Temple Baptist Church - 11-29-2009
John 14:1-6
Introduction:
A. No, the word “rapture” is not found in your King James Bible. But the truth of the “rapture” is found in your Bible! To deny the catching away of the saints at the end of the church is seriously heretical teaching. Let us just look at the more obvious prophecies concerning the “rapture.”
1. Revelation 4:1-3. Revelation has a three-fold division found in chapter 1:19.
“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” (The Past chapter 1 -“things which thou hast seen;” The Present in chapters 2-3 – “things which are;” The Future in chapters 4-22 – “things which shall be hereafter.”)
In these verses, our glorified Lord encouraged an exiled, suffering saint with the promise of a better day. At the end of the Church Age found in chapters 2-3, we find John “raptured” to stand before the throne of God thus missing the Tribulation Period of chapters 6-18.
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians during their great trials of affliction, reminded them of their blessed hope: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
3. John 14:1-3. Our Lord, just before His passion, encouraged the disciples with the promise of His return. “I will come again!” What a promise! He went away, not to build mansions, but to offer His precious blood!
4. Genesis 5:19-24. One of the earliest prophecies is found concerning Enoch.
Jude 14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
In Genesis 6, the Ark is a type of safety through obedience, not of salvation.
Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
Noah was saved by grace, not by building an ark and getting on it. We do not work for or build our salvation any more than Noah did. Salvation is and always has been of grace. Noah is a type of Israel going through the Tribulation Period in the ark of God’s safety. Enoch is a type of the Church removed before the beginning of the Tribulation Period.
B. We that know the Lord and walk with Him understand the times in which live in relationship to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:1-4, we find the both the purpose of His coming and the promise of His return.
1. The Purpose of His Coming – “Ye believe in God, believe also in me!” Salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone! Acts 4:12, John 3:16, John 10:9, John 14:6, and many others declare that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world!
2. The Purpose of His Ascension – “I go to prepare a place for you!” He is not building mansions as the context says that they are already there! Hebrews declares that Christ presented His blood on the Mercy Seat in Heaven. That precious blood that takes away the sin of mankind and presents us faultless before the throne of His glory with exceeding joy. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission the Bible declares.
3. The Purpose of His Appearing – “That where I am, there ye may be also!” He is coming to take us home, restore His nation of Israel through 7 years of Jacob’s Trouble, and deal with Satan and his devils.
C. We understand what time it is!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
D. I am “preaching to choir” tonight with this message doctrinally. Our people know and understand what it means to be saved, know it, live for the Lord, and look to the heavens for the eminent return of our Lord. My message is not the return of the Lord though. My message is what to do in the mean time! While the world sleeps, God’s children are to be both awake and watchful!
1. We Need To Be Expectant - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
2. We Need To Be Faithful - Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.
3. We Need To Be Holy - 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.
4. We Need To Be Busy - Jude 21-23 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
John 4:34-38 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
5. We Need To Be Patient - James 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
6. We Need To Be Doctrinally Sound - 2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
7. We Need To Love And Comfort One Another - 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Last Days
Temple Baptist Church - 11-29-2009
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Introduction:
A. We certainly live in the last of the last days. True believers are expectant today as the time nears. The Bible says that we are not ignorant concerning the times in which we live. The Signs are on every hand.
1. A One World Government Is In The Making. We have lost our national sovereignty! We now are debtors to our enemies financially. The borrower is servant to the lender! We are slaves of China! Not only America, but other nations are in deep trouble.
2. A One Word Currency Is In The Making. Inflation is undermining the financial stability of the dollar and threatens it with collapse. The dollar has fallen on both the European and Asian markets as our government prints money that is backed with empty promises instead of hard gold!
3. One World Church in the making. Doctrine is now laid aside and it is no longer politically correct to be doctrinally separate! God commands separation personally, ecclesiastically, and doctrinally. Community worship services include anything and everything that calls itself Christian! Catholicism, the great whore of Revelation 17, has beguiled the world.
4. Wickedness Is On Every Hand. Our land is permeated with baby killers, drug addicts, drunkenness, adultery, fornication, sodomites, murders, and rapists while good is called evil and evil is called good. There is no right unless you think it is right and there is no wrong unless you think it is wrong. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes.
B. Our days have been prophesied for thousands of years and you can read the headlines of our national newspapers in Old Testament and New Testament prophecy! Everything God said would come to pass has or is coming to pass in minute detail. Our days are:
1. Perilous Physically. We now lock all windows and doors, stay away from certain areas after dark (and some in the day time), arm ourselves while we are out and keep arms within reach when we are in! It is dangerous for the baby in the womb and the old person in the Nursing Home!
2. Perilous Nationally. Our country is in danger of falling off the map so to speak. Our enemies no longer fear us and attack at will within our unarmed country. Our military cannot carry firearms in their own compounds! Liberals are disarming both them and us at a horrendous rate. We are no longer respect or loved as a nation.
3. Perilous World Wide. There are wars and rumors of wars on every hand with no places of stability or safety. They cry, “Peace, peace” when there is no peace.
C. I want to look at these verses for a few minutes this morning so that we can get some help. I will be preaching on the subject of “The Last Days” for a while.
1. The Description Of The Church!
a. These People Are Wicked!
1) Lovers of their own selves – Selfishness
2) Covetous - Inordinately desirous
3) Boasters - glories in or vaunts self
4) Blasphemers - one who speaks of God in impious and irreverent terms.
5) Disobedient to parents
6) Unthankful
7) Without natural affection
8) Trucebreakers – will not keep their word in things agreed upon
9) False accusers – prone to slander
10) Incontinent - Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite
11) Fierce – savage or untamed
12) Despisers of those that are good
13) Traitors – to turn upon
14) Heady – ungovernable
15) Highminded – puffed up with pride
16) Lovers of pleasure more that lovers of God (put everything ahead of Him)
b. These People Are Worshippers? THESE ARE CHURCH PEOPLE!
1) Having A Form Of Godliness – a semblance
a) They Name The Name – profess salvation
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
b) They Play The Game – go to church
c) They Defame The Name – deny the power thereof
Power to Convert and Change
2) From Such Turn Away
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2. The Deception of the Time – vs 6-7
a. The Condition of Women – vs 6 Now don’t take this personal. God said it! False religions are mostly run by or started by women!
1) Light Headed Women – Silly! They have no spiritual sense at all. There is nothing better than a good woman and nothing more evil than a bad one!
a) Satan Began His Attack With Woman In The Garden
b) Satan Will Conclude His Attack With Woman In The Church – Revelation 2:20 – “That woman Jezebel”
2) Lustful Women – “laden with sins … led away … divers lusts”
Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
b. The Corruption of Wisdom – vs 7-8
1) People are Contentious – “resist the truth”
2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
3 John 9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
2) People Are Corrupt – “corrupt minds”
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3) People Are Calloused – “reprobate”
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
3. The Damnation of the Time – vs 9
a. Their Damnation – “proceed no further”
b. Their Followers Damnation
2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Introduction:
A. We certainly live in the last of the last days. True believers are expectant today as the time nears. The Bible says that we are not ignorant concerning the times in which we live. The Signs are on every hand.
1. A One World Government Is In The Making. We have lost our national sovereignty! We now are debtors to our enemies financially. The borrower is servant to the lender! We are slaves of China! Not only America, but other nations are in deep trouble.
2. A One Word Currency Is In The Making. Inflation is undermining the financial stability of the dollar and threatens it with collapse. The dollar has fallen on both the European and Asian markets as our government prints money that is backed with empty promises instead of hard gold!
3. One World Church in the making. Doctrine is now laid aside and it is no longer politically correct to be doctrinally separate! God commands separation personally, ecclesiastically, and doctrinally. Community worship services include anything and everything that calls itself Christian! Catholicism, the great whore of Revelation 17, has beguiled the world.
4. Wickedness Is On Every Hand. Our land is permeated with baby killers, drug addicts, drunkenness, adultery, fornication, sodomites, murders, and rapists while good is called evil and evil is called good. There is no right unless you think it is right and there is no wrong unless you think it is wrong. Every man does that which is right in his own eyes.
B. Our days have been prophesied for thousands of years and you can read the headlines of our national newspapers in Old Testament and New Testament prophecy! Everything God said would come to pass has or is coming to pass in minute detail. Our days are:
1. Perilous Physically. We now lock all windows and doors, stay away from certain areas after dark (and some in the day time), arm ourselves while we are out and keep arms within reach when we are in! It is dangerous for the baby in the womb and the old person in the Nursing Home!
2. Perilous Nationally. Our country is in danger of falling off the map so to speak. Our enemies no longer fear us and attack at will within our unarmed country. Our military cannot carry firearms in their own compounds! Liberals are disarming both them and us at a horrendous rate. We are no longer respect or loved as a nation.
3. Perilous World Wide. There are wars and rumors of wars on every hand with no places of stability or safety. They cry, “Peace, peace” when there is no peace.
C. I want to look at these verses for a few minutes this morning so that we can get some help. I will be preaching on the subject of “The Last Days” for a while.
1. The Description Of The Church!
a. These People Are Wicked!
1) Lovers of their own selves – Selfishness
2) Covetous - Inordinately desirous
3) Boasters - glories in or vaunts self
4) Blasphemers - one who speaks of God in impious and irreverent terms.
5) Disobedient to parents
6) Unthankful
7) Without natural affection
8) Trucebreakers – will not keep their word in things agreed upon
9) False accusers – prone to slander
10) Incontinent - Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite
11) Fierce – savage or untamed
12) Despisers of those that are good
13) Traitors – to turn upon
14) Heady – ungovernable
15) Highminded – puffed up with pride
16) Lovers of pleasure more that lovers of God (put everything ahead of Him)
b. These People Are Worshippers? THESE ARE CHURCH PEOPLE!
1) Having A Form Of Godliness – a semblance
a) They Name The Name – profess salvation
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
b) They Play The Game – go to church
c) They Defame The Name – deny the power thereof
Power to Convert and Change
2) From Such Turn Away
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2. The Deception of the Time – vs 6-7
a. The Condition of Women – vs 6 Now don’t take this personal. God said it! False religions are mostly run by or started by women!
1) Light Headed Women – Silly! They have no spiritual sense at all. There is nothing better than a good woman and nothing more evil than a bad one!
a) Satan Began His Attack With Woman In The Garden
b) Satan Will Conclude His Attack With Woman In The Church – Revelation 2:20 – “That woman Jezebel”
2) Lustful Women – “laden with sins … led away … divers lusts”
Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
b. The Corruption of Wisdom – vs 7-8
1) People are Contentious – “resist the truth”
2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
3 John 9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
2) People Are Corrupt – “corrupt minds”
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3) People Are Calloused – “reprobate”
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
3. The Damnation of the Time – vs 9
a. Their Damnation – “proceed no further”
b. Their Followers Damnation
2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Worship
Temple Baptist Church - 11-25-2009
Psalms 100
Introduction:
A. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and I am looking forward to it! The turkey will go into the oven early in the morning and the smell will permeate the house.
B. There will be a small fire in the fireplace and the house will be cozy and warm!
C. There will be the smell of dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, pecan and apple pie in the air to mix with the smell of turkey being browned.
D. There will be family around with talk and laughter throughout the house. It will be a lazy, wonderful day to be alive and live in this great country of ours.
E. Here we are tonight, on a Wednesday, in the house of the Lord with God’s people gathered together one more time this side of eternity. The greatest, most love, wonderful people on the planet gathered together for both worship and fellowship. There is unity, love, and peace here and I love it!
F. I want to take a short look at one of the most preached on Psalms of the season for a few minutes tonight and let us just worship for a few minutes. The Lord is certainly worthy of our praise and He has been good to all of us.
G. All of us have much to be thankful for tonight.
1. The Exhortation Of Worship – vs. 1 “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” Worship is up to us! Many people blame lack of worship on a lack or loss of the Spirit because they operate solely upon their feelings. We are to worship the Lord in spite of our feelings and circumstances! Let us worship the Lord tonight!
2. The Elements Of Worship – vs. 1-4
a. The Element Of Noise – “noise” To shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast, to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle, to sound a signal for war or march, to shout in triumph (over enemies), to shout in applause, to shout (with religious impulse), to cry out in distress, to utter a shout, to shout for joy. Most people equate worship and holiness with quietness. There is a time to be quiet but the Bible is full of outward, loud expressions of joy and praise.
b. The Element Of Gladness – vs. 2 “serve the Lord with gladness” Joy, mirth, gladness, mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure, joy (of God) glad result, happy issue. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of the Lord!” Let us be glad tomorrow. No, everything does not go right for us all of the time but there is much to be glad for! I am saved, protected, full, free, healthy, loved, and hopeful!
c. The Element Of Singing – vs. 2 “come before his presence with singing” I dreamed the other night that we were in church and as I looked around, no one was singing. I was singing the hymns along. I actually dreamed this! I stopped singing and admonished our people to raise their voices together. We once sang with so much feeling that your glasses would almost fog up! It is hard to sing the songs of Zion when we live in a strange land. I fear that many of our people live in this strange land!
d. The Element Of Acknowledgment – vs. 3 “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” He is God! He can do anything! He will do right! We can trust Him! We are His people! He made us! We are His sheep and feed in His pastures! He leads us and makes us to lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside the still waters; He restoreth our soul; He walks through the shadow of the valley of death before us and with us; He comforts us; He protects us; He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies; His goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives; we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Glory to God!
e. The Element Of Entrance – vs. 4 “enter into his gates” We are here tonight, not because we have to be here but because we want to be here. No one will be in Heaven who does not desire to be there. No one should be here tonight who does not desire to be here! I love it! I came to worship tonight! I came to have a good time tonight! I am glad I am here and would be no place else!
f. The Element Of Thanksgiving – vs. 4 “enter into his gates WITH thanksgiving” Thankfulness is something that you have before you get here. It is something that you bring with you when you come. It is something that we share with each other as we thank God for all His benefits! Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!
g. The Element Of Praise – vs. 4 “and into his courts with praise” Praise, like thanksgiving, is something that you bring with you also. Praise is not to be “worked up” but is to be brought in. We should have come through the doors of the church praising God! Most modern praise is carnal or fleshly. The music pumps the flesh or the preacher pumps the flesh. Praise is planned!!! Did you hear what I just said? Praise is planned!! We should have come to God’s house to praise the Lord, not have to be excited by some fleshly means.
h. The Element Of Adoration – vs. 4 “bless his name” Worship is dead because adoration is missing! I have failed God but He has never failed me! I have been unfaithful to God but He has never been unfaithful to me! The Lord gave His all for me and I have done so little for Him! The love of Christ should constrain us tonight. The gentleness, longsuffering, and kindness of God should humble us tonight! Let us bow down before Him and bless His holy name!
3. The Establishment Of Worship – vs. 5
a. The Lord Is Good! “for the Lord is good” He does not attempt to be good for He is goodness personified! Goodness in inherent with God. Goodness is an attribute of God!
b. The Lord Is Merciful! “his mercy is everlasting” His mercy is new every morning and His compassions—they fail not! He will always be better to us than we deserve and only eternity will show the goodness and mercifulness of God!
c. The Lord Is Truthful! “and his truth endureth” What God says, He will do! I believe that though, at times, my heart fails me. What He says, He can and will accomplish. His thoughts are not my thoughts; His ways are not my ways; His time is not my time; but His thoughts are always towards me and He will do what He has promised!
d. The Lord Is Faithful! “to all generations” God has been faithful to me! He will be faithful to my children! He will be faithful to my grandchildren!
Conclusion: I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Remember to bless that turkey and think upon Him as you enjoy the freedom and liberty of the day!
Psalms 100
Introduction:
A. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and I am looking forward to it! The turkey will go into the oven early in the morning and the smell will permeate the house.
B. There will be a small fire in the fireplace and the house will be cozy and warm!
C. There will be the smell of dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, pecan and apple pie in the air to mix with the smell of turkey being browned.
D. There will be family around with talk and laughter throughout the house. It will be a lazy, wonderful day to be alive and live in this great country of ours.
E. Here we are tonight, on a Wednesday, in the house of the Lord with God’s people gathered together one more time this side of eternity. The greatest, most love, wonderful people on the planet gathered together for both worship and fellowship. There is unity, love, and peace here and I love it!
F. I want to take a short look at one of the most preached on Psalms of the season for a few minutes tonight and let us just worship for a few minutes. The Lord is certainly worthy of our praise and He has been good to all of us.
G. All of us have much to be thankful for tonight.
1. The Exhortation Of Worship – vs. 1 “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” Worship is up to us! Many people blame lack of worship on a lack or loss of the Spirit because they operate solely upon their feelings. We are to worship the Lord in spite of our feelings and circumstances! Let us worship the Lord tonight!
2. The Elements Of Worship – vs. 1-4
a. The Element Of Noise – “noise” To shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast, to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle, to sound a signal for war or march, to shout in triumph (over enemies), to shout in applause, to shout (with religious impulse), to cry out in distress, to utter a shout, to shout for joy. Most people equate worship and holiness with quietness. There is a time to be quiet but the Bible is full of outward, loud expressions of joy and praise.
b. The Element Of Gladness – vs. 2 “serve the Lord with gladness” Joy, mirth, gladness, mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure, joy (of God) glad result, happy issue. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of the Lord!” Let us be glad tomorrow. No, everything does not go right for us all of the time but there is much to be glad for! I am saved, protected, full, free, healthy, loved, and hopeful!
c. The Element Of Singing – vs. 2 “come before his presence with singing” I dreamed the other night that we were in church and as I looked around, no one was singing. I was singing the hymns along. I actually dreamed this! I stopped singing and admonished our people to raise their voices together. We once sang with so much feeling that your glasses would almost fog up! It is hard to sing the songs of Zion when we live in a strange land. I fear that many of our people live in this strange land!
d. The Element Of Acknowledgment – vs. 3 “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” He is God! He can do anything! He will do right! We can trust Him! We are His people! He made us! We are His sheep and feed in His pastures! He leads us and makes us to lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside the still waters; He restoreth our soul; He walks through the shadow of the valley of death before us and with us; He comforts us; He protects us; He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies; His goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives; we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Glory to God!
e. The Element Of Entrance – vs. 4 “enter into his gates” We are here tonight, not because we have to be here but because we want to be here. No one will be in Heaven who does not desire to be there. No one should be here tonight who does not desire to be here! I love it! I came to worship tonight! I came to have a good time tonight! I am glad I am here and would be no place else!
f. The Element Of Thanksgiving – vs. 4 “enter into his gates WITH thanksgiving” Thankfulness is something that you have before you get here. It is something that you bring with you when you come. It is something that we share with each other as we thank God for all His benefits! Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!
g. The Element Of Praise – vs. 4 “and into his courts with praise” Praise, like thanksgiving, is something that you bring with you also. Praise is not to be “worked up” but is to be brought in. We should have come through the doors of the church praising God! Most modern praise is carnal or fleshly. The music pumps the flesh or the preacher pumps the flesh. Praise is planned!!! Did you hear what I just said? Praise is planned!! We should have come to God’s house to praise the Lord, not have to be excited by some fleshly means.
h. The Element Of Adoration – vs. 4 “bless his name” Worship is dead because adoration is missing! I have failed God but He has never failed me! I have been unfaithful to God but He has never been unfaithful to me! The Lord gave His all for me and I have done so little for Him! The love of Christ should constrain us tonight. The gentleness, longsuffering, and kindness of God should humble us tonight! Let us bow down before Him and bless His holy name!
3. The Establishment Of Worship – vs. 5
a. The Lord Is Good! “for the Lord is good” He does not attempt to be good for He is goodness personified! Goodness in inherent with God. Goodness is an attribute of God!
b. The Lord Is Merciful! “his mercy is everlasting” His mercy is new every morning and His compassions—they fail not! He will always be better to us than we deserve and only eternity will show the goodness and mercifulness of God!
c. The Lord Is Truthful! “and his truth endureth” What God says, He will do! I believe that though, at times, my heart fails me. What He says, He can and will accomplish. His thoughts are not my thoughts; His ways are not my ways; His time is not my time; but His thoughts are always towards me and He will do what He has promised!
d. The Lord Is Faithful! “to all generations” God has been faithful to me! He will be faithful to my children! He will be faithful to my grandchildren!
Conclusion: I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Remember to bless that turkey and think upon Him as you enjoy the freedom and liberty of the day!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving In Trials
Temple Baptist Church - 11-22-2009
Acts 28:1-15
Introduction:
A. As a rule, when preaching the Sunday Morning before Thanksgiving Day, I use some of the more notable texts such as Psalm 103. These are Psalms of worship and praise born out of both the goodness of God and the circumstances that they often times produce. What a wonderful package of benefits we find in Psalm 103. It is of no wonder that the Psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
B. I thank God that we can never lose sight of these blessings found in Psalm 103.
1. The blessing of Forgiveness and I do thank God for my forgiveness!
2. The blessing of Physical Health and I do thank God for my health!
3. The blessing of a Rescued Life and I do thank God for my life in Christ!
4. The blessing of Loving Kindness and Gentleness! I am thankful for that!
5. The blessing of Necessities of Life! I am thankful for that!
6. The blessing of Abundant Grace and Renewal of Strength! I am thankful for that!
C. We always are blessed of God, no matter what our circumstances are but we are also human and our hearts are sometimes heavy with the burdens and cares of this world. Yes, the Bible says, “Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.” I am not demeaning the Scriptures, but sometimes it is just hard to “let go” when your world is rocked and wrong seems to get every advantage.
D. I want to look at the Apostle Paul for a few minutes here in Acts 28.
1. In Acts 27, He is now a prisoner on the way to see Caesar. He has been wronged, slandered, physically attacked, bound, and shipped out. He finds himself in a safe haven and desires to stay there for a while to wait out the winter. His advice is not listened to and he has to spend weeks at sea in a storm, is shipwrecked, and either swims to shore or comes floating in on broken pieces of the ship.
2. In Acts 28, we find him among barbarians, wet and cold—trying to feed a fire out in the open in order to warm up his old bones. While gathering sticks, a snake comes out of the fire and bites him on the hand! He is then accused again of being a murderer under the judgment of God and, when he does not die of the snake bite, he becomes a god!
3. He spends three months there with no Christian fellowship and then they set sail once again for Rome.
E. He eventually comes to a place called Three Taverns. He found brethren in verse 14 and 15. The Bible then declares that Paul, in verse 15, “thanked God, and took courage.” I want to preach a little different Thanksgiving message this morning. Here in verse 15, we find several things pertaining to Thanksgiving.
F. You see, Thanksgiving is not to be dependent upon good circumstances. It is a wonderful thing to be thankful when everything is “rosy” but we are commanded to give thanks in everything. Not that we enjoy the trials of life. I had rather be on the other side of trouble than in the middle of it personally. We are to rejoice in the Lord alway. It is a lot easier to rejoice in the Lord when everything is going right.
1. The Vision Of Thanksgiving – “whom when Paul saw” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I do not necessarily thank God for the terrible things of this life, but—while suffering through them—I see things to be thankful for! I believe that is what the Bible speaks of in this verse. I do not thank God that my wife had cancer! I do thank God for His goodness during that time though.)
a. There Is The Vision Of The Past - We need to recognize God in our circumstances! 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (The Lord had delivered Paul previously during dire circumstances. He had taken care of his every need to this point in life and there was no reason to doubt the Lord now.)
b. There Is The Vision Of The Present - We need to reflect God in our circumstances! Isaiah 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.
1) He was alive and well! The sight of his brethren reminded Paul that the “lion” had not devoured him!
2) There were those around him who cared for his welfare. He had friends and if a man has friends, he is rich! They were not ashamed of his “chain.”
3) There was prayer constantly going up on his behalf. Those who came to him cared for him!
4) There were still the comforts of life. He still had fire, food, friends, and shelter.
5) There was still hope. He was neither forsaken of the Lord nor devoured by the adversary.
2. The Voice Of Thanksgiving – “he thanked God” - Psalms 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (The Bible does not say to praise the Lord when things are good and then to stop praising when things go contrary to our desires. We often said, in Bible College, “Praise the Lord anyhow!” How we come through problems is up to us. We can be better for them or worse because of them, the choice is ours to make.)
a. We Can Look At Where we Are And Be Hateful.
b. We Can Look At Where we Aare And Be Grateful.
Psalms 26:6-7 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: 7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
3. The Victory Of Thanksgiving – “and took courage” - 2 Chronicles 20:17, 22 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
a. The Choice Of Thanksgiving.
1) Instead of complaining about his stresses, pressures and persecutions, Paul chose to give thanks.
2.) Instead of bemoaning his imprisonment, he thanks God for friends who come to support him.
b. The Courage Of Thanksgiving. Being thankful, renewed Paul's strength and helped him to be courageous as he faced his imprisonment in Rome.
1) Gratitude produces fortitude! There is something invigorating about thanksgiving that instills within us a confidence to face the trials of life.
2) Depression and thanksgiving cannot co-exist.
3) Unthankful people are discouraged people. As a person looks at God’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage.
Conclusion:
THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY
Thank You for the valley I walked thro' today;
The darker the valley, the more I learn to pray;
I found You where the lily's blooming by the way;
And I thank You for the valley I walked thro today.
Thank You for every hill I climbed,
For every time the sun didn't shine;
Thank You for every lonely night,
I prayed 'til I knew everything was alright
And I thank You for the valley I walked thro' today.
Acts 28:1-15
Introduction:
A. As a rule, when preaching the Sunday Morning before Thanksgiving Day, I use some of the more notable texts such as Psalm 103. These are Psalms of worship and praise born out of both the goodness of God and the circumstances that they often times produce. What a wonderful package of benefits we find in Psalm 103. It is of no wonder that the Psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
B. I thank God that we can never lose sight of these blessings found in Psalm 103.
1. The blessing of Forgiveness and I do thank God for my forgiveness!
2. The blessing of Physical Health and I do thank God for my health!
3. The blessing of a Rescued Life and I do thank God for my life in Christ!
4. The blessing of Loving Kindness and Gentleness! I am thankful for that!
5. The blessing of Necessities of Life! I am thankful for that!
6. The blessing of Abundant Grace and Renewal of Strength! I am thankful for that!
C. We always are blessed of God, no matter what our circumstances are but we are also human and our hearts are sometimes heavy with the burdens and cares of this world. Yes, the Bible says, “Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.” I am not demeaning the Scriptures, but sometimes it is just hard to “let go” when your world is rocked and wrong seems to get every advantage.
D. I want to look at the Apostle Paul for a few minutes here in Acts 28.
1. In Acts 27, He is now a prisoner on the way to see Caesar. He has been wronged, slandered, physically attacked, bound, and shipped out. He finds himself in a safe haven and desires to stay there for a while to wait out the winter. His advice is not listened to and he has to spend weeks at sea in a storm, is shipwrecked, and either swims to shore or comes floating in on broken pieces of the ship.
2. In Acts 28, we find him among barbarians, wet and cold—trying to feed a fire out in the open in order to warm up his old bones. While gathering sticks, a snake comes out of the fire and bites him on the hand! He is then accused again of being a murderer under the judgment of God and, when he does not die of the snake bite, he becomes a god!
3. He spends three months there with no Christian fellowship and then they set sail once again for Rome.
E. He eventually comes to a place called Three Taverns. He found brethren in verse 14 and 15. The Bible then declares that Paul, in verse 15, “thanked God, and took courage.” I want to preach a little different Thanksgiving message this morning. Here in verse 15, we find several things pertaining to Thanksgiving.
F. You see, Thanksgiving is not to be dependent upon good circumstances. It is a wonderful thing to be thankful when everything is “rosy” but we are commanded to give thanks in everything. Not that we enjoy the trials of life. I had rather be on the other side of trouble than in the middle of it personally. We are to rejoice in the Lord alway. It is a lot easier to rejoice in the Lord when everything is going right.
1. The Vision Of Thanksgiving – “whom when Paul saw” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I do not necessarily thank God for the terrible things of this life, but—while suffering through them—I see things to be thankful for! I believe that is what the Bible speaks of in this verse. I do not thank God that my wife had cancer! I do thank God for His goodness during that time though.)
a. There Is The Vision Of The Past - We need to recognize God in our circumstances! 2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (The Lord had delivered Paul previously during dire circumstances. He had taken care of his every need to this point in life and there was no reason to doubt the Lord now.)
b. There Is The Vision Of The Present - We need to reflect God in our circumstances! Isaiah 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.
1) He was alive and well! The sight of his brethren reminded Paul that the “lion” had not devoured him!
2) There were those around him who cared for his welfare. He had friends and if a man has friends, he is rich! They were not ashamed of his “chain.”
3) There was prayer constantly going up on his behalf. Those who came to him cared for him!
4) There were still the comforts of life. He still had fire, food, friends, and shelter.
5) There was still hope. He was neither forsaken of the Lord nor devoured by the adversary.
2. The Voice Of Thanksgiving – “he thanked God” - Psalms 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (The Bible does not say to praise the Lord when things are good and then to stop praising when things go contrary to our desires. We often said, in Bible College, “Praise the Lord anyhow!” How we come through problems is up to us. We can be better for them or worse because of them, the choice is ours to make.)
a. We Can Look At Where we Are And Be Hateful.
b. We Can Look At Where we Aare And Be Grateful.
Psalms 26:6-7 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: 7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
3. The Victory Of Thanksgiving – “and took courage” - 2 Chronicles 20:17, 22 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
a. The Choice Of Thanksgiving.
1) Instead of complaining about his stresses, pressures and persecutions, Paul chose to give thanks.
2.) Instead of bemoaning his imprisonment, he thanks God for friends who come to support him.
b. The Courage Of Thanksgiving. Being thankful, renewed Paul's strength and helped him to be courageous as he faced his imprisonment in Rome.
1) Gratitude produces fortitude! There is something invigorating about thanksgiving that instills within us a confidence to face the trials of life.
2) Depression and thanksgiving cannot co-exist.
3) Unthankful people are discouraged people. As a person looks at God’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage.
Conclusion:
THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY
Thank You for the valley I walked thro' today;
The darker the valley, the more I learn to pray;
I found You where the lily's blooming by the way;
And I thank You for the valley I walked thro today.
Thank You for every hill I climbed,
For every time the sun didn't shine;
Thank You for every lonely night,
I prayed 'til I knew everything was alright
And I thank You for the valley I walked thro' today.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Flesh
Temple Baptist Church - 11-18-2009
Galatians 5:16-21
Introduction:
A. We saw last week how to not “fulfill the lust of the flesh” by walking in the Spirit. I want to take a little time tonight and take a contextual look at the flesh. D. L. Moody once said,"The worst man that ever crossed my path is D. L. Moody, the old man. I have had more trouble with him than with all the world beside." The problem that we face with the flesh is this: we are saved spiritually—eternally saved—but our body is not saved! One day, because of the grace of God, we will get a new body wherein dwelleth righteousness! What a day that will be. But, until then, we are a new nature bound into a sinful body.
B. Before we get into these verses, we need to understand what has happened to us in these verses or, should I say, what can happen to us. I want to go through some verses that are very familiar to us but very misunderstood by most.
1. Man was created in righteousness and innocence - Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (They were created in innocence and placed into the Garden but were given responsibility to Law.)
2. Man was deformed by his disobedience to God’s Law - Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Romans 5:12-14 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: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (Man died both physically and spiritually. Adam died physically in Genesis 5 at the age of 930 years but died spiritually in Genesis 3 and blood had to be shed.)
3. Man was transformed through faith in the gospel - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Notice with me that the King James Bible says “creature” and not “creation!” Most new versions use the word “creation” here. God did not recreate man, He transformed him. Let me give you an example: I have a dog who was born innocent but she chooses to be disobedient at times. If I take her to Obedience School, they can transform her and teach her obedience. She is still the same dog but now is educated to right and wrong. She has not been changed from being a dog, just transformed into a new creature that is obedient. We become new creatures, not recreated! Ephesians 2:10 does not contradict this as we were created unto good works, before ordained to walk in them. Now that we are saved, we are to once again walk as we were created to walk.)
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
4. Our spiritual man is now transformed but the body remains in a cursed, unregenerate condition until either death or rapture - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54 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. (Now, the fight is on!)
C. Failure to understand what I have just said leads to total defeat in this war with our flesh which is contrary to the new creature that lives inside. Can two walk together except they be agreed? We are enemies of the flesh and the flesh is an enemy with us so, you had better quit pampering and feeding it!
1. The Depravity Of The Flesh - Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (I need to clarify something at this point. Depravity does not mean inability! Men can and have done good. Many lost people are what we classify as good people. The are good neighbors; they are moral; they have good manners; they have great accomplishments; and many are better on these points than some professing Christians. By Total Depravity, I mean that man has the capability of doing all of the below listing of evil works.)
2. The Deception Of The Flesh - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (The flesh can never be trusted! “If I know my heart.” You don’t! Paul said, “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” [Romans 7:11])
3. The Defilement Of The Flesh - Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (You cannot get away from your flesh. You can abstain from all appearance of evil in almost every of life but your flesh is always there with you. You see it and you live in it! It is defiling to the spiritual man. It causes him to do unthinkable things and spend much time weeping over its failures.)
4. The Devastation OF The Flesh - Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (It is because of the weakness of flesh that man sins and this body much be changed before we can go to Heaven. Your flesh will destroy your life if you give into it.)
D. I want to look at the flesh for a few minutes.
1. The Walk Of The Flesh – vs. 16 – It is Pleasing. Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (This is the walk of the old life. When we got saved, everything became new and we began our walk in the Spirit. Salvation did not make sin any less pleasurable to our flesh though. I still have the same cravings and desires that I had before salvation but have been delivered from them through Christ Jesus.)
a. The Lost professors will eventually return to their walk in the flesh - 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
b. The Carnal believer will eventually return to their walk in the flesh - Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Notice the “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” in this passage as well as our context passage of Galatians 5.)
c. First, let me say that failure to walk in the Spirit is to walk in the flesh! There is no middle ground. We are either spiritual or we are carnal! We cannot be both at the same time. If we are spiritual then we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. If we are carnal then we do not fulfill the walk of the Spirit. (We pamper and feed our flesh instead of starving it and bringing it under subjection.)
Psalms 106:13-15 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Fat bodies make for lean souls!)
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
d. Secondly, to walk in the flesh is to do despite to the Spirit of grace - Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (We grieve Him! We vex Him! We resist Him! The Holy Ghosts lusts against the flesh in order to bring us into obedience to Christ. It is an insult to the Holy Ghost when we ignore His leading and pleading. He loves us and Satan hates. Whom should we follow? Duh!)
2. The War Of The Flesh – vs. 17 – It is Perpetual. Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Sometimes, some believers lose the war with the flesh because it is perpetual. It is never ending and through spiritual anemia, the believer becomes weak and worn down thus giving in to the flesh. I know that many of these are unsaved “dogs” and “sows” who clean up for a while and then return to their old ways but then we have Demas who loved this present world.)
a. It is a heart wrenching struggle for the child of God - Romans 7:14-23 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (You may sin but, if you are saved, it will tear your heart out. This is one acid test to see if you are truly saved. I hate it when I fail. It sickens my heart when I sin. I despise it with all of my heart.)
b. Though we should be spiritual and Spirit filled all of the time, we do fail God miserably sometimes - Psalms 51:2-4 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (A man after God’s own heart. The sweet psalmist of Israel. The king who established a perpetual throne.)
1) Earthly victory is most often only temporary. 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
2) Earthly values are distorted by our flesh. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3. The Works Of The Flesh – vs. 19-21 – They are Powerful. 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
a. We need to understand the Possibility of the failure in this war - Romans 6:12-14 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (This is the Apostle Paul! If he struggled and lost many a battle, I need to understand my weakness also. Sometimes we are harsh on those who have sinned; those who have failed; those who have gotten discouraged; and those who have just plain quit! Be careful!
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (No one is exempt from the possibility of moral failure! No matter how godly and spiritual we may be, our war is day to day, hour to hour, moment by moment!)
b. We need to understand the Possibility of the flesh in our failure - Walking in the flesh will always manifest it’s works!
1) Adultery – God’s married people
2) Fornication – God’s single people
3) Uncleanness – Un-chastity in either thought of deed. Unnatural lusts or perversions.
4) Lasciviousness – plain old filthiness in thought, deed, or gestures.
5) Idolatry – In our day, covetousness or the love of money is still the root of ALL evil!
6) Witchcraft – Magic, sorcery, astrology, drugs [pharmaceutical comes from this word])
7) Hatred – We are to love even our enemies much less one another! We are to love the Lord our God and our neighbor as ourselves.)
8) Variance – contentious, debate, quarrelsome instead of easy to get along with.
9) Emulations – indignation, jealousy, unfavorable zeal.
10) Strife – faction, always fighting about something. Some fight everything. We need to fight the right kind of fights.
11) Seditions – disunion, division, or uprising. Be followers of me as I follow Christ!
12) Heresies – false doctrines that cause disunion.
13) Envyings – We are do desire the best for others, not desire what they have. Dissatisfaction!
14) Murders – to slaughter, either by killing the flesh or destroying with the tongue!
15) Drunkenness - means just what it says! Intoxication!
16) Revellings – carousing, letting it loose!
c. This is talking about the saved, not the lost! Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the desires of the flesh! Walk in the flesh and anything is possible!
4. The Warning Of The Flesh – vs. 21 – It is Pricey! 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. (Our works are rewarded two-fold: at the Judgment Seat of Christ and during the Millennium.)
a. At the Judgment Seat Of Christ we win crowns - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 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. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (These we will cast at His feet because only He is worthy!)
b. During the Millennium, we rule and reign according to our works - Luke 19:17-19 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Galatians 5:16-21
Introduction:
A. We saw last week how to not “fulfill the lust of the flesh” by walking in the Spirit. I want to take a little time tonight and take a contextual look at the flesh. D. L. Moody once said,"The worst man that ever crossed my path is D. L. Moody, the old man. I have had more trouble with him than with all the world beside." The problem that we face with the flesh is this: we are saved spiritually—eternally saved—but our body is not saved! One day, because of the grace of God, we will get a new body wherein dwelleth righteousness! What a day that will be. But, until then, we are a new nature bound into a sinful body.
B. Before we get into these verses, we need to understand what has happened to us in these verses or, should I say, what can happen to us. I want to go through some verses that are very familiar to us but very misunderstood by most.
1. Man was created in righteousness and innocence - Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (They were created in innocence and placed into the Garden but were given responsibility to Law.)
2. Man was deformed by his disobedience to God’s Law - Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Romans 5:12-14 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: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (Man died both physically and spiritually. Adam died physically in Genesis 5 at the age of 930 years but died spiritually in Genesis 3 and blood had to be shed.)
3. Man was transformed through faith in the gospel - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Notice with me that the King James Bible says “creature” and not “creation!” Most new versions use the word “creation” here. God did not recreate man, He transformed him. Let me give you an example: I have a dog who was born innocent but she chooses to be disobedient at times. If I take her to Obedience School, they can transform her and teach her obedience. She is still the same dog but now is educated to right and wrong. She has not been changed from being a dog, just transformed into a new creature that is obedient. We become new creatures, not recreated! Ephesians 2:10 does not contradict this as we were created unto good works, before ordained to walk in them. Now that we are saved, we are to once again walk as we were created to walk.)
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
4. Our spiritual man is now transformed but the body remains in a cursed, unregenerate condition until either death or rapture - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54 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. (Now, the fight is on!)
C. Failure to understand what I have just said leads to total defeat in this war with our flesh which is contrary to the new creature that lives inside. Can two walk together except they be agreed? We are enemies of the flesh and the flesh is an enemy with us so, you had better quit pampering and feeding it!
1. The Depravity Of The Flesh - Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (I need to clarify something at this point. Depravity does not mean inability! Men can and have done good. Many lost people are what we classify as good people. The are good neighbors; they are moral; they have good manners; they have great accomplishments; and many are better on these points than some professing Christians. By Total Depravity, I mean that man has the capability of doing all of the below listing of evil works.)
2. The Deception Of The Flesh - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (The flesh can never be trusted! “If I know my heart.” You don’t! Paul said, “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” [Romans 7:11])
3. The Defilement Of The Flesh - Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (You cannot get away from your flesh. You can abstain from all appearance of evil in almost every of life but your flesh is always there with you. You see it and you live in it! It is defiling to the spiritual man. It causes him to do unthinkable things and spend much time weeping over its failures.)
4. The Devastation OF The Flesh - Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (It is because of the weakness of flesh that man sins and this body much be changed before we can go to Heaven. Your flesh will destroy your life if you give into it.)
D. I want to look at the flesh for a few minutes.
1. The Walk Of The Flesh – vs. 16 – It is Pleasing. Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (This is the walk of the old life. When we got saved, everything became new and we began our walk in the Spirit. Salvation did not make sin any less pleasurable to our flesh though. I still have the same cravings and desires that I had before salvation but have been delivered from them through Christ Jesus.)
a. The Lost professors will eventually return to their walk in the flesh - 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
b. The Carnal believer will eventually return to their walk in the flesh - Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Notice the “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” in this passage as well as our context passage of Galatians 5.)
c. First, let me say that failure to walk in the Spirit is to walk in the flesh! There is no middle ground. We are either spiritual or we are carnal! We cannot be both at the same time. If we are spiritual then we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. If we are carnal then we do not fulfill the walk of the Spirit. (We pamper and feed our flesh instead of starving it and bringing it under subjection.)
Psalms 106:13-15 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Fat bodies make for lean souls!)
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
d. Secondly, to walk in the flesh is to do despite to the Spirit of grace - Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (We grieve Him! We vex Him! We resist Him! The Holy Ghosts lusts against the flesh in order to bring us into obedience to Christ. It is an insult to the Holy Ghost when we ignore His leading and pleading. He loves us and Satan hates. Whom should we follow? Duh!)
2. The War Of The Flesh – vs. 17 – It is Perpetual. Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Sometimes, some believers lose the war with the flesh because it is perpetual. It is never ending and through spiritual anemia, the believer becomes weak and worn down thus giving in to the flesh. I know that many of these are unsaved “dogs” and “sows” who clean up for a while and then return to their old ways but then we have Demas who loved this present world.)
a. It is a heart wrenching struggle for the child of God - Romans 7:14-23 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (You may sin but, if you are saved, it will tear your heart out. This is one acid test to see if you are truly saved. I hate it when I fail. It sickens my heart when I sin. I despise it with all of my heart.)
b. Though we should be spiritual and Spirit filled all of the time, we do fail God miserably sometimes - Psalms 51:2-4 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (A man after God’s own heart. The sweet psalmist of Israel. The king who established a perpetual throne.)
1) Earthly victory is most often only temporary. 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
2) Earthly values are distorted by our flesh. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3. The Works Of The Flesh – vs. 19-21 – They are Powerful. 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
a. We need to understand the Possibility of the failure in this war - Romans 6:12-14 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (This is the Apostle Paul! If he struggled and lost many a battle, I need to understand my weakness also. Sometimes we are harsh on those who have sinned; those who have failed; those who have gotten discouraged; and those who have just plain quit! Be careful!
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (No one is exempt from the possibility of moral failure! No matter how godly and spiritual we may be, our war is day to day, hour to hour, moment by moment!)
b. We need to understand the Possibility of the flesh in our failure - Walking in the flesh will always manifest it’s works!
1) Adultery – God’s married people
2) Fornication – God’s single people
3) Uncleanness – Un-chastity in either thought of deed. Unnatural lusts or perversions.
4) Lasciviousness – plain old filthiness in thought, deed, or gestures.
5) Idolatry – In our day, covetousness or the love of money is still the root of ALL evil!
6) Witchcraft – Magic, sorcery, astrology, drugs [pharmaceutical comes from this word])
7) Hatred – We are to love even our enemies much less one another! We are to love the Lord our God and our neighbor as ourselves.)
8) Variance – contentious, debate, quarrelsome instead of easy to get along with.
9) Emulations – indignation, jealousy, unfavorable zeal.
10) Strife – faction, always fighting about something. Some fight everything. We need to fight the right kind of fights.
11) Seditions – disunion, division, or uprising. Be followers of me as I follow Christ!
12) Heresies – false doctrines that cause disunion.
13) Envyings – We are do desire the best for others, not desire what they have. Dissatisfaction!
14) Murders – to slaughter, either by killing the flesh or destroying with the tongue!
15) Drunkenness - means just what it says! Intoxication!
16) Revellings – carousing, letting it loose!
c. This is talking about the saved, not the lost! Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the desires of the flesh! Walk in the flesh and anything is possible!
4. The Warning Of The Flesh – vs. 21 – It is Pricey! 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. (Our works are rewarded two-fold: at the Judgment Seat of Christ and during the Millennium.)
a. At the Judgment Seat Of Christ we win crowns - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 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. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (These we will cast at His feet because only He is worthy!)
b. During the Millennium, we rule and reign according to our works - Luke 19:17-19 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Walk In The Spirit
Temple Baptist Church - 11-11-2009
Galatians 5:16-21
Introduction:
A. The Apostle Paul (through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost) now brings this matter of Law vs. Liberty to a conclusion.
1. The “Letter of the Law” brings forth death, not life. We that are saved are still sinful and our flesh has not yet been redeemed.
2. The “Looseness of Liberty” also destroys! Liberty is never liberty to sin so our fleshly desires must be controlled by our walk in the Spirit.
3. The “Love of Longsuffering” brings unity. If we cannot set aside these differences (I am not speaking of issues of doctrine but of personal liberty), then we cannot get done the work that God has left us here to do.
B. The war of the child of God with his flesh will continue until we are delivered from “the body of this death” through either the grave or the rapture of the church.
1. Paul does not say that there will be an eradication of the flesh in this life. The flesh is still sinful and the heart of man “deceitful” and “desperately wicked.”
2. Paul does not say that there will not be lust in our flesh. James said that we are “drawn away of our own lust and enticed.” There will be enticement to commit sin!
C. The Holy Ghost says that we are not to “fulfill” the lusts of the flesh! To give in to the flesh!
1. We are not to Buckle into its Persuasion. The desires of the flesh are persuasive.
2. We are not to Bow to its Persistence. The desires of the flesh are perpetual.
2. We are not to be Brought under its Power. The desires of the flesh are powerful.
D. In these verses:
1. We find the War with the Flesh – vs. 17 – “contrary”
2. We find the Works of the Flesh – vs. 19-21 – “works of the flesh”
3. We find the Warning concerning the Flesh – vs. 21b - “shall not inherit”
E. Notice with me the promise of walking in the Spirit. “And ye shall not!” Yes, the possibility of sinfulness is still there. Yes, the pull of sinfulness is still there. But, the power of sinfulness is broken! How: through our walk in the Spirit.
1. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consciousness Of God – Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
a. Consciousness of God is not based upon Emotions. I do not necessarily feel God in me or with me. Emotions can leave one fearful and drained because we cannot see God’s presence.
b. Consciousness of God is not based upon Circumstances. There are times when I do not think that things are right nor do I like where I am in life. Circumstances can leave one confused and discouraged because we cannot see God working in the background.
c. Consciousness of God relies completely upon His Promises. He said that He would be there with me and for me. Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light!
d. Walking in the Spirit involves knowing that He is with me; He sees me; He protects me; and He cares for me. All of the time!
2. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consecration For God - Romans 12:1-2 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. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
a. Consecration for God is Realization that I belong to God. We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ. We are not our own but we are His.
b. Consecration for God is Presentation of my body to God. Separation is simply giving to God what He has already paid for: our lives! We owe all that we have or ever will have to Him.
c. Consecration for God is Glorification of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
d. Consecration is dying to self and living for the glory of God - Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3. Walking In The Spirit Involves Compliance To God - 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
a. Compliance to the Holy Spirit’s Direction - 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.
b. Compliance to the Holy Scripture’s Doctrine - John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Conclusion: Walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh. Walk in the flesh and deny the Spirit. Our Lord said that we are either for Him or against Him with no room for middle ground.
Galatians 5:16-21
Introduction:
A. The Apostle Paul (through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost) now brings this matter of Law vs. Liberty to a conclusion.
1. The “Letter of the Law” brings forth death, not life. We that are saved are still sinful and our flesh has not yet been redeemed.
2. The “Looseness of Liberty” also destroys! Liberty is never liberty to sin so our fleshly desires must be controlled by our walk in the Spirit.
3. The “Love of Longsuffering” brings unity. If we cannot set aside these differences (I am not speaking of issues of doctrine but of personal liberty), then we cannot get done the work that God has left us here to do.
B. The war of the child of God with his flesh will continue until we are delivered from “the body of this death” through either the grave or the rapture of the church.
1. Paul does not say that there will be an eradication of the flesh in this life. The flesh is still sinful and the heart of man “deceitful” and “desperately wicked.”
2. Paul does not say that there will not be lust in our flesh. James said that we are “drawn away of our own lust and enticed.” There will be enticement to commit sin!
C. The Holy Ghost says that we are not to “fulfill” the lusts of the flesh! To give in to the flesh!
1. We are not to Buckle into its Persuasion. The desires of the flesh are persuasive.
2. We are not to Bow to its Persistence. The desires of the flesh are perpetual.
2. We are not to be Brought under its Power. The desires of the flesh are powerful.
D. In these verses:
1. We find the War with the Flesh – vs. 17 – “contrary”
2. We find the Works of the Flesh – vs. 19-21 – “works of the flesh”
3. We find the Warning concerning the Flesh – vs. 21b - “shall not inherit”
E. Notice with me the promise of walking in the Spirit. “And ye shall not!” Yes, the possibility of sinfulness is still there. Yes, the pull of sinfulness is still there. But, the power of sinfulness is broken! How: through our walk in the Spirit.
1. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consciousness Of God – Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
a. Consciousness of God is not based upon Emotions. I do not necessarily feel God in me or with me. Emotions can leave one fearful and drained because we cannot see God’s presence.
b. Consciousness of God is not based upon Circumstances. There are times when I do not think that things are right nor do I like where I am in life. Circumstances can leave one confused and discouraged because we cannot see God working in the background.
c. Consciousness of God relies completely upon His Promises. He said that He would be there with me and for me. Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light!
d. Walking in the Spirit involves knowing that He is with me; He sees me; He protects me; and He cares for me. All of the time!
2. Walking In The Spirit Involves Consecration For God - Romans 12:1-2 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. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
a. Consecration for God is Realization that I belong to God. We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ. We are not our own but we are His.
b. Consecration for God is Presentation of my body to God. Separation is simply giving to God what He has already paid for: our lives! We owe all that we have or ever will have to Him.
c. Consecration for God is Glorification of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
d. Consecration is dying to self and living for the glory of God - Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3. Walking In The Spirit Involves Compliance To God - 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
a. Compliance to the Holy Spirit’s Direction - 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.
b. Compliance to the Holy Scripture’s Doctrine - John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Conclusion: Walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh. Walk in the flesh and deny the Spirit. Our Lord said that we are either for Him or against Him with no room for middle ground.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Not For Sale
Temple Baptist Church - 11-08-2009
Mark 8:34-38
Introduction:
A. Many people today are so sin hardened that they will not come to Christ and be saved. You cannot get them to come to church like you once could. They are too occupied with self, busy with work, or too religious to be reached.
B. Many people are leaving good churches today.
1. Many of these are Lost – tares among the wheat; they are the “ground” that was not good and therefore fruitless. 2 Timothy 3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2
2. Many of these are Laodicean – cold or indifferent to the things of God. Revelation 3
3. Many of these are Lustful – they give in to the desires of the flesh and the love of the world. 1 John 2
C. Many just plainly “sell out” for one price or another. There is an old saying, “Everybody has his price!” Unfortunately, most of the time, this saying is true. Even people of seemingly great integrity often sell out when the price is right.
D. My question this morning is: Do you have a price and, if so, what is your price? What is my price this morning?
E. You and I that are saved have been purchased at a horrendous price: Calvary! We have been bought with a price and are not our own this morning. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ! We have not right to sell out that which is not ours to sell.
F. It is a terrible thing to sell out for a great price, much less to sell out cheaply. In these verses, our Lord is speaking to his disciples, not the unsaved! Read them again! What will a man; what will you; what will I give in exchange for my soul this morning?
G. I have known preachers who have sold out cheap! They had a good wife, great children, wonderful ministry (pastors, evangelists, missionaries) and gave them all up for nothing! Once they crossed that line, it was over! Things can never be the same again after selling out! What will you give in exchange for your soul this morning?
H. You should make up some “Not For Sale” signs and place them in strategic places. Place one on your computer monitor! Place one on your TV set! Place one on the sun visor of your car! Control what you see and where you go!
I. There are many people in the Bible who sold out cheap.
1. Adam and Eve, who had everything—the Garden of Eden with all of its beauty, wonderful food, perfect climate, not a bead of sweat, sweet fellowship with the Creator—traded it all for one solitary piece of fruit!
a) It cost them their lives - Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (They died spiritually! They died physically!)
b) It cost them their home - Genesis 3:23-24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
c) It cost them physically: now there is pain and suffering - Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
d) It cost them their productivity - Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 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.
e) Now there is sorrow, pain, suffering, disappointment, discouragement, sin, death, and separation! Was it worth it Adam? Was it worth it Eve? I think not! One piece of fruit; they sold out CHEAP! I am sure that the devil could have made a better offer than that! Was it worth it, Adam? Was it worth it, Eve?
2. Esau, Isaac’s firstborn, was the heir apparent! He was to be the reigning patriarch of the family. He was to be the priest of the family. He was to have the double portion! He was to receive the blessing of his father.
Genesis 25:30-34 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Esau was a worldly man who traded his birthright for one “morsel of meat!” He regretted it for a lifetime. I am sure Jacob would have made a better offer than “one morsel of meat!” I am sure you could have waited for supper! You sold our cheap. Was it worth it Esau?)
3. Achan, one of God’s chosen people—Israel. He was to inherit his portion of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Hard to be that! But, he sold out cheap!
Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Joshua 7:24-26 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. (Achan saw, lusted, and took the “accursed thing.” It cost him his life! It cost him his family! It cost him his possessions! It cost him Canaan! Achan sold out CHEAP! He ended up dead with all of his family. Was it worth it, Achan?)
4. Samson, one of the most noted of all of the Judges of Israel. A man of great strength, anointed of the Holy Spirit.
Judges 16:4-5 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
Judges 16:18-21 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand. 19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. 21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. (I am sure that a man like Samson could have had his choice of the most beautiful women in Israel. Samson was a man of strength but not a man of character. Samson sold out CHEAP! He could have been blessed of God! He could have been used of God! He was interested in the lust of his flesh and lost it all for what he could have had in a godly manner. Was it worth your eyes, your position, and your power, Samson?)
5. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha. What a divine privilege to pour water upon the hands of God’s man.
2 Kings 5:23-27 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. 24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. 26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. (Position, power, prestige, and possibly to take the place of Elisha as Elisha took the place of Elijah! He sold out CHEAP! He died with the leprosy of Naaman! Was it worth it Gehazi!)
6. David, a man after God’s own heart! King of Israel; champion of the common people; the “sweet psalmist” of Israel! The name “David” means beloved! Beloved of both God and man.
2 Samuel 11:2-4 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
2 Samuel 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
2 Samuel 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. (David sold out CHEAP! Yes, Bathsheba was a beautiful woman but Jerusalem and Israel was full of beautiful women. He could have had his choice. A man of beautiful countenance, mighty in valor, decorated in war, talented in worship, and rich beyond measure. He sold out cheap! It cost him his child, Absalom, the purity of Tamar, his best friend—Ahithophel! Was it worth it, King David?)
7. Judas Iscariot, one of the chosen 12 disciples! What a privilege to be chosen of, called by, and be able to serve out Lord Jesus Christ! But, Judas Iscariot sold out CHEAP!
Matthew 26:23-25 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Matthew 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27:3-5 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. (Thirty pieces of silver, Judas! Couldn’t you have bargained for more? He sold out CHEAP! He hanged himself, died, and went to hell! Was the thirty pieces of silver worth it, Judas? Was it worth it, Judas?)
8. Ananias and Sapphira, members of the first church! What a blessing to have seen the Lord and the power of the Holy Ghost working in the early church. But, Ananias and Sapphira sold out CHEAP!
Acts 5:1-2 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 5:4-5 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Acts 5:7-10 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (It was theirs! They could have used or spent it as they wished! They chose to lie to God and keep back a part of what was sold. They sold out CHEAP! They lost both their possessions and their lives. They could have had both! Was it worth it, Ananias? Was it worth it, Sapphira?)
9. Demas, a fellow servant and fellow soldier with the great Apostle Paul! Would you not have liked to be associated with that man of God? What a privilege! But, Demas sold out CHEAP!
Acts 5:7-10 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (There is nothing else said concerning this man who loved the Lord and the Apostle Paul. But, I would imagine that the price was great! Demas sold out CHEAP! Was it worth it, Demas? I think not!)
J. I could go on but I am sure that we all get the point. For a little money; for 5 minutes of pleasure; for an elevated position; for a little bit of fame; we can all sell out the blessings of God in our lives! Now, here is the message! When we sell out CHEAP:
1. We Sell Out Our Wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave it all for us as we sell Him as cheaply as Judas sold Him! The most important thing in the world to the Christian is his wonderful Lord! I am his and He is mine! He loves me and I love Him!
2. We Sell Out Our Immaculate Testimony For The Lord. It takes a lifetime to build a godly testimony of salvation and only a moment’s time to bring it crashing down for the duration of our lives. When our testimony becomes tarnished, it is impossible to completely undo the damage done to it. Look at the list of names that I used in the introduction and you will see the remnants of sinfulness continue to tarnish their names thousands of years later. The good that they did forgotten!
3. We Sell Out Our Wife Or Husband. I owe my all to my wife. To betray her trust, love, and shame her before the church is unthinkable! I cannot imagine life without Barbara. To lose her in death would be a terrible thing but I could live with that knowing that she was in Heaven waiting for me. To lose her because of sin would be devastating! Outside of the Lord, the most wonderful thing that you and I have in this world is our family!
4. We Sell Out Our Beloved Children. God gave them to us to love, provide for, protect, and guide in the things of the Lord and life. To sell them out for such a small price in unthinkable. “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord!” God gave them to us to raise for him. “The fruit of the womb is his reward!” When we have children, we are accountable to both God and them. Our children deserve a godly heritage and Christian upbringing. They did not ask to be here, we brought them here and now they need to be saved, guided in a godly manner, and to sell them out is a travesty!
5. We Sell Out Our Church. How the church needs faithful, God loving people in these last perilous times. We sell out cheap and bring shame and reproach on the body of believers collectively! I owe you more than that! You owe me more than that! I love this church and I love you. So many men and women have sold out the church for things that were short lived and lived to regret it. Thank God for the ones who get right and get back but the majority never do that.
6. We Sell Out Our Friends. One of the most important things that we have in this life are true friends that stick closer than blood kin in some instances. A man should lay down his life for his friends and yet, sometimes, believers sell them out cheap. Our neighbors respect us for what we stand for. One of my neighbors was having problems with his children and their friends who partied while he was gone. He put a stop to it because of us. God forbid that we live worse than the heathen!
7. We Sell Out Our Ministry. Yes, we all have a ministry, We are to “faint not” in the work of the Lord. Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, deacons, soul winners, exhorters, givers, and the list goes on. You and I have a ministry. God help us not to sell it out. There is work to do and to sell out our usefulness for the Lord and good of souls is criminal! Our ranks are becoming depleted and there are gaps upon the walls! Fewer young people selling out to serve the Lord and more older people leaving the ministry!
8. We Sell Out Our Good Name. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches! My mom and dad gave me my name. It is a good name. When I go home to Kentucky, I do not have to bow my head in shame because of the Johnston’s who live there. Barbara Lynn Simons Johnston got her name from her mom and dad. It is a good name. She does not have to be ashamed of Bill and Nadine Simons! She does not have to be ashamed of her family. To sell out CHEAP is to sell out our good names.
Conclusion: What is your price this today? What is it that you are interested in that will bring down all of these things? You and I had better be careful! Better men than I; better men than you; better women than you have gone down the road to shame and destruction because of a little money; for 5 minutes of pleasure; for an elevated position; or a little bit of fame! “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:34-38
Introduction:
A. Many people today are so sin hardened that they will not come to Christ and be saved. You cannot get them to come to church like you once could. They are too occupied with self, busy with work, or too religious to be reached.
B. Many people are leaving good churches today.
1. Many of these are Lost – tares among the wheat; they are the “ground” that was not good and therefore fruitless. 2 Timothy 3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2
2. Many of these are Laodicean – cold or indifferent to the things of God. Revelation 3
3. Many of these are Lustful – they give in to the desires of the flesh and the love of the world. 1 John 2
C. Many just plainly “sell out” for one price or another. There is an old saying, “Everybody has his price!” Unfortunately, most of the time, this saying is true. Even people of seemingly great integrity often sell out when the price is right.
D. My question this morning is: Do you have a price and, if so, what is your price? What is my price this morning?
E. You and I that are saved have been purchased at a horrendous price: Calvary! We have been bought with a price and are not our own this morning. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ! We have not right to sell out that which is not ours to sell.
F. It is a terrible thing to sell out for a great price, much less to sell out cheaply. In these verses, our Lord is speaking to his disciples, not the unsaved! Read them again! What will a man; what will you; what will I give in exchange for my soul this morning?
G. I have known preachers who have sold out cheap! They had a good wife, great children, wonderful ministry (pastors, evangelists, missionaries) and gave them all up for nothing! Once they crossed that line, it was over! Things can never be the same again after selling out! What will you give in exchange for your soul this morning?
H. You should make up some “Not For Sale” signs and place them in strategic places. Place one on your computer monitor! Place one on your TV set! Place one on the sun visor of your car! Control what you see and where you go!
I. There are many people in the Bible who sold out cheap.
1. Adam and Eve, who had everything—the Garden of Eden with all of its beauty, wonderful food, perfect climate, not a bead of sweat, sweet fellowship with the Creator—traded it all for one solitary piece of fruit!
a) It cost them their lives - Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (They died spiritually! They died physically!)
b) It cost them their home - Genesis 3:23-24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
c) It cost them physically: now there is pain and suffering - Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
d) It cost them their productivity - Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 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.
e) Now there is sorrow, pain, suffering, disappointment, discouragement, sin, death, and separation! Was it worth it Adam? Was it worth it Eve? I think not! One piece of fruit; they sold out CHEAP! I am sure that the devil could have made a better offer than that! Was it worth it, Adam? Was it worth it, Eve?
2. Esau, Isaac’s firstborn, was the heir apparent! He was to be the reigning patriarch of the family. He was to be the priest of the family. He was to have the double portion! He was to receive the blessing of his father.
Genesis 25:30-34 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Esau was a worldly man who traded his birthright for one “morsel of meat!” He regretted it for a lifetime. I am sure Jacob would have made a better offer than “one morsel of meat!” I am sure you could have waited for supper! You sold our cheap. Was it worth it Esau?)
3. Achan, one of God’s chosen people—Israel. He was to inherit his portion of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Hard to be that! But, he sold out cheap!
Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Joshua 7:24-26 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. (Achan saw, lusted, and took the “accursed thing.” It cost him his life! It cost him his family! It cost him his possessions! It cost him Canaan! Achan sold out CHEAP! He ended up dead with all of his family. Was it worth it, Achan?)
4. Samson, one of the most noted of all of the Judges of Israel. A man of great strength, anointed of the Holy Spirit.
Judges 16:4-5 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
Judges 16:18-21 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand. 19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. 21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. (I am sure that a man like Samson could have had his choice of the most beautiful women in Israel. Samson was a man of strength but not a man of character. Samson sold out CHEAP! He could have been blessed of God! He could have been used of God! He was interested in the lust of his flesh and lost it all for what he could have had in a godly manner. Was it worth your eyes, your position, and your power, Samson?)
5. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha. What a divine privilege to pour water upon the hands of God’s man.
2 Kings 5:23-27 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. 24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. 26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. (Position, power, prestige, and possibly to take the place of Elisha as Elisha took the place of Elijah! He sold out CHEAP! He died with the leprosy of Naaman! Was it worth it Gehazi!)
6. David, a man after God’s own heart! King of Israel; champion of the common people; the “sweet psalmist” of Israel! The name “David” means beloved! Beloved of both God and man.
2 Samuel 11:2-4 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
2 Samuel 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
2 Samuel 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. (David sold out CHEAP! Yes, Bathsheba was a beautiful woman but Jerusalem and Israel was full of beautiful women. He could have had his choice. A man of beautiful countenance, mighty in valor, decorated in war, talented in worship, and rich beyond measure. He sold out cheap! It cost him his child, Absalom, the purity of Tamar, his best friend—Ahithophel! Was it worth it, King David?)
7. Judas Iscariot, one of the chosen 12 disciples! What a privilege to be chosen of, called by, and be able to serve out Lord Jesus Christ! But, Judas Iscariot sold out CHEAP!
Matthew 26:23-25 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Matthew 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27:3-5 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. (Thirty pieces of silver, Judas! Couldn’t you have bargained for more? He sold out CHEAP! He hanged himself, died, and went to hell! Was the thirty pieces of silver worth it, Judas? Was it worth it, Judas?)
8. Ananias and Sapphira, members of the first church! What a blessing to have seen the Lord and the power of the Holy Ghost working in the early church. But, Ananias and Sapphira sold out CHEAP!
Acts 5:1-2 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 5:4-5 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Acts 5:7-10 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (It was theirs! They could have used or spent it as they wished! They chose to lie to God and keep back a part of what was sold. They sold out CHEAP! They lost both their possessions and their lives. They could have had both! Was it worth it, Ananias? Was it worth it, Sapphira?)
9. Demas, a fellow servant and fellow soldier with the great Apostle Paul! Would you not have liked to be associated with that man of God? What a privilege! But, Demas sold out CHEAP!
Acts 5:7-10 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (There is nothing else said concerning this man who loved the Lord and the Apostle Paul. But, I would imagine that the price was great! Demas sold out CHEAP! Was it worth it, Demas? I think not!)
J. I could go on but I am sure that we all get the point. For a little money; for 5 minutes of pleasure; for an elevated position; for a little bit of fame; we can all sell out the blessings of God in our lives! Now, here is the message! When we sell out CHEAP:
1. We Sell Out Our Wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave it all for us as we sell Him as cheaply as Judas sold Him! The most important thing in the world to the Christian is his wonderful Lord! I am his and He is mine! He loves me and I love Him!
2. We Sell Out Our Immaculate Testimony For The Lord. It takes a lifetime to build a godly testimony of salvation and only a moment’s time to bring it crashing down for the duration of our lives. When our testimony becomes tarnished, it is impossible to completely undo the damage done to it. Look at the list of names that I used in the introduction and you will see the remnants of sinfulness continue to tarnish their names thousands of years later. The good that they did forgotten!
3. We Sell Out Our Wife Or Husband. I owe my all to my wife. To betray her trust, love, and shame her before the church is unthinkable! I cannot imagine life without Barbara. To lose her in death would be a terrible thing but I could live with that knowing that she was in Heaven waiting for me. To lose her because of sin would be devastating! Outside of the Lord, the most wonderful thing that you and I have in this world is our family!
4. We Sell Out Our Beloved Children. God gave them to us to love, provide for, protect, and guide in the things of the Lord and life. To sell them out for such a small price in unthinkable. “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord!” God gave them to us to raise for him. “The fruit of the womb is his reward!” When we have children, we are accountable to both God and them. Our children deserve a godly heritage and Christian upbringing. They did not ask to be here, we brought them here and now they need to be saved, guided in a godly manner, and to sell them out is a travesty!
5. We Sell Out Our Church. How the church needs faithful, God loving people in these last perilous times. We sell out cheap and bring shame and reproach on the body of believers collectively! I owe you more than that! You owe me more than that! I love this church and I love you. So many men and women have sold out the church for things that were short lived and lived to regret it. Thank God for the ones who get right and get back but the majority never do that.
6. We Sell Out Our Friends. One of the most important things that we have in this life are true friends that stick closer than blood kin in some instances. A man should lay down his life for his friends and yet, sometimes, believers sell them out cheap. Our neighbors respect us for what we stand for. One of my neighbors was having problems with his children and their friends who partied while he was gone. He put a stop to it because of us. God forbid that we live worse than the heathen!
7. We Sell Out Our Ministry. Yes, we all have a ministry, We are to “faint not” in the work of the Lord. Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, deacons, soul winners, exhorters, givers, and the list goes on. You and I have a ministry. God help us not to sell it out. There is work to do and to sell out our usefulness for the Lord and good of souls is criminal! Our ranks are becoming depleted and there are gaps upon the walls! Fewer young people selling out to serve the Lord and more older people leaving the ministry!
8. We Sell Out Our Good Name. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches! My mom and dad gave me my name. It is a good name. When I go home to Kentucky, I do not have to bow my head in shame because of the Johnston’s who live there. Barbara Lynn Simons Johnston got her name from her mom and dad. It is a good name. She does not have to be ashamed of Bill and Nadine Simons! She does not have to be ashamed of her family. To sell out CHEAP is to sell out our good names.
Conclusion: What is your price this today? What is it that you are interested in that will bring down all of these things? You and I had better be careful! Better men than I; better men than you; better women than you have gone down the road to shame and destruction because of a little money; for 5 minutes of pleasure; for an elevated position; or a little bit of fame! “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Labourers Together With God
Temple Baptist Church - 11-01-2009
Romans 16:1-16
Introduction:
A. The work of a church is vast and diversified. Sometimes, we think that things just get done. In these verses, we find a list of people that the Apostle Paul said to “salute.” To “salute” is to pay respect to a distinguished person. Not because they are rich or talented but because they have done something worthy of recognition and praise.
B. Doing all that needs to be done around the church takes either a lot of people giving very little time or a few people giving all of their time. It would shock most people to know how much gets done by people who are never recognized during the week.
C. One of the greatest assets of the early church was the involvement of the people.
Acts 2:41-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
D. In Acts 6, changes were already taking place within the church as murmuring was first mentioned in among the people.
Acts 6:1-4 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
E. One of the greatest blessings that I can remember back in the early years of the salvation of my wife and I was that of involvement. Our church, at that time, was going through some hard times and things needed to be done as people left their pews empty. We got busy in the church. It wasn’t “their church” or “your church,” it was “our church.” We took pride in it as young converts. We fell in love with the Lord, our pastor, church family, and the church building and grounds.
F. Our labor in the Lord may go unrecognized in this life but not unnoticed. People know that a church is clean and well cared for. I miss Virginia Dykas so much. She loved the church and when she cleaned, the church was clean. She spent so much time in the “Prophecy Chamber,” as she called the Prophet’s Chamber. I could always just imagine God’s men in there “prophesying” as in the days of Samuel. I miss Old Gordon. He loved his church, and when he was able, he took so much off of his pastor. I could just call and he would get something done. We have people now who work and do for the church. They are a blessing.
G. Our labor in the Lord does not go unrecognized by our Lord! He knows and sees our every effort.
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.
1 Corinthians 3:8-9 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
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.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHURCH?
1. I Can Help My Church By Being Faithful! I was there. I knew my friend the pastor would be there - so I was there! My presence helped. I was one more and that cheered the pastor mightily. I need him and he needs me, too. When I joined the church, I promised to be there; I didn't join the church to stay away from it. So I helped my church. I was there! When I was going to be away, I called my pastor so that he would not spend the Lord’s Day wondering if I was sick or offended. What a shame it is that in our day people are so fickle and offense is taken so often that it effects my pastor in a negative way when people are missing from their places.
2. I Can Help My Church By Tithing And Giving! I paid my way. I did not let others pay my way any more than I permit them to buy my hat or feed my children. I pay my bills - my taxes - my upkeep. But I pay my way at my church, too. A manly, ample, competent sum must be my investment in my church. I should not wish to know that I had not paid my way. God has blessed me and I want to bless Him with liberal gifts. I give so that there may be “meat” in the Lord’s house. I give so that the missionaries can be supported. I give so that the church can be properly maintained. I give so that treasures are being laid up in Heaven, reserved for me.
3. I Can Help My Church Be Praying For It! I prayed for my church. I never have wanted much for myself - except strength - but I want every blessing and grace and health and power for my church. "For her my prayers ascend." I pray for her as naturally, as normally as I do for my dearest ones. She is one of my dearest ones. To forget her would be to forget everything lovely. I helped my church by praying for her. I pray for my pastor. I pray for my brethren. I pray for our missionaries. I pray for powerful, bold, and “free course” preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I pray for souls to be saved, saints revived, our children protected, and spiritual sensitivity and growth. I pray regularly, pointedly, and boldly!
4. I Can Help My Church Through Encouragement! I was the hand and the voice of my church in the homes of those who had forgotten or neglected the most important thing on earth. I went to them, not with a brilliant sermon or convincing argument, but with love and compassion. I witnessed for my Lord. I went as a friend to friends and found the door already opened for me in the longing and loneliness of the people who had been left out until I came. I helped not only a home that needed God and the Church, but I helped myself. I wouldn't take anything for the joy I have found. I helped lift the fallen, restore the sinful, comfort the sorrowful, encouraged the discouraged, and shared the burdens of the burdened.
5. I Can Help My Church Through Doing What Needed To Be Done! I saw something that needed to be done and did it. A floor need to be swept. The song books needed to be straightened. A piece of trim needed to be fixed. I did not wait to be asked or appointed to the job. I did it because it is the house of God and I loved it. I wanted it to look nice if someone just passing by happened to “drop in.” A dirty, unkempt, run down and neglected church is a reproach to my Lord who loves it!
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done
6. I Can Help My Church Through Personal Involvement! I got involved. I got up off the pew. I saw an empty place in the choir and filled it. I saw a family in need and helped them. I saw a brother discouraged and encouraged him. I decided to be a blessing each and every time I came to each and every member of it. I left my pew and shook hands with each one and visited and made welcome every visitor. I saw my pastor and family burdened and got under the burden with them. Today, people do not get involved anymore. They come, they sit, and they leave. I want to be a part of everything that involves the church family.
7. I Can Help My Church By Not Getting My Feelings Hurt! When I was displeased, feelings hurt, disagreed, or just plain old “out of sorts,” I never “ran down” my church, pastor, or brethren. I always want my church to be spotless in its testimony. I realized that, sometimes I do not understand why or what must be done. I accepted the fact that I may be the one who is wrong in the way I perceive something. I gave my brethren the benefit of the doubt.
Conclusion: Be a help to your church. You can be a hindrance; you can be a hurt; or you can be a help.
Romans 16:1-16
Introduction:
A. The work of a church is vast and diversified. Sometimes, we think that things just get done. In these verses, we find a list of people that the Apostle Paul said to “salute.” To “salute” is to pay respect to a distinguished person. Not because they are rich or talented but because they have done something worthy of recognition and praise.
B. Doing all that needs to be done around the church takes either a lot of people giving very little time or a few people giving all of their time. It would shock most people to know how much gets done by people who are never recognized during the week.
C. One of the greatest assets of the early church was the involvement of the people.
Acts 2:41-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
D. In Acts 6, changes were already taking place within the church as murmuring was first mentioned in among the people.
Acts 6:1-4 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
E. One of the greatest blessings that I can remember back in the early years of the salvation of my wife and I was that of involvement. Our church, at that time, was going through some hard times and things needed to be done as people left their pews empty. We got busy in the church. It wasn’t “their church” or “your church,” it was “our church.” We took pride in it as young converts. We fell in love with the Lord, our pastor, church family, and the church building and grounds.
F. Our labor in the Lord may go unrecognized in this life but not unnoticed. People know that a church is clean and well cared for. I miss Virginia Dykas so much. She loved the church and when she cleaned, the church was clean. She spent so much time in the “Prophecy Chamber,” as she called the Prophet’s Chamber. I could always just imagine God’s men in there “prophesying” as in the days of Samuel. I miss Old Gordon. He loved his church, and when he was able, he took so much off of his pastor. I could just call and he would get something done. We have people now who work and do for the church. They are a blessing.
G. Our labor in the Lord does not go unrecognized by our Lord! He knows and sees our every effort.
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.
1 Corinthians 3:8-9 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
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.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHURCH?
1. I Can Help My Church By Being Faithful! I was there. I knew my friend the pastor would be there - so I was there! My presence helped. I was one more and that cheered the pastor mightily. I need him and he needs me, too. When I joined the church, I promised to be there; I didn't join the church to stay away from it. So I helped my church. I was there! When I was going to be away, I called my pastor so that he would not spend the Lord’s Day wondering if I was sick or offended. What a shame it is that in our day people are so fickle and offense is taken so often that it effects my pastor in a negative way when people are missing from their places.
2. I Can Help My Church By Tithing And Giving! I paid my way. I did not let others pay my way any more than I permit them to buy my hat or feed my children. I pay my bills - my taxes - my upkeep. But I pay my way at my church, too. A manly, ample, competent sum must be my investment in my church. I should not wish to know that I had not paid my way. God has blessed me and I want to bless Him with liberal gifts. I give so that there may be “meat” in the Lord’s house. I give so that the missionaries can be supported. I give so that the church can be properly maintained. I give so that treasures are being laid up in Heaven, reserved for me.
3. I Can Help My Church Be Praying For It! I prayed for my church. I never have wanted much for myself - except strength - but I want every blessing and grace and health and power for my church. "For her my prayers ascend." I pray for her as naturally, as normally as I do for my dearest ones. She is one of my dearest ones. To forget her would be to forget everything lovely. I helped my church by praying for her. I pray for my pastor. I pray for my brethren. I pray for our missionaries. I pray for powerful, bold, and “free course” preaching and teaching of God’s Word. I pray for souls to be saved, saints revived, our children protected, and spiritual sensitivity and growth. I pray regularly, pointedly, and boldly!
4. I Can Help My Church Through Encouragement! I was the hand and the voice of my church in the homes of those who had forgotten or neglected the most important thing on earth. I went to them, not with a brilliant sermon or convincing argument, but with love and compassion. I witnessed for my Lord. I went as a friend to friends and found the door already opened for me in the longing and loneliness of the people who had been left out until I came. I helped not only a home that needed God and the Church, but I helped myself. I wouldn't take anything for the joy I have found. I helped lift the fallen, restore the sinful, comfort the sorrowful, encouraged the discouraged, and shared the burdens of the burdened.
5. I Can Help My Church Through Doing What Needed To Be Done! I saw something that needed to be done and did it. A floor need to be swept. The song books needed to be straightened. A piece of trim needed to be fixed. I did not wait to be asked or appointed to the job. I did it because it is the house of God and I loved it. I wanted it to look nice if someone just passing by happened to “drop in.” A dirty, unkempt, run down and neglected church is a reproach to my Lord who loves it!
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done
6. I Can Help My Church Through Personal Involvement! I got involved. I got up off the pew. I saw an empty place in the choir and filled it. I saw a family in need and helped them. I saw a brother discouraged and encouraged him. I decided to be a blessing each and every time I came to each and every member of it. I left my pew and shook hands with each one and visited and made welcome every visitor. I saw my pastor and family burdened and got under the burden with them. Today, people do not get involved anymore. They come, they sit, and they leave. I want to be a part of everything that involves the church family.
7. I Can Help My Church By Not Getting My Feelings Hurt! When I was displeased, feelings hurt, disagreed, or just plain old “out of sorts,” I never “ran down” my church, pastor, or brethren. I always want my church to be spotless in its testimony. I realized that, sometimes I do not understand why or what must be done. I accepted the fact that I may be the one who is wrong in the way I perceive something. I gave my brethren the benefit of the doubt.
Conclusion: Be a help to your church. You can be a hindrance; you can be a hurt; or you can be a help.
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