Temple Baptist Church - 7-29-2009
Galatians 4:1-2, 7
Introduction:
A. We are now sons and not servants. We are sons who serve though!
B. The difference between rewards and inheritance.
1. Rewards based upon service - 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
a) Crowns to cast - Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (To be cast at His feet.)
Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 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.
b) Cities to govern - Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Millennium)
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2. Inheritance is based upon sonship - Psalms 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
C. Rewards can be lost. 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
D. Inheritance cannot be lost. 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
E. I want to look at our inheritance for a few minutes. I want to say at the ontset of this message that what I will preach on is infinitely beyond our ability to comprehend.
Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
F. Eternal things are beyond our realm of experience and we can only fully comprehend that which we have experienced. Sometimes in times of grief, we say to people, “I know how you feel.” You can only know how they feel if you have been there. I have not been to heaven!
G. I have chosen these verses to expound tonight in light of inheritance.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1. Our Inheritance Is Solely Based Upon Sonship – “begotten us again”
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (Once saved we have eternal life. Born into God’s family for time and eternity. Every son has equal inheritance. I find no degrees of heaven found in the Bible. Degrees of reward to cast and degrees of cities to reign over in the Kingdom, but eternity has not degrees. Every son is a son and equally loved of the Father.)
2. Our Inheritance Is Incorruptible – “to an inheritance incorruptible” (Incorruptible means not to decay) Some people are born into wealthy families but, before they inherit, those fortunes are lost through bad business deals, etc. Our inheritance cannot either be lost nor diminish.)
a. It cannot be corrupted - Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (I understand that the interpretation is rewards earned but it also states that nothing can harm, change, or diminish eternal things. Thank God for the incorruptibility of our inheritance.)
b. I cannot be enjoyed by corrupt people - 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
3. Our Inheritance Is Undefiled – “undefiled” (Eternity will be absolutely holy)
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (A holy earth with the curse gone)
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (A holy heaven with the pollution gone)
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (A holy city)
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.
Psalms 48:1-2 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. 2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
4. Our Inheritance Is Unfadable – “fadeth not away” (It will not diminish in glory)
Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (The smell of leather in a new car diminishes much quicker than the payment book! We buy new things and then the newness wears off and they are just things. The glory and joy of our eternal inheritance will never lose its glory or joy. It will be new and exciting forever!)
a. Glory that will never die.
b. Pleasure that will never end.
c. Excitement that will never go away.
5. Our Inheritance Is Reserved – “reserved in heaven for you” (It will be there when we get there.)
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (Our hope is a living one. Our lives are not in vain and heaven is “far better,” as the Apostle Paul put it. Our past is fleeting and our future is secure! Secured by Christ.)
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 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Effects Of Fornication
Temple Baptist Church - 7-26-2009
Genesis 2:20-25
Introduction:
A. If you want to discover what God intends on any particular subject, you must go to the first mention of it. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth brings about doctrinal purity and doctrinal purity brings about spiritual help.
B. Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. One of the first principles that you learn in Bible Hermeneutics Class is the Law of First Mention. "God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God."
C. In Genesis, we find the first man, the first woman, the first marriage, the first joining, the first conception, etc. God’s intent was this: one man, one woman, one relationship, one lifetime! GOD HAS NEVER VARIED FROM THIS STANDARD!
1. It is not one man and one man! It is not one woman and one woman! It is one man and one woman!
2. It is not relationships plural! It is one man, one woman, and one relationship!
3. It is not one man and several women! It is not one woman and several men! It is one man and one woman for one lifetime!
4. Popular teaching and preaching in our day? NO!
5. Right teaching and preaching in our day? YES! God has never changed His mind on the subject and neither should we!
D. One of the most prevalent sins of our day is fornication. Young people lose their purity at earlier and earlier ages. Marriage is not the first choice of many as they choose living together as their first option. I have had people get mad and leave our church because I would not put up with it. So called Christian parents not only accept this particular sin but also approve of it by helping the young, sinful couple to set up housekeeping. I want to help our young people as well as you older folks concerning the subject of fornication.
FORNICATION - voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other.
E. I love our young people so “hang on” this morning and “suffer the word of exhortation.”
F. The world is pushing sex in almost every aspect of life. Satan is constantly bombarding society on virtually every front perverted sexual behavior.
1. I may preach one night on the subject of “Pornography.” We consider pornography as adult magazines, adult movies, porn sites on the internet, etc. but it is much more diverse than these areas.
2. We are bombarded at Wal*Mart, the grocery store, public events, billboards, newspapers, J.C. Penny and Sears catalogues, and the list goes on. What you now see in public places was once found only in men’s magazines.
3. Now, we have gotten comfortable with these images of both male and female that were once classified as porn!
G. In Genesis 2, we find three phrases that I want to look at for a few minutes by way of introduction:
1. “cleave unto his wife – Cleave – to stick or to adhere to, to unite closely, strong attachment, to bond. Marriage is bonding! We use the term “bonds of holy matrimony.”
Psalms 102:5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
Psalms 137:6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
2. “one flesh” – one, not two! Marriage is not a selfish act but a selfless act!
Matthew 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
3. “both naked…not ashamed” (The beauty of sexual relationship is within the bond of marriage.)
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
H. Fornication is one of the few sins that draws this formidable warning:
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (Satan slowly tantalizes the flesh with the desire for fornication while God commands you to flee!)
Proverbs 7:21-24 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
I. There was a time when men kept their hands off of the women. Even in church, parents made them sit with a song book between them. The Bible declares that it is not good for a man to touch a woman. I want to look at several things that fornication does to the believer:
1. Fornication Causes A Loss Of Innocence Never To Be Regained – As was with Adam and Eve in the garden, innocence is lost. There is the permanent realization that purity is gone and cannot be regained. God gave to every young person a very special gift: innocence and purity!
2. Fornication Brings About A Guilty Conscience – You will never look at yourself the same again. Others may never find out but you will always know and the reminders that are many will be painful. You will have a lifetime of sorrow to contend with.
3. Fornication Exposes To The Possibility Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases – You will never know for sure that the other person that you were involved with has not had sexual relations before. STD is rampant in our society and many such diseases are incurable. Explain that to you future husband or wife!
4. Fornication Defiles The Beauty Of Marital Sex – Pre-marital sex cheapens the act and will cause you to look at both it and your intended mate in a different light. Fornication will cause you to both act and react in a defiled way. It will damage your relationship with either your husband of wife.
5. Fornication Brings Innocent Children Into This World – The world is full of young, unwed mothers and fathers. The young parent’s carefree childhood is gone as they enter into the world of adulthood before they become adults.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
6. Fornication Is A Sin Against The Temple Of The Holy Ghost – The Spirit of God lives within each believer and is subjected to our sin. He is joined to you and you are joined to another!
1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
Conclusion: Much more could be said but I believe that there is enough in this message for us all to get THE MESSAGE! Flee fornication and you will be wise.
Genesis 2:20-25
Introduction:
A. If you want to discover what God intends on any particular subject, you must go to the first mention of it. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth brings about doctrinal purity and doctrinal purity brings about spiritual help.
B. Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. One of the first principles that you learn in Bible Hermeneutics Class is the Law of First Mention. "God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God."
C. In Genesis, we find the first man, the first woman, the first marriage, the first joining, the first conception, etc. God’s intent was this: one man, one woman, one relationship, one lifetime! GOD HAS NEVER VARIED FROM THIS STANDARD!
1. It is not one man and one man! It is not one woman and one woman! It is one man and one woman!
2. It is not relationships plural! It is one man, one woman, and one relationship!
3. It is not one man and several women! It is not one woman and several men! It is one man and one woman for one lifetime!
4. Popular teaching and preaching in our day? NO!
5. Right teaching and preaching in our day? YES! God has never changed His mind on the subject and neither should we!
D. One of the most prevalent sins of our day is fornication. Young people lose their purity at earlier and earlier ages. Marriage is not the first choice of many as they choose living together as their first option. I have had people get mad and leave our church because I would not put up with it. So called Christian parents not only accept this particular sin but also approve of it by helping the young, sinful couple to set up housekeeping. I want to help our young people as well as you older folks concerning the subject of fornication.
FORNICATION - voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other.
E. I love our young people so “hang on” this morning and “suffer the word of exhortation.”
F. The world is pushing sex in almost every aspect of life. Satan is constantly bombarding society on virtually every front perverted sexual behavior.
1. I may preach one night on the subject of “Pornography.” We consider pornography as adult magazines, adult movies, porn sites on the internet, etc. but it is much more diverse than these areas.
2. We are bombarded at Wal*Mart, the grocery store, public events, billboards, newspapers, J.C. Penny and Sears catalogues, and the list goes on. What you now see in public places was once found only in men’s magazines.
3. Now, we have gotten comfortable with these images of both male and female that were once classified as porn!
G. In Genesis 2, we find three phrases that I want to look at for a few minutes by way of introduction:
1. “cleave unto his wife – Cleave – to stick or to adhere to, to unite closely, strong attachment, to bond. Marriage is bonding! We use the term “bonds of holy matrimony.”
Psalms 102:5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
Psalms 137:6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
2. “one flesh” – one, not two! Marriage is not a selfish act but a selfless act!
Matthew 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
3. “both naked…not ashamed” (The beauty of sexual relationship is within the bond of marriage.)
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
H. Fornication is one of the few sins that draws this formidable warning:
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (Satan slowly tantalizes the flesh with the desire for fornication while God commands you to flee!)
Proverbs 7:21-24 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
I. There was a time when men kept their hands off of the women. Even in church, parents made them sit with a song book between them. The Bible declares that it is not good for a man to touch a woman. I want to look at several things that fornication does to the believer:
1. Fornication Causes A Loss Of Innocence Never To Be Regained – As was with Adam and Eve in the garden, innocence is lost. There is the permanent realization that purity is gone and cannot be regained. God gave to every young person a very special gift: innocence and purity!
2. Fornication Brings About A Guilty Conscience – You will never look at yourself the same again. Others may never find out but you will always know and the reminders that are many will be painful. You will have a lifetime of sorrow to contend with.
3. Fornication Exposes To The Possibility Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases – You will never know for sure that the other person that you were involved with has not had sexual relations before. STD is rampant in our society and many such diseases are incurable. Explain that to you future husband or wife!
4. Fornication Defiles The Beauty Of Marital Sex – Pre-marital sex cheapens the act and will cause you to look at both it and your intended mate in a different light. Fornication will cause you to both act and react in a defiled way. It will damage your relationship with either your husband of wife.
5. Fornication Brings Innocent Children Into This World – The world is full of young, unwed mothers and fathers. The young parent’s carefree childhood is gone as they enter into the world of adulthood before they become adults.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
6. Fornication Is A Sin Against The Temple Of The Holy Ghost – The Spirit of God lives within each believer and is subjected to our sin. He is joined to you and you are joined to another!
1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
Conclusion: Much more could be said but I believe that there is enough in this message for us all to get THE MESSAGE! Flee fornication and you will be wise.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sons, Not Servants
Temple Baptist Church - 7-22-2009
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. When a person gets saved, they assume the position of sonship in Christ. We have now entered into a relationship of a Father to His children. This position brings with it both blessings and responsibilities.
B. As sons:
1. As Sons, We Know Who We Are:
a) We Have An Inner Witness - Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (The Holy Spirit assures us.)
b) An Outward Witness - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (Our actions confirm us.)
2. As Sons, We know What We Are:
a) We Are Sons Of God By The New Birth – Therefore, we take on the characteristics of the Father.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
b) We Are Adopted Sons Of God By Choice – Therefore, we have the irrevocable privileges that go with intentional adoption (We had neither a surprise birth nor an unwanted one. We are His because He chose to set His affection upon us!)
Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
C. Because we are sons, we are no more servants—though we do serve! Our motivation to serve our heavenly Father is both one of love and debt. We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Paul said, “I am debtor!”
D. I want to look at some of the blessings, and responsibilities of sonship:
THE BLESSINGS OF SONSHIP:
1. The Blessing Of Coming To God Any Time We Want. (A servant must be called before he approaches.)
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2. The Blessing Of Being Over Comers In This World. (A servant is overcome and in under bondage or indentured.)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
3. The Blessing Of The Indwelling Holy Spirit. (A servant knows that he is just that but a son realizes that—though he still serves—he is a son.)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4. The Blessing Of Being Led by The Holy Spirit. (A servant is ordered while a son is guided.)
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
5. The Blessing Of Chastisement. (A servant is treated differently than that of a son. My father never whipped someone else’s children.)
Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
6. The Blessing Of Heir Ship. (A servant works for room and board while a son will one day become heir to everything owned by the Father.)
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SONSHIP
1. The Responsibility Of Obedience
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2. The Responsibility Of Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
3. The Responsibility Of Testimony
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
4. The Responsibility Of Soul Winning
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
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.
5. The Responsibility Of Faithfulness
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. When a person gets saved, they assume the position of sonship in Christ. We have now entered into a relationship of a Father to His children. This position brings with it both blessings and responsibilities.
B. As sons:
1. As Sons, We Know Who We Are:
a) We Have An Inner Witness - Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (The Holy Spirit assures us.)
b) An Outward Witness - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (Our actions confirm us.)
2. As Sons, We know What We Are:
a) We Are Sons Of God By The New Birth – Therefore, we take on the characteristics of the Father.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
b) We Are Adopted Sons Of God By Choice – Therefore, we have the irrevocable privileges that go with intentional adoption (We had neither a surprise birth nor an unwanted one. We are His because He chose to set His affection upon us!)
Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
C. Because we are sons, we are no more servants—though we do serve! Our motivation to serve our heavenly Father is both one of love and debt. We love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Paul said, “I am debtor!”
D. I want to look at some of the blessings, and responsibilities of sonship:
THE BLESSINGS OF SONSHIP:
1. The Blessing Of Coming To God Any Time We Want. (A servant must be called before he approaches.)
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2. The Blessing Of Being Over Comers In This World. (A servant is overcome and in under bondage or indentured.)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
3. The Blessing Of The Indwelling Holy Spirit. (A servant knows that he is just that but a son realizes that—though he still serves—he is a son.)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4. The Blessing Of Being Led by The Holy Spirit. (A servant is ordered while a son is guided.)
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
5. The Blessing Of Chastisement. (A servant is treated differently than that of a son. My father never whipped someone else’s children.)
Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
6. The Blessing Of Heir Ship. (A servant works for room and board while a son will one day become heir to everything owned by the Father.)
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SONSHIP
1. The Responsibility Of Obedience
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2. The Responsibility Of Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
3. The Responsibility Of Testimony
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
4. The Responsibility Of Soul Winning
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
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.
5. The Responsibility Of Faithfulness
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What Is Your Life?
Temple Baptist Churc h - 7-19-2009
James 4:13-15
Introduction:
A. The Book of James is a “look into the mirror” for all who read it. If I had to pick a key verse or verses of Scripture for this little book, it would be these:
1. It exposes who we are - James 1:23-24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (One of the main reasons for people not liking the Word is God is found here. This Bible that I hold in my hands removes from each of us the façade that we have placed over ourselves. In James, we behold our “natural face” in the looking glass of God’s Word.)
2. It exposes what we are - Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
B. It is important to know who and what we are because, without such knowledge, man will never realize his need for the Lord. As long as he or she thinks that they are alright in the sight of God in themselves, they will never turn to the Substitute for salvation.
C. The passage that I read this morning deals with the subject of death.
1. The Brevity Of Lives.
a. Swift Days - Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. (I was once young and now I am getting old. My generation is swiftly passing off the scene.)
b. Few Days - Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. (As the days pass so quickly, I realize more than ever the brevity of life.)
Genesis 47:9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
c. Passing Days - Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (As we now place flowers on the graves of our loved ones, someone soon will place flowers on ours. Tracy!)
What is your life? It is short at best and shorter at worst!
2. The Imminence Of Death.
a. We Will Die - Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (My day is coming and so is yours. I have watched as many have died and each time have wondered what it is like to know death.)
b. We Will Decay - Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (These fleshly bodies will go back to the dust from whence they came. No mortician can stop the process.)
c. We Will Not Return - 2 Samuel 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. (Pay no attention to the “Out of the body experiences.” When you die, it is like water spilt upon the ground.)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
What is your life? It will end in death!
3. The Importance Of Salvation
a. With The Sinner There Is The Unconcern – vs. 13 – To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there….
b. With The Sinner There Is Uncertainty – vs. 14 – ye know not what shall be on the morrow
c. With The Sinner There Is Unbelief – vs. 14c — It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
What is your life? What if your life ended today? It may end today!
4. The Accounting Of Judgment
a. For the saved the Judgment Seat Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (What we do and how we live after salvation is of the utmost, eternal importance. In our temporal life we gain eternal things. ”He is no fool who gives us what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” [Jim Elliot]).
b. For the Unsaved the Great White Throne Judgment - Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (There is eternal life after death for those who reject Christ! “Life is short; death is sure; sin the cause; Christ the Cure!”)
Worthy Of Our Praise - The Mercy Of God
Temple Baptist Church - 7-19-2009
2 Samuel 22:4; Psalms 23:6
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, Majesty, and His sovereignty. 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 His majesty matchless, and His sovereignty absolute.
B. Tonight, I want to look at one of the greatest gifts ever bestowed upon man. The mercy of God. As a rule when dealing with either grace or mercy, I give the following definitions:
1. Grace is getting what you do not deserve.
2. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve.
C. Tonight, you are looking at a one hell deserving preacher! Without any false humility and certainly with no bragging on a past sinful life, I often say that I have no idea why God would give me the “time of day.” I think of the verse that says, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
D. In 1976, God came to where I was when I could not come to Him, reached down His hand in mercy to a wicked man, and saved my rotten—hell deserving soul! Do you remember when God came to where you were? Do you remember the life that God saved you from? Do you remember the wonder, permanent change that He made in your life? Do you remember?
E. And He is not worthy of our praise tonight?? You should be able to praise Him for all eternity for just the little that I have already said! No wonder the psalmist said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
F. I want to take a biblical look at the Mercy of God for a few minutes so as to get a fresh look at just what God did for me!
G. I cannot look at everything in one short message as the word “mercy” is found 276x in 261 verses; the word “mercies” is found 44x in 44 verses, while the word “merciful” is found 40x in 36 verses but we will look at enough to cause us to praise the name of the Lord! We will find that:
1. God’s Mercy Is Everlasting - Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 136:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. (There are 26 verses in this Psalm and each verse concludes with the same phrase: “his mercy endureth forever.”)
2. God’s Mercy Is Unchanging - Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
3. God’s Mercy Is Abundant - Numbers 14:18 The Lord is longsuffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression...
Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
Joel 2:13 “........he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil.”
4. God’s Mercy Is Supernatural - Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
5. God’s Mercy Is Never Exhausted - Nehemiah 9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
6. God’s Mercy Is Demonstrated - Psalms 116:5 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
7. God’s Mercy Is Ever Present – Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
1. The Lord Is Merciful In His Salvation - 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (He saw our sinfulness and still sent the Saviour! We deserved Hell and yet He send His only begotten Son that we might go to Heaven one day. He saved us from a life of sinfulness and a Devil’s Hell! Don’t tell me He is not worth to be praised tonight! Glory to His wonderful name!)
Psalms 86:13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
Titus 3:4-7 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.
a. Christ died for the ungodly (Rom.5:6)
b. Christ died for those without strength (Rom 5:6)
c. Christ came to seek sinners (Luke 19:10)
d. Christ came to save sinners (Luke 15:10)
e. Christ died for transgressors (Isaiah 53:3-8)
f. Christ died for murders and blasphemers (I Timothy 1:15)
g. Christ died for his enemies (Romans 5:10)
Ephesians 2:4 But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
2. The Lord Is Merciful In His Provision - Psalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (God has been good to me in times when I have not been so good to Him. He has never let me down in the 32+ years that I have been saved. I have lived well; I have eaten well; I have paid the bills! When I was laid off, He gave me a job. When I had a great need, He sent someone. That is mercy!)
3. The Lord Is Merciful In His Protection - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
4. The Lord Is Merciful In His Forgiveness - Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (No matter how terribly that I fail Him, He forgives! No matter how often I fail Him, He forgives! No matter how many times I fail Him, He always forgives and—and thank God—He forgets!)
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
2 Samuel 22:4; Psalms 23:6
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, Majesty, and His sovereignty. 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 His majesty matchless, and His sovereignty absolute.
B. Tonight, I want to look at one of the greatest gifts ever bestowed upon man. The mercy of God. As a rule when dealing with either grace or mercy, I give the following definitions:
1. Grace is getting what you do not deserve.
2. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve.
C. Tonight, you are looking at a one hell deserving preacher! Without any false humility and certainly with no bragging on a past sinful life, I often say that I have no idea why God would give me the “time of day.” I think of the verse that says, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
D. In 1976, God came to where I was when I could not come to Him, reached down His hand in mercy to a wicked man, and saved my rotten—hell deserving soul! Do you remember when God came to where you were? Do you remember the life that God saved you from? Do you remember the wonder, permanent change that He made in your life? Do you remember?
E. And He is not worthy of our praise tonight?? You should be able to praise Him for all eternity for just the little that I have already said! No wonder the psalmist said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
F. I want to take a biblical look at the Mercy of God for a few minutes so as to get a fresh look at just what God did for me!
G. I cannot look at everything in one short message as the word “mercy” is found 276x in 261 verses; the word “mercies” is found 44x in 44 verses, while the word “merciful” is found 40x in 36 verses but we will look at enough to cause us to praise the name of the Lord! We will find that:
1. God’s Mercy Is Everlasting - Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 136:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. (There are 26 verses in this Psalm and each verse concludes with the same phrase: “his mercy endureth forever.”)
2. God’s Mercy Is Unchanging - Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
3. God’s Mercy Is Abundant - Numbers 14:18 The Lord is longsuffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression...
Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
Joel 2:13 “........he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil.”
4. God’s Mercy Is Supernatural - Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
5. God’s Mercy Is Never Exhausted - Nehemiah 9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
6. God’s Mercy Is Demonstrated - Psalms 116:5 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
7. God’s Mercy Is Ever Present – Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
1. The Lord Is Merciful In His Salvation - 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (He saw our sinfulness and still sent the Saviour! We deserved Hell and yet He send His only begotten Son that we might go to Heaven one day. He saved us from a life of sinfulness and a Devil’s Hell! Don’t tell me He is not worth to be praised tonight! Glory to His wonderful name!)
Psalms 86:13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
Titus 3:4-7 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.
a. Christ died for the ungodly (Rom.5:6)
b. Christ died for those without strength (Rom 5:6)
c. Christ came to seek sinners (Luke 19:10)
d. Christ came to save sinners (Luke 15:10)
e. Christ died for transgressors (Isaiah 53:3-8)
f. Christ died for murders and blasphemers (I Timothy 1:15)
g. Christ died for his enemies (Romans 5:10)
Ephesians 2:4 But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
2. The Lord Is Merciful In His Provision - Psalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (God has been good to me in times when I have not been so good to Him. He has never let me down in the 32+ years that I have been saved. I have lived well; I have eaten well; I have paid the bills! When I was laid off, He gave me a job. When I had a great need, He sent someone. That is mercy!)
3. The Lord Is Merciful In His Protection - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
4. The Lord Is Merciful In His Forgiveness - Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (No matter how terribly that I fail Him, He forgives! No matter how often I fail Him, He forgives! No matter how many times I fail Him, He always forgives and—and thank God—He forgets!)
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Abba Father
Temple Baptist Church - 7-15-2009
Galatians 4:6
Introduction:
A. The words “Abba Father,” which reference God the Father, are found only three times in the New Testament. I find both the term and the meaning of great interest.
Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
B. In each of these three verses, we find that “Abba Father” is used in the context of trials and fears. In crying, we find adversity. “Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1)
1. In Mark 14:36, Our Lord Jesus Christ—when facing Calvary—asked for the removal of the cup of sin while bowing to the will of the Father with the word “nevertheless.” First mention dictates the proper meaning of the word.
2. In Romans 8:15, the word “cry” means to call aloud or to scream. It implies the cry of one in trouble or sorrow.
3. In Galatians 4:6, the word “crying” is once again used signifying the inner desire for deliverance from this world.
C. I want to look at the words closely in order to determine their meaning and then give some practical thoughts concerning their use in our lives as God’s children.
D. The word “Abba” means father in the Aramaic. Aramaic is a Semitic (pertaining to both Jews and Arabs but mainly applied to the Jews in our day) language with a 3,000-year history. It has been the language of administration of empires and the language of divine worship. It was the day-to-day language of
Israel in the Second Temple period (539 BCE – 70 CE), the original language of large sections of the biblical books of Daniel and Ezra, likely to have been the mother tongue of Jesus of Nazareth and is the main language of the Talmud.E. Thus we find that Abba Father literally means Father Father. I have heart of some who said it could be compared to our words “Daddy” or “Papa.” Though these terms of endearment that we use for our earthly fathers are wonderful, they are neither right nor respectful when referencing our heavenly Father.
F. “Father Father” does not carry the same meaning as Abba Father.
1. Strong's defines "Abba" as Aramaic for "father."
2. Easton's Bible Dictionary says of "Abba":
This Syriac or Chaldee word is found three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6), and in each case is followed by its Greek equivalent, which is translated "father." It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence. It has no perfect equivalent in our language. It has passed into European languages as an ecclesiastical term, "abbot."
3. The New Bible Dictionary adds, "It appears that the double phrase was common in the Greek-speaking church, where its use may well have been liturgical." "Daddy," then, would not be a suitable substitute for "Father" or "Abba" when referring to God.
G. “Abba Father,” far from being a colloquialism such as “Daddy” or “Papa,” is an emphatic form of the word “father.” We would find its equivalent in English as “O Father.”
H. Now we notice that “Abba Father” is reciprocal. When we speak of our Heavenly Father, we say, “Abba.” Capitalized toward him. When He looks back at us it is “abbA.” Lower case towards us. It is the same way when a son looks at his father and then the father looks back towards the son. The love is the same but the respect factor is rightly placed.
I. I want to look at some things that I find in that First Mention as Christ faced Calvary that can be applied to us. “Abba Father” has been called the “portal to the heart of God.”
1. I Find In Abba Father Relationship – we have the same relationship and rights as Jesus Christ had with the Father. In Abba Father we find the vehemence of filial affection! “O Father!” As God is our Father, He is Father of His people.
a. Jesus Christ had a special, personal relationship with God the Father. It was not just casual or simply an acquaintance. It was near and dear to the heart of Christ and God the Father.
2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
b. What love the Father had for His Son and what Love His Son had for Him!
Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. I Find In Abba Father Reverence – one of the major problems with the end-time churches is that of a lack of reverence.
a. Many bring God down to the level of being their buddy. I know that His name is Jesus, Jesus Christ, etc., but He is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ never called God the Father “Daddy” or “Papa!” Though He was equal with God the Father, He reverenced Him.
b. God the Father has given to Him a name above all other names and He is to reverenced.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
3. I Find In Abba Father Reliance – It is an exercise in faith that finds our Lord praying to God in the garden. As He sweat as it were great drops of blood, God the Son relied upon God the Father for the strength for the task ahead. Our Lord Jesus Christ could do all things by Himself. He stilled the storm, raised the dead, healed the sick, made the lame to walk, gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, fed the thousands, cleansed the Temple, and the list goes on—but here He cried Abba Father saying, “All things are possible unto thee.” There are many things that we can and do alone but there are times when only God can fill our needs of impossibility!
a. It does us well at this point to remember that our Lord got tired, hungry, and thirsty just as we do. Spiritually, He was and is God Almighty. Fleshly, He was the Seed of the woman in all of flesh’s frailty.
b. Our strength and courage to go on comes through our relationship with Abba Father.
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
4. I Find In Abba Father Resignation - Our cry is too often: Lord, I do not want this! Lord, I do not think that I need this! Lord, I do not deserve this! Lord, You can do all things! You can remove this valley if You will.
a. Our Lord Jesus Christ bowed to the will of Abba Father – He knew that His loving heavenly Father would always do both what was best and right.
Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
b. We are to bow to the will of our Abba Father – He loves us and knows best!
Romans 8:28-32 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saved or Lost?
Temple Baptist Church - 7-12-2009
Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; Acts 2:41-47
Introduction: I will probably preach this message in two parts today. In a few moments, you will know why.
A. In these verses in Matthew 13, we find the general condition of “religion” in our day. Multitudes of professions with few possessions! Faithful, God loving, God fearing people are about as scarce as hen’s teeth!
B. Over the past two decades, there has been a serious, consistent decline in church attendance. It has resulted in churches canceling both mid-week and evening services while shortening Sunday Morning services.
C. So then, what is the problem? I believe that it is two-fold in nature: (You may be able to find more causes but I believe that these two are the main culprits!)
1. Churches are full of unsaved members.
2. Laodicea has taken its toll.
D. There is a two-fold deception that has taken place (Satan authors both):
1. He convinces the unsaved that they are saved! He will do everything that he can to keep the unsaved in a religious condition. Satan does not mind you being a little “religious!”
2. He causes the saved to doubt that they are saved! Some well meaning preaching does the same. Assurance of salvation is one of the blessed benefits of being saved. I want you to be saved and have blessed assurance, not keep “chipping” away at what you have so as to make you doubt.
a) If you have repented of sin and placed your faith in Christ, you are saved eternally!
b) Sin does not make you lost. Failure to grow in the Lord does not make you lost.
c) Feelings do not make you lost.
d) All of the devils in creation cannot make you lost! I want you to be saved and know it: resting in the finished work of Calvary.
E. Here in these verses we find a law: Good Seed + Good Sowing + Good Soil = Good Fruit! These three together always produce good fruit!
1. The problem was not a Seed Problem – The Word of God is good seed.
Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
2. The problem was not a Sowing Problem – Anywhere you sow the Word of God, it still works.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Not every creature will be saved though!)
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Thank God some will be saved!)
3. The problem was a Sin Problem – If good seed is sowed, then the problem is the heart or “ground” upon which it is sowed.
F. To the believer, faithfulness to God’s House is not a request. It is a command! It is not what this preacher says that matters. It is what God says!
G. First this morning, let us look at these four soils of Matthew 13:
1. The Wayside Ground Hearer – vs. 4, 20 – has no interest; therefore, no conviction; therefore no conversion! Preach until you are “blue in the face” and they will not come to Christ. They may pray “the prayer,” but they will never come to church. A twenty mule team could not drag them to the house of God! You can visit, beg, or bribe but they will not change and they will not come and be faithful.
2. The Stony Ground Hearer – vs. 5, 20-21 – these have preaching problems - the Word of God will eventually offend them and they will leave. They have no “root.” They may come for a while but, when preaching get’s straight, they quickly fall to the wayside also. You can visit all you want but they will never come faithfully. The problem is not this preacher. The problem is every preacher who preaches the Word. These “stony” ground hearers will eventually either get out of church of find a “comfortable one” where their ears get tickled while their hearts get pickled!
3. The Thorny Ground Hearer – vs. 7, 22 – these have priority problems. They think more of the world and its pleasures or riches than they do of Christ. Their jobs and personal pleasures will keep them from being faithful to God. It is interesting that the Holy Spirit used the phrase “choke the word.” As thorns take over the field, these cares overwhelm their souls. The things of God always take a “back seat” to their desires. They always have things more important to do than be faithful to the things of God.
4. The Good Ground Hearer – vs. 8, 23 – They hear the Word, want the Saviour, come to Christ and are gloriously changed, and bear fruit! Good Seed + Good Sowing + Good Soil = Good Fruit! (We need to quit playing “church games” with lost people. If people do not get lost, they cannot get saved! If your heart is not right then get right!)
H. In contrast, we read in Acts 2 the description of truly saved people. Saved People always experience changed hearts! Changed hearts make for changed lives! Here are 13 ways that you know that you are saved:
Acts 2:41-47
1. There is the fruit of gladness –“ gladly received his word”
2. There is the fruit of obedience - ‘were baptized’
3. There is the fruit of faithfulness – “there were added unto them”
4. There is the fruit of teachableness – “they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine”
5. There is the fruit of love – “fellowship, and in breaking of bread”
6. There is the fruit of communion – “and in prayers”
7. There is the fruit of the fear – “fear came upon every soul”
8. There is the fruit of compassion had all things common
9. There is the fruit of agreement – “one accord”
10. There is the fruit of companionship – “all that believed were together…continuing “daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house
11. There is the fruit of praise – “Praising God”
12. There is the fruit of testimony – “having favour with all the people”
13. There is the fruit of the witnessing for God – “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”
1. Saved People Have Faith In God - 1 John 3:20-21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (Gladly received Christ! Not coerced, not to please or get a soul winner off of your back, not to make your family happy, not to fit in with other believers, but turned to Christ by faith and fell in love with Him!)
John 3:18 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.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. Saved People Keep God’s Commandments - 1 John 2:3-5 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
3. Saved People Are Teachable - 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1 John 5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
4. Saved People Love Each Other - 1 John 3:14-19 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
5. Saved People Have The Inner Witness Of The Holy Spirit - 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 5:10-11 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; Acts 2:41-47
Introduction: I will probably preach this message in two parts today. In a few moments, you will know why.
A. In these verses in Matthew 13, we find the general condition of “religion” in our day. Multitudes of professions with few possessions! Faithful, God loving, God fearing people are about as scarce as hen’s teeth!
B. Over the past two decades, there has been a serious, consistent decline in church attendance. It has resulted in churches canceling both mid-week and evening services while shortening Sunday Morning services.
C. So then, what is the problem? I believe that it is two-fold in nature: (You may be able to find more causes but I believe that these two are the main culprits!)
1. Churches are full of unsaved members.
2. Laodicea has taken its toll.
D. There is a two-fold deception that has taken place (Satan authors both):
1. He convinces the unsaved that they are saved! He will do everything that he can to keep the unsaved in a religious condition. Satan does not mind you being a little “religious!”
2. He causes the saved to doubt that they are saved! Some well meaning preaching does the same. Assurance of salvation is one of the blessed benefits of being saved. I want you to be saved and have blessed assurance, not keep “chipping” away at what you have so as to make you doubt.
a) If you have repented of sin and placed your faith in Christ, you are saved eternally!
b) Sin does not make you lost. Failure to grow in the Lord does not make you lost.
c) Feelings do not make you lost.
d) All of the devils in creation cannot make you lost! I want you to be saved and know it: resting in the finished work of Calvary.
E. Here in these verses we find a law: Good Seed + Good Sowing + Good Soil = Good Fruit! These three together always produce good fruit!
1. The problem was not a Seed Problem – The Word of God is good seed.
Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
2. The problem was not a Sowing Problem – Anywhere you sow the Word of God, it still works.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Not every creature will be saved though!)
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Thank God some will be saved!)
3. The problem was a Sin Problem – If good seed is sowed, then the problem is the heart or “ground” upon which it is sowed.
F. To the believer, faithfulness to God’s House is not a request. It is a command! It is not what this preacher says that matters. It is what God says!
G. First this morning, let us look at these four soils of Matthew 13:
1. The Wayside Ground Hearer – vs. 4, 20 – has no interest; therefore, no conviction; therefore no conversion! Preach until you are “blue in the face” and they will not come to Christ. They may pray “the prayer,” but they will never come to church. A twenty mule team could not drag them to the house of God! You can visit, beg, or bribe but they will not change and they will not come and be faithful.
2. The Stony Ground Hearer – vs. 5, 20-21 – these have preaching problems - the Word of God will eventually offend them and they will leave. They have no “root.” They may come for a while but, when preaching get’s straight, they quickly fall to the wayside also. You can visit all you want but they will never come faithfully. The problem is not this preacher. The problem is every preacher who preaches the Word. These “stony” ground hearers will eventually either get out of church of find a “comfortable one” where their ears get tickled while their hearts get pickled!
3. The Thorny Ground Hearer – vs. 7, 22 – these have priority problems. They think more of the world and its pleasures or riches than they do of Christ. Their jobs and personal pleasures will keep them from being faithful to God. It is interesting that the Holy Spirit used the phrase “choke the word.” As thorns take over the field, these cares overwhelm their souls. The things of God always take a “back seat” to their desires. They always have things more important to do than be faithful to the things of God.
4. The Good Ground Hearer – vs. 8, 23 – They hear the Word, want the Saviour, come to Christ and are gloriously changed, and bear fruit! Good Seed + Good Sowing + Good Soil = Good Fruit! (We need to quit playing “church games” with lost people. If people do not get lost, they cannot get saved! If your heart is not right then get right!)
H. In contrast, we read in Acts 2 the description of truly saved people. Saved People always experience changed hearts! Changed hearts make for changed lives! Here are 13 ways that you know that you are saved:
Acts 2:41-47
1. There is the fruit of gladness –“ gladly received his word”
2. There is the fruit of obedience - ‘were baptized’
3. There is the fruit of faithfulness – “there were added unto them”
4. There is the fruit of teachableness – “they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine”
5. There is the fruit of love – “fellowship, and in breaking of bread”
6. There is the fruit of communion – “and in prayers”
7. There is the fruit of the fear – “fear came upon every soul”
8. There is the fruit of compassion had all things common
9. There is the fruit of agreement – “one accord”
10. There is the fruit of companionship – “all that believed were together…continuing “daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house
11. There is the fruit of praise – “Praising God”
12. There is the fruit of testimony – “having favour with all the people”
13. There is the fruit of the witnessing for God – “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”
1. Saved People Have Faith In God - 1 John 3:20-21 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (Gladly received Christ! Not coerced, not to please or get a soul winner off of your back, not to make your family happy, not to fit in with other believers, but turned to Christ by faith and fell in love with Him!)
John 3:18 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.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. Saved People Keep God’s Commandments - 1 John 2:3-5 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
3. Saved People Are Teachable - 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1 John 5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
4. Saved People Love Each Other - 1 John 3:14-19 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
5. Saved People Have The Inner Witness Of The Holy Spirit - 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 5:10-11 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Adoption
Temple Baptist Church - 7-8-2009
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. Adoption – the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption, in Christian theology, is the term that describes the admission of a believer into the family of God.
B. Adoption – an overview. Adoption refers to the act by which an adult formally becomes the guardian of a child and incurs the rights and responsibilities of a parent. At the conclusion of the formal process, a legal relationship between child and guardian will have formed. The legal relationship results in the adoptee becoming the legal heir of the adopter and terminates any legal rights then in existence with the natural parents.
1. The Adopter now has rights (The natural parents (Adamic) have none!)
2. The Adopter now has responsibility
C. While certain jurisdictions only permit one of the two types of adoptions, other jurisdictions recognize two types of adoptions: open and closed adoptions.
1. An open adoption – permits the birth mother to select her child’s adoptive parents.
2. A closed adoption – the birth mother relinquishes all rights over the child and allows a state administrative agency to conduct the selection process. Most of the time, the birth mother does not even know who adopted the children or where they live. (Spiritually, our adoption is a “closed adoption.” God makes the selection. This is not Calvinism! The birth mother does not even know where we live – hid with Christ in God!)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (Our selection depends upon our belief [faith] in the truth.)
D. The Adoption was initiated by God:
1. He Knew Us -Psalms 139:13-18 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (17) How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. He Loved Us - Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
3. He Desired Us - Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
4. He Redeemed Us -Romans 5:9-10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
1. Adoption Is A Present Work - 1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
2. Adoption Is A Purposed Work - Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
3. Adoption Is A Perfect Work - 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.
4. Adoption Is A Permanent Work - 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Galatians 4:4-7
Introduction:
A. Adoption – the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption, in Christian theology, is the term that describes the admission of a believer into the family of God.
B. Adoption – an overview. Adoption refers to the act by which an adult formally becomes the guardian of a child and incurs the rights and responsibilities of a parent. At the conclusion of the formal process, a legal relationship between child and guardian will have formed. The legal relationship results in the adoptee becoming the legal heir of the adopter and terminates any legal rights then in existence with the natural parents.
1. The Adopter now has rights (The natural parents (Adamic) have none!)
2. The Adopter now has responsibility
C. While certain jurisdictions only permit one of the two types of adoptions, other jurisdictions recognize two types of adoptions: open and closed adoptions.
1. An open adoption – permits the birth mother to select her child’s adoptive parents.
2. A closed adoption – the birth mother relinquishes all rights over the child and allows a state administrative agency to conduct the selection process. Most of the time, the birth mother does not even know who adopted the children or where they live. (Spiritually, our adoption is a “closed adoption.” God makes the selection. This is not Calvinism! The birth mother does not even know where we live – hid with Christ in God!)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (Our selection depends upon our belief [faith] in the truth.)
D. The Adoption was initiated by God:
1. He Knew Us -Psalms 139:13-18 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (16) Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (17) How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. He Loved Us - Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
3. He Desired Us - Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
4. He Redeemed Us -Romans 5:9-10 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
1. Adoption Is A Present Work - 1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
2. Adoption Is A Purposed Work - Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
3. Adoption Is A Perfect Work - 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.
4. Adoption Is A Permanent Work - 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Redeemed From The Law
Temple Baptist Church - 7-1-2009
Galatians 4:1-5
Introduction:
A. The Old Testament believers were kept by the power of God, not by the power of works. Verse 1 says that they were “heirs” or children of the family.
1. They were kept under the tutorship of the Law. Tutor – to instruct, to teach, to correct. The Law was the Old Testament believer’s Tutor. It exposed the depravity of their human nature and absolute holiness of God.
2. They were kept under the governorship of the Law. It placed law into place as a restraint against the believer’s depraved nature.
B. Israel did not fully understand the workings of the Law though they placed their faith in the Lord for salvation as we do. Looking back, our hindsight is much clearer through God’s completed Word.
2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
C. Old Testament believers were “heirs” by faith. Even in the O. T., you had to be born into the family of God by faith by looking forward to the coming of the Messiah and placing your faith in His work—not their own righteousness.
1. Who Jesus Was – vs. 4
a. He Was The Promised Seed Of The Woman
b. He Was The Promised Saviour Of The World
c. He Was The Word Made Flesh – Jehovah God
2. How Jesus Came – vs. 4
a. Made Of The Woman – Did away with inherent sin through Adam – Sins of ignorance or “innocent sin” (Adamic sin brought about both spiritual and physical death. Death is done away with in Christ.)
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Christ saved us from sins of Psalms 58:3: “ The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” Sins of innocence)
Romans 5:17-18 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (That is why we will be sinlessly perfect in Heaven – our new body does away with sin nature of the natural man.)
b. Made Under The Law – Did away with presumptuous sin through His obedience - Christ became subject to His own law.
Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. What Jesus Did – vs. 5
a. He Fulfilled The Law Completely
1) The Moral Law – Ten Commandments – He knew no sin, He did no sin, He spoke no sin!
2) The Civil Law – Every Ordinance Of Man - He fulfilled the Law therefore he “fastened his seatbelt for you, kept the speed limit for you, etc. He paid your taxes for you, obeyed ever ordinance of man for you. Where we fail, He did not fail!
3) The Ceremonial Law – His Complete Sacrifice - He completed once and forever every sacrifice of the Law. (Those who choose to “keep their salvation” are brought under the curse of the Law. They must keep every “jot and tittle” in order to satisfy its just demands. People who keep their salvation pick and choose which laws that they want to keep. As long as they do not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, they are OK They omit all of the other laws. God said if you keep one, you keep them all! Galatians 3:10-12)
Matthew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
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.
Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
1 Peter 2:22-24 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
b. He Sacrificed His Life On Calvary – Thus fulfilling the Law’s just demand of death - Jesus Christ died once for all!
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
4. Why Jesus Died – vs. 5 - To redeem those who were under the Law.
a. He Redeemed The Old Testament Saint
Hebrews 9:19-26 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. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
b. He Redeemed The New Testament Saint
Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
c. He Removed The Curse Of Death
Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Sin separated Adam and Eve from both spiritual and physical life. Jesus Christ reconciled them in both areas.)
Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 4:1-5
Introduction:
A. The Old Testament believers were kept by the power of God, not by the power of works. Verse 1 says that they were “heirs” or children of the family.
1. They were kept under the tutorship of the Law. Tutor – to instruct, to teach, to correct. The Law was the Old Testament believer’s Tutor. It exposed the depravity of their human nature and absolute holiness of God.
2. They were kept under the governorship of the Law. It placed law into place as a restraint against the believer’s depraved nature.
B. Israel did not fully understand the workings of the Law though they placed their faith in the Lord for salvation as we do. Looking back, our hindsight is much clearer through God’s completed Word.
2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
C. Old Testament believers were “heirs” by faith. Even in the O. T., you had to be born into the family of God by faith by looking forward to the coming of the Messiah and placing your faith in His work—not their own righteousness.
1. Who Jesus Was – vs. 4
a. He Was The Promised Seed Of The Woman
b. He Was The Promised Saviour Of The World
c. He Was The Word Made Flesh – Jehovah God
2. How Jesus Came – vs. 4
a. Made Of The Woman – Did away with inherent sin through Adam – Sins of ignorance or “innocent sin” (Adamic sin brought about both spiritual and physical death. Death is done away with in Christ.)
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Christ saved us from sins of Psalms 58:3: “ The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” Sins of innocence)
Romans 5:17-18 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (That is why we will be sinlessly perfect in Heaven – our new body does away with sin nature of the natural man.)
b. Made Under The Law – Did away with presumptuous sin through His obedience - Christ became subject to His own law.
Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. What Jesus Did – vs. 5
a. He Fulfilled The Law Completely
1) The Moral Law – Ten Commandments – He knew no sin, He did no sin, He spoke no sin!
2) The Civil Law – Every Ordinance Of Man - He fulfilled the Law therefore he “fastened his seatbelt for you, kept the speed limit for you, etc. He paid your taxes for you, obeyed ever ordinance of man for you. Where we fail, He did not fail!
3) The Ceremonial Law – His Complete Sacrifice - He completed once and forever every sacrifice of the Law. (Those who choose to “keep their salvation” are brought under the curse of the Law. They must keep every “jot and tittle” in order to satisfy its just demands. People who keep their salvation pick and choose which laws that they want to keep. As long as they do not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, they are OK They omit all of the other laws. God said if you keep one, you keep them all! Galatians 3:10-12)
Matthew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
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.
Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
1 Peter 2:22-24 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
b. He Sacrificed His Life On Calvary – Thus fulfilling the Law’s just demand of death - Jesus Christ died once for all!
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
4. Why Jesus Died – vs. 5 - To redeem those who were under the Law.
a. He Redeemed The Old Testament Saint
Hebrews 9:19-26 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. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
b. He Redeemed The New Testament Saint
Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
c. He Removed The Curse Of Death
Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Sin separated Adam and Eve from both spiritual and physical life. Jesus Christ reconciled them in both areas.)
Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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