gospel” that was preached unto him in Genesis 22.
B. In our text tonight, I want to contrast law and grace. That was the problem being confronted here in the Book of Galatians.
1. Is salvation law? Is salvation grace? Is salvation a mixture of law and grace(in any dispensation)?
2. Many today teach a works salvation. Many are even in the independent Baptist movement. They may teach grace for salvation today but they also teach faith mixed with works before the cross and after the rapture. This teaching is heretical!
3. Martin Luther said, "He is a good theologian who rightly distinguishes between the law and grace."
C. These verses contrast law and grace:
1. The Law brings a curse while faith brings blessing. Vs. 10-11
2. The Law brings condemnation while faith brings conversion. Vs. 13-14, 22-24
3. The Law brings bondage while faith brings liberty. Vs. 12
d. Tonight, I want to look at four reasons that salvation is not by the works of the Law.
1. The Law And Curse – vs. 10
a. Israel Cursed Upon Their Transgression - Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.
b. Christ Cursed Upon The Tree - Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (The Law was never meant to be a means of salvation because it brought about a curse, not a conversion. When God curses something or someone, then on God can remove that curse.)
2. The Law And Justification – vs. 11
a. The Law Could Not Save Because Of The Defilement Of Man - Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
b. The Law Could Not Save Because Of The Demand Of God – Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Hebrews 9:12-22 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (It was the blood in the Old Testament and it was the blood in the New Testament. It’s still the blood!)
3. The Law And Promise – vs. 15-18
a. Justification Was Promised To Abraham’s Seed Through Faith - James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
b. Justification Was Purchased For Abraham’s Seed Through Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (God’s Promises are always kept! The Law would have made Abraham’s Promise null and void.)
4. The Law And Purpose – vs. 19-25
a. The Law Was Intended To Stop The Boaster - Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
b. The Law Was Intended To Save The Believer - Galatians 3:22-26 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (The Law was never meant to replace faith. It was meant to produce sinfulness which is to produce repentance which is to open the door to faith.)
Conclusion: Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
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